Packing list for Rwanda, travel insurance for Rwanda and taking your belongings

What to take to Rwanda: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a passport that is valid for at least another six months upon arrival and has at least one blank page (although two would be better). You may be able to obtain a visa on arrival, but this depends on your nationality and the current entry requirements. Bring both digital and paper copies of your passport, visa or travel authorization, vaccination records, and travel insurance documents. If you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission occurs, proof of vaccination may be required.
• Clothing: because of its altitude, Rwanda has a milder climate than many other parts of East Africa. So, as well as lightweight, covering clothing, bring a fleece or light jacket for cooler evenings and higher-altitude areas. Long hiking trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are practical for walking and gorilla trekking. Choose neutral-coloured clothing, especially when going on wildlife excursions. A good rain jacket or poncho is useful for walks and treks.
• Shoes: good hiking shoes with a decent grip are useful if you plan to hike, for example in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest or other hilly areas. Sneakers are fine for Kigali and regular sightseeing.
• Toiletries and hygiene: bring sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitiser and your usual toiletries.
• Packing and protecting your belongings: a rain cover for your backpack and a dry bag or resealable bag for your phone, camera and other belongings are useful when hiking or going gorilla trekking. Keep in mind that Rwanda bans plastic bags.
• Insects and animals: bring a good insect repellent, such as one containing picaridin or DEET. 
• Medication and travel first aid kit: bring your personal medication, as well as ORS, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, medication for diarrhoea, hand sanitiser and, if you have extra space, a thermometer.
• Outdoor and useful items: sunglasses, a cap or hat with wide brim, a reusable water bottle with a filter and a daypack. A small quick-drying towel can be useful when travelling around and going on treks.
• Technology and equipment: a universal travel adapter and a power bank. Offline maps are useful when travelling outside Kigali.

Consider bringing:

• A headlamp and hiking poles for trekking.
• Hiking socks that dry quickly.
• Binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife.
• A water filter or purification tablets for multi-day hikes, in addition to carrying enough safe drinking water.
• A buff or lightweight beanie for early starts and higher-altitude areas.
• A small towel or cloth for muddy walks.

Are there mosquitoes in Rwanda?

• Yes, and quite a lot of them. There is a high risk of malaria, and dengue, along with other mosquito-borne infections, also occur.
• Malaria mosquitoes are mainly active from dusk until morning, but other mosquitoes, including species that can transmit dengue, can bite during the day. Protection is therefore important both during the day and at night.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Rwanda?

• Sandflies occur in Rwanda and can transmit leishmaniasis. The risk for an individual traveller depends partly on the area and the conditions.
• Sandflies are very small and are mainly active from dusk onwards. They often stay close to the ground, so sleeping or sitting directly on the ground can increase the risk of bites. Fortunately, regular insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, long clothing and a mosquito net can also help reduce sandfly bites.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Are DEET, or other insect repellents, available in Rwanda?

• Insect repellents can be found in Kigali and other larger towns. Still, it can be useful to bring your own supply if you are going trekking or travelling to more remote areas.
• More about DEET.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Rwanda or bring it with you to Rwanda?

• No. Cannabis and other illegal drugs are prohibited, and possession, use, trafficking, and selling can result in heavy prison sentences and large fines. This also applies to having drugs with you while changing planes at a Rwandan airport.
• Also be aware that vapes and e-cigarettes are prohibited in Rwanda, including for personal use. They can be confiscated on arrival, and you may face further consequences such as a fine.