Climate
Located just below the equator, Rwanda so enjoys a tropical temperate climate all year round influenced by altitude, sometimes a little too hot, sometimes a little grey and chilly, but mostly very pleasant: Average Temperature: 24.6 - 27.6ºc.
During the rainy seasons: March - May and October - November, there are short sudden downpours that are usually preceded by sunny weather and accompanied by lots of thunder and lightning.
#BeThePeacewalk will be in a small part during the real rainy seasons and largely in the real dry season. For the first 30 - 50 days April - May, rainy might potential be available and the rest is a dry season with no rain at all.
For the occasion of #BeThePeaceWalk, prepare for rainy clothes if you plan to arrive in Rwanda any time between April and May. Otherwise, short-sleeved (t-) shirts, blouses and tops, light sweaters or jackets, cotton skirts and trousers are ideal. It can be very hot during the day, with a heavy thunderstorm followed by a fairly cool evening. Sunglasses, umbrella and sun-cream are recommended. Wear light clothes and shoes to walk comfortably.
Mosquitoes are frequent in many parts of Rwanda especially in the evening. If you are not able to cover up with long sleeves and long trousers, remember to carry some strong insect repellent with you.
Health
You are required to have health insurance while in Rwanda. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas / in Rwanda. You are strongly recommended to have an insurance that my cover medical evacuation.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Migration to ensure they are legal in Rwanda. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Contact your doctor or travel nurse well in advance of your departure to ensure that you have all necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial medication, as there is a high risk of malaria in all areas of Rwanda, including Kigali. You may check with your respective ministry for Travel Advice for Rwanda.
The total of 579 Medical/health facilities are available all across Rwanda. You can download the list and location of all facilities in the whole country here. District hospitals and health centre in Rwanda are adequate for routine procedures. Unusual serious medical problems may require air evacuation to a country with better medical facilities, such as Kenya, South Africa or even somewhere else.
In Kigali, King Faisal Hospital is one of the well-recognised and advanced hospitals. More information can be found at www.kfh.rw/ with contact information at www.kfh.rw/about-us/contact-us/ or phone (+250) 252589905, (+250) 252589577, (+250) 252588888, (+250) 252582659, (+250) 252582655.
In Kigali and in Major cities centres there are many well-stocked pharmacies; many being open even on Sundays. You do not always need a prescription for medicines. Visitors should take out comprehensive medical insurance before leaving their home country.
HIV and Aids, and other sexually transmitted diseases can be caught in Rwanda. In the 2012 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 180,000 adults aged 15 or over in Rwanda were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 2.9% of the adult population.
Keep in Mind that the decision to take part in #BeThePeaceWalk is the sole responsibility of the traveller and should be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in your respective country of residence. Pack a travel health kit, especially as we will be traveling away from major city centres.