Final 1 Week Rwanda Packing Checklist

 

Heading to Rwanda and need to know what to pack and put on within the nation?

Then you definitely’ve come to the best place!

An usually neglected nation in East Africa – in favour of its extra well-known neighbours Kenya and Tanzania – Rwanda nonetheless has an enormous quantity to supply guests.

I imply for starters, it’s one of many solely nations on the earth to have households of gorillas dwelling inside its borders!

And if that wasn’t sufficient to persuade you, then Rwanda can also be dwelling to a major chimpanzee inhabitants, some unbelievable nationwide parks and exquisite lakes too.

The nation’s tough historical past, particularly in its horrific genocide within the nineties, additionally feeds into its distinctive story and makes it a really memorable and poignant place to go to.

So when you’re heading off to Rwanda, right here’s my final packing listing, that will help you prep every thing you want for a fab time on this nation…

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Pack Gentle for Rwanda?

Earlier than I get into the precise guidelines of what it is best to pack on your journey to Rwanda, I wished to write down a fast few tricks to cowl some particular questions you might need.

First up, this packing listing is designed to be light-weight i.e. it’s very best for backpackers, but additionally for anybody else heading to this nation who doesn’t need to haul a large suitcase round.

In the event you’re shifting round Rwanda, which you undoubtedly ought to, then lugging huge baggage on and off safari autos or native buses is solely no enjoyable, so this packing listing is designed to ensure you have every thing you want for each inch of this nation, with out being too weighed down!

And when you handle to condense your stuff down properly, then this entire Rwanda packing listing beneath ought to match right into a 40-50l backpack.

I by no means take something greater, even after I’m travelling for six months at a time, so that you’ve received no excuse!

This 50l Atmos backpack from Osprey makes an incredible choice and could be brilliantly accompanied by some good packing cubes!

Sure these guys are the reply to all of your packing issues my buddies, and if you wish to compress your gear to take up much less area, in addition to have it properly organised, I extremely counsel you get some!

I completely love these packing cubes and personally would by no means think about heading off to East Africa, or certainly anyplace, with out them.

 

What to Put on on a Rwandan Safari?

So whereas we’re as regards to holding the baggage weight down, it’s price stating that the primary guidelines beneath does element every thing you want when you plan to safari in Rwanda too, which I extremely counsel you do!

The primary total recommendation right here is to convey layers which can be skinny, however that also shield you from the humidity, harsh UV rays and bugs you’ll encounter right here.

A skinny, mild waterproof / windproof jacket will probably be very helpful when having fun with a safari at daybreak or nightfall and, as all the time, I like to recommend clothes with plenty of pockets so you’ve gotten easy accessibility to issues like tissues, digicam, sanitiser, snacks and so on.

Lengthy trousers and long-sleeved tops are suggested, as properly lengthy socks and covered-toe footwear. And don’t neglect a superb hat to guard your head from the solar too.

A silk sleeping bag liner and headlamp may even be helpful, particularly when you plan to take pleasure in any multi-day excursions on a price range, a lot of which contain tenting.

And irrespective of whether or not you’re tackling a giant journey safari in a distant park, or only a day exercise near Kigali, an lively digicam just like the Go Professional will probably be very best with its waterproof, compact and sturdy attributes.

 

What to Put on For Gorilla Trekking?

The very first thing to know is that gorilla trekking is a muddy affair, so that you’ll undoubtedly want ankle boots which can be waterproof and have sufficient grip to assist you in moist and tough terrain.

Lengthy trousers and long-sleeved tops are additionally a good suggestion to keep away from scratches from the vegetation and to guard you from bugs, together with fireplace ants.

Lengthy mountain climbing socks which you could tuck your trousers into are additionally a superb plan, as are gardening gloves to guard your arms.

A skinny waterproof will probably be wanted in case of sudden downpours, and a day pack to deal with your binoculars and digicam, in addition to water, can also be a should.

Be taught extra on this final information I wrote to gorilla trekking.

 

What to Put on on a Flight to Rwanda?

It’s additionally price taking a while to consider what to put on on a flight over to Rwanda.

Ensuring this stuff tie in as a lot as potential with the guidelines beneath will enable you to preserve your packing mild, as you received’t be doubling up or carrying any pointless items you received’t put on once more till the flight dwelling.

Fairly merely, layers are key.

You by no means know the way sizzling or chilly a airplane is likely to be and if you wish to get some sleep, cozy clothes is king.

That is very true given flights to Rwanda from Europe, Australia, New Zealand or North America are normally lengthy haul (round 7hours+), so I’d definitely advise carrying belongings you really feel comfy in.

Women, I all the time put on leggings on long-haul flights and love these pure bamboo fibre ones from Boody, which I now by no means journey with out!

I usually pair them with both a skinny cotton prime or costume (relying how a lot protection you need), after which additionally take a sweater and a shawl on the airplane for additional cosy layers.

The journey wraps from Sholdit, which have hidden safety pockets, are good for journey adventures and I really like mine!

A journey pillow may even enable you to right here and I really like this one, which I simply purchased and I’m already in love with due to its reminiscence foam, high-sided design.

Alternatively, if leggings aren’t your factor, then loose-fitting denims or cozy cargo pants is likely to be a superb choice, with a t-shirt and skinny sweater on prime.

Compression flight socks are additionally a should in my e-book in terms of lengthy haul flying as they enable you to keep away from the potential for DVT and I are inclined to pair these with a beautiful eye masks and ear plugs to make sure I get some good zzz.

 

What Electricals to Carry?

Taking a smartphone with you anyplace lately is a should and I extremely counsel you accompany this with some good high quality Bluetooth headphones.

As well as, you could need to convey a DSLR, or higher, mirrorless digicam with you to gather some nice wildlife snaps. Don’t neglect an influence zoom lens!

Be taught extra about my choose for the highest safari cameras right here.

I additionally extremely suggest investing in an influence pack on your journey to Rwanda, with the intention to cost your telephone, digicam, iPad or headphones once you’re out and about (or when there’s an influence reduce).

My go-to model right here is Anker and I even have 2 of their moveable chargers – one which comes out with me throughout the day and the opposite that’s charging wherever I’m staying, so it’s able to swap over.

For my huge digicam, I even have a spare battery, in order that I can swap batteries round and preserve snapping fortunately away all day.

And at last, don’t neglect a headlamp – additionally key for when there’s an influence reduce!

 

 

1 Week Rwanda Packing Checklist: Merchandise Guidelines

And so lastly right here it’s, my merchandise by merchandise guidelines for precisely what to pack and put on in Rwanda…

 

Garments

1x Skinny Waterproof / Windproof Jacket

Set within the tropics, Rwanda will be moist and humid (even when it’s heat), which implies skinny layers are essential in terms of staying dry with out overheating.

Taking a thinner jacket which you could layer on or off when being lively additionally makes lots of sense.

I really like the North Face Enterprise 2.

 

2x Thick Hoodie / Sweater

Uganda hardly ever will get chilly, however after a rainstorm, when you’re up for a daybreak hike or safari, you may need to really feel a bit comfortable.

As such, a few thicker jumpers are good to take with you – I counsel carrying one on the airplane anyway.

A superb activewear one, like this Columbia fleece is properly suited to the job, as it’s designed for outside journey and ideal for safari and tenting adventures.

 

2x Skinny Lengthy-Sleeved Tops

Additionally good for cooler days or when taking safari journeys at daybreak, nightfall or night time, skinny long-sleeved tops are additionally good when it’s essential layer up, as they are often worn below thicker jumpers.

Selecting pure fibre choices, like cotton, is an efficient alternative for price range vs consolation.

It would additionally scale back the quantity you sweat.

Skinny tops additionally make for an wonderful mountain climbing base layer when you do need to head to see the gorillas or chimps.

 

7x Singlets / T-Shirts

Select tops that match the trousers / leggings / shorts you pack and think about quick-dry choices.

T-shirts are good for overlaying shoulders and providing solar safety within the tropical local weather of this nation.

 

2x Lengthy Pants / Trousers

Nice for going out within the night or wandering round cities when it’s raining, a pair of versatile trousers are a should in terms of what to pack for any travels in East African nations like Rwanda.

I feel 2 is sufficient, when you guarantee it should cowl a variety of actions from strolling to going out within the night to nature time.

Rwanda is sort of conservative in sure areas and all locals are inclined to put on longer gadgets of clothes that a minimum of stretch to the knee.

As such, you could really feel extra comfy doing the identical – particularly in cities or cities.

Simply be sure that any trousers you convey are skinny, as this nation is never chilly!

 

2x Leggings / Mountain climbing Pants

One in all my journey necessities, leggings are so useful for placing on below trousers if chilly, for mountain climbing or exercising, for being comfy, for additional nightwear or for below an informal costume within the night.

My recommendation is all the time to take 2 pairs and make them bamboo fibre ones if potential, as these guys are mushy, mild, comfy, breathable, quick-dry and hypoallergenic… what’s to not love?!

In the event you don’t like leggings, mountain climbing trousers or loose-fitting pants will do high quality as an alternative, as they’re additionally good for journey days or when you plan to undertake any volunteer work.

 

2x Shorts

You’re going to want one thing to put on throughout these heat lakeside days in Rwanda, particularly when you’re within the nation for some time!

 

1x Gentle Costume

Once more, a superb merchandise for down days.

Or if you wish to costume up a bit throughout the night, you possibly can put on this over a pair of leggings.

You see, so versatile!

 

8x Underwear

Small and compact, 8 pairs will prevent lots of handwashing!

 

2x Bras + 2x Sports activities Bra

Nice for these bumpy safari rides, I actually love this black, supportive sports activities bra from Nike.

 

6x Socks

Be sure to take socks of assorted lengths / thickness, together with ankle socks for metropolis days and good, non-blister over the ankle socks for mountain climbing and nature actions like gorilla trekking.

 

2x Sarongs

I all the time suggest a few sarongs every time I journey as a result of they’re so versatile.

Nice for mountain climbing, mendacity by the water, utilizing as a skinny sheet at night time or making an attempt to maintain your neck protected against the solar, the listing of makes use of for the standard sarong goes on and on!

Take a look at my article about all of the methods you need to use a sarong once you journey right here.

 

Cap / Solar Hat

Having one thing to protect your face, neck and ears from the robust UV rays which can be very prevalent in Rwanda is a should, particularly once you is likely to be uncovered to them for lengthy durations of time when you’re hitting some nationwide parks / mountain climbing / volunteering / on safari and so on.

 

Swimwear

Many lodging choices in Rwanda have swimming swimming pools, so it pays to return ready.

 

Sun shades

Be certain your sun shades are UV-protected and think about prescription ones when you put on glasses normally.

 

Nightwear

You may all the time double up in your daywear right here to avoid wasting room!

In any other case, skinny and lightweight cotton shorts and a prime will do the job for nightwear.

 

Sneakers

Mountain climbing Boots

In the event you’re heading off to see the gorillas, then mountain climbing boots are a should in your Rwanda packing listing.

Boots may also come in useful for safari actions.

Take a look at this submit I wrote to study extra about selecting the most effective footwear relying on what sort of safari actions you need to take pleasure in.

 

Trainers / Runners

Good sturdy sneakers for exploring cities and cities on foot are essential in Rwanda.

These New Stability black cross-trainers are nice all-rounders and received’t present up lots of filth.

 

Flip Flops / Sandals

Personally I’d by no means journey anyplace with out my Arizona Birkenstocks and neither do you have to!

The assist they supply is superior and that’s undoubtedly one thing you’ll want for the uneven terrain and streets in Rwanda!

 

 

Toiletries / Medical

Skinny Toiletries Bag with Hook

A lightweight, skinny wash bag is crucial for holding the burden in your backpack / baggage down.

And one with a hook makes it straightforward to hold up in small loos or when out in nature.

This one is a good, low cost choice on your Rwanda packing listing.

 

Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

I all the time go for shampoo and conditioner bars after I journey to avoid wasting the plastic and preserve the area down.

Though they’re a bit expensive, they final for ages.

Say goodbye to mid-travel spillages and ponderous bottles folks, that is the eco-friendly future!

 

Anti-Bacterial Cleaning soap

Hold your cleaning soap in ziplock bag to cease cleaning soap slime ooozing onto every thing you personal!

I counsel an anti-bacterial bar as they’re nice for holding you clear in tropical climates the place you’re more likely to be sweating a bit!

 

Deodorant

I all the time pack a pure crystal deodorant as they final eternally (nice when you’re travelling for a couple of months) and are free from many nasty chemical compounds.

They’re additionally the one factor that stops me sweating within the tropical warmth… beautiful!

 

Face Cleanser, Serum, Toner & Moisturiser

Nice for bringing your pores and skin again to life after days within the robust solar.

 

SPF Sunscreen & Lip Salve

Select a 30 SPF or increased for these tremendous robust rays in Rwanda and go pure when you can, to maintain the chemical compounds out of your pores and skin.

Crucial for these robust UV situations, a superb SPF will preserve your lips wholesome and glad. 

Burt Bees are all the time my go-to as they by no means dry out my lips and supply wonderful safety.

 

Insect Repellent

I like to recommend a robust product on your Rwanda packing listing to maintain your self protected in opposition to malaria and dengue fever.

Medical professionals advise a minimum of a 40% DEET product.

 

Aloe Vera

This doubles as an incredible moisturiser, soother and aftersun – a lot wanted in East Africa.

Purchase natural Aloe Vera right here.

 

Tea-Tree Important Oil

A strong antiseptic, antimould and antifungal remedy, tea-tree important oil can also be nice to throw along with your garments washing (only a few drops) and very best for freshening up smelly baggage / laundry and so on.

Get an natural tea-tree oil when you can.

 

Tiger Balm

An excellent treatment for complications, sore muscular tissues and bug bites, tiger balm is tremendous versatile and a should on any Rwanda packing listing, particularly if the mosquitoes love you as a lot as me!

 

Paracetamol, Antiseptic Cream, Rehydration Salts, Imodium, Anti-Inflammatories, Anti-Histamines & Band-Aids

First-aid necessities!

 

Menstrual Cup

The easiest way to take care of your time of the month when travelling girls.

Saves the planet from extra waste too.

Take a look at the most effective costs for them right here.

 

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss

Razor & Spare Blades

Nail Scissors, Nail File & Tweezers

Cotton Buds / Pads

Hair Bands & Hair Brush

Security Pins

Glasses / Contact Lenses when you put on them

Anti-Malarial Medicine

 

Electricals

Smartphone & Headphones

Taking your smartphone to remain in contact with these at dwelling, verify maps, e-book lodging and add some pics when you’re in Rwanda is a good thought.

You may simply purchase an affordable SIM once you get to the nation and it’s good to know that information packages and community protection listed below are usually wonderful and really inexpensive too.

I’d additionally obtain some audiobooks and music onto your telephone earlier than you allow dwelling – an incredible thought for journey days.

I like to recommend Amazon Audible and Spotify Premium for these functions and wouldn’t journey with out both lately.

 

Moveable Charger

Moveable telephone chargers are nice when travelling, particularly when you’re out sightseeing and snapping all day and frightened your telephone or digicam battery received’t final.

I like to recommend the Anker Powercore – it’s mild, compact and expenses units tremendous rapidly.

 

Digicam

I really like my Sony A600 mirrorless digicam, which I used all through my travels in East Africa and past.

Compact and durable, it’s good for travelling.

A GoPro can also be an incredible thought to assist seize the extra lively adventures you might need on this nation corresponding to mountain climbing, safari-ing or diving.

It’s additionally nice for video!

 

Lens, Spare Battery, Reminiscence Playing cards, Chargers & Cables

All important for the digicam and / or the GoPro.

 

Adapter

Rwanda makes use of European model retailers, so get a Skross World Adapter that received’t fail you.

 

Headlamp & Spare Batteries

I by no means journey anyplace and not using a headlamp and suggest you select a product that makes use of generally discovered batteries and has a purple night time mild operate to keep away from the bugs.

I really like my Black Diamond quantity, which has served me very properly throughout East Africa, particularly throughout these occasional energy cuts!

 

Binoculars

You may simply get an inexpensive pair like these Binoteck ones, which are perfect for safari.

 

Miscellaneous

Eye Masks & Earplugs

Key for sleeping in hostels and / or when tenting on safari.

This eye masks from Alaska Bear is tremendous cozy… go on deal with your self!

 

Journey Towel

I like to recommend Latrek in terms of the most effective journey towel as a result of they’re low cost, compact, mushy and don’t scent.

Love, love, love mine.

Learn my full assessment right here.

 

Day Pack

Positively wanted for mountain climbing, sightseeing and lively safari days, this Kompressor from Marmot is ideal for the job because it’s tremendous featherweight and packs all the way down to nothing – a great merchandise on your Rwanda packing listing.

 

Mixture Padlock

Very helpful for locking up baggage and valuables when staying in hostels or on bus rides, these don’t should be costly, simply dependable!

Greatest to get a TSA-approved one in case of any problem on the airport.

 

Filter Water Bottle

Strive to not add to the world’s plastic drawback and think about travelling with a filter water bottle like this one from LifeStraw.

Not solely does this imply you possibly can safely and simply drink the faucet water in Rwanda, however it should additionally prevent the cash and problem of getting to repeatedly purchase bottled water.

Less expensive and extra environmentally pleasant, the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles have an incredible know-how resolution that filters out 99.9% of dangerous micro organism and the filter lasts for 4000 litres, which implies you’ll probably solely have to exchange it every year!

 

Journey Handwash & Washing Line

Nice for doing emergency washing, corresponding to underwear in a sink, journey handwash is all the time a should after I backpack anyplace.

 

Dry Bag

So helpful in Rwanda when you’re travelling throughout the wet season!

These small and compact guys are nice for holding your electrical tools protected and dry.

Take a look at this top-rated one for concepts.

 

Silk Sleeping Bag Liner

Personally, I wouldn’t hassle with a full sleeping bag when you’re travelling in Rwanda, it’s simply too sizzling to warrant it many of the yr!

That mentioned, a silk liner, which can preserve you comfortable at night time and really cease you sweating, is the proper various… plus it’s lighter and fewer cumbersome to hold too.

Take a look at this one to study extra.

 

Multi-Software

Plenty of folks say you don’t want this merchandise, however I discover it very helpful.

Select a lightweight, cheap one and ensure it has a bottle opener, corkscrew and knife – like this.

While you’re out in nature in Rwanda, a multi-tool can are available in very useful.

 

Mosquito Internet

Nice to have for these occasions when the one offered is lower than enough, or once you need to sleep below the celebs however nonetheless not get bitten!

A journey mosquito web is a should in your Rwanda packing listing.

 

Moist Wipes

A number of packs of biodegradable ones… I’ve by no means used so many in my life as I did in East Africa!

 

Paperwork & Paperwork

Passport & Photocopies

Positively take a color copy of your passport and preserve it in your individual always.

Taking a photograph of your passport and storing it safely in your smartphone / cloud storage can also be a good suggestion.

 

Visa Documentation

Relying on the passport you carry, you could or might not want this for Rwanda.

Most European, Aussie, Kiwi and North American passport holders get a visa on entry by way of a stamp obtained at each land and air border factors.

 

Immunisation Documentation

All the time good to have with you wherever you journey, it’s a sensible thought to verify whether or not you want your Yellow Fever jab for Rwanda.

 

Journey Insurance coverage Coverage

World Nomads provides easy and versatile journey insurance coverage. Purchase at dwelling or whereas travelling and declare on-line from anyplace on the earth.

Alternatively, when you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent distant employee looking for journey well being cowl, take a look at Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance coverage insurance policies.

 

Credit score Playing cards and Debit Playing cards

Relating to paying for issues in Rwanda, you need to make sure you’re not being charged abroad transaction charges or getting poor alternate charges when utilizing your card overseas, which is why I all the time take my Clever Card away with me wherever I journey.

The simple option to spend overseas with actual alternate charges, no markups and no sneaky transaction charges, you need to use your Clever card similar to a debit card… and it hyperlinks simply with Google and Apple pay – offered!

Get yours right here.

 

Hidden Money in Small Skinny Purse

Take some USD money with you that may be exchanged into Rwandan Francs in case of an emergency.

 

Flight Data

Sadly, sooner or later, it’s going to be time to go dwelling *sob sob *

 

SAVE THIS ARTICLE TO PINTEREST!

 

And there it’s, my final information of what to put on in Rwanda and how you can pack on your travels on this nation.

Designed to be sensible, whereas holding issues mild, I hope I’ve coated every thing you may want with my suggestions and merchandise by merchandise guidelines.

Did I miss something out?

Please drop any feedback into the field beneath and let me know…