24.9°C
24.9°C

Health

Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are recommended. Travellers should seek professional medical advice on taking anti-malarial medicines and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially between dawn and dusk.

Travellers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, following the advice of their local healthcare provider, and should consider bringing a small first aid kit. A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required.

It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns – make sure the seal is intact.

As a small country, medical help is rarely far away. For basic treatment most towns of any size have pharmacies with a limited range of medicines, while larger towns have hospitals. King Faisal Hospital in Kigali is the most advanced in Rwanda.

In case of medical evacuation, Akagera Aviation operates a helicopter ambulance service within Rwanda in daylight hours, with one military paramedic on call. Please make sure you have adequate medical insurance.

Due to the risks of passing on human colds or other illnesses to primates, it is essential that you are in good health if you want to see them.