Rwanda suspended incoming and outgoing flights in March 2020 after several confirmed cases of the pandemic corona virus. The move to close the airports was to minimize spread of the virus as well get ready on how to contain and curb it down.
However, in a statement issued on 4th, July by the ministry of infrastructure, Rwanda airports will open with effect 1st august to commence operations. In order to ensure health safety for the passengers, staff and crews, the health guidelines will be adhered to. All in coming Passengers to show proof of COVID-19 PCR -ve test taken within 72 hrs of arrival and also all Passengers arriving will therefore be subjected to take a 2nd mandatory test with results in 24hrs while staying at designated hotels and lodges at their own cost. The statement however is not highlighting out going flights to minimize traffic and exposure on the airport and opening of land borders.
while at the airport every body is required to wear a face mask and keep social distance from each other.
Rwanda will be the first East African country to open the airport after lifting lock down, other neighboring countries Uganda, Kenya in particular have not announced the opening of air transport due to fear for the tragic spread of the virus. Its not clear when they are opening but would be of use if they did to allow easy movement and connecting flights.
This development of Rwanda opening airports is much easier to a waken the tourism business that had gone in a slumber for months despite opening charter flights gorilla safaris. Rwanda eased lock down in June opening tourism sites with discounted rates limited to only those who are already with in the country and foreign visitors arriving with charter flights. However they were both subjected to mandatory test to covid 19 negative before accessing the facilities.
Travelers are advised to adhere to the imposed health guidelines to reduce the transmission of the virus. The guidelines include;
- Frequently wash hands for 20 seconds if ones gets in contact with surfaces or regularly sanitize hands with alcohol based content.
- wear a face mask while in public and maintain social distancing
- In case of a fever, cough, high temperature and other symptomatic features call emergency health lines before rushing to the hospital to avoid potential risk of spreading the virus.
- Avoid touching Nose, eyes and mouth before cleaning the hands, in case of an urge to sneeze, use a bent elbow.
Concerning tourism Rwanda is one stop high end tourism hub in the east African region. Tourism earns a big percentage for the country and during this lock down the country has lost.The country alone is small in size but with a gem not to miss out while you step in, a lot more to do and see despite having only 3 National parks namely Volcanoes national park, Nyungwe national park and Akagera national park.
What to do in Rwanda?
- Gorilla tracking
- chimpanzee tracking
- Game drives and viewing
- Cultural tour
- Mountain bikes
- Mountain hiking and much more, book your Rwanda safari with Gorilla treks in Rwanda to take you places you have never been.