Rwanda is a country known for its breathtaking scenery, often referred to as the land of a thousand hills.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranks Rwanda as the second most popular country, and Kigali as the second most popular city in Africa for hosting international conferences and events (2023).
Rwanda’s popularity as a preferred MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination
streams from its simplified visa process that allows nationals of every country in the world to get a visa on
arrival in addition to its easy accessibility, due to the multitude of flight options offering connectivity to
Kigali and the rest of Africa. Furthermore, the presence of the range of world-class MICE venues continues
to enhance Rwanda as a top MICE destination.
Tiny Rwanda—the country is approximately the size of the U.S. state of Maryland—sits south of the Equator in Central-East Africa. The landlocked country is bordered by Burundi to the South, Tanzania to the East, Uganda to the North, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda’s landscape is mostly hilly and mountainous. The Virunga Mountains, located in the northwest part of Rwanda, contain the country’s highest peak, Karisimbi, which reaches nearly 15,000 feet.
Key facts to know about Rwanda
- One of the Greenest destinations on Earth – 15th out of the 20 greenest destinations on earth (WTG, 2020)
- Ranked best in the region (1st out of 34 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa) & 41st globally in the 2023 Rule of Law Index by World Justice Project (WJP)
- High level of safety and security (2nd safest place in Africa and 5th safest country to walk at night worldwide)
- 2nd fastest growing economy in Africa (7.5% p.a. since 2007)
- 2nd for doing business in Africa
- 9th Best place to be a woman globally – (Global Gender Gap Index – 2020)
- Perfect weather throughout the year (between 140C and 280C annually)
Weather
Perfect weather throughout the year (between 140C and 280C annually). The fact that ICCAKIAC Conference will take place in June 2025, that will be one of the best seasons to travel
to Rwanda for the country will be transiting from the cold and rainy season to the hot and dry season which start with July until end Mid-September.
In June, the weather in ranges between 140 and 280, so there is no need for participants to bring cold weather outfits.
IT Ready
1st in the EAC for network readiness, 5th in Africa, 95% 4G LTE network coverage; 7,000km
Safety and Security
High level of safety and security Ranked 2nd in Africa (Gallup 2018 Global Law & Order), 6th safest country for solo travelers.
Accessibility to the Country (Airlines Connections)
The national Airline, RwandAir currently offers services to around 30 destinations across East, Central, West and Southern Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.” Other international direct flights to Kigali International Airport include:
Europe : RwandAir, SN Brussels, KLM and Turkishbr
North Africa & Middle East: RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar and EgyptAir
Regional: RwandAir, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines
Public Health measures
Rwanda’s proven ability to manage public health challenges ensures a safe environment for all travelers. The country’s commitment to scientific and evidence-based responses, as demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, remains a priority in safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone in Rwanda.
As far as Covid 19 test & vaccination are concerned, Covid test and presentation of certificate of vaccination are longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. Face masks are no longer mandatory in Rwanda, but people are encouraged to wear a face mask in public indoors/closed spaces. However, the public is urged to get frequently tested while continuing to observe preventive measures including social distancing and hand hygiene.
Concerning the Yellow Fever Vaccination card, travelers to Rwanda should know that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required to travelers (Residents / NonResidents) coming from Yellow Fever non-endemic countries and without an active transmission outbreak of Yellow Fever. However, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory to travelers (Residents / Non-Residents) coming from Yellow Fever endemic countries and any country with an active Yellow Fever transmission outbreak.
Detailed public health measures for travelers to Rwanda including the WHO list of Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination may be obtained from this link:
rbc.gov.rw/info-note-for-travelers/
Accessibility Information
We are committed to ensuring that all attendees have a comfortable and inclusive experience at our event. Below is a summary of the accessibility features available at the conference venue.
For Attendees with Mobility Impairments
Lifts and Ramps::
The Kigali Convention Centre features three ramps, including one conveniently located at the main entrance. All ramps and lifts are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible Toilets:
Accessible restrooms are available throughout the venue and clearly marked for easy identification.
Wheelchairs:
A limited number of wheelchairs are available at the hotel reception and the on-site clinic for emergency or temporary use.
Designated Parking:
Accessible parking spaces are available near the venue for those with mobility needs.
For Attendees with Vision Impairments
Navigation and Signage::
Lifts are equipped with voice guidance and floor buttons with braille indicators.
Maps and Directions:
Multiple signages and directional indicators are placed throughout the venue, providing information on room locations, elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
Assistance and Contact:
An event coordinator will be assigned as the main point of contact for any accessibility-related assistance. Additionally, trained staff members—easily identifiable by their uniforms and name tags—will be stationed across the venue and are always ready to help.
For any questions or specific assistance needs before or during the event, please do not hesitate to contact :Kankunda, Julian
julian.kankunda@radissonblu.com
Rwanda’s attractions
Anyone visiting ‘the land of a thousand hills’ is in for a multitude of surprises.
The Country is home to tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, and volcanoes, Rwanda is one of the most ecologically diverse places in Africa. The continent’s Albertine Rift region, which covers much of western Rwanda, is home to about a third of Africa’s birds, 40 percent of its mammals, and 20 percent of the continent's amphibians and plants.
Travelers come to Rwanda to spot one of the 12 species of primates that inhabit the country’s national parks. Chimpanzees and several types of monkeys live in Nyungwe and Gishwati Mukura National Parks. Volcanoes National Park is home to about one third of the world’s mountain gorilla population as well as five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, a mountain range that stretches across East Africa. The country’s remaining national park, Akagera National Park, is home to black rhinos, hippos, elephants, giraffes, and Rwanda’s national bird: the gold-crested crane.
