Customer Reviews

Rwanda, 2nd: The Bradt Travel Guide

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Janice Booth's Rwanda guide not only is the most updated travel guidebook on Rwanda, but it also goes culturally/historically where the other guidebooks do not go. I spent several weeks in Rwanda in 2003, finding almost all the information in other guidebooks almost completely useless or irrelevant. Due to the genocide, and subsequent arrival of international aid, the entire infrastructure of the country, especially Kigali, had changed, and so the nuts and bolts information of hotels, transport, and other practicalities found in the Bradt guide were of great use.
The personal relationship of the author with Rwandans made it easier for a post-war visitor to understand what the average Rwandan had been through, and the section on "giving back," and what a traveller who had been affected by the country and people could do AFTER visiting the country is something that should be included in a lot of guidebooks.
The only bit of impractical information was that regarding traveller's checks. They are not accepted in banks unless one has an account there, and this is a bit of an obstacle to be surmounted (the national parks office does, and can help with other needs).

To travel to Africa without a guide, paper or flesh, is a bit looney. But, this month, I found myself in Rwanda in said (and sad) condition. For the first few days I managed to blunder along, until I found and bought this great guide at a hotel side store (of course at a significant mark up).

For the next two weeks Briggs and Booth did a superb job of guiding me along the dirt roads and winding byways (This is the "Land of a thousand hills"). They always explained clearly the world where I wandered. They consistently helped me uncover destination gems that I would have surely overlooked.

Most impressive were their cultural, economic and ecological commentaries. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to traveling with the Office of Tourism across this country while I was working on a medical project for the President's office. I can say that the insights and comments of Briggs and Booth regarding Rwanda are extremely competent and on the mark. Their insight alone makes this book a needed purchase for those that will visit or work in Rwanda.

The 1994 genocide is, of course, briefly covered and the history, heath, culture, people, planning and preparing sections are all informative and full of needed information. Also, for an outstanding book on the 1994 genocide do read; 'We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families' by Philip Gourvitch.

I found Janice Booth's caring and engaging story of her friendship over the years with Peter - a Rwandan Tutsi a wonderful and caring addition. This story is found in the preface and concluded in the epilogue.

The only notable shortcomings are the maps. In today's competitive world of travel guides, good maps are essential. The maps are very basic on only fair. That said this guide is a 'must have' for all who journey to this beautiful and bewildering destination. Highly Recommended. 4.5 stars.

The Bradt Guide is by far the most comprehensive guide to Rwanda that I was able to find. I don't know what I would have done on my trip without it. The book is a mix of background info and travel tips. One good thing to know is that Kigali has added a "5" in front of all the phone numbers since the guide was published.

Having lived in Rwanda for three years, I found Rwanda: the Bradt Travel Guide to be the most comprehensive travel guide available for Rwanda. The authors' knowledge of Rwandan culture and history is extensive, making a visit to this hidden paradise all that much more interesting. While many travelers come to Rwanda to see the last remaining Mountain gorillas (a spectacular trip), this Bradt Guide will help visitors find the rest of the treasures in this incredible country. I encourage a visit to Rwanda, with the Bradt guide in hand.

Overall, the book is well written and informative. As the book is updated, the index must also be updated. I've looked for a few items and the pages are slightly off, close enough to get you to the correct page, but off just enough to be annoying as well.

this purchase was for my daughter who is taking a trip to Rwanda to volunteer 3 months in an orphanage. I wanted her to have the most current updated information on the country. Upon her receiving this book, she has been quite impressed with all the great information for the traveler who is going and staying like she is, or just for that person who is putting Rwanda on their stop. It's quite informative for your shots, where to stay, what activities to participate and journeys to take.Rwanda, 4th (Bradt Travel Guide Rwanda)

Bradt guides are generally reliable, but this one gets some details wrong that can confuse the traveller. Briggs and Booth do a good job of hitting all the major tourist and historical sites, but he tends to underestimate costs and travel times. These could have changed since 2007, but other facts are omitted that haven't changed. For example, you MUST be at the Chimp trekking spot in Nyungwe National Park by 6:00 a.m. to go on the trek (we missed out). The turn-off from Gisenyi to Kibuye is almost 10 km from town(the book says 5), and the directions to the Murambi Genocide site are inadequate. Travellers would probably appreciate a bit more detail about what a grisly site this is.

Gorilla trekking gets plenty of attention, well deserved -- except that tour operators have bought up almost all of the permits months in advance.

Briggs and Booth treat Rwanda's genocide with sensitivity and insght, but it sometimes creeps over into a sort of clientilism for the current government.

These are small imperfections, and the Bradt guide is probably the best thing available for taking advantage of Rwanda's growing tourist sector. One hopes that the next edition will correct the minor glitches.

Well done travel guide and very helpful during my travels. Guide has all the essentials plus more interesting information.

If you are traveling to Rwanda for business or pleasure I definitely recommend this book one of the few travel guides written on Rwanda it does a good job of introducing you to the country, some must sees, and some key Kinyarwanda words to get you around.

Don't pay attention to the information about pickpockets and some unsafe areas in Kigali. Rwanda is probably the safest place I have ever been.

Good luck on your travels. Rwanda is an amazing place and I cannot wait to get back there.

The only one on the market and needs an update. Since 2006 some things have changed, some prices are up, some are down (yes, true), some places are closed, some reopened and some places were not checked but written on somebody else's stories (ORTPN material that is not always true in reality). Regardless of all that still a very good guide that gives a lot of background and other info that are necessary for understanding this amazing country. Backpacker can not do without it! Very helpful and very recommended.