Rwanda, 3rd: The Bradt Travel Guide

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.


A great guide to Rwanda   August 5, 2002
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

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.


Adventures in Rwanda   February 25, 2002
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

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.


Not bad, but vague on details   June 15, 2009
C. B. Gurney (Washington, DC)
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.