Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its mountainous landscape. But beyond its natural beauty, Rwanda’s rich culture and strong social customs make it a unique place to visit. To explore this country with respect, it’s important to understand some of the traditions and social expectations that locals hold dear.
Greetings and First Impressions
Rwandans place great importance on respect and politeness, especially when meeting someone for the first time. A simple greeting shows you’re mindful of their hospitality. The most common greeting in Rwanda is a handshake, but it can vary depending on how well you know the other person.
If it’s a formal situation or you’re meeting someone older, a handshake is often accompanied by a slight bow to show respect. For close friends, a handshake might be followed by a touch on the arm or accompanied by air kisses near the cheeks—usually three kisses, alternating cheeks.
Saying “Muraho” (hello) is the standard greeting in Kinyarwanda, the national language. If you’d like to ask someone how they are, you can say “Amakuru?”. The response is usually “Ni meza”, meaning “I am fine”. Learning a few phrases like these can go a long way and make locals appreciate the effort.
Respect for Elders
In Rwandan culture, elders are treated with great respect. When you meet an older Rwandan, it’s polite to greet them first. You should wait for the elder to offer their hand for a handshake before you reach out.
If you’re dining with a group of people, especially in rural areas, allow elders to serve themselves first. It’s one of the ways you can show respect for their age and wisdom.
Dress Code: Staying Conservative
Rwandans generally dress conservatively, especially in rural areas and at formal events. For men, wearing long pants and collared shirts is the norm. Shorts are usually reserved for children. For women, skirts and dresses that cover the knees are considered polite. Revealing clothing can be seen as inappropriate in most settings, particularly in churches and government offices.
In Kigali, the capital, you’ll notice that people dress a bit more casually and fashionably, but even here, it’s best to stay on the conservative side. If you’re visiting a religious site or attending a formal event, dressing modestly is a sign of respect, and it’s expected that you will cover your shoulders and knees.
Behavior in Social Settings
Rwandans are very friendly and welcoming, but certain behaviors could be considered rude. It’s essential to be mindful of your tone and body language when interacting with others.
Raising your voice or appearing impatient could be seen as impolite. Speaking softly and calmly is key to communicating respect. If you’re in a heated discussion, Rwandans appreciate maintaining composure and staying respectful even during disagreements.
Interrupting someone is also viewed as rude. It’s common for conversations to involve pauses, and you should allow the person to finish speaking before jumping in with your own thoughts.
Gift-Giving
There’s no strict expectation for gift-giving in Rwanda, but small tokens are appreciated, especially in rural areas. If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift, like fruits, tea, or sugar. Avoid extravagant gifts, as this could make the host feel uncomfortable.
One thing you should know is that Rwandans usually don’t open gifts in front of the person who gave it. They prefer to open gifts in private to avoid embarrassment if the gift isn’t what they expected. Don’t be surprised if your host puts the gift aside after receiving it.
Dining Etiquette: Eating with Respect
Whether you’re in a casual environment or attending a formal dinner, Rwandan dining norms are structured around modesty and respect for the group. When eating in a group, always wait until the host or elder has taken a bite before you start eating.
It’s common to wash hands before a meal, especially if you’re eating with your hands. If you’re served food, it’s polite to accept what you’re given, even if you’re not familiar with the dish. Refusing food could be seen as disrespectful.
If you’re full, it’s fine to leave a small bit of food on your plate, signaling that you’ve had enough. Be mindful not to eat too quickly. Eating too fast may come off as impolite.
Religion and Customs
Christianity is the dominant religion in Rwanda, and you’ll find that most religious customs align with Christian practices. Around 90% of the population identifies as Christian, with Roman Catholic and Protestant faiths being the most popular denominations.
If you’re visiting a church, dress modestly. It’s also polite to greet others when entering and exiting the church. Avoid being loud, and if you’re unsure how to behave, watch what the locals do and follow their lead.
Beyond Christianity, Rwanda is home to smaller Muslim communities, mainly in regions like Kigali and the eastern parts of the country. If you’re visiting a mosque or Islamic community, women should cover their hair with a scarf and wear long skirts or pants to show respect for Islamic customs.
Umuganda: Participating in Community Service
A unique aspect of Rwandan culture is “Umuganda”—a mandatory community service event held on the last Saturday of each month. If you’re visiting Rwanda during this time, expect to see businesses closing in the morning as people head out to take part in clean-up activities, building projects, or road repair.
While tourists are not required to participate, it can be a great way to engage with the community. Locals appreciate it when visitors take an interest in this important tradition. If you decide to join, dress modestly and be ready to lend a hand for a few hours of community service.
Photography Etiquette
Rwanda is full of beautiful landscapes and moments worth capturing, but it’s crucial to be respectful when taking photos of locals. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s picture, especially in rural areas. Some Rwandans believe that photographs can be invasive, while others may simply feel uncomfortable.
In government areas or near checkpoints, avoid taking photos unless it’s clearly allowed. Guards and officials may not take kindly to cameras, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. If in doubt, ask before snapping a picture.
Gender Roles
Rwanda has made significant strides in gender equality, especially in government representation, where women hold a majority of seats in parliament. However, traditional gender roles are still visible, especially in rural areas.
In rural parts of Rwanda, it’s more common for men to be seen in leadership roles at home. That said, you’ll find that women in Rwanda are highly respected and acknowledged for their contributions to society. It’s important not to project any stereotypical views about women when interacting with locals.
Public Displays of Affection
While Rwandans are warm and friendly, public displays of affection (PDA) are generally reserved for private settings. Holding hands is common, even among friends of the same gender, but anything beyond that is considered inappropriate, especially in rural areas or around older generations.
Kissing, hugging, or other forms of intimacy should be reserved for more private spaces. In Kigali, you might see younger couples being more relaxed, but it’s still wise to keep public affection to a minimum out of respect for local norms.
Smoking and Drinking Etiquette
Smoking is not very common in Rwanda, and it’s generally frowned upon, especially in public settings. You should avoid smoking in crowded public areas, restaurants, or government buildings. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s allowed, it’s polite to ask first.
Drinking alcohol is more accepted, but excessive drinking is looked down upon. It’s fine to have a few drinks with locals, especially when dining together, but becoming visibly drunk may lead to disapproval.
Observing Genocide Memorials
Visiting genocide memorials is an important part of understanding Rwanda’s recent history. These sites mark one of the darkest periods in Rwanda’s past: the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. When visiting these memorials, show utmost respect for the gravity of what took place.
Wear modest clothing, speak softly, and avoid taking selfies or treating the memorials as casual tourist attractions. If you’re unsure how to behave, remember that your purpose is to honor the victims. Silence and reflection are appropriate responses when visiting these solemn sites.
Wrapping It Up
Visiting Rwanda offers a chance to experience its resilient and welcoming culture firsthand. The customs in Rwanda emphasize respect, modesty, and strong community relations. By understanding and observing these local traditions, you’ll not only create a more meaningful travel experience but also leave a positive impression on the people you meet. Take the time to learn a few local customs, and you’ll quickly find yourself welcomed into the “Land of a Thousand Hills”.
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