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Your Family Adventure in Kenya and Rwanda

The beautiful country of Kenya has some of the most astounding wildlife viewing in the world. You may choose to interact with a local tribe and learn about their traditions while on safari. From stunning game drives in the open savannah to incredible accommodations, you are in for a trip of a lifetime.

Travel on to Rwanda, the "Land of a Thousand Hills", with breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, verdant valleys, and misty mountains. Rwanda boasts a rich cultural heritage, vibrant art, music, and dance traditions, and is home to some of Africa's most iconic species, including the majestic mountain gorillas. Despite its tumultuous past, Rwanda has emerged as a model for sustainable development and a testament to the resilience of its people. Come discover the beauty and complexity of this remarkable country.

Debbie Rasowsky
Scenset travel curator
Friday, 12 – Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 · 11 nights
Kenya and Rwanda
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Trip Overview

KENYA

December 12 - 13, 2025: Nairobi, Kenya (1 night)


December 13 - 16, 2025: Maasai Mara (3 nights)


December 16 - 19, 2025: Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy (3 nights)


RWANDA

December 19 - 20, 2025: Kigali (1 night)


December 20 - 23, 2025: Volcanoes National Park (3 nights)

Friday, 12 December, 2025
Welcome to Kenya!
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Flight

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on your international flight.

Booked Independently

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VIP Airport Arrival

Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative who will guide you through immigration, baggage claim, and customs before introducing you to your driver in the arrivals hall.

Booked by Scenset

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Private Transfer

Meet your driver for your private transfer from the airport to your hotel for check-in.

This is a drive of about 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Booked by Scenset

Nairobi

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant population of 4.5 million. Unique to the city is the proximity of Nairobi National Park, a true wilderness area juxtaposed against the larger urban metropolis. It is the only national park like it in the world and a real embodiment of the human-wildlife conflicts that challenge many African communities who must learn to cohabitate with wildlife on their doorstep.

Your Stay: Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection. Often referred to as one of the most instagrammed properties in the world, Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris.

One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.

Watch the Video

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Giraffe Manor

3x Superior Double Rooms

The Garden Manor has six rooms: Each room enjoys views over the sanctuary. Our resident giraffes enjoy daily visits to both buildings in search of treats.

Booked by a guest

Saturday, 13 December, 2025
Nairobi - Maasai Mara
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Private Transfer

After breakfast, meet up with your driver-guide at the hotel reception for your short transfer to Wilson Airport.

Booked by Scenset

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Scheduled Shuttle Flight

Depart on your scheduled charter flight from Wilson to the Cottar's Airstrip in the Maasai Mara.

Duration: About 50 minutes

Booked by Scenset

Maasai Mara

Named in honour of the people who call this corner of Africa home, the Mara is world renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, black rhino and a thriving elephant population. Around July of each year, the Great Migration arrives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve for its annual four-month stay.

Watch the Video

Your Stay: Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp

Step back in time at this award-winning, conservation-led, authentic and luxurious tented camp. One of only eleven designated Global Ecosphere Retreats in the world, chosen for their work toward global sustainability and community support.

Located in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, a wildlife rich conservancy leased from the Maasai community, on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

This charming 1920s Camp provides the romance of safari under cream canvas tents, the style of the bygone era of the twenties, while at the same time supplying the amenities required by today’s modern world travellers. The camp has eleven tents in total, two unique honeymoon tents, five luxury double tents and four family suites, all very spacious and with en suite bathrooms.

Watch the Video

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Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp

3x Luxury Double Tents

There are five luxury double tents in total; Ndovu, Kudu, Swala, Duma, Athi. Providing the romance of safari under cream canvas tents, the style of the bygone era of the twenties, while at the same time supplying the amenities required by today’s modern world travelers. All very spacious and with en suite bathrooms, and with marvelous views from high on the hill, looking out onto the savannah. Please note that all the tents are furnished uniquely with individual color schemes and layouts.

Inclusions: Full board accommodation, water, tea and coffee, local drinks – soft drinks, house wines, beers and select spirits (excludes champagne, luxury wines and spirits). All safari activities unless specified otherwise. Cottar’s Warrior School, Cottar’s Private Airstrip. Canvas Bush Baths. Transfers to cultural visits, laundry.

Booked by a client

Saturday, 13 – Tuesday, 16 December, 2025 · 3 nights
On Safari in the Maasai Mara
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Experiences at Cottar's

Cottar’s Safaris excel at everything they do and provide genuinely stunning wildlife and wilderness adventures, engaging in the scenset spirit and essence of “safari”: an abundance of wildlife, guaranteed privacy and the highest standards of professional guiding.

Cottars’ have developed unique, purpose-driven experiences that contribute to sustainability. They have spent the last year developing safari experiences that have a positive impact to the client, to the complex and unique biodiversity that surrounds them and to the local Maasai community as they move forward into the next 100 years of providing safari and conservation services.

Some of those experiences include engaging and learning about vulture rehabilitation, spending time with the only all-female conservation ranger unit in the Maasai Mara, learning about the unique medicinal plants of the area, foraging and tasting local wild food, touring the community-owned private conservancy and participating in a reforestation seed disbursal bushwalk experience.

Watch the Video

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December 15: Hot Air Balloon Over the Mara

A balloon flight over the Maasai Mara is widely considered a bucketlist activity that offers a serene and spectacular experience floating over the vast, lush, and game-filled plains.

A lift off in the early morning means you watch the sun rise as you head in a generally western direction. Flights usually last about an hour and depending on the take off spot you float over riverine woodlands, watching hippos return to their daytime refuges and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Sometimes predators and large antelope herds can be spotted below, pointed out by your experienced captain.

After the flight you will be met by the trailing transfer vehicles and taken to a pre-prepared picnic breakfast, beautifully set up in an idyllic spot on the plains.

Booked by Scenset

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The Long Run

Cottar's 1920s Camp is a proud member of The Long Run - recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as one of the world’s best standards of sustainable management for privately protected areas.

The 4C framework (a balance of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce) helps businesses to embed sustainable and regenerative practices in operations and decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of thriving ecosystems and prosperous communities in sustaining nature-based businesses. Just like in nature, a balance is essential to keep each component healthy.

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Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp

3x Luxury Double Tents

Booked by a user

Tuesday, 16 December, 2025
Maasai Mara - Ol Jogi
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Transfer to Airstrip

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the Cottar's Airstrip for your Ol-Jogi-bound charter flight.

Booked by Scenset

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Private Charter

Board your private charter to Ol Jogi on a Cessna 208B.

Duration: Approximately one hour

Booked by a scenset representative

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Arrival to Ol Jogi

Upon arrival at Ol Jogi, you'll be met by a guide and brought to your accommodations.

Booked by Scenset

Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy

Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy comprises 58,000 acres (270km2) of unspoiled wildlife habitat in the Laikipia District of Kenya. The property is situated approximately 50km to the north of the snow-capped Mt. Kenya and the equator and 225kms to the north of Nairobi. The conservancy spans from the Ewaso and Nanyuki rivers in the west, to the Lolldaiga Mountains in the east, ranging from 5,800 feet to 7,200 feet above sea level.

Watch the Video

Your Stay: Ol Jogi

Ol Jogi is one of the most remarkable private wildlife conservancies in Africa. Family-owned for over 40 years, it is a safe haven for the preservation and future development of Wildlife Conservation. Comprising 58,000 acres (270km2) of unspoiled wildlife habitat in the Laikipia District of Kenya, the landscape startles and is unique in its diversity within Kenya.

Ol Jogi’s private home offers one of the most exclusive accommodation experiences on the African continent. Eleven bedrooms housed within eight cottages will be available to your exclusive group, as the property is only available to exclusive groups. You will also have the entire 58,000-acre conservancy to yourselves.

Ol Jogi’s home was built and crafted over many decades. It is a design masterpiece with a very unique style. A collection of museum quality artworks, china, and silverware create an ambiance atypical of the more common offerings. While the home is luxurious, it is also quite comfortable and relaxing. When you stay here, you feel very much like it’s your own home, and the experience is incredibly different to what you would find in a commercial lodge.

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Ol Jogi

Luxury Cottage - Exclusive Use for Your Family Only

Nestled around one of the property’s larger kopjes is Ol Jogi’s Main House, where guests stay in a series of luxurious, themed cottages surrounded by tropical gardens, streams and waterholes. Each of the thirteen individually designed suites feature a dressing room and a generous bathroom, and most have a living room and a private outdoor terrace that overlooks the garden and a series of water features where an ever-changing scenset of wildlife come down to drink.

Watch the Video

Inclusions:

  • Full exclusive use of the whole property including all amenities and facilities.
  • Luxurious and comfortable cottage suite accommodation.
  • All meals whether served at the veranda, pool, dining room or in the bush.
  • Surprise bush dinners, lunches, and sundowners in amazing locations on the conservancy.
  • All beverages including alcohol, fine wines, and champagnes.
  • Transfers by vehicles if required from Nanyuki.
  • Wi-Fi.
  • Laundry (no dry cleaning available).
  • 4x4 guided game drives.
  • Guided wilderness walks.
  • Rock scrambling.
  • Hammam access, sauna, and steam.
  • Tennis Court.
  • Fitness Centre.
  • Visit to goat milking and organic small-scale farmstead.
  • Walk with habituated baboons.
  • Twala Cultural Centre.
  • Visit to Vet Clinic.
  • Visit to Wildlife Rescue Centre.
  • Interactive visit to Rhino Bomas.
  • Interactive visit with habituated elephants.
  • Fishing on Ol Jogi.
  • Tree planting and gardening.
  • Ranger demonstration including our anti-poaching canine unit.
  • Visit to Ol Jogi Primary School.


Booked by someone

Tuesday, 16 – Friday, 19 December, 2025 · 3 nights
On Safari at Ol Jogi

Ol Jogi provides guests with a tailored experience where each of their individual requests and preferences are seamlessly met. As wonderful and indulging as is Ol Jogi’s home, the real treasure lies in the untouched nature, the wildlife that unfolds before your eyes, and the freedom to do anything you wish within this magical scenset. Ol Jogi becomes your own exclusive home where your adventures are only limited by your imagination.

Safari guides and game vehicles are on a private basis.

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Conservation at Ol Jogi

At Ol Jogi, you have the opportunity to get unusually close to wild animals through a variety of different and unique experiences. For 35 years Ol Jogi has operated as a private conservation sanctuary; the amount and diversity of wildlife is amongst the best in the world. Ol Jogi currently hosts 6% of the world’s remaining Eastern Black Rhino and 15% of the world’s remaining Grevy’s Zebra plus significant populations of all of the “Big Five” along with several other endangered species.

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Ol Jogi
Friday, 19 December, 2025
Ol Jogi - Nairobi - Kigali
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Private Charter Flight

After a final morning game drive, breakfast, and check-out, head to the Ol Jogi Airstrip for your private charter flight to Wilson Airport in an Executive Caravan.

Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Booked by someone

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Ground Transfer

Upon arrival, you will be met in the arrivals hall and escorted to your private transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).

Booked by Scenset

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International Flight

Depart on your international flight out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kigali.

Booked Independently

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VIP Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by a representative and escorted through immigration and baggage claim to your private driver for your transfer to your hotel.

Booked by Scenset

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Private Transfer

Meet your driver for your private transfer to your hotel in Kigali. This drive is approximately 25 minutes.

Booked by Scenset

Kigali

Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and its capital city is no exception; Kigali is a region of rolling hills, valleys, ridges, and steep slopes. It enjoys a temperate tropical highland climate, a bit cooler than typical due to its high elevation of 1,540 m (5,140 ft).

The capital of Rwanda, Kigali is situated near the geographic center of the nation, sprawling across numerous hills, ridges, and valleys. It's the perfect place to relax for a night before heading into the mountains for Gorilla Trekking.

Kigali is notable for its memorial centers dedicated to the Rwandan Genocide, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which serves as a place of remembrance and education about the atrocities that took place in 1994.

Your Stay: The Retreat

Nestled in the heart of Kigali, this luxury boutique hotel and spa provides seamless access to one of the cleanest, safest cities in Africa. The Retreat blends tranquility, Rwandan charm, and vibrant urban energy. Whether savoring Fusion's exotic cuisine, luxuriating in a spa treatment or immersing in onsite cultural activities, guests enjoy this tropical oasis and the staff’s warm, authentic Rwandan hospitality. From suites to luxury pool villas with private saltwater plunge pools, The Retreat is the destination in Kigali for travelers going on to luxury safari in Rwanda.

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The Retreat

3x Superior King Suites

Includes: Breakfast, 1 complimentary 30-minute welcome massage per person, Fruit basket, Snack jar, Private patio, Indoor rain shower

Booked by a user

Saturday, 20 December, 2025
To Volcanoes National Park
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Private Transfer

After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport for your helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park.

Booked by Scenset

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Private Helicopter Transfer

Enjoy a private helicopter transfer from Kigali to Musanze in an Agusta 119 and 109S.

Booked by a person

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Road Transfer to Bisate Lodge

Upon arrival in Musanze, meet your driver for your road transfer to your hotel.

Booked by Scenset

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park encompasses 160 km2 (60mi2) in a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, with evergreen and bamboo forests. The national park includes five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, with Karisimbi being the highest at 4,507 m (14,785 ft). The lush slopes of these volcanoes provide a dramatic natural setting for one of the most thrilling and memorable wildlife experiences: seeing the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Roughly half of the world’s wild population of mountain gorillas reside on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas massif.

Your Stay: Bisate Lodge

Wilderness Bisate is a celebration of life in Rwanda. It embraces a nourishing Earth-to-plate food journey, visionary reforestation programme, community initiatives, and rich wildlife, with a fierce passion to conserve and protect the beauty of this land, and all who call it home.

Since opening in 2017, Bisate has racked up numerous awards and continues to inspire. Six sublime en-suite forest villas, designed as an homage to Rwandan royalty, overlook unforgettable vistas over brooding Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno volcanoes. A wine cellar, library, spa, restaurant, and tree nursery, woven through with warm hospitality complete this natural wonder.

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Bisate Lodge

3x Forest Villas

Six opulent en-suite Forest Villas consist of a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, all warmed by a central fireplace and with breath taking views out across your private deck.

Booked by a client

Saturday, 20 – Tuesday, 23 December, 2025 · 3 nights
Gorilla Trekking

Enjoy two full days of Gorilla Trekking with expert guides in the spectacular Volcanoes National Park.

The Virunga Mountains straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are home to around 480 mountain gorillas, more than half of the world’s entire population — the rest live in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

In Volcanoes National Park, which encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, twelve gorilla groups are now habituated for tourism and offer one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural experiences. To be in the presence of these gentle giants at such close quarters is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

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Gorilla Trekking

The Virunga Mountains straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are home to around 480 mountain gorillas, more than half of the world’s entire population — the rest live in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

In Volcanoes National Park offers one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural experiences. To be in the presence of these gentle giants at such close quarters is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Although the immense size of the silverbacks might be overwhelming, these 400-pound creatures are actually extremely accommodating to human presence amongst their family. The guides might even teach you a few words in ‘Gorilla’ so you can greet them and show that you are, in fact, friendly!

The day of the trek usually begins early in the morning at your hotel and then a drive to park headquarters. Here, park officials assign you to a gorilla family and you meet your gorilla guides. After being briefed on protocols, you head over to the specific starting point, where teams of porters are available for hire. Remember, you are trekking for around 2,500m and so any help is welcome.

Groups are limited to eight guests. The initial trek is usually through rural Rwanda's open fields, until you reach the rough wall boundary of the park itself. From here, your guide will be in communication with the trackers and you will begin the hike through the forest to meet the gorillas. Your permit allows one hour with the gorilla family, after which you say goodbye to your trackers and hike back down to meet your awaiting vehicle.

Booked by Scenset

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Bisate Lodge

3x Forest Villas

Booked by someone

Tuesday, 23 December, 2025
Depart for Home
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Private Helicopter Transfer to Kigali

After breakfast and check-out, take a private helicopter transfer from Gorilla's Nest to Kigali in an Agusta 119 and 109S.

Booked by a travel agent

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VIP Assistance in Kigali

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by a representative and assisted to your departure at Kigali Airport.

Booked by Scenset

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Departure Flight Home

Connect with your departure flight home out of Kigali.

Booked Independently by Client

Booking Your Trip

If you're ready to book this once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure, please follow the instructions below to submit a deposit to reserve your space.

Once payment has been received, we will begin confirming the itinerary and let you know of next steps!

Please Note

  • All availability is subject to change until itinerary is confirmed
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Wire Instructions

Should you wish to pay by wire, the total trip cost will be provided with a deposit payment at time of booking.

Please use these details to send both domestic wires and ACH transfers to Scenset's Mercury account:

Beneficiary

  • Beneficiary Name: SCENSET, INC
  • Account Number: 202314543995
  • Type of Account: Checking
  • Beneficiary Address: 77 Geary Street, Unit 555, San Francisco, CA 94108


Receiving Bank Details

  • ABA Routing Number: 091311229
  • Bank Name: Choice Financial Group


Mercury uses Choice Financial Group as a banking partner.

  • Bank Address: 4501 23rd Avenue S Fargo, ND 58104
Terms & Conditions

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions here. Please note that the gorilla trekking permits are non-refundable.

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Visa & Entry Requirements

Kenya

All previous visa entry requirements for Kenya are now replaced by the requirements of ETAs. All Global travelers, including infants and children (except citizens of Kenya and Citizens of the East African Partner States) are required to apply for ETA online prior to their arrival.

All e-visas currently in process will be issued and travelers with existing e-visas will be granted access to Kenya within the validity period of 90 days, without the additional requirement of an ETA.

Apply for ETA online via https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

Below are requirements for the ETA applications:

For all travelers,

  • Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya with at least one blank page
  • Passport-type photo
  • Contact information, will be provided
  • Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
  • Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
  • Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment
  • Transportation booking (flight ticket,..)


Based on your country of residence and travel history the following may also be required:

  • Yellow fever certificate
  • Other vaccination(s) or test results certificates


Travelers are eligible to apply for eTA within 3 months of their arrival date in Kenya. Following the application, a confirmation will be sent to the email address submitted in the application. Upon arrival, the ETA will be sent to the same email address.

The standard processing time for ETAs is three (3) working days.


RWANDA

U.S. passports must be valid for six months after the date of entry into Rwanda. Travelers can obtain a Rwandan visa through the following procedures:

  • Obtain a 30-day tourist visa at the port of entry. Credit cards are generally accepted at the Kigali International Airport but are not accepted at some land borders. It is recommended that travelers arrive at the Kigali International Airport with sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for the visa in case credit card transactions are not possible at the time of your arrival. Additional information about this process can be found on the Rwandan Immigration website.
  • Obtain 30-day, 90-day, or 10-year tourist visa through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. Additional information about this process can be found on the Rwandan Embassy’s website.


Immunizations: World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination if entering from the countries listed on the Rwandan Immigration website.

You may read more here on the U.S. State Department website.