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Know this Before Self Driving in Rwanda

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Before self-driving in Rwanda, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a safe and compliant experience. Self-driving technology is still relatively new, and regulations and infrastructure can vary from one location to another. Here are some key things to know before self-driving in Rwanda:

Laws and Regulations

Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations related to autonomous or self-driving vehicles. In Rwanda, like in many countries, self-driving cars are subject to specific rules and requirements. Make sure you understand these regulations and adhere to them.

Infrastructure and Mapping

Ensure that the area where you plan to self-drive is adequately mapped and supported by the necessary infrastructure for autonomous vehicles. This includes up-to-date road data, GPS coverage, and any required communication networks.

Vehicle Compatibility

Not all self-driving systems or autonomous vehicles are compatible with all road conditions or locations. Ensure that your vehicle’s self-driving system is capable of operating safely in the specific road conditions and environments found in Rwanda.

Data and Connectivity

Self-driving vehicles often rely on real-time data and connectivity to function effectively. Ensure that you have access to a reliable network and that your vehicle can access the necessary data sources.

Local Support

Have a plan in place for support and maintenance in case of technical issues or emergencies. This might involve knowing where the nearest service centers or support personnel are located.

Insurance

Verify that you have appropriate insurance coverage for self-driving, and understand how coverage works in the event of an accident or other issues involving a self-driving vehicle.

Permits and Licensing

Check if you need any special permits or licenses to operate a self-driving vehicle in Rwanda. Different regions might have different requirements.

Local Knowledge

Acquaint yourself with the local traffic conditions, signage, and driving habits. Understanding how traffic operates in Rwanda will help you anticipate the behavior of other road users.

Safety Precautions

Despite the automation, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and be ready to take control of the vehicle if necessary. Self-driving technology is not infallible, and you should always be prepared to intervene.

Emergency Procedures

Know what to do in case of an emergency, breakdown, or any situation that requires immediate action. Have contact information for local emergency services readily available.

Cultural and Social Considerations: Be aware of the local culture and social norms, including how people respond to self-driving vehicles. It’s important to respect the local customs and practices.

Environmental and Road Conditions

Rwanda has diverse terrain, so be prepared for varying road and weather conditions. Different self-driving systems may perform differently under adverse conditions.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Your Car in Kigali

Chances are if you’re visiting Rwanda, your first stop will be Kigali, the capital. One thing about Self Driving in  Rwanda that people love is that they have never  before experienced with car rental company is that they will actually send someone to pick you up at the Kigali airport and drop off the car to you, where you can complete all your paperwork. The company will then send that same person back to pick up the car from you at your hotel at the end of your rental.

Do not Drive at Night in Rwanda

When driver is explaining the car agreement to the client, this is one of the point not to drive at night in Rwanda.  First of all, there are very few street lights in Rwanda outside of Kigali, and everyone drives with their high beams on at night, which is very blinding and dangerous if you’re not use to that. Secondly, if you’re out in the countryside on dirt roads with lots of potholes, you’ll have a hard time seeing road conditions in the dark, which, again, could be very dangerous. In general, to remain safe and abide by your rental car company’s instructions, try to plan ahead, give yourself some extra time to get from point A to point B, and avoid driving in the dark.

25 Things to Do On a Kigali City Tour

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Kigali City Tour

There are many things to do in Kigali which we will discuss in detail in the following chapters. Kigali is the main commercial, political and cultural center in Rwanda. It is like a mirror into everything good about the country because everything starts and ends in Kigali. Kigali is a highly regarded city in Africa because of its cleanliness, organization and safety. The government has built it to look simple but modern. The landscape in the city is also something to rave about because is dominated by prominent hills, eye-catching buildings and other landmarks. Kigali is not only a commercial and cultural capital of Rwanda but also houses the most important historical sites in the country.

The devastating and brutal genocide of 1994 started from Kigali. It is in Kigali where the interahamwe begun organizing a brutal genocide which eventually claimed the life of over 600,000 moderate Hutus and the Tutsi’s. Despite this dark spot in the city’s history, Kigali has grown in leaps and bounds. The new government has done everything possible to position it as a leading city in East and Central Africa.

The above efforts have turned Kigali into a clean and safe city with a well-organized transport system by East African standards. The city’s cleanliness is partly attributed to the monthly communal cleaning known as Umuganda. These communal cleaning occur on weekends and has been made public holiday where everyone in the country participates in cleaning their locality. Even president Kagame takes part in these monthly cleanings around the country.

There are many things that one can take part in while on a safari in Rwanda through Kigali. The key attractions are the genocide memorial centers, the city markets, cultural centers, shopping malls, night life and more. The main tourism sites can be visited in a 1 day Kigali city tour before or after a long safari in Rwanda.

Things to do in Kigali

  1. Climb Mount Kigali: As a city with many hills, climbing one of them is a must during your stay. Of all the hills in the city, Mount Kigali is the most interesting. Mount Kigali is not actually a mountain but the tallest hill in Kigali. The name is an attempt at capturing the attention of tourists in the city. Mount Kigali is 6,000 feet high and to get to the summit, one needs to get to the starting point in Nyamirambo. Getting to the summit rewards tourists with the best views of the entire city and is an excellent spot for group photos. After enjoying beautiful views of the city, tourists tend to go for a meal or drink at Mera Neza. There is also a ranch in Fazenda Sengha for those interested in horse riding.
  2. Local Motorbike tour: Also known as boda, motorcycles are arguably the most popular and convenient means of transport in Rwanda. Motorbike transport in Rwanda is more formalized and organized. There are strong laws governing operators. For example, every rider has a designated station, protective head gear (for both the rider and passenger) and a limited carrying capacity. A tourist can rent one for a self-ride or is taken for a city tour by one of the riders. Motorbike tours are excellent for exploring Kigali in a more personal way. You are able to see parts of the city that you wouldn’t with a car. Motorbikes are fast and flexible allowing you to visit different sites within a few hours.
  3. Volunteering: Wondering where to volunteer while in Kigali? Well, you will be spoilt for choice because there are many social projects for people interested in volunteering. Hospitals, schools, sports organizations and Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) have such kind of opportunities for people who want to lend a hand. Volunteering is not only an opportunity to offer your services for the greater good but also an opportunity to interact with the local people. This is the time to understand the culture of the people and the challenges they face.
  4. Go bowling: The local people are not so keen on bowling because it is seen as a game for the affluent. Never the less, it is a very exciting game for families or friends because it encourages bonding and character building. Mamba club is one of the popular places for bowling. Everything is arranged is such a way as to encourage networking. If you are very social, you may end up getting the right business contacts. You can hang out after the games with families and friends. Mamba Club even has food, ice cream and food for those who may be interested.
  5. Visit Craft shops and Art Galleries: Like everywhere else, the people of Rwanda love to tell their story using art. Most art products are derived from materials got locally. Some of the products include colorful dresses, bangles, necklaces and beads. These products can be bought for display in living rooms, as souvenirs or as gifts for loved ones. The art centres in Kigali include Kigali Arts centre, Abien Arts Centre, Inema Arts centre, Ivuka arts, and Indiba art space. For the best fashion, consider visiting Abraham Kongo collections, GoKigali Boutique, Nyamirambo Women’s centre and Sarah Day Design.
  6. Visit a health Club:  As a progressive city, Kigali is home to several health clubs that offer services like pedicure, facial clean-up, manicures, steam baths, sauna, body massage, body building and aerobics. Your budget dictates which place to go to because there are both high-end and more budget friendly options.
  7. Shopping Malls: Those interested in window or serious shopping will struggle to choose where to go from the hundreds of shopping malls in the city. There are both small and large super markets. For the best shopping experience, it is always recommended that you go to the larger malls. Here you will find groceries, toiletries, textiles, shoes and electronics. Some of the big shopping mall brands include Kigali Heights, Kigali city mall, M Peace Plaza, Masterpiece mall and Uchumi.
  8. Skydiving: This daredevil activity is a recent tourist attraction in Kigali. It involves jumping in a free fall from a small plane and stabilizing with the help of a parachute. Skydiving is a sport that was borrowed from military paratroopers. The activity is safe but not for the faint-hearted. It is also an expensive venture that is licensed/managed by the Rwanda Aviation authority.
  9. Ride a Horse: Horse riding is organized at Rugende Park and also Fazenda Sangha on Mount Kigali. It is an exciting adventure where participants go to discover the breath-taking landscapes of the countryside on a horse. Horse riding open to both learners and experts. Learners have to first go through lessons on the basics of jumping onto a horse and managing movement.
  10. Skating: Skating is very popular with youths and teenagers but even elders can take part. Skating is a newly introduced activity in Kigali and like horse riding requires some practice. The best place to learn skating while in Kigali is at SOS school in Kacyiru.  The school teaches skating for both recreation and competitions.
  11. Golfing: Like bowling, the locals see golfing as a game for the more affluent, expatriates and a few of the middle class. This perception must be true because whenever you visit Kigali Golf club in Nyarutarama, you will find most of the golfers are government officials, tourist, expatriates and businessmen. This 18-hole course requires a regular membership fee which may not be affordable for the ordinary local. However, even non-members can visit the club once in a while and get a chance to mingle with some of the influential residents of the city. Golfing equipment can be hired for a fee.
  12. Play Tennis: If you love lawn or table tennis, know that Kigali has several arenas where you can register to play the games. The best tennis courts are in Amahoro stadium, Umubano Hotel, Hotel Des Milles Collines, Cercle Sportif and Nyarutarama Sports Club. Most of the courts are made of clay giving a “Roland Garros” kind of experience to the participants.
  13. Fishing: Rwanda may not be a leading fishing country but Lake Muhazi offers anglers some really exciting opportunities for a reasonable catch. The lake covers an area of about 32 square kilometers hence offering many fishing spots. The lake rewards not only fishermen but also birders and those who love beautiful scenery.
  14. The Kigali Convention Centre: This Centre is one of the newest eye-catching architectural marvels in Kigali city. The Architects came up with an interesting beehive-like design which consists of shinning glass and a powerful beam for the night. Most of the popular conferences are held at the Kigali Convention Centre. The Kigali Convention Centre has helped Rwanda become a venue for many international conferences. The Radisson Blu Hotel is an extension of the large Convention Centre.
  15. Go to the local markets: The best way to experience the culture of the people of Kigali is to visit their local markets. This is where you find people from different backgrounds gathered in one place to do business. The best markets in Kigali are Kimironko and Nyamirambo. These large markets are excellent for buying fruits, cereals, legumes, flour, spices or vegetables. Apart from food, these markets also have shops dedicated to African fabrics, curios and electronics. The atmosphere is inviting and traders welcome all buyers with a smile. It is important to note that most of the locals speak Kinyarwanda and French. English speakers may need to hire Guide to help with translations. Finally, you need to learn the art of bargaining because prices are not shown on the shelves.
  16. Take Coffee or Tea:  A morning or evening visit to one of the coffee shops in Kigali is the best way of starting or ending your day. Rwandan coffee is organic and concentrated. Taking one cup will certainly lead you to craving and ordering more. The best places to go for coffee are café Neo, camellia, Inzora rooftop café, Le panorama, the popular Sundowner and Bourbon coffee.
  17. Visit a coffee cooperative: If you found the Kigali coffee irresistible, then you might want to know where it is grown and processed. The best place to find out more about Rwanda coffee is to visit a popular cooperative like Queen Coffee. This private coffee cooperative organizes tours to the coffee fields and factory. By the end of your visit to this cooperative, you would have learnt how coffee is planted, harvested, processed and packed.
  18. Watching Movies or visiting Night Clubs: Kigali is a lively city both during the day and at night. The night life of Kigali is about partying, dancing and having fun. If you are into movies, you can visit one of the cinema halls showing the latest local and international films in HD, 3D and 5D. If you want to interact with the local people, you can visit one of the higher end night clubs or attend a music concert bringing together popular musicians from within and outside the country. The best places to go clubbing in Kigali include Club 514, Chillax Lounge, K-Club and Rosty Bar.
  19. Watch Soccer and Amahoro stadium: If you are a soccer fanatic, there is no better place to go to than the popular Amahoro stadium in Remara. Local league matches are organized here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The game starts in the afternoon or at night. If you are lucky to visit when the national team is playing, you will get to see just how patriotic the people of Rwanda are.
  20. The Kigali Public Library: The Kigali public library is ideal for those who love reading or widening their knowledge on different subjects. The library has books on historical events, political issues, and the education system in the country, business, adventure and religion. You can also find the latest novels and newspapers on the shelves. After reading your book or newspaper, you can surf the internet or watch documentaries. If you have no time to read, you can simply buy or rent a book. There is even a coffee shop within the facility. If you are interested in only books about Rwanda, we recommend that you go to Ikirezi Bookshop instead.
  21. Food at a local restaurant: Kigali is home to many restaurants serving both local and international dishes. The main local cuisines to enjoy while in Kigali are Nyama Choma (roasted meat), Shawama, Ibirayi (goat mixed with potatoes), Rolex, Akabenz (cooked pork), Rwanda special (chips fired with eggs) and biriyani. Western delicacies can also be served in the various restaurants and include hamburgers, pizza, Gelato, Goulash, Paella, omelette and more. The best places to go enjoy nice food in Kigali are the Serena Hotel, hotel des Mille Collines, L’Epicurien, Repub Lounge, The Hut, Poivre Noir, Khana Khazana Kiyovu Brachetto and Now Rolex.
  22. The Nyamirambo Women’s Centre: This is a pro-woman NGO found on the outskirts of Kigali. It was opened by a group of local women in 2007 with a mission of ending gender-based violence. The NGO now runs different projects to help women enhance their local capacities for self-reliance and livelihood especially after losing their spouses. The women have learnt computing, English speaking, fashion design, hair dressing, pedicure, manicure and craft-making. The Nyamirambo Women’s Centre also arranges city tours. These tours include visiting the State House Museum, local shops and the National History Museum. Supporting the Centre is one way of empowering the vulnerable women in Kigali.
  23. The Gaddafi Mosque: Though its official name is the Islamic Cultural center, most prefer to call it the Gaddafi Mosque. The former Libya president Gaddafi didn’t make any contribution towards building the Mosque. Residents prefer to call it Gaddafi Mosque because it is found near the Gaddafi road. The Mosque is considered to be the main center of Islamic belief in Rwanda. It has a school and clinic that serves the local people living in the area. If you happen to visit Nyamirambo, take time to visit this beautiful mosque.
  24. Go jogging or walking: Jogging or walking around Kigali is an exciting way to discover things about the city that wouldn’t be possible in a car. The streets in Kigali are well organized and safe from criminals. There are pedestrian paths along the roads with security and intelligence personnel everywhere. You can plan your walk to the suburbs, the middle of the city or the valleys of Nyarutarama and kacyiru.
  25. Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial:  The Kigali genocide memorial center is one of the top 5 most visited sites in Rwanda. The memorial center was constructed to remember the gruesome scenes that occurred in 1994 when over 200,000 Rwandans were killed along lines of discrimination and segregation. The remains of many of the fallen were buried here. The memorial center is a place of reflection and a constant reminder to current and future generations about the evils of discrimination. A visit to the Kigali genocide Memorial is not for the faint-hearted because you will see sorrowful images and videos of what happened during the genocide.
  26. Tour the main city Museums: Like any other capital, Kigali has a rich history. Many amazing things where done by people who lived in the city before. Their works are recorded and kept in museums around the city so that they can inspire and motivate future generations.  The museums to visit in Kigali include the State House Museum, Kandt House Museum, Rwanda Art Museum and many more.
  27. The Belgium UN Troop Memorial:  This is a memorial center for the 10 Belgian peacekeepers that were killed while working with the United Nations in 1994. The soldiers had been assigned to protect the Prime Minister Madame Agathe Uwiligiyimana. The assailants confronted the soldiers, overpowered and killed them. After killing the Belgium peacekeepers, the Hutu extremists murdered both the prime minister and her husband.
  28. Visit Hotel des Mille Collines:  With all its current luxury offerings, Hotel des Mille Collines has a dark past. During the 1994 genocide, an influential Hotel Manager helped hide many Tutsi’s from the interahamwe militias looking for them. What transpired is featured in a famous movie about the Rwanda genocide known a “Hotel Rwanda”. Tourists love staying in the hotel not only because of the luxury facilities but because of its history. Hotel des Mille Collines has 112 guest rooms, a conference room, a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, health club, lounge area, gardens and more.

Top 10 Things to Do in Rwanda

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Nyungwe Forest

Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa located in East Africa and borders Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is rugged with various hills, the reason she is called a country of a thousand hills.

Rwanda covers a of 26,338 square kilometers, with a population of about 12 million people. The country’s population is divided between 3 different tribes; the Tutsi, who are the minority, the Hutu who are the majority and the Batwa who have a smallest population.

Rwanda is a landlocked, lying 75 miles south of the equator in the Tropic of Capricorn, 880 miles ’as the crow flies’ west of the Indian Ocean and 1,250 miles east of the Atlantic Ocean which makes her the heart of Africa.  The country is covered with water bodies which include 23 lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of the River Nile.

The country is largely on a high altitude with the highest point being the peak of Mount Karisimbi which lies at 4519 meters above sea level and the lowest point is at Rusizi River at 950 meters above sea level.

According to All About Rwanda, this small country faced a gruesome genocide in 1994 that saw over 800000 people dead most of who were the minority Tutsi and a few sympathetic Hutu. This genocide was orchestrated by the Hutu who were then in the ruling government and was against the Tutsi who were then fighting the ruling government. The genocide that lasted 100 days was sparked when the plane that was carrying the then president Juvenal Habyarimana was brought down in Kigali and he died there together with the then Burundi’s president as they returned from Tanzania from peace talks.

Rwanda has various tourist attractions which include animals of the wild that protected from poachers and roam free in the vast national parks, the Mountains with great scenery, the genocide memorials, cultural museums, cultural and nature walks. Listed below are the ten tourist attractions you cannot miss while on Rwanda tour.

  1. Gorilla Tracking
    One of the most exciting experiences in the world is gorilla tracking and this is done in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. This involves trekking in the mountainous forest in search of the gorillas. Gorillas are the most exciting primates that share 98% DNA with humans making them the closest relatives to human beings. These animals live in groups headed by a dominant male called a silverback. Each family is visited by a maximum number of 8 people per day and there are 12 habituated gorilla families.
  2. Chimpanzee tracking
    Chimpanzees are the other exciting primates after the gorillas. The chimpanzees are also closer to human beings and research shows they share 99% DNA with human beings. The chimpanzees live in Forests and feed on leaves, fruits, insects and even fresh! In Rwanda, the chimpanzees live in Nyungwe Forest National park which is located in Southern Rwanda bordering Burundi. The forest Covers over 1000 square kilometers and is one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rain forests and Africa’s oldest ever green forest, Apart from the chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest national park is a home to other 12 primate species including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, blue hoerst monkeys.. The forest is also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.
  1. Colobus monkey tracking
    Like chimpanzee tracking, colobus monkey tracking is done in Nyungwe forest national park. Colobus monkeys are also one of the rare monkey species and most of the world’s remaining colobus monkeys can be found in the forest. This therefore makes colobus monkey tracking in Rwanda one of the most exciting adventures.
  1. Forest Canopy walk
    This is done in Nyungwe Forest National Park as well. Scenic as it is, the canopy was constructed on top of the forest and the walk on this platform offers a great opportunity to explore the entire Nyungwe forest from top. This offers an opportunity for close eye level contact with the birds, see the waterfalls in Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe Forest canopy walk is one of the exciting forest canopy walks in Africa.
  1. Bird watching is one of the thought after tourist attractions in the world. Among the world’s birding spots is Rwanda. Rwanda has 728 bird species 29 of which are endemic to montane rain forest and Rift Valley of which Rwanda forms part. Birding is done in Nyungwe Forest National park, Volcanoes National park, Akagera forest National park, Congo Nile trail among others.
  1. Golden Monkey Tracking
    Golden monkeys are endangered monkey specie only found in the virunga mountain ranges with many monkeys living in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. The golden monkeys live in groups of 30 members and above and feed on leaves, stem and fruits and sometimes insects. These monkeys are so playful and interesting to watch. Golden monkey tracking in volcanoes national park in Rwanda therefore makes it an interesting tourist activity.
  1. Cultural walks
    Rwanda has a unique culture that is so entertaining. There is also many cultural heritages to visit which includes the national museum in Butare, Nyanza palace, the Belgium museum, the intore cultural dancers. There are Batwa in Rwanda who have a unique tradition and learning about their way of life is interesting.
  1. Historical and educational tours
    Rwanda is a country of history ranging. Rwanda’s genocide is one of the historic genocides in the world and may tourists will come to learn about history of mankind which includes conflict and conflict resolution. There are several genocide memorials set up across the country which include Gisozi memorial museum, Nyamata church, Ntarama church, Murambi genocide memorial among others. When you visit these sites, one will learn more about the effects of human conflicts. There is also Dian Fossey grave site in volcanoes national park and tourists always hike to her grave site to pay her respect and also learn more about her historic work of conserving the lives of the mountain gorillas which were under threat from poachers and she was assassinated as a result of her noble effort.
  1. Rwanda has three volcanic mountains that form part of the Virunga mountain ranges. These include Mt.Karisimbi, Mt.Bisoke, Mt.Muhabura. These mountains are all scenic in their nature and for hiking adventure lovers, these are a must hike. The crater lake on top of Mt.Bisoke is so fascinating and hiking Mt.Bisoke can be done in a day. Mt.Karisimbi can be hiked with in two days and the hike to Mt.Muhabura.
  1. Game drive and boat cruise
    Like most African countries are famous for, Rwanda has one of the most scenic savanna park. Akagera National Park located in the eastern part of Rwanda forms part of Rwanda’s flat land with great savanna. The park has various game that include Zebras, lion, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, bush bucks which are best seen during game drive. Other game includes hippos, crocodiles which are seen during a boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is within the park.

Explore Rwanda on Your Own with Self Drive

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Game Drive in Rwanda

There are a million reasons why we stand out from a thousand car rental companies that are widely distributed in and around Rwanda. Renting a car from Self Drive Rwanda gets you opportunity to book your dream car online while you sit back home one good reason why we feature among a few exceptional and the most preferred car rental companies in Rwanda. Booking a car online allows you reserve that one comfortable safari car and upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are handed over the keys or depending on the agreed area of pick up and you start your road trip to your dream destination in Rwanda. Reserving a car with us online enables you avoid the waiting queues and crowds on public transportation.

Our car rental services meet travelers’ needs no matter which class you belong or the kind of safari you intend to embark. We cover all travelers’ demands whether you plan to set off on a family trip, self-drive tour, guided safaris or as a group, business and conference. We have wide range of cars to rent in Rwanda for your self-drive tour and they include Toyota Rav4, Safari Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser TZ, Super custom, Land Cruiser Hard Top, Toyota Land Cruiser,

Renting a car with us means you get value for your money and above all, we rate among a few car rentals in Rwanda with exceptional customer care service one trait that has positioned us in car hire market as one of the best car rental companies. When it comes to customer care service, we are the best and that is why you need to be part of this. Plan your trip with us and we shall get you out of that stressful journey of planning for a safari in Rwanda. By booking a car from us before setting off for actual trip in Rwanda means you will be presented that dream car for your road trip up on arrival or at agreed point of pick up. In other words, you won’t have any stress of how you shall connect from the airport to a hotel or destination in Rwanda.

With many car rental companies that are distributed in and around Rwanda plus other transport options that take travelers around Kigali as well as other tourist sites, we are a unique car hire agency with good reputation a good reason we have kept in the car rental market for that long. We are registered and this means we are a recognized car rental company, trust worthy a reason you need not to miss our excellent services while on Rwanda safari. Renting a car with us gets you a great opportunity to explore different parts, tourist sites including genocide sites, national parks as well as take part in mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching to mention but a few.

For long, we have featured as the most credible car rental agency in Rwanda that gets you a chance to explore the hidden treasures of this magical destination on self-drive or guided tours. Our exceptional four wheel drive safari cars are very comfortable and favorable for all kinds of terrains. Rent a car and driver from us and we take you through magical encounters with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park or catch a glimpse at the big five game in Akagera National Park which is the only savanna park in Rwanda. We also take you through Kigali city tour to explore different tourist sites at pocket friendly price.

Other Reasons include;

  • Flexible pick up and drop off
  • Full insurance
  • 24 hour assistance-so do not worry in case of car breakdown or recovery
  • Tour experts-our driver guides are very experienced, knowledgeable and they will avail you that information you need while on holiday in Rwanda.
  • Rent your dream car at a pocket friendly price
  • Our car rentals are well serviced

5 Reasons to Use Car Rentals

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Rwanda Car Rental

Way back people would find it very difficult to travel around Rwanda due to the unreliable and inconvenient means of transport that only existed that time. However, trends have changed as there is a new trending travel options in the country that is car rental. Most Rwanda car rentals are being used by very many people around who wish to tour around Rwanda for city tours, gorilla tours, wildlife, family vacations and business and political engagements.

Car rentals in Rwanda have become famous and popular due to their convenient, safe and reliable services that are exclusively offered to the various customers. It is easy to get a car for hire for your travels in Rwanda. Here are the various reasons why people have turned to car rentals;

1. Car rentals present incredible services as they offer wide range of services to their esteem customers. For example they engage in Kigali airport transfers, city tours, family vacations, self drive in Rwanda, honey moon and wedding ceremonies business and political meeting transfer. Any customer in need to use a car for any purpose they are at your service.  Furthermore one is transported in a well conditioned and nice looking car thus traveling in style.

2. They are so fast while offering their services as one is immediately picked at any station like airport he might be then take to his/her preferred destination or hotel in time. There is no queuing up and waiting for the vehicle to take you. It is always in time and you are the only passenger in the car.

3. They are always available 24/7 as they operate 24 hours in a day. You can use them at any time of the day and in any particular place whether remote or urban. So those people taking up gorilla safaris in Rwanda and airport transfer, car rentals is the best traveling option.

4. Car rentals are flexible in the way they offer their services. If a traveler would wish to change his/her travel time, he/she can do that without any inconvenience and no extra cost so long as it is still in line with your reservation time.

5. They also offer independence to their customers as the traveler is the only passenger in the car hire. He/she is free to do whatever he/she likes at any time while traveling. For example the traveler can communicate and also read news on his tablet or phone in the car.

When you happen to travel to Rwanda, do not think of any other transport means other than the car rentals.

5 Things to Consider When Booking a Car Rental in Rwanda

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Car Hire in Rwanda

Car rental services serve as an exceptional way to get around Rwanda and they cover various aspects including game viewing tours, business meeting, city tours and airport transfers among others. When considering renting a car in Rwanda, you need to be certain of different aspects otherwise, you will curse why opted for the car hire services in that particular car rental company.

Below are some of the factors to put into consideration when booking car rental services in Rwanda

Location

When you opt to use Rwanda car rental, be mindful of pick up and drop offs. Usually, it is easier to find a car at the airport whether it is on-site or off-site. On-site car hire agencies have the simplest options as you can easily walk to the offices and be handed over the key unlike the off-site companies although this category has also eased visitor travel needs where you can find a driver guide waiting for you upon your arrival. Note, booking a car in one area means should be returned to the same place and for any deviation means additional charge. As well, renting a car from city center can be relatively cheaper than if you did it at the airport.

Reliability

A car rental service provider should be reliable, 24/7. Besides, the car you hope to use for your road trip in Rwanda should also be available at the time you wish to use it and at your convenience. Knowing the operating hours of the car rental company you wish to deal is very significant as it you get to know when to pick up and drop off a car.

Drivers

Number of driver matter a lot when it comes to cutting down the cost for hiring drivers. If you are alone then higher chances are that you will be in position to cut down on the expenses. However, some car rental agencies are good and can be on your side by clearing small fees in case of additional drivers. Additional drivers play a significant role depending how long your road trip will take and for travelers who have plans for long trips, extra drive is very essential.

Check the cancellation policy

Cross checking a cancellation policy of particular car hire agency helps you to know which company or agency allows you to cancel up to 24 hours prior the car pick up. This is vital especially if your flight is cancelled or delayed then you will be in position to get a refund. Therefore, deal with a car rental agency with the best cancellation policy and the one that indicates to you the available extra fees once you cancel your trip.

Fuel

Each car rental company has its set fuel policy. This policy ranges from full to empty and at times, you may get a car rental with full tank up on pick up and or half tank and you may also be required to return it with same quantity of fuel and breaking this agreement means cost on your budget. Others will give you a car with empty tank and you are expected to return it as given. Also, you need to check which type of fuel does the car rental you hope to take uses otherwise; you may refill a diesel car with petrol.

The model of the car rental

This is significant when booking car rental services in Rwanda. It allows you ascertain how seats or its carrying capacity is. Note, what you see online may not be exactly the one you will use and this shouldn’t cause problem and to avoid this, make sure that you double check your print well. For exceptional road trip, consider our 4×4 safari rentals a must to book and you won’t regret in life.

As well, you need to know the size of car hire you hope to use. This may differ from visitor travel interest. For those of you who prefer traveling as a group, you will need a car with good carrying capacity. We have wide range of car rentals suited to your travel needs. They range from Toyota Ra4, Land Cruisers to Coasters.

Visit Rwanda: Best Gorilla Watching Destination

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Rwanda Safari

A word that describes mountain gorilla tracking is very hard to find, meeting these giants in their natural habitat is a life time experience. Many tourist activities have been done on any safari in the world but a magical encounter with the rare mountain gorillas is of its kind and it’s a real adventurous activity. These rare species are only found in Africa and they can be tracked only in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, however Rwanda is known as the leading mountain gorilla safaris destination in the world almost a half of the world’s population live in the Volcanoes national park about 380 out of 1000 live only in this park and Rwanda’s mountain gorilla are a bit easy to track when you compare them to gorillas of Bwindi and Congo, however this is not a guarantee since their wild animals their difficult to predict meeting them may go from 1-8 hours searching them so reasonable degree of fitness is very necessary , don’t forget gorilla tracking gears like sturdy pair of walking shoes/boots, rain jacket, gloves, walking, long sleeved shirts or blouses.

Tracking these giants begins after reporting at the park headquarters in t Kining to receive a short briefing about the rules and regulation when you meet gorillas and also to get assigned to the group booked for. Then after you escort the ranger guide to the forest to begin the activity possibly the most interesting activity done on earth. When you meet these giants you are strictly allowed one hour while observing their behaviors as well as taking photos. Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families (habituated means they are used to short visits by humans.) 10 gorilla families are ready for tracking and the two are used for research purpose. In each gorilla family 8 members are only allowed to track meaning that 80 people track gorillas every day.

Mountain gorilla facts

Mountain gorillas are known as the third closest relative of man after chimpanzee who shares almost 98% of human genes; gorillas are considered the largest member of the great ape family weighing up to 470 pounds and reach six feet in weigh (an adult male silverback which age from 12 and above.

Mountain gorillas live in family group which consists of 6-35 members and the group is led by a dominant silverback( called silverback because of the grey hair that develop on its back), the silverback is responsible for any activity which takes place in the group including where to feed, sleep, and also defending the group among others. Other members in a family include few subordinate males (black backs) and multiple females and kids.

Mountain gorillas majorly feed on leaves, plants, fruits, aunts and they rarely drink water since most of the food they eat contains too much water.

Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Mountain Gorilla tracking is worth the money paid for this activity, permits cost US$1500 per person per tracking including park entry fee and a ranger. Many travelers in the world can’t wait to go for this magical experience, a one to two days spend with gorillas in their natural environment is a life time experience difficult to forget. Be part of the experience, book with us for any gorilla safari to Rwanda at a very friendly price welcome in advance.

Key Benefits of Self Driving in Rwanda

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Rwanda Car Travel

It has been more than a year that people across the country are staying indoors mostly and going out only when they have some urgent work. Working professionals are working from home, students are attending online classes, and even grocery shopping is carried out through online mode.

Amid all of these happenings, one thing that many of us are longing for is a Self drive in Rwanda with family or friends. Many would say that trips can be too risky in that case, we can always choose a destination that is thinly crowded and where all the COVID protocols are being maintained.

Let us also discuss the benefits of car rental for a road trip.

  1. Affordable

Tourists, therefore anyone with a little decent income can afford it. However, if you want to buy a car instead, you will have to go through a long process that will include buying the car, registration of the vehicle, and even taking a loan all of which will take a toll on your finances.

  1. No loan

Since it is a car rental service, you do not have to take a loan, which also means you are free from enjoying your trip to the fullest. You can use the money for something else, such as buying accessories for the ride.

  1. Flexible

As you take a self-drive car rental service, you get the flexibility of choosing a time to start the journey and taking as many pit-stops as you want. You do not have to be bothered about the driver who comes along with the cab and many times take breaks in between the journey as per his wish.

  1. Privacy

As you choose a self-drive car rental service, it is only you and your favorite people in the car. You do not have to worry about being watched or judged by any outsiders. The fun of a journey gets doubled when you are surrounded only by people that you call your own.

Weekends and late evenings are the only times that we get to spend with family and friends. Imagine the irritation of having an unknown driver snoop over all your conversations, smirk at your dilemmas, and laugh at your jokes. This gets even worse when you rent a cab for a tour outside the city spanning a couple of days.

  1. Hygienic

The cars on rent provided by Kenya car rental are deep cleaned and thoroughly sanitized before it is delivered to you. Therefore, you can forget about the virus and all the germs that the car may have. Hygiene is a big factor, especially in a time when the pandemic is giving a hard time to the world.

  1. Free maintenance

Maintenance and repairs on car rental service is included in the rental amount that you pay monthly. This is all taken care of by the company, and they will pick up the car for maintenance and servicing once a month and deliver it back to your home once done. Before picking it up from your home, you will get a call from them and the time can be decided at your convenience.

Safety

Another driver problem in India is that of safety. Drivers are one of the least paid and most overworked people in India. So you can be sure that most of the times, your driver is exhausted, tired and not totally on top of his senses. Apart from that, it is almost a routine for us to tell a taxi driver “not to drive rash”, which just goes to prove how much safer you can be when you are in control of your own self-drive rental.

Freedom

Going for a self-drive rental car takes out the fuss and irritation of a trip by giving you the freedom to be your own boss. You can get out of the house later than you planned, leave a place early, and stop as and when you please when you are driving your own rental car. There is absolutely no hurry because you do not have to deal with a running meter and a driver who needs to be somewhere else the moment he is free of you”.

Cost Benefits

Apart from all the conveniences of self-drive rental cars, another major plus point in favor of the self-driven rental verses a cab is the cost. Cabs are costly because your driven to your destination and yet self-drive car rental your drive yourself to every destination at a fixed price.

How to plan a trip with a car rental?

Car rental for a road trip is a great idea. And to benefit by using this idea, you can get in touch with a company like Kenya car rental by visiting our website first. You can browse through website and choose the car that you want. As you get an email or call from the company, you can then further discuss your requirement. You can choose between an unboxed car and a brand new car.

An unboxed car is not usually more than three years old and comes in great condition. You hardly have to worry about the condition of the car, no matter which option you are going for. As long as the documents are concerned, you have to provide valid ID proof.

Once you are done with all the formalities, the only thing you need to plan is the destination you are going to and the accommodation that you will be staying at.

Lastly, now that you are all set up for a road trip, what if you do not own a car? Well, trips are easy to plan and carry out if you have a car. And if you do not have one, you can any day opt for a car on rental. Gone are the days when you could only travel with total flexibility if you had a car. These days, self-drive cars can be taken on rent and you can drive to wherever you want and the way you want.

Top 5 Safari Destinations in East Africa

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Serengeti Wildebeests

Explore the legendary beautiful attractions during your visit to East Africa and enjoy ancient treasures in style. Move along the romantic wildlife base, primate capital and treks such as Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara National Park, Nyiragogongo Volacano, Bwindi Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, among others with its amazing bio diversities and numerous cultural tourist features. At the end of your Africa tour, you will prove the saying that Africa is a very exceptional beautiful continent with a lot to offer other than ancient traditions.

Serengeti National Park

Have an amazing experience in Serengeti National park on your Tanzania safari tour the best top wildlife paradise in Tanzania and a home to the big five. Every year travelers to this park enjoy great views of wildlife, wildebeest both at their lodge and in the park without missing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, jackals, ostriches, hippos, impalas and so many others all seen in just a day. Travelers to this park carry home hug memories of best photo shots of beautiful wildlife something you only find in Africa. Trips here are filled up with nature and natural beauty that no one should miss in life. The roam in Serengeti national park and a visit to other Tanzania wildlife spots like Ngorogoro, Tarangire, and Manyara confirms the saying that Africa is a cradle of life, fun and excitement. If you want to experience some of the most superb game-viewing in Africa, then this will truly be a tour to remember.

Masai Mara National Park

Do you want to see the great wildebeest migration along with wildlife and bird-viewing in Africa, Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya has it all. A safari to Masai Mara takes you to a place with abundant game without people and you explore it to your fullest. Enjoy the wide range of Kenya wildlife adventures for soul, group or honeymoon tours once you ready to experience paradise. It’s not a crime if you combine the Masai Mara trip with other Kenya national parks like Nakuru, Amboseli, and Tsavo among others. Game viewing is the main tourist’s activity that travelers love most and Masai Mara is excellent year round thanks to the huge population of wildlife including the big five. No need to worry about where to sleep because the park offers a wide range of accommodation both child friendly and romantic stays in all budgets. Never miss out a trip to Masai Mara in life if wildlife is your thing. As you plan your visits you can enjoy the Masai Mara big cats on star popular wildlife Tv Series.

Nyiragongo Volcanoes in Congo

Challenge your fitness by hiking the rare active volcano-Nyiragongo found in Goma in Democratic Republic of Congo. Locals call it Mount Nyiragongo remembered for displacing thousands in 20o2. The Mountain is open for tourists ready to climb to the summit and stare down into the world’s largest dazzling lave lake that is active up to present since its last eruption in 2002.Make sure you above 12 years of age since the hikes are tough while ascending to the summit. Pack rain and cold weather gears since temperatures at the summit go below freezing daily. You will arrive to the summit sweating from the steep slopes but cold takes over in just minutes so you may get affected if you don’t have good warm gears. Comfortable walking shoes are other essentials you shouldn’t miss since the entire hike may be affected.Nyiragongo volcano hikes start every day at 9:15am, descending down at 6:30 am or 7:00am next morning arriving at Kibati by 11:30 am a good time to return back to Rwanda. If you want to fly back on the day after the hike, make sure your flight is late in the evening.

Bwindi Forest National Park

For the visitor who has 2 or 3 days in Uganda can visit Bwindi forest National Park for fantastic gorilla trekking safaris and hiking trails experience. Those in love with ancient Uganda cultural trends explore the beautiful batwa trail and dig deep into Uganda ancient culture and life style. Bwindi forest spans the districts of Rukungiri, Kabale and Kisoro, sprawling over steep ridges and narrow valleys of the Kigezi Highlands.

Gorilla trekking is the main activity in Bwindi National Park and the park is a habitant to about 400 mountain gorillas which accounts for almost half of the world population. 12 groups have been habituated with 11 available for gorilla trekking and 1 for research purposes and gorilla habituation programs. Access this park by road and the drive is about 8-9hours with several access routes since the park has four different sectors Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rusahga. From one is from Kamapala-Kasese through ishasha-kihihi-Butogota Buhoma, another is Kampala –Mbarara through Rukungiri-kihihi-Butogota Buhoma and another is Kabale through Ruhija to Nkuringo good for those trekking gorillas twice among others.

Volcanoes National Park

The Volcanoes National Park Rwanda lies in the Ruhengeri Province and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda. The Volcanoes National Park is remarkably the home of the mountain gorillas that are critically endangered world over and it shares 5 volcanic mountains that form the Virunga massif including the Karisimbi, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura and Bisoke. This park is an evergreen bamboo forest with grassland areas, swamp, and heath in other areas.it famed to the world for Rwanda gorilla trekking tours and wildlife conservation but it’s also rich with many other exotic activities for one to take on like Golden monkey trekking, Birding, volcano hiking, nature walk, Dainy Fossey hike  among others. Rwanda is among the three countries in the world with mountain gorillas but Volcanoes national park has made the country shine to the world than never before despite the presence of other Rwanda National Parks: Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park.

Car Rental With A Driver in Rwanda

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Rwanda Car Rental

Car hire with a professional driver-guide has proved to be one of the best and cheapest ways to explore the depth and hidden trails of the East African flora and fauna. Though some tourists opt for self-drive safaris, most of your time is saved when you hire a car with a driver. You only advise him about all your desired destinations and he will drive you without trying to figure out the path on your own.

Planning to travel and still searching for a Rwanda car rental and driver to get you around? You have come to the right place. Whether you plan to visit a national park, popular attraction or prefer a short excursion around town, we will be more than happy to help you out with our affordable and reliable driver hire services in Rwanda.

Merits of a Guided Tour in Rwanda

Liability in case of Accidents
When you hire car with a driver, you transfer all the liability to the company. You remain in charge of where the driver should drive to but in case of an accident or any damages, you are not held liable.

It also saves you the trouble of analyzing every clause of the contract since hiring with a driver relinquishes you of duties of entering strictly binding contract.

Roads and Signage

It is easy to drive on the main roads, since almost all these roads are in good mechanical conditions, however most of the roads that are off the main roads are in poor condition. You might need some experience to drive on these roads more so when it rains since they have nothing like signage.

Knowledge of the Country

The internet is a very resourceful tool but what happens when you are in a place where there is no internet access, you are left alone to depend on your instincts. This can be resolved when you hire with a driver.

Driver guides are always knowledgeable about where to eat out safely, where to buy authentic stuff, where to stay overnight whether you chose to lodge or camp. They will always save you the hustle of training to find out where to get all these basic services.
Whenever you hire a driver guide, you are assured of great tips and hidden destinations that you can rarely find out on the hard copy maps or google maps. In other words, you job is to ask questions as you explore with a professional driver guide on the unbeaten paths of Rwanda.

Wildlife Viewing

One of the main reasons you need a driver; is wildlife viewing. Whenever you driving in the park you tend to put most of your attention on the road ahead thus getting limited time to really look around; but when you hire a driver, you get the opportunity to also make use of the pop up roof or the sun roof for proper game viewing.

These professional drivers are also good cat trackers; they usually know how to find the lions and leopards which you might not be able to do by yourself in case you opt of a self-drive safari.

Akagera national Park Wildlife, Some stories are worth being shared with certain scenes; while on your trip, you will get the opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s history, as well as sharing with you details about the behavior of different animals and bird species. Their commentary will always be appreciated.

Language Barrier

Language is the basic tool of communication, in case you speak English you are safe but most of the people in the local communities cannot go beyond greeting in English. Therefore having someone who can speak with the local people is an added advantage since at times you might wish to find out certain facts from the local but due to language barrier, you often hindered.

You also feel safer walking around with someone that can interact with the local people more so when it comes to local transactions where you might be overcharged where buying items or services.

Mechanical Knowledge

Changing a car tire is one of the basic mechanic skills needed whenever you are driving in the park. You are likely to get a puncture of flat tire at least once but you can be saved from all this hustle of changing tires, being conned by mechanics by raising fake mechanical issues among other issues.

The driver guides always have some advanced mechanical knowledge which saves you a lot of trouble in case of any mechanical issue.

Time Management

One of the things that waste a lot of time is taking a wrong route, all this time can be saved when you hire with a driver.

Reduces Frustration

Driving a car can be a stressful experience especially if you are driving for long distances or stuck in traffic. You don’t have to worry about all this when you have a personal driver as he is trained to handle even the most stressful of situations. Total concentration is always vital when on road so if you have a lot on your mid then its best you leave it to someone who is composed and fit for the road.

Punctuality

A professional driver is trained to get a client to a desired destination in time, something that is no easy task when you are driving yourself. If you are planning a business trip in Rwanda, then you should consider hiring a driver for a timely arrival to the meeting.

Safer

The biggest benefit of hiring a driver is that your don’t have to worry about getting lost or falling into hands of fraudster as you have you personal bodyguard to guide and protect you most especially if it’s your first time in the country.

Ease of work

In essence, nobody wants to tire themselves with a lot of work. That said, it’s easier to focus on your businesses especially if you are in the corporate sector. The chauffeur-driven car will drive you to all the places you wish to go to. Therefore, you reduce any risks while riding on the road.

Conclusion

Are you planning a trip around Rwanda this season and still deciding whether to do a self-drive trip or hire a driver, the above benefits should you give you a reason to choose the latter option.