How to Plan a Road Trip Across Rwanda
Because of its name, the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda enjoys some of the best scenic and more rewarding road trips in East Africa. Boastful of its lush green landscapes, wildlife reserves, and rich cultural heritage, a road trip in Rwanda guarantees an adventure trip for die-hard adventurers. If you are heading off on a journey over the road through wildlife, culture or natural beauty, you need to plan well to guarantee a hassle-free and bountiful adventure. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to plan a Road Trip Across Rwanda.
- Plan Your Route and Destinations
First of all, it is important to plan your Itinerary before going on a road trip across Rwanda. Due to the good development of road network in Rwanda, traveling to different regions is as easy as a pie. The popular destinations for a road trip are:
- It can also be good to start your adventure in Kigali, the capital city, which blends the modern and the traditional. However, you can progress into Kigali’s lively market, museums, and memorials any such like the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- It is also home to an endangered species of Mountain gorilla in the Volcanoes National Park found in the northwest. Those interested in gorilla trekking have to visit this.
- It contains Akagera National Park in the east, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It is the home of the Big Five; lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park: Home to lots of biodiversity and well populated with the likes of chimps, you can also enjoy canopy walks.
Lake Kivu: This lake along the western border is a nice place to enjoy the relaxation with things to do like boat trips, kayaking and hiking.
The distances of these destinations are what should be taken care of in creating a well planned route. Travel among some areas of Rwanda, which is hilly and zigzags, may take several hours for such a diminutive country.
- Choose the Right Vehicle
What vehicle to select for your road trip across Rwanda is of significant importance. Rwanda has excellent roads but some places, mainly national parks and some areas in rural regions, will need a 4 x 4 vehicle (especially in rainy season).
- 4×4 vehicles: Also useful for gaining entry to the further flung parts of the country (think Volcanoes National Park or those not often visited areas).
If your journey takes you to main roads and cities, a compact vehicle is fine and in fact, will be more fuel efficient.
If you are new to the area it is a good idea to rent a vehicle which has GPS. Most of the rental car companies in Kigali have both manual and automatic transmission vehicles and so it’s up to you to choose a vehicle which you prefer to drive.
- Decide on the Best Time for Your Trip or Safari.
Weather and what kind of experience you want to have will determine the best time to take a road trip across Rwanda. However, there are two major rainy seasons in Rwanda, which is from March to May and from October to November, but it is usually temperate. Although this is true year round, the best time to take a road trip in terms of driver experience are in the dry seasons, June and September, or December to February.
Traveling in the dry season is a great option as it is when the roads are more accessible and the weather will be better for spending time outdoors, like hiking, wildlife viewing and lake activities. But the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one to expect unpredictable weather – the region can be misty and rainy at any time of the year.
- Research Accommodation Options
Accommodation in Rwanda is varied and comes in the form of budget guest houses to luxury lodges. Before road tripping, research and book accommodations in advance, especially in remote locations or national parks, where they might not be many options.
- Kigali: The capital city offers a variety of hotels including budget and high end hotels. Each Visitor’s Account provides information about these hotels and supplies photos, room types, address and contact information, and map locations as to the hotels location.
- Safari lodges: There are safari lodges in many parks such as Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera. In particular, booking in advance is wise if you plan to stay at or near wildlife reserves in order to reach your maximum potential.
- Lake Kivu: The lakeside towns like Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Rubavu offer scenic hotels with views of the lake.
You should also ask what meal option and other services, including guided tours, may be offered by your accommodation.
- Know the road safety and local driving laws.
Rwanda has safe roads by relative country standards, but does abide to some local driving laws and safety measures. It is the right hand side of the road country, with seat belts being mandatory for the driver and passengers.
- They operate at the speed of 60 kmh in urban areas, 80 kmh on highways. Do not forget to pay attention to the posted speed signs as they are all signs to avoid fines.
- Main roads are fairly good but the secondary roads, particularly near the national parks can be bumpy and care should be exercised.
- Police checkpoints are also common across Rwanda. On that occasion, drivers may be asked to present them identification ownership of the vehicle driver’s license and insurance papers. All the documents should be in order.
Also, it is good to carry a spare tire, first aid kit and a phone charger in case of an emergency.
- Pack Essential Travel Items
The right gear is of utmost importance when it comes to a smooth road trip experience. Ensure you have the following:
Passports, driving licenses, vehicle rental paperwork, and insurance details (travel essentials).
- Clothing: Comfortable clothes for long drives, lightweight hiking gear for national parks, and waterproof jackets for potential rain.
Snacks and water: Have a ready supply of snacks and plenty of water when traveling between distant locations that may have limited stop points.
- Camera and binoculars: Rwanda has great landscapes and wildlife, and it doesn’t hurt to have your camera to snap beautiful photo opportunities and binoculars for birdwatching.
Conclusion on how to plan a road trip across Rwanda
There’s no shortage of planning involved when road tripping in Rwanda, but the payoff is worth it. Rwanda swings from a bustling city life of Kigali, to some of the most wildlife-rich national parks and restful lakes that are suitable for all types of travellers. With this in mind you may want to follow the above tips and plan ahead to avoid any misfortunes may arise and have a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable trip across this marvelous East African destination.
