Rwanda is becoming another popular destination among travelers especially those who would want to explore the country’s hidden gems on their own on a self drive Rwanda roadtrip. However, for a memorable experience on the road, there set guidelines things you need to know prior to your self drive in Rwanda adventure.
This East African country that is often referred to as the “Land of a thousand hills” has a number of destinations that you can visit and you will be amazed by so much that you will find over there
Whether you would like to drive to Akagera National Park – the country’s only savannah national park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, the popular Volcanoes National park to have a look at man’s closest relative – mountain gorillas as they roam in the park and more other places, a self drive in Rwanda will get you there. This is the cheapest and reliable option that you can consider as you plan for your visit to this beautiful country.
What you need to know about self drive in Rwanda
First and foremost, you need to have acquired a visa that allows you to legally be in the country. This is accompanied by a valid driving license to prove that in deed you have the desired experience to be on the road. You can as well get an international driving license as you will be required to present it once traffic officers ask you to stop.
Read and understand the car rental contract. This is very important as you need to know whether you are insured and the Dos and don’ts you need to follow to safe on the road.
Unlike other East African countries, while in Rwanda you will need to drive from the right hand side of the road. Prior to your self drive in Rwanda adventure, familiarize yourself with such an arrangement.
Hire a car with GPS or download offline google maps; if you are quite unsure on which road leads you to your final destination or national park, getting a map is the best approach that will help you go anywhere hassle. Offline maps and GPS are right options for you.
The other important thing that you have consider while you self drive in Rwanda is the driving speed limits. While driving in Rwanda, you are expected 60KM/hr while on a highway and in urban centres, 40KM/hr. going against these speeds will lead to a penalty/fine that you will be required to pay.
For travelers crossing from Uganda with Uganda registered plates or crossing into Uganda with Rwandan registered plates, you will be required to have all your travel documents with you and also make sure you purchase insurance for the car to be allowed to cross into Uganda legally.
Road conditions in Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the best countries in Africa with a well-developed road network. A number of roads that connect to the country’s leading destinations are well tarmacked and roads in national parks do have murram to ease your movement.
The east African country also does have well marked road signs that in place to guide you on your roadtrip. These do include traffic signs, roadside signs like humps ahead, zebra crossing and much more.
Where to go on your self drive in Rwanda
Tourism in Rwanda is growing at a faster rate which is because of the commendable conservation efforts. While in the country, you can visit the following destinations;
Akagera National Park
Situated in the eastern of the country, Akagera is Rwanda’s popular destination of what this does have within her boundaries. This is the country’s only savannah national park and the best place where you will be able to spot the big five animals (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) as they roam through the park freely.
The other species you will see include; zebras, giraffes, several antelope species, bird species, crocodiles and hippos on a boat cruise along Lake Ihema and so much more.
Volcanoes National park
This is one of the most popular destinations in Rwanda and home to mountain gorillas. It is situated in the north western of Rwanda in Musanze provice. To see gorillas in this national park, you must have acquired a gorilla tracking permit from the Rwanda Development Board which can be purchased at $1500 per person. This gives you a lifetime opportunity to spend upto 1hr with these endangered species in their natural habitat. There other primate species you will be able to spot within the boundaries of the park and several species of birds.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
This is the only destination in Rwanda where you will be able to spot chimpanzees as they play, feed and roam on tree branches in the park. There other primate species and birds that you will be able to spot while within the park.
Within Nyungwe forest, you will as well find the canopy walkway – a suspension bridge that gives you a bird view of the forest and on a clear day you may see the Virunga ranges.
Other destinations you can check out on your self drive in Rwanda include Lake Kivu – the largest lake in Rwanda, Kigali city where you can visit the various local markets, the Kigali genocide memorial centre and much more.