Self-driving in Rwanda with a rented vehicle
Rwanda, also known as “the Land of a Thousand Hills,” has beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife, and a lively culture that make you want to visit. For many smart travelers, a self-driving trip is the best way to get to know this East African gem. The liberty to explore as you please, find secret gems, and make a personalized itinerary provides a memorable experience.
However, before you get started, there are some important guidelines to consider for your safety in Rwanda.
Driving essentials
Driving License
Tourists driving in Rwanda must possess a valid international driving permit (IDP) alongside their original driver’s license from their home country. The IDP is a main recommendation for international visitors and acts as a translation of your home country’s license, which should be kept with you while driving.
Driving age limit
In Rwanda, persons above 18 years are allowed to drive; however, different rental companies set their rental policies and minimum age limit for driving particular vehicles. Most of them state that drivers must be above 21 or 23 years old.
Vehicle registration and insurance:
Rent a dependable and well-maintained vehicle from a trusted rental company. Ensure that the vehicle is in proper working order and the travel agency should provide all required documentation. It should be well registered and insured. When selecting your rental car from the tour operator or car hire agency, consider its mechanical condition and service for a perfect road trip
Driving side
Rwanda drives on the right side, so if you are not used to driving on the right side, first go for a simple road test for a few hours, get used to the road, and then set off for your safari.
Navigation
If you are not sure of your destination, Rwanda, request your travel company for a roadmap to guide you. A Google map is also liable, though less effective in remote safari destinations due to unreliable network connections.
You can also use smartphone apps to navigate different route plans.
If you are stuck in some location, seek advice and guidance from the locals or fellow travelers for updates bout the routes and road conditions.
Road conditions
Urban areas: Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, and the neighboring provinces have well-maintained and paved roads. Traffic flow is organized to avoid congestion, but you should be aware of congestion in peak hours, like in the morning when most people are going for work and in the evening as they return home. Follow traffic police orders and the flow of traffic lights.
You should also be vigilant with speeding motorcyclists as they navigate through the traffic and pedestrians crossing at busy areas of the city, especially at the zebra crossings.
Rural areas: Some roads in rural areas are narrow and less developed; you should drive slowly to avoid bumping in potholes, which may damage the vehicle, thus ruining your journey.
You should be extra careful when driving in the rural areas during the rainy season. Always opt for a strong 4x4WD vehicle to make your trip a success.
Safety essentials:
Though Rwanda is generally a safe country with the lowest level of crime rates, travelers should take the same precautions they would in any other foreign nation when in Rwanda. Never leave valuables out in the open, and always lock your car when it’s not in use.
Prepare for regular traffic police checkpoints, listen, and follow their directions. Make sure you have all the appropriate documentation, such as your driver’s license, car registration, and insurance, on hand. This helps you avoid delays for your next activity at your next travel destination.
Always keep a reflective jacket in your vehicle for emergencies on the road.
The rental company should provide you with the necessary emergency gear, such as a spare tyre, basic tools, a warning triangle, and a first aid kit.
Make sure that all occupants of the vehicle wear seatbelts for personal safety.
Speed limits: The speed limit in Rwanda is 40 km/hr in the city and 60km/hr in the provinces. You should follow the posted speed limits throughout the country, failure to do so expect fines and penalties.
Respect pedestrians: Pedestrians have a right of way at the zebra crossings, and they should also follow the flow of traffic lights.
The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. The use of hands-free is allowed, but to a limited extent. If found talking on the phone while driving, you face fines or even be banned from driving in Rwanda.
Follow all traffic signs, signals, and road markings when driving in Rwanda. To guarantee safe navigation, become familiar with the meanings of typical traffic signs.
Wildlife and nature encounters
Wildlife encounters are common in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park.
Driving inside Rwanda’s national parks is common in Akagera National Park, where travellers carry out game drives. Animals have a right of way, avoid noise, and drive in designated areas to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Travelers should drive cautiously on roads that go through or close to national parks because some animals like gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and antelopes always cross to either side of the park.
Follow the park rules and regulations, follow only designated park trails, and if you are not sure of the park corners, it’s advisable to hire a game/park guide for your game drives.
When driving through Akagera National Park, maintain a safe distance from the wild animals and camp in recognized campsites for safety, especially during the night.
Cultural interactions:
As you travel in Rwanda, expect to meet locals in their homesteads and different places. They are so hospitable and loving, and respect their language, culture, and tradition.
The main language and greetings are in Kinyarwanda; if you cannot respond in their language, make use of a professional guide from your rental company to help with the interpretation.
Drive carefully as you pass by roadside markets and places where pedestrians and vendors are close to the road.
Some of the places you can meet the locals include the Gorilla Guardian Village, Nyamirambo Women’s Center, Kimironko Market, Nyabugogo Market, artistic centres, or any other place in the country.
Self-driving in Rwanda can be fun and rewarding, giving you the freedom to see the country’s beautiful landscapes, lively towns, and wildlife-rich national parks. Driving in Rwanda is fun and rewarding, giving you the freedom to see the country’s beautiful landscapes, lively towns, and wildlife-rich national parks.