Road Trips In Rwanda

Taking a road trip in Rwanda is one of the best ways to explore this landlocked but naturally beautiful country. The country is blessed with towering mountains, countless beautiful hills, lakes, rivers and wildlife. Rwanda has consistently been ranked as one of the most peaceful countries in Africa hence making it an excellent travel destination for tourists around the world. Touring Rwanda by road allows Travelers to enjoy every bit of the amazing tourism features and cultural sites. We will now explore the main places to visit while on a road trip in Rwanda. Before we do that, you might want to know that there are related article including the major tourist attractions in Rwanda and the things to do in Kigali. You might also be interested in the cultural sites in Rwanda or what to do in Musanze District. If you are also planning to tour Uganda, you will find useful information from an article about planning road trips in Uganda.

Where to visit while on a Road Trip in Rwanda  

Kigali: The Capital Kigali is often the first place Travelers go to especially after arriving through Kigali international airport. Kigali is very vibrant, modern, clean and with many luxury hotels. There are also magnificent shopping malls, impressive office buildings, excellent coffee shops and good transport networks. These provisions and infrastructure enable Travelers to enjoy their stay in the country. Apart from good roads, Kigali has several Genocide memorial sites, artisan shops and large markets. The Kigali central market sells lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and other items. For the best souvenir, visit the Caplaki crafts market. If you are interested in a comprehensive tour of Kigali, check out the 1 Day Kigali City Tour package.

Lake Kivu: Located within the Albertine rift valley, lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest fresh water lake. It offers Travelers amazing views and opportunities to take part in water activities. The water activities include boat rides, fishing and swimming. Lake Kivu is excellent for swimming because it has no dangerous animals like crocodiles and hippos. Travelers who visit lake Kivu also get the opportunity to tour the Napoleon’s island by boat or go for cycling/walking tours along the famous Congo Nile trail.

Akagera National Park:  Akagera National Park is the best place to view the big 5 mammals while in Rwanda. The best way to see all the main mammals is to go on a game drive through the vast savanna plains in the park. Travelers can be sure to see giraffes, rhinos, elephants, lions and leopards among other wildlife while on a game drive organized by the Akagera park management. Other activities to enjoy while on a visit to the Akagera National park is camping, sport fishing, nature walks and boat cruises.

The Volcanoes National Park: This park is well-known as home to some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Travelers who visit the volcanoes national park can be sure to track mountains gorillas before spending an  hour with them. The park also offers tourists the chance to view the rare golden monkeys, watch hundreds of beautiful rare bird species and above all visit the grave of Dian Fossey. Fossey was an American primatologist and researcher who founded the Karisoke Research Center. She is believed to have been murdered by those who opposed her gorilla conservation efforts. Her grave can be found up in the mountains in a cemetery that she had created for deceased gorillas under her care.

The Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe is famous for being the greenest of the national parks in Rwanda. Because of the dense trees and green, 13 monkey species call the park home. Travelers who visit the Nyungwe National park can be sure to enjoy chimpanzee trekking, spot over 275 rare species of birds and also hike different established forest trails. Nature walks in Nyungwe allow one get amazing views of the vast tea plantations, breathtaking waterfalls and other scenic wonders. You can read more about chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest.

Mount Kabuye: Travelers who would love to participate in mountain hiking activities will find Mount Kabuye very interesting. The hike offers Travelers the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful countryside with magnificent views of Rwanda’s natural beauty. Moreover, hiking Mount Kabuye will also take you through small villages where you will get a glimpse of how the local people go about with their life. Young children are always fascinated by foreign Travelers showing up in the area. Expect them to follow you briefly along the trails. Older ones my request that they be your personal guide for a small fee.

The best time for a Road Trip in Rwanda

A Road Trip in Rwanda can occur during any time of the year given the fact that it’s generally warm all year round. However, the best time to visit the country is during the dry months of June to August and December to early March. Why? There are less rains and the skies clearer around those months hence allowing one to enjoy many outdoor activities. It is important to note that with the recent climate changes around the world, it has become increasingly difficult to tell when the rains will come or go.

How to get a vehicle for a Road Trip in Rwanda

Are you planning to go on a self-drive or hire a car with a driver for your Road Trip? There are several car hire companies operating in Rwanda. They hire out cars of all kinds and ranging from cheap to luxury vehicles. Once can choose to hire a manual or automatic vehicle depending on what activities they plan to take part in. It is important to book your desired vehicle early with the company and clearly state your preferences. If you are planning to hire a vehicle with a Driver, ensure that he speaks English or another language of your choice.

Apart from car hire companies, you can also contact a Tour Operator in Rwanda to help out. Tour Companies don’t have just offer Drivers but experienced Tour Guides who know every tourism site in Rwanda. Apart from knowing the Tourism sites, a Tour company Guide will also know the different animals and birds in the country. Tour companies usually organize transportation, accommodation, meals and activities. They will pick a Traveler from the airport and take them to their destinations of interest.  The company ensures that accommodation, meals and activities are arranged until the time when they drop the client at the airport for departure. Travelers should contact a Tour Operator to plan their Road Trip in Rwanda in advance.

Accommodation while on a Road Trip in Rwanda

Rwanda has excellent accommodation facilities within the capital Kigali and also in the national parks. Rwanda is attempting to position herself as a Luxury Travel destination in East Africa and as such, some of the most famous hospitality properties have been lured into country. The hotels in Rwanda are categorized as Super Luxury, Luxury, Mid-range or budget facilities. The final choice of a hotel depends on one’s budget. Some of the popular luxury hotels at the National Parks include Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge, Sabinyo silverback lodge, Lake Kivu Serena hotel, Virunga lodge, Bisate lodge. There is also Davinci Gorilla Lodge, Nyungwe Nziza Eco-lodge, Volcanoes forest camp and many others.

What to Pack while on a Road Trip in Rwanda

We have a separate article about what to pack while traveling to Rwanda. According to the article, Travelers to Rwanda are encouraged to always have copies of their travel documents. By that we mean passports, travel insurance policies, emergency contacts and any other important documents. A Traveler should also pack simple light clothing such as walking trousers, shorts, T-shirts, long sleeved shirts and decent dresses for ladies expecting to visit rural communities. Then there should be consideration for warm sweaters/scarfs, rain jackets, hats for sun protection, closed walking shoes, light sandals and strong hiking boots (for mountain hikers). Every Travelers should consider acquiring a light backpack to carry essential travel items like cameras, a pair of binoculars, smart phones and charging devices. Travelers should not forget to pack personal sunscreen, insect repellents, personal medications and anti-malarial drugs.