Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, has many interesting attractions to explore. It is one of those areas, you will fall in love with as soon as you touch down at the airport. Its air is fresh and the surrounding is crystal clean and decorated with a mix of ancient sites and modern architecture. You will also be enthralled by its people who are so warm and always wear a striking smile when they meet a visitor. A Car Rental Trip in Kigali is always a good idea. The best way to get around Kigali is by renting a car from any reputable travel operator. These have a wide range of cars to choose from the compact cars and sedans to SUVs. You can hire a car to explore Kigali on a self-drive or with a driver, the choice is yours which option best suits you.

When you rent a car in Kigali, here are some suggestions for attractions to enjoy:

Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre: This center serves as a memorial to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. This place exhibits relics and scenes of the darkest period in Rwanda’s history. It is not for the faint-hearted people because of the sad scenes and the machetes used to kill one another. However, it is a must-visit attraction that offers an educational and emotional experience.

Kimironko Market: This is a vibrant market that sells everything from food to clothing to crafts. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and pick up some souvenirs. You could not leave to leave an amazing area like Kigali without memorabilia. You need something like a cloth, sandal, wrist, bracelet, or necklace that revoke the good old experience when you get back home.

Nyamirambo Neighborhood: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity. Take a walk around the area, sample some local food, and experience the lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to dive into a night bar or club to enjoy a bevy as you groove and interact with the local

Mount Kigali: For those who love the outdoors, Mount Kigali is a great hiking spot. The mountain offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Capture the panoramic view of the entire city on your camera as you are at the summit of Mount Kigali.  A picture worth making a portrait of decorating your living room back home.

Inema Art Center: This art center showcases the work of local artists and provides a platform for cultural exchange. It’s a great place to learn about Rwandan art and culture.

Presidential Palace Museum: This museum was once the residence of the former Rwandan President. It offers a glimpse into the country’s political history and also features beautiful gardens.

Nyungwe National Park: If you have more time, a visit to Nyungwe National Park is highly recommended. The park is home to a variety of primates, birds, and plants, and offers hiking trails and canopy walks.

With a Car Rental Trip in Kigali, you can easily visit these attractions and more at your own pace and convenience. Just be sure to follow local traffic laws and regulations, and enjoy your Car Rental in Kigali.

Rwanda has improved its infrastructures over the years especially the roads and this has made it easy for travelers to drive around. Many travelers have resorted to driving themselves to explore unfamiliar areas and Rwanda isn’t excluded. Self driving is some adventure that offers the liberty to explore destination at your own pace. The only drawback could be how to navigate around but this has been sorted out as google maps on smart phones and GPS machines have been invented. These navigation devices can easily lead you to any place like a local guide. Although driving has been so easy for Rwanda car rental travelers, they are advised to plan and prepare to have a productive experience.

Here are some driving tips for Rwanda car rental travelers:

Get familiar with the roads: Rwanda has a good road network, but some roads can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. Before you start driving, take some time to get familiar with the roads, especially if you are driving in a Rwanda. As you head to the remote areas of Rwanda, it gets foggy and here you are advised to keep your headlights on and engage your wipes to ensure that you see what is ahead. In these kinds of situations, ensure to also low your speed to have full control of the vehicle.

Drive defensively: Rwanda’s roads can be busy, and drivers can be aggressive. Always drive defensively, stay alert, and be prepared for unexpected manoeuvres from other drivers.

Observe speed limits: Rwanda has speed limits that vary depending on the type of road. Always obey the posted speed limits to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities. For instance, in the urban centers, the speed limit is 30km/hr. and highways 60km/hr.

Wear seatbelts: Wearing seatbelts is mandatory in Rwanda. Make sure that everyone in the car is buckled up before you start driving. This usually saves a lot when you knock something or have a collision. It prevents your body from hit anything in front of you.

Avoid driving at night: Driving at night in Rwanda can be dangerous, as some roads are not well-lit, and there is a risk of encountering animals on the road. If possible, try to avoid driving at night.

Carry important documents: Always carry your driver’s license, car rental agreement, and insurance documents with you when you are driving. These documents may be requested by the authorities if you are stopped.

Take breaks: If you are driving long distances, take regular breaks to rest and stretch your legs. This will help you stay alert and focused while driving.

Be aware of road conditions: Rwanda’s roads can be affected by weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog. Be aware of the road conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.

Avoid using your phone: Using your phone while driving is illegal in Rwanda. Avoid using your phone while driving to avoid accidents and penalties.

Be respectful: Finally, always be respectful to other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Follow traffic rules and regulations, and avoid any behaviour that may put yourself or others in danger.

There are not so many parks in Rwanda that you will be permitted to drive because most of them are forest parks, actually, it is only Akagera National Park where driving is done. Akagera is a savannah park and a game drive is the main activity carried out hence providing the opportunity for tourists to drive around. Popularly, the park ranger leads the game drive but also tourists are allowed to do a self game drive, to explore the park on their own. Self Driving Tips are meant to help you plan better.

Driving in the national parks of Rwanda is totally different from driving on the usual roads. There are stringent guidelines stipulated to follow with the intent of protecting nature and wildlife. Nature is given the first priority in the national parks of Rwanda no matter the situation because this is their territory and also vulnerable. It needs to be given so many rights and liberty to thrive and keep in its natural form for sustainability and this is what eco-tourism advocates for.

If you are planning to go on a self drive safari in Rwanda, here are some driving tips while in the national parks to follow:

Stick to designated roads: In Rwanda, there are designated roads for safari vehicles, and it is important to stick to them. Off-road driving is not allowed and can result in damage to the ecosystem. More so, when caught driving off, you are penalized by a premium fine determined by the park authorities.

Follow the speed limit: Speed limits are in place to ensure your safety and that of the wildlife. Always obey the posted speed limits and slow down when approaching animals. The speed limit in the national park is 40km/hr.

Keep a safe distance from animals: While on safari, it’s important to keep a safe distance from wildlife. This not only protects you but also ensures that the animals are not disturbed. The national park is their territory, you have to let them enjoy their environment at full throttle.

Listen to your guide: Even for those on a self-drive safari, you can hire a park guide to have an insightful and exciting game drive. Ensure to adhere to their advice. Your guide is there to keep you safe and ensure that you have a great safari experience. Follow their instructions and don’t attempt to do anything that is not allowed.

Wear your seatbelt: Wearing a seatbelt is not only required by law but is also important for your safety. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seatbelt at all times.

Keep your vehicle clean: Rwanda has strict rules on littering, and it’s important to keep your vehicle clean. This ensures that the ecosystem is not damaged and that the wildlife is not impacted.

Respect the environment: Rwanda is known for its beautiful and unique ecosystem. Be respectful of the environment and do not disturb the wildlife or leave any trash behind.

By following these Self Driving Tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable safari experience in Rwanda.

There are a number of car rental companies but finding a reputable car hire company in Kigali is not easy at all, especially for the first time. Like in any lucrative business, there are crooks and mediocre operators that are scheming around to take advantage of the naïve clients. Therefore, you should be aware that they also exist in the car rental industry and it is easy to dodge their tricks when you follow the right procedures and be so careful during your booking. Here is how to find a reputable car hire company in Kigali.

To find a reputable car hire company in Kigali, you can follow these steps:

Ask for recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have rented cars in Kigali before for recommendations. They may be able to suggest a reliable car hire company based on their experience. What other people have experienced before is likely to be genuine. And in most cases when you are a referral, the car rental company ensures that you have the best experience so that you can as well recommend another person.

Research online: Look up car rental companies in Kigali online and read reviews from past customers. This will give you an idea of the quality of service provided by the company. Visit the various car rental websites and look at what they have to offer to their customers and also get to their TripAdvisor timeline to know what past customers talk about them. this will give you a clue about their service delivery.

Check for certification: Make sure the car rental company is licensed and certified by the relevant authorities in Rwanda. Ensure that it is affiliated with any travel association in Rwanda. By finding these formalities, you will establish the legality of the operator.

Compare prices: Compare prices of different car rental companies in Kigali to ensure you get the best deal. However, be wary of extremely low prices, as they may indicate poor quality of service. Go for a company with a competitive price, a great rental operator cannot be below the market price as they don’t wish to compromise their quality.

Check for insurance: Make sure the car rental company provides insurance coverage for the vehicle in case of an accident or damage. The insurance must be comprehensive covering third party, collision damage waiver, and theft. This will keep you free from the liabilities that may happen to the car during your trip.

Ask about their policies: Find out about the company’s policies regarding fuel, mileage, and any other restrictions such as unlimited mileage, extra driver and driving time. Ensure to book with a rental company will friendly terms and conditions.

Contact the company: Once you have narrowed down your list of potential car rental companies, contact them and ask any questions you may have. This will give you a better idea of their level of customer service and how they handle queries.

By following these steps, you should be able to find a reputable car hire company in Kigali that meets your needs.

Kigali is such an attractive city that pulls lots of people to visit for either tourism or business. These people normally need a means of transport to get around and the ideal option is a car rental. Car rental is safe, convenient, comfortable, and fast and this is what someone on a short stay needs. However, to get around Kigali by car rental, you need some advice so that you can be familiar with the system and have a great time in the capital of Rwanda. When visiting Rwanda, you should learn how to get around Kigali by car rental for a better experience.

To get around Kigali by car rental, you can follow these steps:

Choose a car rental company: There are several car rental companies in Kigali. You can search online or ask for recommendations from locals or your hotel. Through those avenues, you will get a reputable travel operator to offer you incredible car rental services.

Book a car: Once you’ve chosen a car rental company, you can book a car either online or by visiting their office to inquire about the availability of cars on your date of travel. Make sure to provide your identification documents and a valid driver’s license. The ID is to identify who you are, where you come from, and your next of kin, and the driver’s license is to prove that you are eligible to drive a car.

Choose the type of car: Car rental companies offer different types of cars ranging from budget to luxury. Choose a car that suits your budget and needs. The kinds of cars popularly rented in Kigali include Toyota RAv4, land cruise Prado Tx, land cruiser V8/Vx, land cruiser LX and Toyota Hiace (tourist van).  In case, you don’t have a clue of what vehicle to hire, request the operator to advise on which one to select that will best serve your travel purpose.

Familiarize yourself with the driving rules: Rwanda drives on the right-hand side of the road. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the local driving rules to avoid any problems on the road. Rwanda is so strict about its traffic laws that once one violates them a premium fine awaits or even faces prison time.

Obtain necessary permits: Ensure that you have the necessary permits to drive in Rwanda. You may need an International Driving Permit if your stay does not exceed three months.  But if it does you will be required to get a local driving license.

Plan your route: Plan your route before driving to your destination. You can use Google Maps or other navigation apps to help you get around.

Fill up your tank: Make sure to fill up your car’s tank before starting your journey. Fuel stations are readily available in Kigali. This helps you to do away with issues of fuel running out of the car yet you are in the middle of nowhere.

Drive carefully: Drive carefully and follow the local traffic rules. Be alert, especially on busy roads.

Return the car on time: Ensure that you return the car on time to avoid extra charges.

By following these steps, you can easily learn how to get around Kigali by car rental.

Car Rental Trip in Rwanda is some wave that has come to stay. Travelers have resorted to merely hiring a car with a driver or without a driver (Self-drive car hire) from the tour operators and handling the booking of other travel items like accommodation, park entrance, and park activities by themselves.

Car Rental Trip in Rwanda, especially the self drive option provide the freedom to travel at your own leisure since there is no specific schedule or itinerary to follow.

Albeit so exciting and adventurous, a car rental trip is a risky venture as you take on a foreign country on your own without the help of a local expert.

Everything can be unfamiliar to you and thus bound to make lots of mistakes and turn the trip into a nightmare. To avoid such mayhem, you have to plan and prepare thoroughly.

Here are some tips for having a successful car rental trip:

Plan ahead: Before you even start your trip, make sure to plan out your itinerary and understand your rental agreement. Research the rental car company policies, insurance coverage, and any additional fees. Know which damages are not covered in the car rental insurance to be careful when driving. The driving time is also important as rental operators don’t allow exceeding 7 pm. ensure to plan your travel so that you reach your destination in time to avoid fines from the operator.

Book in advance: It’s always best to book your rental car in advance, as this gives you time to compare prices and options, and secure the vehicle you need. The last minute could make you settle less as you have no choice which could be a nightmare. So allow yourself time to book a perfect car for your trip.

Choose the right car: Make sure to choose the right car for your needs. Consider the number of passengers, luggage space, and the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. Select a car that will enable you to have a comfortable trip. When you have no clue about the vehicle to rent, seek advice from your operator.

Check the car thoroughly: Before you drive off, make sure to inspect the car thoroughly. Check for any damage, dents, or scratches, and report them to the rental company before leaving.

Understand the controls: Familiarize yourself with the controls of the car, especially if it’s a new model or you’re not used to driving an automatic transmission.

Drive carefully: Be a responsible driver and follow traffic rules and regulations. Take into account the road and weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.

Fill up the tank before returning: Make sure to fill up the gas tank before returning the car to the rental company. Otherwise, you may be charged an extra fee for refueling.

Return the car on time: Return the car on time to avoid any late fees. Also, make sure to return the car in the same condition as you received it.

One of the ways to get close and interact with the local people in Rwanda is by taking a self drive trip in Rwanda. The self-guided tour offers the liberty to travel at your own pace and here you will visit the remotest places in Rwanda where the indigenous people reside.

Interacting with local people is a great way to learn about the culture and customs of Rwanda. You get to sip from the elders’ cup of wisdom as you enjoy with them a local meal or game. You get to know that life is not about money, it is about sharing, unity, and love. Interacting with the locals in Rwanda leaves an everlasting mark on your life, you change the way you perceive life and start enjoying the little that fall your way.

Here are some tips on how to interact with local people during a self-drive trip in Rwanda:

Learn some basic phrases in Kinyarwanda, the official language of Rwanda. Even if you can only say “hello” and “thank you,” it shows that you are making an effort to connect with the locals. Say a word in Kinyarwanda is a great way to introduce yourself to having amazing and insightful conversations with the locals. It creates an impression and trust between you and the locals.

Be respectful of local customs and traditions. For example, if you are visiting a village, ask permission before taking photos or entering someone’s home. This keeps you safe from getting into trouble, these are rigid people who religiously believe in their traditions and once you undermine them, it is an abomination to society. They can never welcome and like you.

Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with people you meet. Rwandans are generally friendly and welcoming, and many are eager to learn about visitors from other countries. Good conservation forges a great everlasting relationship with them. And one of the reasons why people visit places is to know their history and conservation is the only way to lure someone into telling you about their background.

Try to learn about the local culture and history. Rwanda has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many interesting places to visit, such as museums, cultural centers, and traditional villages. Hire a Car in Rwanda from a good car rental agency.

If you have the opportunity, attend a cultural event or festival. This is a great way to experience local traditions and connect with the community.

Be aware of the local customs and traditions around food and drink. For example, it is considered impolite to refuse food that is offered to you, so be prepared to try new dishes.

Finally, be open and respectful in your interactions with local people. Remember that you are a guest in their country and that you have a lot to learn from them.

Kigali is one of the cities where car rental services have become vibrant, thanks to Rwanda’s prominence in the tourism world. Lots of travelers use Kigali as their starting point for visiting other attractions in the land of a thousand hills and more so, the city itself is a force of attraction. It has lots of historical and modern sites worth encountering. The demand for car hire in Kigali is on the rise and the services are a lifesaver to travelers. However, you have to plan and prepare to have a joyful experience with the Kigali Car Rental. These Kigali Car Rental Tips are useful to you.

If you’re planning on renting a car in Kigali, Rwanda, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit (IDP) if required. There is no way, you are allowed to rent a car without a valid driver’s license. It proves that you are fit to drive a car.

Choose a reputable car rental company with good reviews and a well-maintained fleet of vehicles. Due to technological advances, it is easy to know the reputation of the company, you simply visit travel social platforms such as TripAdvisor, Kayak, Booking.com, and Lonely planet. On the aforementioned forums, you get to know the ratings of the company and also what their past client say about their services. This enables you to make a judgment of whether the company is up to standard to deliver a great car rental experience.

Consider renting a car with a driver if you’re not familiar with the area or feel uncomfortable driving in Kigali’s traffic. A driver offers the certainty of your travel experience. These are normally experts who have driven in Kigali for ages and are thus in a position to render a safe and convenient trip.

Be aware that traffic in Kigali can be congested, and driving can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road.

Take note of the speed limits, which are generally posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), and follow them. There are automated cameras on every road in Kigali once you violate the speed limit, a fine ticket will be waiting for you.

Be mindful of road conditions, especially during the rainy season, when roads can become slick and slippery. The fog cannot be forgotten especially in the morning, you are advised to keep the headlights on as well as low your speed.

Always wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers in the car do the same. The seat belt saves a lot especially when there is a collision. It prevents your body from hit any object in front of you.

Be sure to carry your identification and vehicle documents with you at all times, as you may be asked to present them at checkpoints.

Fill up the gas tank before returning the car to the rental company to avoid any additional charges.

Finally, be respectful of local driving customs and etiquette, and remember that driving in Kigali can be a unique and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Contact us for more Kigali Car Rental Tips.

The travel operators in Rwanda have invented a new camping adventure whereby a traveler hires a car and a rooftop tent. The tent nestled on top of the car acts as accommodation thus dodging spending on a lodge. Hiring a car with a rooftop tent in Rwanda includes a 4×4 car, normally a land cruiser, a rooftop tent, and camping gear. Tourists can either hire a single rooftop tent that accommodates two people or a double rooftop tent that is occupied by four people. Therefore, this camping adventure is holistic, it can be enjoyed by solo travelers, couples, or with a family.

There are several reasons why you might consider hiring a car with a rooftop tent for your trip to Rwanda:

Flexibility and convenience: Having a car with a rooftop tent allows you to have a flexible and convenient way of exploring Rwanda. You can set up camp anywhere you like, without worrying about finding a suitable accommodation option. It allows you to stay in any place you wish at any time since it is a mobile accommodation which can be moved to any place of your choice.

Cost-effective: Renting a car with a rooftop tent may be more cost-effective than staying in hotels or lodges, especially if you plan to travel for an extended period. Here the expenses of transport and accommodation are adjoined into one which is much cheaper than booking the two separately.

Access to remote areas: Rwanda is known for its stunning national parks and wildlife reserves. Hiring a car with a rooftop tent allows you to access remote areas that may not have traditional accommodation options. The remote areas are usually natural and silent creating an incredible atmosphere to camp and enjoy the adventure with your loved ones.

Outdoor experience: For those who love the outdoors, a car with a rooftop tent provides an immersive experience of being close to nature. You can enjoy stunning views of the landscape and wildlife from your tent. At night, you can light up a campfire, and enjoy a few drinks or a cup of coffee with your loved ones as you reminisce about the good old times.

Social distancing: With the ongoing pandemic, having a car with a rooftop tent provides a safe and socially distant way of traveling and exploring Rwanda, without the need to stay in crowded hotels or lodges. You avoid sharing any facility with any other person, something advised during these covid-19 times.

Overall, hiring a car with a rooftop tent in Rwanda provides a unique and unforgettable way of exploring the country, allowing you to connect with nature and have an authentic travel experience.