Driving across borders is always a great opportunity for those who enjoy long road trips . From the breath-taking beauty of the mountainous nature of Rwanda to the fine detail of villages, you get to enjoy everything at your own pace. This Packing List For Cross Border Trips contains everything you need to pack when driving across borders in Rwanda.
Driving through the wilderness gives you a chance to appreciate nature and is a perfect get away from the daily life hassle. This experience may be ruined by forgetting to pack essentials especially if you are a last minute person. Even those who pack in advance may forget a thing or two.
If you find packing overwhelming especially when it comes to deciding which essentials to bring for the cross border trip, we have got your back.
Paperwork
In order to cross the Rwandan border, you need a passport, driving permit if you’re self driving, a yellow fever vaccination card, and insurance papers or sticker for your car. You may also need an authorisation document from your car rental company allowing you to cross borders with their car. Organise these beforehand to avoid inconveniences.
Fully charged phone and Charger
If you attempt to document every day of your cross border road trip, make sure you bring your phone or tablet and add a portable charger as well to keep your devices charged at all times and capture every moment. Do not forget a power bank for back up in case your battery runs out.
Road assistance essentials
Cross border trips are unpredictable. Even when you’ve inspected the car and made sure it is perfect mechanical condition, it doesn’t change the fact that anything can happen along the way.
They say it is always good to have something and not need it but very bad to need something and not have it. Always have a spare tyre, a car jack, jumper cables, jump starters, reflective warning triangles or flares, fire extinguisher among others.
Medication
Cross border trips usually involve driving for long hours and sometimes even days. Along the way, it is uncertain that you’ll find a health care facility so always be prepared with essential Medications for instance pain killers, Antihistamines, antibiotics, antimalarials and other Medications that you take on a daily if you have an underlying condition. Pack these in a small bag and you can also buy a first aid kit for your journey.
Entertainment
Long trips can be draining so you need something to keep you entertained. Most rental cars have inbuilt sound systems but you may as well pack a portable speaker to play your favourite music. You can also download movies and shows on your phones or tablets to keep you entertained along the way.
Toiletries
Simple essentials like toothbrushes, razors, deodorants, and cotton swabs are often left unnoticed when you need to prepare for a trip. It is always a good idea to prepare in advance a small toiletry bag packed with all the essentials you’ll need for your trip. It doesn’t solve all the problems, but it does take care of a fair amount of packaging. But remember not to pack too much.
Minimal clothing
Be selective about which clothing to take and pack light to save space in your suitcase to ensure an ideal and comfortable travel experience.
Sunglasses
A pair of sunglasses is a must-have road trip accessory for keeping the sun out of your eyes while you’re driving. You can also consider bringing other essential items such as eye drops, a packet of eyelid wipes or a spare pair of glasses to avoid eye-related problems along the way.
Hand sanitizers
After Covid 19 pandemic, a hand sanitizer has become a must have for anyone travelling within the country or across borders. It is highly likely that you will be moving around constantly and seeing lots of new faces during your journey. It’s a must that you have a hand sanitizer accessible any time to avoid getting sick. Also pack hand and facial wipes
Snacks and drinks
After crossing the Rwandan border, it is possible that you’ll drive a long distance before you get to the next town. Pack some of your favourite snacks and soft drinks in case you get hungry.
An important parking hack is that you need to have a backpack or tote bag to carry the things you’ll need more often along your journey. Do not pack these things in the suitcase because it’ll be inconveniencing for you. Do not forget to carry some cash with you and exchange it at the border because most transactions in East Africa are cash based.
