When you travel to Rwanda, do you intend to drive yourself? That’s a smart idea, though, given Rwanda is a country rich in natural beauty, wildlife, culture, and water features. Following the 1994 Genocide, Rwanda recovered and rose to prominence as a popular travel destination. Positive traveler reviews about Rwanda can be found on websites such as TripAdvisor. “If you haven’t been to Rwanda, you haven’t been to Africa,” one of them remarked. Actually, a large number of these reviewers have travelled independently and have shared their unique experiences. Rent a car in Rwanda if you want to take full advantage of the trip and forego pre-arranged guided tours. You can be travelling with friends and family, in a pair, or by yourself on these popular self drive routes in Rwanda.
Driving independently not only saves a tonne of money compared to hiring a guide, but it also gives you privacy and the flexibility to go at your own speed. A current driver’s license, a GPS, local or Google maps, and an enthusiasm for exploration are all you need. Driving at night is one thing you should avoid doing on a self-drive vacation since you run the risk of getting lost. We have compiled a list of the best three routes for a self-drive journey around Rwanda if this is your first time visiting.
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
About 110 kilometres make up the distance between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park, and driving there takes two hours. Commence your trip in Kigali, then go north to Musanze to see the Parc Nationale Des Volcans, Rwanda’s oldest and most well-known range of the Virunga Park. The mountain gorillas call it home, and it was founded in 1925 by Belgian overlords.
Volcanoes Park is now the most popular tourist destination in Rwanda since gorilla trekking is the nation’s top tourist attraction. Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, tracking golden monkeys, gorilla trekking, and birdwatching. When visiting Rwanda, you just cannot not miss this path.
Kigali to Akagera National Park
Leave Kigali and travel to Akagera National Park in the east. This road trip will take roughly four and a half hours, covering a distance of about 220 km. With 482 different kinds of birds and over 8000 different animal species, Akagera is the greatest protected wetland in Eastern and Central Africa.
Camping, opulent lodging, and game drives to take in the distinctive animals and scenery of this National Park are among the park’s activities. While visiting Akagera, take pleasure in witnessing the “big five” the lion, elephant, leopard, black rhino, and buffalo. Bird gazing and boat rides are two other attractions.
Kigali to Lake Kivu
From Kigali, begin your journey westward to Lake Kivu. This is around 160 miles away and takes three hours to complete. See the charming lakeside communities of Gisenyi and Kibuye. Savour the boat trips at Lake Kivu, with longer journeys that take you to the islands of Munini and Amahoro. Take a cruise in the evening; the lake’s sunsets are healing.
You may also go sport fishing, which is quite satisfying because you can bring the catch home and have it prepared by the chef. Hiking, riding, and bird watching in the mountains are additional enjoyable activities. Make sure you have a comfortable stay because there are opulent lodgings.
If properly organised, road trips can be quite rewarding in Rwanda. Always schedule your breaks in advance. Set aside money for long-side merchants; some may be offering trinkets or uncommon products that are hard to find in other parts of the nation. Make the most of Rwanda by travelling the Popular Self Drive Routes in Rwanda mentioned above.
