Tips

Budget Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in the home of thousand hills – Rwanda at a close distance during the gorilla trekking experience. The adventure is among the amazing and beautiful experiences one shouldn’t miss out since it creates the most lifetime memories as you set your eyes on the playful apes for the first time. A mountain gorilla is one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorillas and it is among the descendants of ancestral monkeys and apes and are mostly found in the African continent. These apes have unique features including the thick and longer fur and this allows them to live in colder temperatures. The hair at the back of these apes is shorter than that on other body parts and that on their arms is longer. They inhabit the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests including the Virunga Mountains.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda

The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.

In the Republic of Rwanda, gorilla trekking experience takes place in Volcanoes National Park. The park is well known for setting the famous ‘’Gorillas in the Mist’’ movie which was about the primatologist Dian Fossey who played a great role in the conservation of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In the north-western part of Rwanda, the park protects a total surface area of 160 square kilometers of rainforests and five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains – Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.

There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated and open for tourism activities such as gorilla trekking experience. Among these groups/families include; Amahoro gorilla group, Hirwa gorilla group, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Kwitonda gorilla group, Group 13/ Agashya group, Umubano gorilla family, Ugenda gorilla group, Susa A group, Susa B group, Karisimbi group, Titus group, and Bwenge gorilla group.

The gorilla trekking experience involves hiking through the rain forests of the park in search of the endangered species and it starts with a briefing from the park ranger guides at the park headquarters where all the trekkers are gathered. After the briefing, you are allocated to different gorilla families by the lead of a ranger guide. Once they are found, the trekker is allowed to spend an hour in their presence as he/she enjoys their daily life practices like breastfeeding, playing, feeding and others.

What to Consider while Planning a Budget Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Choose the Right Season

As you are planning for a budget gorilla safari in Rwanda, consider traveling during the low season (March, April, November) can significantly reduce costs. In these months, some lodges and tour operators offer discounts due to the lower number of tourists.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are at USD 1500 per person as per 2024 Rwanda Development Board tariff. When you are considering to travel on budget, you can trek in Bwindi Impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park where the permits are at USD800 as the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff. Also, it’s a shorter drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, to Uganda’s gorilla parks, which can also save money.

Choose Budget Accommodation

Volcanoes national park is surrounded by a number of budget lodges and campsites that provide an affordable and comfortable stay. Among the popular options to consider include; Kinigi Guest House, Amahoro Guest house and others.

Also, some accommodations near Volcanoes offer camping options though you are supposed to move with your own gear.

Travel in Groups

As you are planning your budget Rwanda safari, consider traveling in groups as the transportation costs and driver are shared.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for a Budget Gorilla Trekking Experience

The republic of Rwanda can be visited anytime round for gorilla trekking experience but the most suitable time is during the dry season which stands in the months of June to September. This is because the jungle is neither muddy nor slippery during these months. For discounted lodge costs, consider traveling in low season that is March, April, and November.

Besides gorilla trekking experience, there are other activities that can be done in Volcanoes national park and among these include bird watching, golden monkey trekking, nature walking and community visit.

In conclusion, by being flexible with your timing and accommodations, choosing the right options, and exploring alternatives, you can experience Rwanda’s incredible gorilla trekking without breaking the bank.

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Legal Requirements for Foreigners to Self-drive in Rwanda

Self-driving in Rwanda can be a convenient and rewarding way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. However, as a foreigner, there are certain legal requirements and regulations that you need to be aware of before hitting the road with a Rwanda car rental. Understanding these requirements will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your self-drive adventure in Rwanda.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Foreigners planning to drive in Rwanda must possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original driver’s license issued by their home country. The IDP serves as a translation of your driver’s license into multiple languages and is recognized as a valid form of identification in Rwanda. It’s essential to obtain an IDP before your trip to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Minimum Age Requirement

The minimum age for driving in Rwanda is 18 years old. Foreign visitors must be at least 18 years of age to legally operate a vehicle within the country. Additionally, rental car companies may have their age restrictions and requirements for renting a vehicle, so it’s advisable to check with the rental agency beforehand.

Valid Passport and Visa

Foreign visitors must have a valid passport with a visa to enter Rwanda. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the country. Visas can typically be obtained upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or online prior to your trip, depending on your nationality. Check the latest visa requirements and application procedures through the official website of the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

Vehicle Insurance

Before operating a vehicle in Rwanda, foreign drivers must ensure they have valid vehicle insurance that provides adequate coverage. This insurance is essential in the event of accidents, damage to property, or injury to individuals. While some rental companies may include insurance in their rental packages, it’s advisable for drivers to confirm the extent of coverage and consider additional insurance if necessary.

Vehicle Registration and Documentation

Foreign drivers must ensure they have all relevant documentation for the vehicle they intend to drive in Rwanda. This includes the vehicle’s registration documents, which serve as proof of ownership and contain essential information such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, and year of manufacture. Additionally, drivers should carry the vehicle’s insurance documents and any other pertinent paperwork provided by the rental company.

Traffic Regulations and Road Safety

Familiarize yourself with Rwanda’s traffic regulations and road safety guidelines to ensure a safe driving experience. In Rwanda, vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and seat belts are mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle. Speed limits, road signs, and traffic signals should be observed at all times. Avoid using mobile phones while driving, and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as strict penalties may apply for violations.

Emergency Contacts and Roadside Assistance

It’s advisable to keep a list of emergency contacts and roadside assistance services handy in case of any unforeseen incidents or emergencies while driving in Rwanda. Save the contact information for local emergency services, including the police, ambulance, and fire department, as well as the contact details for your rental car agency or insurance provider.

Navigation and Maps

While Rwanda’s road network is relatively well-maintained, some rural areas may lack adequate signage or road markings. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a GPS navigation system or mobile mapping applications to navigate unfamiliar routes. Additionally, carrying a physical map of Rwanda as a backup can be helpful, especially in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Border Crossing and Permit Requirements

If you plan to drive across international borders during your stay in Rwanda, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits and documentation for your vehicle. Cross-border travel may require additional permits, such as a temporary importation permit for your vehicle and a valid visa for entry into neighboring countries. Check the specific requirements and regulations for each border crossing well in advance to avoid any delays or complications. 

In summary, self-driving in Rwanda as a foreigner requires adherence to certain legal requirements and regulations to ensure compliance with local laws and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. By obtaining the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance coverage, familiarizing yourself with traffic regulations and road safety guidelines, and planning your route in advance, you can embark on a memorable self-drive adventure in Rwanda with confidence and peace of mind.

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Rent a Car With a Pop-Up Roof in Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a country brimming with natural beauty, from lush rain forests to serene lake shores. Exploring this stunning landscape in a pop-up roof car is an adventure like no other, offering panoramic views and a unique experience that connects you intimately with nature.

Whether you’re embarking on a safari adventure, exploring Rwanda’s national parks, or simply enjoying a scenic drive through the countryside, adhering to the below information will help you navigate the roads of Rwanda safely and responsibly while maximizing your enjoyment of the journey.

Features Of a Pop-Up Roof Car

Pop-up roof cars come equipped with various features to enhance your driving experience and ensure your comfort during your journey through Rwanda’s diverse landscapes. Some key features include:

Retractable Roof: The highlight of a pop-up roof car is its retractable roof, which allows passengers to enjoy unobstructed views of the surroundings. Whether you’re admiring the towering peaks of the Virunga Mountains or watching the sunset over Lake Kivu, the pop-up roof provides an immersive experience.

Four-Wheel Drive: Many pop-up roof cars are equipped with four-wheel drive capabilities, making them ideal for navigating rough terrain and off-road trails. This feature ensures stability and traction, allowing you to explore remote areas with confidence.

Comfortable Seating: Pop-up roof cars typically feature comfortable seating arrangements to accommodate passengers during long drives. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, you can expect ample legroom and ergonomic seating for a relaxed journey.

Storage Space: For travellers with luggage or equipment, pop-up roof cars often come with ample storage space to stow belongings securely. Whether you’re carrying camping gear for an overnight adventure or luggage for a weekend getaway, you can rest assured knowing your belongings are safely stored.

Exploring Rwanda’s Natural Wonders

With your pop-up roof car as your trusty companion, set out to explore the myriad natural wonders that Rwanda has to offer. Here are some must-visit destinations to add to your itinerary:

Volcanoes National Park: Home to the endangered mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and conservation efforts. Embark on a gorilla trekking adventure and witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Nyungwe Forest National Park: Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Nyungwe Forest National Park, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with flora and fauna. Explore the park’s network of hiking trails, canopy walkways, and chimpanzee trekking routes for an unforgettable rainforest experience.

Lake Kivu: Relax and unwind along the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes known for its scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance. Take a leisurely boat cruise or indulge in water sports such as kayaking and swimming amidst stunning mountain scenery.

Akagera National Park: Discover the untamed wilderness of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna reserve brimming with diverse wildlife. Embark on a thrilling safari adventure and encounter iconic African species such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. 

Why choose a Pop-up Roof Car?

Choosing to rent a pop-up roof car in Rwanda offers several distinct advantages that enhance your overall experience. Here are detailed reasons why opting for a pop-up roof car is an excellent choice:

Great Views: One of the primary reasons to choose a pop-up roof car is the unparalleled panoramic views it provides. With the retractable roof, passengers have the freedom to enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape from every angle. Whether you’re traversing through lush forests, winding mountain roads, or vast savannas, the pop-up roof offers an immersive experience that connects you intimately with nature.

Optimal Wildlife Viewing: Rwanda is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including iconic species such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and various bird species. A pop-up roof car enhances your wildlife viewing experience by providing an elevated vantage point. This allows you to spot wildlife from a distance and observe their natural behaviours without disturbing them. Whether you’re on a guided safari in a national park or exploring remote habitats, the pop-up roof maximizes your chances of encountering wildlife and capturing memorable moments.

Photography Opportunities: For photography enthusiasts, a pop-up roof car is a game-changer. The unobstructed views and elevated position offered by the pop-up roof provide photographers with unique perspectives and stunning compositions. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes, wildlife portraits, or candid moments of local life, the pop-up roof car serves as a versatile platform for capturing memorable photographs.

Comfort and Convenience: Pop-up roof cars are designed with passenger comfort in mind. The spacious interior, comfortable seating, and ergonomic design ensure a pleasant journey, even during long drives. The retractable roof allows passengers to adjust the airflow and natural light according to their preferences, creating a comfortable environment regardless of the weather conditions outside. Additionally, the elevated roof provides ample headroom, allowing passengers to move freely within the vehicle.

Versatility for Various Terrains: Rwanda’s diverse terrain ranges from rugged mountains to dense rain forests and savanna plains. A pop-up roof car is well-suited for exploring these varied landscapes, thanks to its versatile design and four-wheel-drive capabilities. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, muddy roads, or steep inclines, the pop-up roof car offers stability, traction, and manoeuvrability, ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience in any terrain.

Engaging Safari Experience: Hiring a pop-up roof car for your safari adventure in Rwanda adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement. The retractable roof creates an open-air feel, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the sights, sounds, and scents of the wilderness. Whether you’re listening to the calls of distant animals, feeling the breeze on your face, or gazing at the star-filled sky during a night drive, the pop-up roof enhances the sensory experience of safari travel.

In summary, driving a car equipped with a pop-up roof in Rwanda offers the best enjoyment in the national parks. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor exploring Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, understanding how to safely operate and maneuver a vehicle with a pop-up roof is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

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How to Choose a Rwanda Car Rental Company

Hiring a car is one thing any traveler on Rwanda safari should put into consideration. It is what makes your safari complete but the Rwanda car rental company you choose to deal with also matters a lot. Whereas others opt to borrowing from friend or family or embarking on public means, they are not the best options if you are interested in flexible road trip that is why dealing with a reliable car rental agency is best way to go.

To guide well when choosing the best agency to for Rwanda car hire, the following factors should be put into consideration;

1. Do Research

As mentioned earlier in our post, there are many car rental companies that you can find all over across various countries. Before you make an effort to hire one, it is advisable to ensure that you conduct enough research. When you spare your time to find out more about car rentals, it becomes easy to find a car rental firm that will suit your needs. Also, ensure that you consider using top-rated car rental websites to get the latest information.

2. The rates for car rental

When choosing a car hire company to deal with, take note of the rates of car rental. Each car hire agency in Rwanda has its set prices for car hire which you need to be aware of before you make your last choice. To be on safer side, we advise our clients to spare sometime and research on different car rental companies to get to know about their rates. This is one way that you can make comparison such that you find the best car rental agency with pocket friendly rates and the best offers. Also do not be mistaken that the high rates reflect better services at times it is not the case and again do not be moved by cheap things as they may cost on your wallet.

3. Reputation

If you want to hire a car rental company, make sure that you consider its reputation. Most of the companies are widely known for their reliable and quality services that they offer to their customers. That is why it is paramount to read online testimonials and reviews before you make your final decision. Hiring a reputable company means that you are secured and safe while on the roads.

4. Fuel

Different Car Hire Company may or may not quote fuel rates and even when they do, you will realize that others quote a high or low rate. Meanwhile others rent a car out with fuel and you are expected to bring it with same quantity of fuel and bridge of agreement may mean a cost on your wallet. Before you make your decision, make sure that you know fuel policy of a particular Car Rental Company you hope to deal with.

5. Customer Care Services

When hiring a car rental company, it is vital to take your time and visit the company before hiring it. Once you arrive at the intended company, take your time to identify the quality of services that they deliver to their customers. A professional company will ensure that they meet the needs of their clients, and as a result, they will provide quality customer service. That is why you should hire a car rental company that provides quality and satisfying customer services to their customers.

6. Road assistance

When choosing for Car Hire Company or agency to deal with, make sure that you inquire more on breakdown-if there is any provision for rescue of car and if you will be required to pay addition amount or not. However, most car hire agencies off a 24hour road assistance although you do not need to assume that it happens to all.

7. Additional costs

Did you know that there are hidden costs/charges that some car rental companies do not tell clients online but when booking they disclose to you? Do not be taken by surprise with a new charge presented to you at the end of day/actual day of hiring a car. Ask and find out what your quotation includes or excludes.

8. Insurance

Different car hire companies have their own set insurance policy or terms and conditions. Because of this, you need not to assume that this applies to all or they all provide comprehensive or third-party insurance. To be on safer side, you have to inquire more about this. Usually, insurance policy covers the car rental only while others include the visitor’s life and property. On the other hand, other agencies may require you to purchase your own or for the car too.

9. Mileage provided

Each Car Hire Company has its mileage provision. Some offer unlimited while others limited. You are required to inquire more about what mileage the company you hope to deal with offers to avoid incurring unexpected charges.

10. Car Selection

Cars are hired for different reasons. Since you need a car rental company, make sure that you take your time to check on the available types of vehicles that a given company offers. For example, if you are planning to travel with your family, you should look for a car rental company that provides various cars that will accommodate your family. In other words, you should hire a company that has a wide range of vehicles that will suit your needs.

11. Location of the Car Rental Company

Many companies have been established to offer car rental services. One should consider the location of the car rental company to minimize cost and reduce time it takes to access the car services. This company is located in the major cities and arrangements can be made for the car to be delivered to one’s location.

12. Car Rental Terms

It’s vital you consider the car rental terms before making the final decision. Make sure that you read all the details and seek clarification on any information that you do not seem to understand. Not complying with the car rental terms can cost you more money, if all the requirements are not met.

13. Drop-off times & location

The drop off time and the company’s rules towards it are among the most vital factors to consider before hiring a car.  It is good to look for service providers that are inexpensive and lenient as far as drop off locations is concerned.

14. Value Addition

Ask the convenience that the company offers before making a final decision. There are service providers that offer online bookings. Without a doubt, online interaction will save time and stress. Some car rental companies may offer a bundle deal with discounted price for several extra items like GPS units, child seats, booster seat, roof racks for an additional fee. Most car rental companies do not allow smoking in the car. Car rental companies will charge you a cleaning fee in case you do so. Some rental car companies may or may not charge for a chauffeur.

 

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Why You Should Hire a Car in Rwanda?

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a breathtakingly beautiful country in East Africa that offers a unique and memorable travel experience. From its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture to its diverse wildlife and rich history, Rwanda has become a popular destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. One of the best ways to explore this remarkable country is by booking a rental car. Here are several reasons why renting a car in Rwanda is a great deal.

Freedom and Flexibility

When you rent a car in Rwanda, you gain the freedom and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. You are not bound by the restrictions of public transportation schedules or dependent on tour groups. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary, choose your destinations, and take detours whenever you please. Whether you want to spend a day exploring the vibrant capital city of Kigali, go on a thrilling wildlife safari in Akagera National Park, or visit the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park, having a rental car gives you the freedom to make the most of your time and experience Rwanda on your terms.

Scenic Drives

Rwanda is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, and driving through the country allows you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. From rolling hills and lush tea plantations to picturesque lakes and dense rain forests, the landscapes of Rwanda are truly mesmerizing. Booking a rental car enables you to embark on scenic drives, such as the renowned Lake Kivu loop, where you can witness stunning views of the lake and its surrounding hills. The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is also a must-do, offering captivating vistas of the countryside and the opportunity to see the majestic mountain gorillas.

Accessibility to Remote Areas

While Rwanda has a well-maintained road network, some remote areas may be challenging to access without a private vehicle. Renting a car provides you with the ability to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations and explore lesser-known gems. For instance, you can venture to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to a remarkable diversity of primates and one of the oldest rain forests in Africa. Having a rental car enables you to navigate the country’s roads and reach these remote areas, granting you the chance to discover hidden treasures and create unforgettable memories.

Cost-Effective Travel

Contrary to popular belief, booking a rental car in Rwanda can be an affordable option for travelers. The country offers a range of car rental companies with various vehicle options, allowing you to find one that suits your budget. Additionally, by having a car at your disposal, you can save money on transportation costs in the long run. With public transportation, you might need to hire taxis or join organized tours, which can add up over time. By renting a car, you can optimize your travel budget and allocate your funds towards other experiences or accommodations.

Enhanced Safety and Convenience

Rwanda is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, and renting a car adds an extra layer of safety and convenience to your journey. With your own vehicle, you have control over your transportation, ensuring a secure and comfortable travel experience. You can store your belongings safely, avoid crowded public transport, and have the convenience of traveling directly from one attraction to another without the hassle of coordinating with multiple transportation modes.

In conclusion, booking a rental car in Rwanda is undeniably a great deal for travelers. The freedom, flexibility, and accessibility it offers allow you to maximize your time, immerse yourself in the country’s stunning landscapes, and explore hidden treasures. Moreover, renting a car can be cost-effective, providing you with the opportunity to allocate your travel budget.

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Going on Safari in Rwanda

Rwanda is renowned for its amazing gorilla trekking holidays in Volcanoes National Park. Trekking through the dense rain forest of Rwanda in search of mountain gorilla families is one of the most profound experiences that you can enjoy in the natural world.

Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

Tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest, alive with the calls of 200 species of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, is only one of the truly unique experiences in the area.

The cost of a single gorilla permit in Rwanda is US$1,500 for visitors from outside Africa. Also, there is a discounted gorilla permit from November to May and it always applies when you are visiting one or two more Rwanda parks. Again, for the citizens of Rwanda and other East African countries have an offer of $200. The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season of June to October. This is also the best time of year to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda as these periods offer the best hiking conditions and the lowest risk of malaria.

Volcanoes National Park is the site of primatologist Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Station, where she led a team to study gorillas in the wild. You can undertake about a 2-hour hike to her tomb, which is – like so much in Rwanda – both moving and inspiring, or discover more about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

The hike is considered one of the best, most intimate tours in Rwanda, and offers a great opportunity to look out for primates, hogs, forest elephants and a plethora of bird species. There are a few troops of habituated golden monkeys, whose antics are great fun to watch. Golden monkeys are endangered, and permits are required for trekking.

Volcanoes National Park also shelters five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains which are: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo) covering over 160 km2 of rain forest and bamboo.

During gorilla trekking you will embark on your hikes to the different Virunga Mountains depending on the different gorilla groups that are assigned to you, for instance, the Karisimbi gorilla group is found on mount Karisimbi, the Ugenda gorilla family is usually found along the slopes of mount Sabyinyo among other gorilla families.

The gorilla trekking process in the park is quite interesting because you will get to see a number of attractions including the different bird species, the golden monkeys among other species. In the park, you will get to the bamboo trees where the gorillas are found, you will get to see the behaviour of the gentle giants while in the wild, for instance, their feeding patterns you will see infants suckling the breasts of their mothers for food, you will also see them eating the bamboo trees which is quite an exhilarating experience to come in contact with the primates which you will see in an hour you get to spend with the gorillas, photography can also be carried out to keep exciting memories of your experience with the gentle giants.

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Uganda Self Drive Safari: Why Book Your Car Early?

Are you interested in self drive safari in Uganda? Self dive trips are by far the most sought after experience by travelers. Booking for a car of your choice is the most important thing that any traveler must do if you are to get the perfect safari experiences in Uganda. We appreciate the availability of internet, booking flights or contacting a tour company is no longer a debatable issue, it only takes you less time to reach to us for any help related to car hire/rental and self drive safaris in Uganda. Why is it important for you to book for your car in advance in Uganda?

Below are reasons;

You will have adequate time to plan for the journey

Booking a tour in advance offers traveler a lot of time to finish all their planning process. Adequate planning of your safari is very vital. It gives tourists ample time to do their shopping for clothes and travel accessories that may be of value for the safari. Make sure that you have your checklist by your side so that you do not leave out anything valuable. You can as well visit in any of Uganda’s local library or book store and spend some money in guidebooks. You can sit down with your family members and start selecting the activities that can excite you while in a safari in Uganda. Booking a car in advance also offers travelers adequate time to organize essentials like getting passports renewed and other vital vaccinations for the safari.

Wide range of choice

There are very many car rental companies in Uganda and by booking for your car in advance the best way for you to weigh different offers from various companies so that you up with the best choice. Equally, the perfect low budget lodges in Uganda usually get booked up during the peak season. Booking in advance means visitors have a lot of time to choose best pocket friendly safari accommodation to spend a night. The most magnificent places in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Forest National Park. These destinations are highly booked during the peak season. You can book for your safari holiday in advance at least few months before traveling.

There are various drivers who are ready at the airport to offer you transport services but the unfortunate bit of it is that, the prices are just crazy with other hidden and inflated costs on your safari for instance parking fees, over time among others. These additional costs in most cases are not too much but will make you inconvenienced and definitely sad especially when your safari becomes expensive more than what you expected. You can only run away from this kind scenarios by simply booking a self drive car in advance or even book it with one driver and have the most fascinating travel experience with us.

It also breaks the assumption that drivers usually have that when you get out of the airport the next thing is to connect to the major city immediately. Since there is no public transport in the airport, at the same time you don’t have any one whom you are waiting for with car, the only alternative is for you to book for your self drive car in advance and it will right there as soon as you step at the airport.

In case you are planning to travel to Uganda it is advisable that you book your car at least 6 months in advance such that when you arrive at the airport, you are in position to find a driver waiting for you. Booking a car rental in Uganda is simpler now with online services and once you arrive at the airport, you get someone holding a paper with your name highlighted, after you will be taken where your booked car is to sign the agreement and you will set off with your car. By so doing you would have saved both money and time.

In conclusion we encourage you to book for your car in advance so that we confirm your booking before you arrive to Entebbe International Airport. This will also assist you on how you can connect from the airport to Kampala and other destinations that might be of interest to you.

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A Complete Guide to Self Drive Tours in Rwanda

Plan the road trip to Rwanda with Drive East Africa to cut the cost of the Rwanda Safari while on an adventure and enjoy various Safari activities in Rwanda National Parks.

We have put together this comprehensive guide to assist independent tourists wanting to travel to Rwanda on a self-drive safari to understand the best places to go, where to stay, the people of Rwanda, and many considerations for the perfect road trip journey.

History of Rwanda

Rwanda, often known as the “country of a thousand hills,” because of its vast, sprawling, lush mountains and diversified natural beauty.

The variety and uniqueness of what may be seen in Rwanda will astound the nature enthusiast, but the country is home to more than just Albertine endemics and protected mountain gorillas. The beaches along Lake Kivu’s shoreline rank among the greatest in Africa’s interior and provide access to the lake’s numerous small islands.

The capital and primary conference center of east Africa, Kigali, serves as a vital stepping stone to several locations both inside the nation and throughout central and east Africa. The city produces excellent locally grown tea and coffee and is green, lively, and safe.

Even though the 1994 Genocide, which resulted in the mass death of up to 20% of the country’s people, is all too frequently linked with Rwanda, the nation is moving toward cultural rehabilitation and investment in the future. There is something to enjoy in Rwanda for everyone. Here are just a few of Rwanda’s many attractions.

• Visit the golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and colobus monkeys of Rwanda in Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and volcanoes National Park.
• Visit the national park for volcanoes to search for the legendary mountain gorillas.
• Join a birding safari tour to see the variety of birdlife in Rwanda, as well as the Nyabalongo wetlands, Akagera National Park,
• Discover the breathtaking waterfalls, flowers, and butterflies at Nyungwe National Park.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Cyamundongo Forest, which are among of Rwanda’s IBAs (important birding areas).
• Visit one of Rwanda’s 52 mapped caverns. made from volcanic rock from the Cenozoic.
• On Lake Kivu, go windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing.
• Visit Lake Kivu, the largest lake in Rwanda, with its numerous islands as well as the beach resort cities of Rubavu and Karongi.
• Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in Musanze, Rwanda’s Northern Province, offers a whole traditional Rwandan experience, complete with dancing, traditional crafts, archery, traditional healers, food, and a taste of the local brew.
• Visit the volcanoes national park, where you shouldn’t miss the fifth-highest mountain in Africa and go mountain biking across Rwanda’s 1,000 hills.
• Visit one of the many regional markets or cooperatives located all around Rwanda to purchase Rwandan crafts.
• Around 60 kilometers from Kigali, Lake Muhazi offers calm days and delicious fish dishes.
• Learn everything there is to know about Rwanda’s capital city as you travel around Kigali on the Kigali city tour bus.
• Visit Kigali, Murambi, Nyanza, Kicukiro, and Ntarama memorial sites to pay your respects to the victims of the genocide in Rwanda.
• At the king’s palace in Nyanza, go back in time.

Rwanda mountain gorilla:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park on Self drive ? We help you secure the Gorilla permit at no extra cost.

Volcanoes National Park: The volcanoes national park, which is located to the north, guards the region of the Virunga Mountains that is in Rwanda. The Virunga Mountains are a trans-frontier conservation area that also includes protected areas in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is made up of a complex of mostly dormant volcanoes. The two active volcanoes in Congo, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamulagira, which may be visited on a Congo Safari organized by either a Congo Tour operator or directly with the park offices, are also included in this list, as well as Mount Karisimbi (4507), the highest point in Rwanda.

This National Park is renowned for housing the last remaining mountain gorillas in their native habitat in addition to housing nearly 100 different bird species.  Although mountain gorillas are the main reason people flock to the park, there are also a number of other tourist attractions and opportunities there. There is a possibility to go to the top of Karisimbi Mountain, the fifth-highest mountain in Africa, or even to the stunning Crater Lake on Mount Visoke.

The neighboring Rugezi wetland and the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo, which are frequently disregarded, are known for their superb water birding chances. There are several community-based tourism activities available in the region, such as visiting villages, agricultural production facilities, and an ethnobotany tour, going fishing with local fishermen using traditional techniques, or just relaxing and admiring the gorgeous surroundings. 

 Nyungwe National Park:

Nyungwe National Park is the largest and oldest remaining mountain rain forest patches in the area.

it’s located deep in the southwest within the Albertine Rift Area. The park is also home to a multitude of eco-systems including rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bog habitats. It is home to 310 species of birds and one of the largest and last remaining sections of highland rainforest in the area. The most significant ornithological location in Rwanda is this park. It is becoming more and more popular due to the fantastic birding chances, especially the numerous Albertine Rift endemics, which are present in greater numbers here than in any other African park. There are about 240 different species of trees, over 140 different colors of orchids, and over 1050 different kinds of plants, including the enormous Lobelia. 250 of these plants are endemic to the Albertine Rift. The most distant sources of the Nile are found in Mount Bigugu, the park’s tallest mountain, which rises to a height of 2950 meters.

The park is home to 13 different species of primates, including habituated chimpanzees, a number of mammals, and a wide range of other species, including hundreds of butterflies, a relatively small number of snake species (due to the altitude), as well as a number of vibrant lizard and chameleon species. There is a lot to see and do on the many breathtaking walks that the park has to offer. Learn More

Akagera National Park

Would you like to go on self-drive in Rwanda‘s Akagera National Park? Embark on self-guided game drives in the Akagera National Park while renting a car with Drive East Africa.

It is rapidly becoming recognized as Rwanda’s Big 5 wildlife park. Including the Kagera River and being on Rwanda’s northeastern border with Tanzania, hence the name Akagera. The national park was established in 1934 to safeguard the fauna and flora of the savannah, mountain, and swamp environments. Akagera, which focuses on big game, now has an African elephant, buffalo, zebra giraffe, and a few antelope species. Numerous hippopotamuses and the Nile crocodile, the largest reptile in the world, can be found in Akagera and adjacent lakes.

It is regarded as one of Rwanda’s top locations for bird watching. Many different bird species are drawn to the park’s diverse settings. Without a doubt, Akagera is the best location in Rwanda to see savannah birds and raptors. It is also one of the few areas where the less common species dwelling in the papyrus swamps may be seen. It is also quite well stocked with water birds. There are no breeding bird species in Rwanda that cannot be seen in either of the Akagera or Nyungwe national parks due to their complementarity in terms of bird life.

Rwanda culture

With a wide variety of superb crafts and enduring traditions, Rwanda has a rich culture. Local markets, craft shops, and craft cooperatives offer wonderful shopping choices, not just in and around Kigali but all across the nation. Watch out for the internationally renowned traditional Akagera baskets from Rwanda, as well as the pottery and hand-painted imigongo artwork.

Initiatives for cultural tourism are being developed all throughout the nation and are high on the agenda; they encourage community-based tourism and provide you the chance to help a community while experiencing the culture and the country. Some of these include excursions to local towns where tea, coffee, and sorghum (beer) are produced, fishing and boating initiatives, tours with traditional herbalists, and trips to nearby villages where one can learn to prepare regional cuisine. Even a reconciliation village worth visiting allows visitors to hear the survivors’ and collaborators’ tales of the massacre.

Travelers are drawn to the Intore dance, also known as the Rwandan Ballet, because of its rising notoriety. In celebration, beautifully dressed Intore dancers move rhythmically from side to side while holding spears in their hands. Visit the national museum in Huye to witness these dancers and the continent’s largest collection of ethnographic artifacts.

In memory

Memorials and museums

Over the course of around 100 days, the Rwandan Tutsi Genocide of 1994, which was orchestrated by despicable authorities of the time, resulted in the mass murder of over a million of the country’s sons and daughters. Today, Rwandans are profoundly devoted to fighting the concept of genocide in all of its expressions, eradicating ethnic, regional, and other forms of discrimination, and embracing peace and reconciliation.

Western province’s Karongi

This is an environment Museum in Kibuye, next to Lake Kivu. This museum features transient exhibits about environmental changes in Rwanda and other countries.

Nyaza and Huye

Museums and other historically significant locations can be found in Huye, the former colonial capital of Rwanda. The Ethnographic Museum, one of the six museums that make up the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR), the Memorial at Murambi, the largest Roman Catholic Cathedral constructed in the 1930s, the Ruhande Arboretum, and more are all popular tourist attractions in the city.

The Ethnographic Museum was established in 1989 and has one of Africa’s greatest ethnographic collections on display in its seven rooms. These exhibits feature historical, pre-colonial, colonial, artistic, and archaeological artifacts, providing visitors with a deep understanding of Rwandan culture.

The Nyanza Genocide Memorial honors the victims of the murders that occurred at the Ecole Technique Officielle. The Murambi Memorial Center, also known as the Murambi Genocide Memorial Center, is situated in an old secondary school close to the town of Gikongoro in the South-West region of Rwanda. The Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) in Huye is 30 minutes away by car from the Murambi Memorial Center.

Near Kigali City

The massacre of 10 Belgian UN Blue Berets on the first day of the 1994 genocide is remembered at Camp Kigali. The camp is home to a tiny museum and a memorial with a stone pillar for each soldier and a line denoting their age.

Richard Kandt, a German physician and adventurer who traveled to Rwanda in 1897 in search of the Nile’s source, is honored at the national history museum. The interdependence of living things and their environment is explained in the exhibit. His creations and several national natural treasures are on display in this museum.

Some of Rwanda’s most heinous atrocities took place on the sites of the Nyamata and Ntarama Genocide Memorials. Both are situated in the Bugesera region, some 30 kilometers south of Kigali. These churches and their belongings serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, a collaborative venture of the Kigali City Council and the Aegis trust, was opened in April 2004 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the start of the Genocide in Rwanda. There are three ongoing exhibits, the largest of which details the 1994 Rwandan genocide. A memorial for children and an exhibition on the global history of genocide brutality are both present. Over 250.000 persons are buried on the site where the center is located.

Juvenal Habyarimana, the former president of Rwanda, lived in the Presidential Palace Museum, which is 40 kilometers (about 24.85 mi) from Kanombe Airport. This museum is well renowned for the fight debris, which are the remains of the presidential plane that crashed on April 6, 1994.

Another place related to the genocide in Rwanda is the Remera Heroes’ Cemetery. This cemetery is located on Kimironko Road, past the Amahoro stadium, and contains three particularly notable graves: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which serves as a memorial to all genocide victims, and the grave of Fred Rwigema, the co-founder and leader of the RPF, who was killed on 2 October 1990 while attempting to invade Rwanda.

The Nyanza Genocide Memorial honors the 10,000 Rwandans who were murdered at the Ecole Technique Officielle. The exhibit stresses the world community’s abandonment while also documenting the tragedy.

Agaseke (the peace basket)

Giving someone a peace basket is a customary gesture of love and respect in Rwanda. Treasures like jewelry and food items like grains and cereals are kept in peace baskets. When girls get married, they often bring at least six peace baskets, which are laden with gifts and food, to the husband’s house.

Following the genocide in Rwanda, many uneducated women found it challenging to find employment and were heavily reliant on the income of their husbands. Until women began to produce peace baskets, which were marketed via various associations and co-ops and allowed them to make a career while improving the welfare of their households, the fueled domestic disputes. The fact that Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa women sit side by side to weave these “peace baskets” is a consoling feature of the baskets.

In the province of Eastern

The Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the violence that occurred on April 14 and 15 and resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 people, is situated in the Kirehe District, 35 kilometers from Kibungo. Remains of the victims, including clothing, crockery, and human bones, are still preserved at this location in the nunnery structures.

All around the country, memorials and testimonials have been built as a tribute to the 1994 Tutsi Genocide, its brutality, and the friends and family who perished.

Plan to go on a Rwanda safari to take advantage of visiting and viewing the aforementioned locations. One of the trustworthy vehicle rental companies and travel agencies that can provide you with the greatest safaris to Rwanda is Drive East Africa.

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