Experience Nature walks while in Rwanda
Trips to Rwanda are exceedingly exciting and get you up close to some amazing nature attractions that quite often you may never have encountered or can only be found in this part of the world. Take trekking Mountain gorillas for instance a unique experience only on African soil which though can be done on trips to Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwandan safari has more enriching rewards like the traditional Kinyarwanda music and dance performed just a few minutes before you start on your trekking experiences. The heart pounding sounds of the African drum beats accompanied by heartwarming sweet smiles and amazing body gyrating dancing strokes, ululating music tones and bright colored costumes will definitely keep flashing in your mind all through your rigorous trekking period and your lifetime after. The thrill of meeting up with the Mountain gorillas in their natural environments going about their routine activities, their wield and wild habits, their sitting postures as they maul heaps of foliage and their gait as they move to another leafy tree is one of the unwritten statements that make safaris into Rwanda number one on many adventure travelers wish list.
Walking safaris into Rwanda however is not all about trekking Mountain gorillas for there are many other options. The steep and rugged volcanic Mount Muhabura with panoramic views of beautiful lands extending into other countries Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo are so scenic and attractive to the eye and offer a good ground for body exercise.
There are lots of other primates notably the Golden monkeys, Chimpanzees and many forest and high altitude birds inhabiting the luxuriant green forests that keep other nature lovers on their tenterhooks all through their walk. Of paramount importance amongst the forests is Buhanga Sacred forest from which cultural kings took the sacred bath few days to their enthronement day. There is a hike to Karisoke research station where Dian Fossey the world known primatologist who pioneered Mountain gorilla activism and protection based her activities and was subsequently murdered from. Through her dedicated service much of the world was able to learn of the plight of Mountain gorillas and protection of their natural habitat.
Many other enthusiastic nature walk and urban life lovers explore the lakesides of Burera and Ruhondo in search of lake breezes to cool off the heat of the burning sun as they watch a multitude of beautiful birds with very bright colors attractive to the eye. There are also very attractive and heart throbbing Musanze caves deep in the forests in which African forefathers and their kinsmen lived. As recent as 1990s the same caves came in handy to provide safe haven for thousands of refugees during the infamous genocide.
Whatever the reason for visiting Africa may be some for studies and research, political reasons, religious pilgrimage or work related travel, taking a Rwanda safari and interacting with the indigenous Rwandans on a walk and sharing in their life experiences is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences on the African soil.
Read More5 Common Mistakes to Avoid Rwanda
Renting a car in Rwanda is a tasking process a traveler must go through if he or she is to have a complete Rwanda safari. In the process of booking your rental car, you are bound to make mistakes many have also made before. Repeat of such shouldn’t reoccur that is why we have come up with 5 common Rwanda car hire mistakes travelers make. Take note of these mistakes and you won’t have any challenges renting a car in Rwanda for a self-drive tours, Kigali city expeditions, gorilla trekking tours or driver guided game safaris.
Here are some of the most common mistakes travelers make when renting a car in Rwanda. These mistakes can cost you more;
Picking up your rental car at Kigali Airport (KGL)
An extra charge can be levied on you for car transfer from Kigali capital city to the airport but this may depend on the Rwanda car hire agency/company/tour operator you will be reserving your rental car in Rwanda with. A safer and a much convenient option is to have your rental car in Rwanda delivered to you at place of residence or hotel in Kigali city. Or simply visit our premises in Rwanda and pick your car by yourself.
Ignoring the car price structures
When hiring a car in Rwanda or any country, cross check the price structure of a car you plan to rent. Most travelers ignore this and it is essential step when finding the right car for your Rwanda safaris. Most car hire companies/agencies provide discount packages which you may enjoy if you are interested in long term car rental deals.
Other aspects to look at include fuel costs which is why it is not a good idea to ignore the car price structure. Some car rental agencies can hire out a car in full tank, half tank or even with no fuel-such terms and conditions can be available in the price card/structure.
Buying extra insurance
Buying extra insurance is usually one of the common car hire mistakes travelers make especially when making reservation online. Before you purchase any other insurance, ask your car hire provider which insurance they provide along with car you plan to rent. Majority of Rwanda car hire companies provide comprehensive insurance which covers a lot of costs and you won’t need extra insurance because your car provider has covered you.
Not inspecting the car prior driving off
Before you drive off, car inspection is key. Don’t be on a hurry, have time to carryout adequate inspection on the rental car you plan to set off for Rwanda safari. Thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of the rental car to be certain that no dents, damages and ensure the AC, window lock, doors function well etc.
Rushing
The mistake some travelers on Rwanda tour make is assuming that they can hire a car of their choice any time of day. When you place your inquiry, you will need sometime to wait for confirmation of car availability and most importantly, follow what they tell you. Patience can earn you the best rental car rather than if you rushed and pressurized the reservation team. Don’t ruin your Rwanda safari experience because you are on a rush!
Read MoreIs Rwanda Safe for Self Drive Tours
Self-drive tours have become popular in most parts of Africa, Rwanda inclusive. But is it safe to go for a self-drive tour in Rwanda? Well, the truth is Rwanda is safe and secure for solo travelers to have a successful self-drive safari holiday.
Self-drive tours provide exceptional alternative to discover Rwanda differently. It is adventurous way of penetrating into hidden sides of Rwanda something you can’t get while on public means of transportation.
What to do when planning for a Rwanda self-drive tour
Research more about Rwanda and ideal destinations to visit
Yes, self-drive tours can be exciting but you ought to carryout adequate research on different destinations before you consider visiting on solo trip. Rwanda like other destinations has some areas prohibited for self-drive safaris. But majority of them are safe and you can embark on your solo trip.
Rwanda has enjoyed peace and security for very long time. This makes it one of the safest destinations in Africa for self-drive tours, guided tours not only for gorilla safaris or chimpanzee tours. Its capital city Kigali is also ranked not only the cleanest but also one of the safest cities in Africa which you can explore on self-drive tour or Kigali city tour.
Security begins with you
While on solo/guided tour in any destination, safety and security always start with you the traveler. But most significantly, safety starts right from Kigali Airport once you have landed and you can witness it as you go through thorough check-up-upon arrival or during departure. The process isn’t meant to discomfort you but it is all intended to ensure your safety and that of other travelers so that you all have successful holiday in Rwanda the land of a thousand hills.
Meet your driver guide waiting for you upon arrival
After the long check-up process, now you can get a warm welcome from your driver guide who also doubles as your tour leader/safari guide. This is if you hired a car and driver guide. He or she will brief you on what you need to expect on Rwanda safari.
Understand the road signage
Finally, you have embarked on your self-drive trip but there is something important to take note of and that is traffic rules/road signage. Drive defensively but at minimum speed. Observe road signage to avoid being caught up by traffic officers, have valid driving documents, never drink and drive, never drive at night, protect your valuables and others.
Read MoreThings to Check Before Taking a Rental Car in Rwanda
One of the key aspects of traveling is renting a car as this is the only mechanism that can take you from one tourism destination to another hassle free. But you should get so excited about the car rental services as it is upon you to make best use of them as you have to put a few things into consideration to have nice car rental in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills.
Here are the things to check before you rent a car in foreign country;
First thing is to check if all the items are included in the car rental package- items like fuel refilling policy, unlimited mileage, early return clause, baby seat, GPS, road assistance and insurance. You have to make sure that all those items are included in the car rental package because they are so important while driving in a foreign country like Rwanda.
Make sure all the clauses like early return, excessive insurance, limited mileage, and fuel refill are discussed between you and the car rental company are put in written format. This makes the mutual understanding made between you and the company valid and in case of misunderstanding you can turn to it and solve it.
Ensure you get to know the driving policy and rules in Rwanda as different countries have different driving laws. Also different road signage is interpreted differently in different countries. It is best to get the information from your car rental company in that you do not become an offender by ignorance on the road.
In addition to the above, the car rental company will alert you what to expect from different road users and this can be of great help while driving in Rwanda.
It is also recommendable to know where you will be picking up the car are there extra costs for picking the car in a convenient place. Car rental companies in Rwanda make their clients to pick up car rentals from the airport, company premises or your hotel or sometimes you can tell the company to deliver it at your place of convenience but this come with a fee.
Ensure that you choose a vehicle that suits the nature of your travel. Car rental companies normally help their clients to know what type of vehicle he/she will need for his/her travel. All you need to do give them your itinerary; they will know the vehicle you will need for expedition. For example if you are taking a gorilla safari tour Rwanda and you are a sole traveler, they will hire to you a 4×4 vehicle with fewer seats and the car that falls into that category is a Toyota RAV4.
In addition to the above make sure you are given the exact car you agreed upon when you were making your reservation unless they are making an upgrade but a discounted price then it can be an advantage taken into your hands.
Always check for the above things before you hire a car in Rwanda because they will protect you from any problem associated with car rental business.
Read MoreGorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Are you thinking of meeting the gorilla up close? Rwanda is the ideal place for gorilla tours. Rwanda is a very peaceful country with hospital people full of joy and willing to make friends with any interesting person. It is among the cleanest countries in the Africa with a well organized political, social and economic system that make the gorilla trackers to enjoy their stay with ease. It has fine restaurants for dining and classy hotels where tourist can stay comfortably while taking gorilla tours.
Rwanda makes it easier for every gorilla lover as gorilla tours in Rwanda are affordable and they can appeal to everybody whether budget, mid range or high end. There are gorilla tour packages for everyone provided by local tour agencies that can be contacted through the internet.
While in Rwanda for a gorilla tour, one is able to meet the gorillas with ease as the gorilla tracker has to take a short distance to reach the mountain gorillas in their natural environment at volcanoes national park on Virunga ranges in Musanze district. It is actually a two hours drive to reach the home of the mighty mountain gorillas.
Rwanda has almost a third of the world’s mountain gorilla population of 320 out of the 880 and the rest are found in Uganda and DR. Congo. Gorillas in Rwanda are found in bamboo and montane forests in Virunga ranges. This makes Rwanda the easiest place spot a gorilla as the rest of the places in the countries where the mountain gorillas are found have very dense tropical rain forests making it so hard to see the gorillas at times. In Rwanda, gorilla tours are carried out through the year, so one can visit Rwanda at anytime to watch the gorillas in their natural setting.
These gorilla tours in Rwanda are organized in such a way that one can enjoy watching the gorillas in style as one travels in 4×4 safari vehicle that is very comfortable and also sleep and dines in very class hotels and eco lodges. There are also other attractions that one can encounter at the gorilla tours in Rwanda like the golden monkeys at the basement of the volcanoes national park, the culture village town in Musanze district where one is able to observe the African culture through the cultural dances and traditional ritual and practices. On the gorilla tours one can opt to take a Kigali city tour as he/she visits the historical sites in the city like the genocide memorial, the parliament and the market place where one can go for curios shopping.
Taking a gorilla tour makes one find a second home in Africa as the people of Rwanda are very charming and friendly to everyone they meet and the climate too is very favorable to human living.
Read MoreSelf Drive through Uganda & Rwanda on Low Rates
I believe driving yourself on a Uganda or Rwanda safari is the most adventurous experience you can ever get. It doesn’t matter which type of car you have rented but what matters is the uniqueness of the experience especially on the roads of a foreign country .Many tourists when they come to Uganda and Rwanda book cars to transfer them to their destinations but never have a chance to drive themselves. This is because some of them think that it is impossible to acquire a car easily and be allowed to drive in a foreign country where there are unknown road rules and regulations. But here at our company when one wants to travel with us, we always ask them if they want to drive themselves or want us to provide them with our drivers and guides. If one decides to go for a self drive them we act according depending on his/her wish.
But let’s ask our question;- how is it possible to drive yourself in Uganda or Rwanda?
First thing one should put in mind is that Uganda and Rwanda are both in East Africa separated by borders. They are actually near to each other and therefore share some things. Their rules and regulations on the road are somehow the same though others differ. Driving yourself in any of these countries is easy especially if you use the right company to do so. Tourists are always encouraged to make some research about a specific company before coming up with a conclusion of travelling with them. This is because there are some fake companies online which do not actually exist and they are online to swindle people’s money in pretense of organizing them safaris.
A self drive in Rwanda and Uganda is possible because there is no restriction to that from both governments. What is required is that the company to that should be registered and also the car being used should have the necessary license. It’s also advised that once a tourist books a car for a self drive, he/she should be given a guide to travel with who helps in locating the different places and also offer advice on the different road rules. Some people think that this is not important but actually it’s the only way a foreigner can get to his/her destinations without problems like poor locating and road mistakes.
In our company, we always give our clients guides to travel with and these a well trained in both driving and locating the different places in the country. One doesn’t need to worry about anything while travelling with them because they offer all the required guidance and also answer questions from clients when they need to know something. They are friendly and actually in most cases at the end of the safari, clients become good friends with them and end up coming back to Uganda for an extended experience. However, there are those clients who are well versed with the geography of Uganda and Rwanda and they do not need a guide on a self drive. We have no problem with that and we allow them go with the car without following them until the end of their safari.
In conclusion, its possible for someone to drive himself in Uganda and Rwanda without any problem from the government and the local people.
Read MoreTom Ritchey – Pedaling Home
You would never arrive at Tom Ritchey ’s house, deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, unless you were going there to see him or you were lost. Built years ago by Ritchey himself from rough-hewn logs, his place is a long ways from the hyper-packaged cookie-dough construction that has infected much of Southern California’s landscape. Ritchey has created a shelter equal to the storms that pound it each winter—a sturdy, no-nonsense structure reflecting homegrown values and attention to detail. Rolling down Tom’s football-field-length driveway, I find him in his shop, performing the alchemy of transforming metal tubing into some of the world’s fastest non-motorized machines, a.k.a. Ritchey Bicycles. Looking up f rom his workbench, he smiles and walks, hand extended in advance, to my car, before introducing himself and greeting me with a warm handshake. Returning to his shop, we speak about him, his bikes, and Project Rwanda, a movement that he recently birthed in a passion for bringing bicycles to Africa, to help reestablish a solid economic base and national pride. A quick tour of Ritchey’s home makes it is obvious that this place was crafted to enhance, not contain, life. His hands still bear the scars from a hammer swung decades ago. This is all backdrop to his story, but the reason for the story and what matters most is Tom Ritchey’s vision that millions can be saved by a device that the average American kid believes is grown on a Christmas tree.
Tom is deliberate and confident in his speech, passionate to the point of tears about the things he loves. His kind heart is balanced by a mind that has conceived a blueprint that might just rescue an entire nation. Or, maybe, as he explains, it wasn’t really his idea at all.
Risen Magazine: Did you tinker as a kid?
Tom Ritchey: My dad had a nice shop and if I wanted to build a go-cart or a sailboat, we would do it. I built a three-story tree fort when I was five, and it got to the point where my father said, “You’ve gotta take this thing down; you’re gonna kill yourself.” I built an electric car when I was 11 that he helped me figure out. In 1971, when I was 14, I told my dad, “Hey, I think I can build a [bicycle] frame.” We were able to reverse engineer things and I built my first bike. At that time there were only a few people building bikes in the U.S., and just getting tubing was a huge deal. I started winning races and when people noticed that I had built my own bike, the beginnings of a business were not far off. I built my friend’s bikes, made some money, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.
RM: You’re a Christian and an environmentalist. For some reason those two things don’t often go together.
TR: I was part of that isolation for a good part of my life. I didn’t really get it. Then, when I started having some things crumble around me, there were a bunch of great people around me at the same time—the catching mechanism, the grace mechanism, the forgiveness, all that stuff seemed like it was set up for me in the last five years or so. To me it has been a great midlife crisis. When I went to Rwanda, I had a lot on my mind, like the need for forgiveness, personally. There I saw signs of hope from people who have committed themselves to looking forward, rather than back. But some people live only for earth, others live only for heaven.
When I went to Rwanda, I had a lot on my mind, like the need for forgiveness, personally. There I saw signs of hope from people who have committed themselves to looking forward, rather than back.
RM: If the earth was a house, it would be in pretty bad repair. Where did you start fixing things?
TR: I’m not sure that I started anywhere. You talk about the earth being an unkempt house, I think that’s also a metaphor for the accumulated dust and cobwebs we all have around our souls. Over time we realize we’ve made a lot of messes. Jesus once said, “If you don’t forgive others, the Heavenly Father won’t forgive you.” The test of living in any sort of true relationship in terms of your faith comes down to forgiveness. It’s humiliating to think about how much we carry with us, how much we struggle with on a daily basis. When I went to Rwanda, I brought over my cynicisms, my hardheartedness, and my prejudices. Within a couple days I felt this weight and this self-reflection deconstructing in me. I realized I was around people that were living with incomprehensible amounts of pain in a gracious way. I thought, If I have to go halfway around the world to experience this, I’m not going to go back and forget it. To me the natural commitment to an environment like Rwanda has to start with the humanity of us all. Politics divide, religions divide. There’re so many divisive things in our culture that breed all of our cynicism. One thing that steers Project Rwanda is the idea that all people need second chances. God gives us second chances—more than that, He gives us as many as we take. He’s all forgiving and longsuffering for us. Either we believe that and that’s the way we relate to one another, or we play games with God’s forgiveness.
RM: Are you concerned that Africa could become a huge welfare state?
TR: I’m new to this, but when I went to Rwanda, I found that some institutions tended to become isolated from the culture and gain their own little identities. They drive Range Rovers; they live in special housing complexes. It’s obvious that a lot of resources don’t go to the people they are supposed to go to.
RM: How did you connect with the Rwandan culture?
TR: I come from the land of everyone’s dreams, the United States, with opportunities that have been handed to me on a silver platter. Who am I to come over there and connect with them? But what I found immediately was that when you’re on a bicycle and they’re on a bicycle, and you’re on a dirt road and they’re on a dirt road, it’s a completely different experience. People lit up – it transcended any kinds of language barriers. You become real to them and they become real to you. The bicycle is a freedom tool for us, but to them it’s like owning a rocket ship. Only one in 40 owns a bike in Rwanda, and when they don’t own a bike, they build wooden ones. For eight or 10 dollars, they develop a scooter that they build with a machete. It can push a couple hundred pounds of produce or wood or materials. I thought, This is incredible, the inventive human spirit is alive and well here. They’re just like us; they have the same desires to be successful, to raise their families, to have a roof over their heads, to have a respectable career or job. The bike is a huge blessing to them in accelerating that process.
RM: So you think the bicycle can stimulate the economy?
TR: As I started peeling back their issues, I realized there was a lot of food in Rwanda, but most of it rots, because it can?t be transported. Most people are subsistence farmers; they don?t buy or sell. Stimulating their economy is a matter of getting more transportation. One person grows tomatoes, another grows corn, and they trade. That trade becomes a little more sophisticated, and with the use of the bicycle, it goes to market. Then there?s the trading of money. There are 500,000 small crop farmers and they?re living large compared to the rest of the population, which is hard to imagine when you see how they live.
RM: How did you build the first bikes to transport coffee in Rwanda?
TR:As I started peeling back their issues, I realized there was a lot of food in Rwanda, but most of it rots, because it can’t be transported. Most people are subsistence farmers; they don’t buy or sell. Stimulating their economy is a matter of getting more transportation. One person grows tomatoes, another grows corn, and they trade. That trade becomes a little more sophisticated, and with the use of the bicycle, it goes to market. Then there’s the trading of money. There are 500,000 small crop farmers and they’re living large compared to the rest of the population, which is hard to imagine when you see how they live.
RM: How has Project Rwanda changed you?
TR: The feeling you get when you realize that you’re transitioning from a self-focused life to a servant?s life? It?s not a small door you’re walking through, it?s a huge door. The third world needs millions and billions of bikes. You see that you?re at a certain place with your gifts, your talents, and your rescources where you can step through that door, and you don?t know why it’s all come together the way it has. The feeling you have is almost one of destiny.
RM: So you feel like you were created, at least in part, for this purpose?
TR: It’s feeling more and more like that, yeah, but that sounds presumptuous. I don’t mean it that way, but I felt that enough things have happened in this last 19 months that people’s lives are being touched… It’s not about me anymore.
RM: Would you like to see more people riding bikes in the U.S.?
TR: The bike I designed for Rwanda is kind of a bicycle pickup truck. People here look at it and think, Hey, I could carry my groceries on it; I could carry my kids on it. There’s a lot of weight that can be put on this bike. People that like the project for Africa want to get one in the U.S. or Europe. I’d like to stimulate the use of the wooden bike in the U.S. too, to help it be seen as a cool thing.
The bike I designed for Rwanda is kind of a bicycle pickup truck. People here look at it and think, Hey, I could carry my groceries on it; I could carry my kids on it.
RM: It seems that a lot of good causes die for lack of a sense of humor.
TR:We want Project Rwanda to be fun, not a bunch of sad-looking images. We want people to be drawn to it because cycling is a fun and noble sport. We want to do fun events, maybe race down Lombard Street in San Francisco on wooden bikes. It’s important to us that Project Rwanda have many dimensions. I want people to know we’re not a giveaway organization. We’re partnering with Rwandans and, hopefully, creating economic opportunities for them. And, in the same way that the Kenyans became runners of renown, we feel that the Rwandans can become cyclists of renown. They have the right physique, and a hilly, beautiful environment.
RM: Is Rwanda dangerous?
TR: I’ve had all my children there and we all agree that it’s as safe as anywhere. People?s perception of Rwanda is changing. Last year I could barely get 10 people to come over with me. This year I might have a hundred people come along.
RM: Someone told me they tried to explain atheism to a Rwandan and they thought it was the stupidest idea they had ever heard. Did you find a tendency toward faith in that country?
TR: [Laughs] Faith is a big part of the Rwandan culture. Also, they’re reflective, sincere people. There’s obviously something going on in Rwanda that’s different. There’s a spirit of forgiveness there. They went to the edge of a cliff, the world was turning its attention elsewhere and they decided it was up to them to change. When you’ve experienced that much pain and raw hatred…
RM: What was their reaction to new bicycles?
TR:The day that they got their bikes was amazing. There was racing in Rwanda, but the bikes were things you would pay five dollars for at a garage sale. The tires were low on pressure because they were full of holes. They’d never ridden good bikes before. It was phenomenal for them. You’re on your $4,000 bike and they’re on their scraped together $50 bike, not even aware that the mountain bike was invented.
RM: I heard you invented the mountain bike.
TR: [Laughs] I used to claim that in my early, high-minded career, but no. Some of us were there at the right time.
RM: What’s it like touring a completely foreign country on a bicycle?
TR: Being a stranger on a bike is a fun. You smile, they smile. You have an influence on them; they have an influence on you. It’s similar to being on the beach with a dog and one other person comes up to you with a dog. People who might not otherwise connect are brought together because of the bike.
RM: Ironically, people drive to the gym to pay to get on an electronic stationary bicycle. It seems they could at least use all that energy to light the gym.
TR:Yeah, That’s a great one… [Laughs] There’s a guy in South Africa who combined a merry-go-round with pumping water. The kids have a great time and the village is getting water. When the sun goes down in Rwanda, the lights go out. There’s a reason a lot of babies are born in Rwanda. [Laughs] There’s not a lot to do there after dark. I have a dream of training the cyclists to harness the power for the coffee stations. Keep feeding people and they’ll keep making electricity. [Laughs]
RM: Obviously the bicycle can do more than just fuel the economy.
TR:Rwanda has the ability to breed national pride with the bike. It would be great if Africa didn’t go the way of Asia, where everything is so motor-driven that the bicycle now is almost forgotten.
RM: Einstein said he thought good ideas came from beyond himself; where do you think they come from?
TR:The ease in which an idea comes makes me think it comes from elsewhere, yeah. My bike is my office and 90 percent of my ideas come, out of the blue, when I’m on my bike. It’s a spontaneous combustion. [Laughs] I’ve held off patenting some things because for the longest time I’ve felt those ideas were not mine. I always thought that God authored the ideas that I’ve had and that He could supply more.
Read MoreDos & Don’ts : Self Drive Trips in Rwanda
Are you planning a self drive trip in Rwanda? Get the best self drive cars now for your adventure safaris in East Africa. Car hire is now simpler to get you on your exciting self drive experiences in East Africa. Travel across Uganda borders to Rwanda and experience the stunning sceneries of East Africa with our 4 wheel cars. It is every traveler’s wish to drive safely that is why we are there to address your travel needs in East Africa. Driving from East Africa might be different from foreign country where you come from. If you are planning a trip to Rwanda, the following Do’s and Don’ts can be of help to you as you travel to explore the spectacular mountain gorillas, stunning sceneries, remarkable wildlife species as well as a thousand misty hills that this country popularly credited for in the world.
Never drive when you are tired:
This might sound like an obvious thing but it is one of the serious driving experiences that you to avoid while on your self drive safaris to Rwanda. Many have been culprits of road accidents not because they wished to experience such bad travel experiences. In most cases, we may feel like sleeping or resting, please at this point of time, we advise our clients to always make stop and pack by the road side and then have some bit of rest and where possible, delegate a friend or colleague whom you traveling to take over provided he has driving permit. Also before you go for a trip, make sure that you have adequate sleep at night to avoid over dozing while driving.
Do not starve:
Make sure that you get yourself some food, driving on empty stomach may cause you problems which can cause a bit of disturbance on road. You can only drive on an empty stomach if you know that you almost reaching to your favorite restaurant.
Do not drink and drive:
A self drive trip can be can be exciting and you might be attempted to get some tough alcoholic drink, please never risk drinking while you are driving in Rwanda. This rule has become like a song in the ears of many drivers. For smart travelers, they won’t drink and drive because they do not want to risk their lives.
Understand the traffic rules of the country:
Driving laws differ from country to country, that is why before you take on your ride, it is better for you to first get to know and understand fully the laws of that country. Remember to ask the company or an agency that you hired the car for your safari to give you some pamphlets that will explain to you the driving laws, read and understand them better.
Understand the car that you are to use:
In case you have hired or borrowed a car for a safari, it is better that you get to know the type of the car that you are going to use in destination like Rwanda. In most cases, people have been seen stuck in the middle of the jam, avoid being a culprit of this kind in Rwanda. Check every thing including the air conditioning controls, radio program settings, the mirrors, location of emergency controls and others.
Know when to take breaks:
Don’t feel like you are a superman even robots take a rest that is why you also need to take some breaks after that hectic and a long distant drive. You need to be physically and mentally fine while driving to long distant areas. Remember that the longer you drive without resting, the more you encounter much fatigue. At least 30 to 1 hour’s time, you can have a break.
Switch:
For those who will be driving for long hours or even days, it is better that you keep alternating amongst yourselves. This is better way of experiencing the break and permits you to get into the destination safely and fast enough than allowing only one person to drive for a long distant areas. Switching on another person to drive can help your eyes also get some rest for the next drive. Through this you would have had the most remarkable safari experience in the land of a thousand hills.
Inspect the car before taking it for a safari:
Imagine you are in the middle of the jam and the car breaks down, how it can be a disgusting experience. Thoroughly, inspect the car and ensure that there is no risk of mechanical problem while you are on trip to destination of your choice. The same car might have been used the previous day and there is possibility of it experiencing mechanical condition that needs to be rectified before you also use it.
Drive as slow as possible in case of bad weather roads:
Most roads in Africa may not be of the same standard with those in your country of origin that is why you need to be keen on the nature of roads in Rwanda although the government has tried to improve some of them, this doesn’t guarantee you a 100%. Don’t be on a hurry and start feeling like flying so as to “reach” fast, take your time and be mindful about the weather. When it rains definitely things can change for the case of murram roads where national parks are located and you will really need to slow down. The roads can really be muddy and slippery unlike the dry season when the roads are a bit dry to drive on even if they have potholes.
Avoid using your mobile phone while driving:
Many times we get tempted to text our friends or family members when driving not knowing the risk behind it. Because of that excitement around you as you drive, then you start texting with aim of becoming famous around your group mates and at end you end up in a trench! Avoid things that take up your mind and concentrate on your road trip! You ought to be patient enough till that time when you arrive at a destination then you can start texting freely.
Put on the seat-belt:
This is very simple, as soon as you get on the car seat just pull the belts and pass them across and you will be good to go. Usually many drivers and passengers tend to pay a deaf ear on this and yet it is so useful. Remember that it is hard to control the way other people drive on road that is why you need to be well prepared and equipped at all times. Wearing a seat belt doesn’t kill people but it may help you save life.
Mind about other travelers on the road:
Rwanda roads may not be as wide as the ones in your country of origin and there you are driving in narrow roads with many pedestrians, cyclists, business people, cattle or goat keepers on the same route. Paying attention to your surrounding is necessary at this point of your safari not only in Rwanda but also any other destination of your choice.
In conclusion, a self drive Rwanda tour is the most exciting and incredible travel experience that comes once in a life time. You only need to be careful and abide by the Rwanda’s dos and don’ts on road and your safari will reward you with amazing and memorable experiences.
Read More5 Things to Consider When Renting a Car in Rwanda
When you book for car hire services online, you would like to use a car provider that is trustable and can take you safely to your destination of choice. However it is very difficult to get a very competent car hire agencies because they are so many on the internet. To assist you get the best car hire services, we have made you a compilation of tips to use.
Qualified drivers
One of the most important aspects of traveling by car hire Rwanda is having very personnel on the wheels. This can be proven by a driver having a driving license and should have been on the road for many years a well experienced driver can drive in Rwanda safely and also is well vast with all the routes leading to various destinations in Rwanda.Also a traveler is much satisfied and less worried to be driven by a qualified driver.
Well conditioned vehicles
One has to look at the condition of the vehicle he/she is going to use for the car hire services. A well conditioned vehicle gives a peace of mind since it is less prone to breakdowns on the road and also one get some respect and esteem when he/she comes out of a brand new vehicle for the case of people on business trips.
Value for money
One should also consider the price of the car hire services as you have to make sure you are not charged highly. All you need to do is to compare various prices from different car hire agencies in Rwanda then know what range you would pay for the car hire services. It is advisable to look for small companies to offer car rental in Rwanda as they offer good services at relatively lower prices than the so called big car hire companies.
Easy booking system
One should get car hire services from an agency that does not have too much paper work when booking for the services. Since the world revolves around technology, the booking should be done online not going to the company’s premise queue up to make a booking that would be wastage of time and also so stressing. The car hire company should have an online booking portal where one just puts a few personal particulars then send then to the company by a few minutes he/she is good to go.
Good reputation
One should also consider the reputation of the car hire agency. This is known by looking at the customer reviews that they post about the company on the internet. When the company has a good customer reviews it is more likely to offer customers good car hire services.
Read MoreHow Rwanda Made it to the Top 100 Green Destinations List
When Greg Bakunzi submitted the Volcanoes National Park to this year’s Sustainable Destinations Top 100 competition, it was just another fishing expedition for the Amahoro Tours man. He was not certain his reluctant efforts would actually earn his country a place among the world’s top 100 green destinations.
During the selection process, applications were rated basing on nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, people and hospitality, as well as sustainable destination management. The winners of this year’s green label were recognised at the two-day Global Green Destination Day (GGDD) international conference, which took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on September 27-28.
Mr Bakunzi nailed it for Rwanda after a brilliant presentation of Rwanda’s monthly community work that is locally known as Umuganda, the country’s ban on plastic bags, as well as the sustainable management of the Volcanoes National Park, the last of which he effortlessly proved with evidence of the rising numbers of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Kodak moment: Greg Bakunzi pauses for a picture with Eva Stravs Podlogar, Slovenia’s Economic Development and Technology State Secretary
“The government decided to limit the number of visitors to a maximum of eight permits per gorilla group each day in order to reduce stress on the apes and create a more sustainable activity. Furthermore, part of the revenue collected from tourists goes to the local communities surrounding the park,” competition organisers noted.
Mr Bakunzi also rattled off about how, over the past few years, the number of tourists to the country has increased significantly due to Rwanda’s efforts towards responsible and green tourism.
“In total, 154 applications were received but only 97 were recognised and out of these only nine were African destinations,” says Bakunzi, who flew to Slovenia to pick up the coveted certificate on behalf of his country.
But what does this recognition mean for Rwanda? “Rwanda being among the winners means that our country is now on the map as one of the greenest and most sustainable destinations in the world,” he says. “This will not only play a major role in increasing the number of tourists visiting Rwanda, but the recognition will also enhance foreign direct investments in the country’s tourism sector.”
Apart from Rwanda, five more countries from Africa were recognised this year, including South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Nigeria.
The annual Sustainable Destinations Top 100 competition is an initiative of Green Destinations, Travelmole’s Vision on Sustainable Tourism and the Destination Stewardship Centre.
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