A self drive in Rwanda is the best way you will be able to explore this beautiful country’s stunning hidden gems. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to drive anywhere within the country that is also known as the “Land of a thousand hills” at your pace and without worry.
From the iconic landscapes to rainforests, the cleanest Kigali city to the historical sites in the country, Rwanda has everything for everyone and the best way to get there and witness all this is by car rental. And for individuals on a business trip, the country is becoming a hub for global conferences thanks to the improved structure that has been put in place.
We have detailed some of the best places to visit on your self drive in Rwanda roadtrip. Whether you are visiting as a couple, family or on a solo trip, these places have much to offer you. These include;
Volcanoes National Park
Situated in the north western part of the country, Volcanoes National Park is the best and popular destination because of the mountain gorillas that can be seen within its boundaries. This park is situated within the Virunga massive that is shared between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
It was also a base of American primatologist, Dian Fossey who is credited for her role in gorilla conservation. She was killed and buried within the park. On your trip to the park, you will get the opportunity to visit her grave.
Apart from the gorillas, you will be to witness stunning scenic views of the virunga mountains and other wildlife species as they roam freely in the park.
A self drive to Volcanoes National park from Kigali will take you approximately 2.5hrs – 3hrs depending on the stop overs along your roadtrip.
Akagera National Park
This is another destination that you will definitely need to visit on your roadtrip in Rwanda. Akagera National park that is situated in the north eastern part of Rwanda is the country’s only savannah national park and the best place to see the big 5 animals (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes). While in the park, you can as well head for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema that does give you the opportunity to see other species like crocodiles, hippos, severa;l species of birds and more.
The best way to explore the different parts of this park is by car and a self drive will definitely introduce you with much that the park has to offer.
Akagera National park is approximately 2.5hrs to 3hrs depending on the various stop overs you will have along the way.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Also known to be oldest rainforest in Africa, Nyungwe forest National Park is the best place to visit if you want to get a full primate experience prior to your visit to volcanoes National park. TheTre over 12 primate species that are found here but most importantly, your highlight to this park will be spotting the chimpanzee species.
While within the park, you can as well go on a canopy walk experience that does give you scenic views of Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National park on a clear day. This also presents you the opportunity to see monkeys, birds and more others right from the suspension bridge.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the south west of Rwanda and it will take you approximately 4hrs – 4.5hrs to get to the park.
Kigali city
To truly understand the country’s culture and history, Kigali which doubles as the capital city will present you much more of that. On your self drive in Kigali, you can visit the Kigali genocide memorial site, the local market, craft shops, the museums and much more.
For travelers in the country for a business safari, there various prestigious hotels that have the best facilities to give you a memorable and seamless experience.
Lake Kivu
On your self drive Rwanda, you can as well visit Lake Kivu – situated in western Rwanda on the border with Congo. This is the largest lake in Rwanda and it’s surrounded by mountains.
On your visit here, you can go for a boat ride on the lake which takes you the various islands found here to discover what these do have plus the species such has birds and much more.
You can as well do sport fishing on the lake where you are likely to catch species like Nile tilapia, east African red finned barb and more others.
Genocide Memorial sites
Rwanda has a dark past and it has been able to overcome this. In 1994, over 800,000 civilians were killed and in remembrance of these, several sites were put in place including areas where these were killed. These sites act as a reminder of what genocide is and its effect on communities. Genocide memorial sites you can visit on your self drive in Rwanda include Nyamata church Genocide, Murambi, Nyanza and much more.
Other places to visit on your roadtrip in the country include the newly established Giswati – Mukura National Park, gorilla guardians, hiking experience in Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi and more others.
For the best experience on such a trip, you will need to hire a 4X4 car for your roadtrip. These are strong enough and offer the best travel comfort you need.