Dos & 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.
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5 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.
Read MoreScientific tourism: Dr Kinani’s new initiative to boost Rwanda’s tourism
Today, Rwanda joins the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day. And with almost 1.2 billion people travelling abroad every year, this industry has become a powerful economic sector and a passport to peace and posterity, plus a transformative force improving millions of lives.
In Rwanda, different sector players have come on board to find innovative ways through which tourism can be enhanced. While the country’s flagship tourism attraction remains gorilla trekking, it’s instructive that there are some organisations that now look beyond mountain gorillas and have turned their focus on other strategies of marketing the country to tourists.
Globally, scientific tourism is not a new phenomenon. However, few people in the country have heard about it, and now one organisation called One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC), with its newest initiative Gorilla Health project, has put itself at the forefront of promoting scientific tourism.
Dr Jean Felix Kinani, the founder and executive director of OHAC, explains that the new initiative is focused on supporting integrated conservation of non-human primates through monitoring, interventions, capacity building, research and raising awareness.
“We provide for tourist and visitors a one-hour power point presentation focusing on our work in conservation and especially the care of the famous mountain gorillas that reside in the Virunga Massif,” he explains.
Science tourism is a travel topic grouping scientific attractions. It covers interests in visiting and exploring not only scientific landmarks, including museums, laboratories, observatories and universities, but also in site research and findings.
Rwanda is rich in stunning attractions and incredible sites where such innovative solutions to tourism can easily find a home. For example, the Museum of Rwanda, based in the capital city Kigali, is a repertoire of cultural artefacts where the country’s rich cultural and scientific history is preserved.
And ever since the Genocide against the Tutsi that was carried out in 1994, the country has made tremendous progress, particularly in the education sector, and many universities now serve as a sea of opportunities from where science knowledge can be drawn.
The country’s rich flora and fauna can also serve as a bedrock of the science tourism project.
Dr Kinani observes that tourism is a significant branch of science. “People travel to recreate or to learn something new. We would like to bring you to the field where scientific knowledge is preserved and communicated from generation to generation,” he says.
The new product is also focused on sensitising “wildlife friends” on the value of conservation for sustainable tourism activities.
“Our presentations touch different subjects and tourists can ask questions on the subject following their interest within conservation issues,” Dr Kinani explains.
Dr Jean Felix Kinani can be contacted at jfkinani@gmail.com, ohac2004@gmail.com. Twitter: @jfkinani, @ohac_gorilla, @gorillahealth
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Quest for Rwanda Mountain Gorillas
The activity of Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is an event which is dreamt by many nature photographers and realized by few while the anticipation, preparation and physical effort of getting to where the gorilla are. When trekking through the virgin jungle in Rwanda, you will yourselves in the world of mountain and you will go about their daily routine. If you have a camera, you will be allowed to take photographs and no one will anticipate the feeling of tranquility which is associated with close contact with these rare primates. Photographing a 550 pound gorilla is one the most exciting activities tourists will enjoy when he/she is in Rwanda.
The lure of the primeval forest habitat when coupled with photographing the endangered animal of legend makes your safari a challenge that you have never attempted to take and the obstacles are very many and these include getting yourself along with your photo equipment. There is also a high working order, trekking an unknown distance through daunting terrain, and finally pointing the camera in the right direction and pushing the button at the right time. Note that what you might not factor in is the slight rise in body temperature which might be due the excitement of being so close to a 550 pound silverback and combining with the humid jungle air, causing your glasses to fog over completely.
If you are a United States of America Citizen, you require no Visa to enter the republic of Rwanda and passports must be valid for at least 6 months after entry date. The prices for your safari will include all ground transportation, accommodations and meals mentioned on the itinerary, gorilla tracking permits for 3 days, all activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary, bottled water in vehicles, services of professional trackers/guides during tracking, English speaking guide/driver throughout the program, medical emergency evacuation coverage, one porter per person per gorilla tracking, and all tips except for guide/driver.
When you are booking for a gorilla safari, the price does not include international airfare, flights from Kilimanjaro to Kigali. However approximately $365 per person is required to be booked on your behalf once you sign up for the program and visa fees, any beverages throughout the trip except for bottled water in vehicles. Be prepared to tip during meals, tips for guide/driver, and any personal extras such as phone calls, minibar, and laundry. About $2,500 per person which is non-refundable deposit is necessary to confirm a booking and the final payments are due no later than 95 days prior to departure. The cancellations received less than 95 days prior to departure are not refundable and the Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. In case you wish to get any more information concerning how to book in Rwanda, you should contact our company for advice.
Read MoreRwanda Sets Eyes on More Tourism Investors in 2016
Despite the countries success in the tourism sector for the past years, new tourism investors are yet to be attracted to Rwanda after the host of the Africa hotel investment forum in 2016. The government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said that the African hotel investment forum will unite international hotel investors in Africa, tour operators, government officials and other tourism industry experts.
The forum scheduled for 2016 will take place in Kigali Rwanda’s capital with an emphasize on hotel investment and operation in Africa. The Rwanda chief tourism officer at Rwanda development board Mr Yamina Karitanyi said that “We see Africa Hotel International Forum as an exceptional platform to meet many of the most important decision makers and investors, who have the power collectively to influence investment in the hospitality industry in Africa. And also said that they are determined to build a strong relationship and showcase Rwanda as the best place to do business creating chance for local hotel developers to forge partnerships with investors.
There are many tourism adventures to attract travelers in Rwanda such as the mountain gorilla tracking, Chimpanzee/primate treks, bird safaris, wildlife excursions in the forefront in Akagera National park and tours to the genocide memorial sites where memories of the famous human genocide in Africa visible at the various museums for visitors to pick a leaf for the future.
However looking at the beautiful tourism industry of Africa-the sector is accountable for 8.1% GDP and expected to rise to 4.9% every year by 2025 as stated by World tourism and Travel sector. Equally the Rwanda tourism sector continues to grow positioning itself as the leading foreign earner for the country evidenced by the 3% increase in the number of foreign tourist from 2013-14 in Rwanda. These numbers grew from 1.14 million visitors to 1.2 million visitors also accounting for an increase in revenue from $293.4m in 2013 to $303m in 2014.
Above all some hotel projects started as a result of the Africa Hotel International Forum and others are yet to come seeking new opportunities in Africa. Though finding public sector partners who speak the same language as the inventors is a must in order to have a smooth running of new hotel tourism investments in Rwanda.
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Rwanda showcases Tourism Package in Netherlands
Rwanda is showcasing its marvelous tourist attractions at the Vakantiebeurs tourism exhibition, the largest tourism exhibition in the Benelux in Utrecht.
The exhibition is running from January 7, 2016 until 17 January in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
The exhibition kicked off on Tuesday with a trade day for the Dutch travel industry and travel media and at the official opening with many VIPs the audience was impressed by a performance of Rwandan cultural dancers, who will continue entertaining visitors in front of the Rwanda stand and on stage in the Africa hall.
After the opening Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, invited Mayor Van Zanen of Utrecht to the Rwanda stand to discover the tourism opportunities in the land of a thousand hills.
They made a photo at the Rwanda photo booth for visitors to take souvenir photos in the Rwanda landscape.
Ambassador Karabaranga said that he noticed a remarkable growth in interest and enthusiasm of Dutch tour operators.
‘Tour operators specialized in Africa are extending their product offer and are offering Rwanda as a ’standalone’ destination. Some, like AV Tours & Safari and All for Nature Travel, told me that they were grateful for the invitation from the Rwanda Development Board to attend Kwita Izina and discover Rwanda in September 2015.
This trip showed them that Rwanda’s tourism is very diversified and is much more than Gorilla tracking only’.
“Inviting tour operators and travel journalists is the best way to achieve the remarkable progress and the Embassy is working closely with the Rwanda Development Board to continue those media and tour operator familiarization trips in 2016, ”said Karabaranga.
Rwanda is among the 160 countries that participated at the Vakantiebeurs which also attracts more than 125,000 visitors. Amahoro Tours, Great Seasons Hotel Kigali, Mountain Gorilla Safaris and Wildlife Tours Rwanda are represented during the six-day event.
During the consumer days Rwanda’s exhibition stand is receiving many visitors who are enjoying Rwandan coffee and tea, and entertained by Rwandan traditional dancers. They are engaging in the lifetime offer to take a photo in Rwanda style for free and sharing it on the travel Rwanda Facebook page.
Read MoreLions Return to Akagera National Park
The lions were hypnotized before leaving South Africa for Rwanda. Seven lions including two males and 5 females from South Africa have just been reintroduced into the Akagera National Park. Some lions had been completely decimated about fifteen years ago in this savannah in eastern Rwanda following the war and the genocide against the Tutsis. Another part had been poisoned by cattle breeders who saw these beasts as a threat to their herds.
The 5 lionesses from South Africa were donated by Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and the two by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife of Tembe Elephant Park. Located in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, both are small reserves where surplus big cats are destined to be sent elsewhere like this case of Rwanda for proper management.
In Akagera National Park, the new home of these lions, they have been placed in a 1km² area to the north of the park. This space has been split into two separate enclosures, the perimeter 3m high, with an electrified fence. A water reserve has been set up and the lions will be fed for 3 to 4 days to reproduce their natural feeding pattern. They will then be quarantined for at least 14 days during which they will be continuously monitored before being released into the desert.
These lions were selected based on reproductive potential and their ability to contribute to social cohesion. These lions were captured and held in Bomas in Phinda and in Tembe Elephant Park. On June 29, they were hypnotized and placed in steel containers, and loaded on trucks to OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg in the direction of Kigali.
In addition, these lions are equipped with satellite collars that allow the Akagera park management team to monitor their movements. Another precautionary measure, the fence of the park to not allow wild animals to leave the park. These collars have a life of two years and the park team will have assessed the dynamics and evolution of these lions.
“The return of the lions to Akagera is an important step for the conservation of the park and the country. Restoring the national park to its former state of biodiversity is paramount in the conservation of African parks,” said Peter Fearnhead, African Parks CEO.
“It is important to rehabilitate the park, this return will encourage the natural balance of the ecosystem and improve the tourism product”, said Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi, the head of the directorate of tourism at Rwanda Development. Board.
Last year, as part of the preparations for the reintroduction of the lions, the Akagera Park team carried out an awareness program for the communities living around the park to promote harmonious coexistence with the lions.
Read MoreNgoma: Youth vow to Fight Genocide Ideology
Members of Never Again Club -Ngoma on Wednesday, vowed to fight Genocide and its ideology.
The youth made the resolve during their study tour at Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial Site in Kirehe district.
At the site, the students received lessons on the history of Rwanda, how the Genocide was planned and carried out and the role of youth preventing it.
“The youth of today will not give a chance to Genocide and its ideology to infiltrate us. We have the power to change that history and build a new country and future,” said Gaudence Mukansanga, a member of Never Again.
Jean Cedric Ndikumana, also a member of Never Again said the members will sensitize others and participate in nation building by profitably using their energy.
In his address, Cyprien Turatsinze, the coordinator of Never Again Club –Ngoma district commended the youth for their resilience in national building
“The youth promised to lead the way, in challenging the Genocide ideology, divisive thinking and prejudice,” said Turatsinze.
“They see themselves as the pillar for a brighter Rwanda, free of hatred and divisionism” he said.
Never Again Rwanda (NAR) is a human rights and peacebuilding organisation that was founded by three university students in 2002. Guided by a vision of a nation where young people are agents of positive change and work together towards sustainable peace and development, the founding members established NAR to empower young people with opportunities to become active citizens.
Read MoreRwanda Targets $860 from tourism
Rwanda has embarked on rehabilitation of Gishwati-Mukura natural reserve with the aim of conserving wildlife that is a major attraction to tourists increasingly visiting the country.
Government is also expected in the next few months to pass the bill into law that will upgrade the natural reserve into a full National park. According to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) which is in charge of tourism, the countrygenerated $ 304.9 from 1,220, 000 tourists in 2014.
Of this, $ 213.43 (70%) was earned from permits paid to see rare mountain gorillas inhabiting the volcanic mountains.
Mukura-Gishwati is a major natural attraction hosting 60 tree species, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and the mountain monkeys besides a dozen species of East African chimpanzees among others.
Its Located between Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngororero and Nyabihu, Western part of the country,
Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) called for public support in the implementation of the rehabilitation project.
“Success of this project will benefit local communities, Rwanda and the world as a whole,” Dr.Mukankomeje told KT Press.
Rwanda launched the reserve rehabilitation project through public work, umuganda on June 5. The reserve was encroached on by human activities which reduced it from initial size of 250,000
hectares in 1951 to its current 1000 hectares because of resettlement of people, farming, and illegal mining. Human activities at the reserve led to devastating soil erosion within the forests and resulted into severe landslides and floods.
Through the Landscape Approach to Forest Restoration and Conservation (LAFREC), Rwanda will increase tree cover and restore indigenous woodland in deforested areas, according to REMA.
The country expects to limit poaching and other hostile activities in the park through several projects.
“We shall offer livestock population living close to the park,” Emmanuel Mazimpaka, vice mayor for economic affairs in Ngororero district told KT Press. He added that bee keeping will be introduced. Roads and electricity will be extended to the the park area to improve trade. These projects covering the reserve’s buffer zone will be supported by World Bank with a-5 year grant worth$ 9.53 million.
After Mukura-Gishwati reserve is upgraded to a National park status, it will be the Fourth national park after Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. With this Rwanda expects to hit $ 860 million target in tourism revenue in 2016.
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