Rwanda, often referred to as the land of “a thousand hills” is a popular tourist…

8 Disappointments to Expect on a Self Drive Safari
Going on a safari trip in Rwanda is always among the top items on most people’s bucket lists. A safari is a very exciting and relaxing adventure that gives you an opportunity to connect with nature and forget about all the daily hustles of life. It is something you plan, save money for and look forward to. You may have particular expectations and while safaris can be incredible experiences, there are some potential 8 Disappointments to Expect on a Self Drive Safari. Here are some common ones:
Unfriendliness and poor service: Rwandans are known world wide for being one of the most friendly and welcoming people in Africa. Do not be surprised however if you encounter unfriendly people in Rwanda. These could be your tour guides, drivers , waiters and accommodation staff. You may experience bad service at safari hotels and if this happens, remain calm and communicate with the staff respectfully.
Getting lost: Nothing ruins a safari trip like getting lost. It is common for travellers to get lost especially if it is their first time visiting a particular place. It is possible to get lost even when you are following Google maps or GPS. This may be due to poor Internet connection in the wilderness or you may just fail to follow the maps and hit a dead end. In this case, stay calm, drive back and start again.
Wrong car: When hiring a car, we consider many factors for example the size of the travel group, the price of the car, fuel consumption among others. It is very disappointing to reserve a car and receive one with less specifications. When this happens, request the car rental agency for a discount.
Car breakdown: Cars are very unpredictable and they tend to break down in the worst places for instance in the middle of game parks or forests where it is difficult to access a good mechanic. Even when you have inspected and test driven the car before setting off and confirmed that it is good mechanical condition, it may break down due to road conditions, reckless driving, or it could just run out of fuel. It is always good to be equipped with road assistance essentials in case of a mechanical breakdown.
Late car delivery: Another disappointment on a safari self drive trip is having your car delivered later than the agreed time. This may be caused by traffic jam, delays in repairs or servicing, or unforeseen mechanical failures. You’ll most likely fall behind schedule by two hours or so and when this happens, you can also request for a discount on the rental fee.
Closed roads: This is one of the biggest disappointments on a safari self drive trip. Imagine driving lots of kilometres only to find the road has been closed for repairs or maintenance. You may be required to take an alternative route/diversion that you’re not familiar with and worst case scenario is if this happens during the night. Chances of getting lost or ending up in bumpy and dusty roads are high and this will most likely ruin your safari experience.
Bad weather: The ideal weather for a safari trip is sunny. Depending on the season in which your going on a safari, weather will greatly impact your experience. If you’re travelling between February and May and Mid September to November, except lots of rain. However, even during the other months that are meant to be dry, rain may show up and may catch you off guard. Always pack clothes suitable for both sunny and rainy weather.
Mosquitoes: Rwanda being a tropical country, there are lots of mosquitoes especially in the grasslands which happen to be the ultimate safari destinations. Mosquitoes cause malaria which is a life threatening disease. While in these areas, ensure to sleep under a treated mosquitoes net or have insect repellent cream to prevent mosquito bites.
In order to minimize potential disappointments, it’s essential to: Research and choose a reputable safari operator, take necessary health and safety precautions and stay flexible and open-minded during the safari.
By being aware of these potential 5 Disappointments to Expect on a Self Drive Safari, you can better prepare yourself for an enjoyable and memorable safari experience.