A Guide to Kigali Night Self Drive Trip.

Rwanda has over the years put in huge effort to develop infrastructure especially the roads and has been recognised internationally for having some of the best roads in Africa. When you visit Kigali, you will find that all the roads in the city centre are paved, well lit and super clean. Driving at night is risky because naturally, the body is tired, visibility is reduced therefore you need to think about your readiness to get behind the wheel and prepare to encounter unpredictable conditions on the road after dark. In this article, we bring you guidelines to Kigali night self drive.

This is not by chance . The ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) and Rwanda National Police have enforced strict policies to ensure road safety and on 16^th May 2019, Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mark the 5^th UN Global Road Safety week as part of the drive to reverse one of the leading causes of death in the world.

This event was joined by thousands of drivers, motorcyclists, employees of travel agencies and car hires, driving schools as well as pedestrians and specific youth groups to promote road safety in the “Walk for road Safety.” As you self drive in Rwanda, bear in mind that the country takes road safety seriously and violation of road safety rules can lead to heavy penalties.

Clean your windshield and control lights

When driving at night, make sure you clean your windshield properly and ensure that your wipers are working properly in case it rains because any streaks on the glass can cause issues when light hits them. It is hard to spot potential hazards on the road at night so you need to keep your headlights clean and well maintained.

You should also properly aim your headlights so that you don’t dazzle oncoming drivers. Know how to use your high beams and fog lights, and always remember to switch to low beams as soon as you are visible to another vehicle. Also, turn off any lights inside the car and change the screen to night mode.

Rest well before you drive at night

Naturally,  humans are wired to be awake during the day and asleep at night. This means that at night, we are more likely to feel drowsy and sleepy so driving at night carries more inherent risk especially after a long day of a safari expedition. Should you feel the need to drive to Kigali after a safari trip, make sure you are well rested by taking regular breaks at least every two hours or 100 miles to keep your energy flowing.

Research shows that crashes from drowsy driving after dark happen between midnight to 6am so avoid driving within these hours and if you have to, take short breaks and naps, drink water or share the driving responsibility with a well rested Co driver if possible.

Reduce speed

Since there is less traffic at night, many drivers are tempted to increase their speed. When you hire a car in Rwanda for self drive, remember that the speed limit is 40kmph in urban centres like  Kigali and 60-80kmph on highways or rural areas. Driving beyond these limits will get you fined Rwf 25,000 (Approx. 24 dollars).

Also important to note is that there are speed cameras on certain points in urban areas and speeding tickets are issues once you exceed the speed limits. You are less likely to find traffic police in the night but that doesn’t mean that you’re free to drive recklessly. The cameras are watching and once you’ve been issued with a speeding ticket, endeavour to pay it within 2 days to avoid extra charges. Ask your car hire provider the procedure for paying these tickets.

Don’t drink alcohol

Before embarking on any journey, you need to know that you’re not the only person using the road. The habit of drinking alcohol and driving especially at night has claimed countless lives and left many with disabilities. Alcohol impairs judgement so if you happen to drink alcohol, do not drive and if it’s really important for you to travel, hire a driver or ask a friend to drive.

According to the Rwanda National Police, a drunk driver is a risk not only to himself but also to other road users and is punishable by a fine on Rwf 150,000(Approx. 115 dollars), imprisonment, confiscation of the driving licence and impounding of the vehicle. To avoid all this in a foreign country, avoid drunk driving.

Look out for weather changes

Night time can bring weather changes that require attention and patience behind the wheel. When the temperature fluctuates, you are likely to experience fog and this can make the road and whatever is ahead invisible. If this happens, turn on high beams so that you are visible to another driver. If the weather is wet and windy, there is an increased chance of flooding, debris, and fallen trees on the road, which is harder to see from a distance. In such circumstances, drive slowly.

Always check weather forecasts before your trip. Only travel in adverse weather at night if absolutely necessary, and allow plenty of extra time so you can drive with patience, care, and awareness of everything around you.

Road works and maintenance

Road maintenance and development projects often happen at night when the traffic is low and roads are quieter.  Always look out for signage on the road diversion. A road closure may cause anxiety and panic, especially if you don’t know your diverted route. Get as much information as possible about potential road closures and highway work along your route before you set off. Plan your journey accordingly. Respond to active construction zones by following posted speed limits and being prepared for changes. Look out for construction workers, bollard and equipment.

It is safe to say that you can opt for Kigali Night Self Drive if you follow the safety guidelines above.