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Driving In Rwanda As A Tourist

Driving in Rwanda as a Tourist: Everything you need to know

Rwanda, often referred to as the land of “a thousand hills” is a popular tourist destination in East Africa that offers a variety of activities, including gorilla trekking, birdwatching, and game drives. It is a scenic country with beautiful green vegetation, landscapes, rocky mountains, volcanic peaks and a variety of wildlife. In this blog, we bring you a list of some of the things you need to know when driving in Rwanda as a Tourist.

Tourism is the largest source of foreign exchange for Rwanda and a major contributor to the national export strategy. Renting a car for self drive is the best way to  get around the country in order to enjoy the beautiful scenery at your own pace.

Required Documents:

  • Drivers license: Just like any other country, you need a valid driving permit to be able to drive as a tourist. It is important to note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not compulsory for international visitors so a permit from your home country should be just fine.
  • Passport: In order to rent a car for self drive in Rwanda, you will be required to provide the rental agency with a copy of your passport for identification purposes.

Traffic Rules:

Right hand Traffic(RHT): One of the most important guidelines is  that in Rwanda, driving is on the right side of the road. About a quarter of the world’s population live in countries where people drive on the left-hand side of the road (e.g. Australia, Jamaica, Japan, Pakistan, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK).

If you are from one of those countries but intend to drive in Rwanda where the driving is on the right-hand side, you’ve got some work to do before you start driving. Remember that roundabouts go anti-clockwise.

Get used to the anti-clockwise rotation of roundabouts in places where you drive on the right side of the road. Remember to give the right of way to the left. Drive through roundabouts slower than what you’re used to

Automated Speed Enforcement (ACE) cameras: Rwanda was the first low-income country in Africa to implement a national ASE system. It has over 400 automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras to reduce traffic accidents and save lives.

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) uses these cameras to detect and identify traffic violations in real time. The cameras are placed a few meters after the speed limit sign and are set to a speed that’s 10% higher than the limit.

The cameras can monitor traffic from both directions, approaching and receding. If a camera detects a car speeding, it sends a message to the car owner’s mobile phone with the fine and due date and the owner can pay the fine online.

In case you’re driving a rental car and are issued  a speeding ticket, the rental agency is not liable. The speed limit in Rwanda is 40kmph in cities and 60kmph in provinces/highways.

Road safety:

  • Seatbelts: Ensure all occupants wear seatbelts, as it’s mandatory by law and essential for personal safety.
  • Defensive Driving: Stay vigilant and anticipate the behaviour of other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock.
  • Traffic Signs and Signals: Obey all traffic signs, signals, and road markings while driving in Rwanda. Familiarize yourself with common road signs and their meanings to ensure safe navigation.
  • Mobile Phones: The use of handheld mobile phones while driving is prohibited in Rwanda. Use of hands-free devices is generally allowed, but it’s best to minimize distractions and focus on the road while driving.
  • Overtaking and Lane Discipline: Overtake with caution and only when it’s safe to do so. Maintain proper lane discipline and use indicators when changing lanes or making turns.

Road conditions: Kigali, the capital of Rwanda has some one of the most well maintained road networks with organised traffic flow although traffic jam can occur during peak hours.

However roads in the rural areas are narrower and less developed with occasional. Potholes and unpaved sections. It is therefore important to hire a 4×4 if you intend to drive to a safari destination.

Navigation: Driving in a new country can be scary and chances of getting lost are high. It is  advisable to Utilize GPS navigation systems or smartphone apps to plan routes and navigate efficiently.

You may also download offline maps or carry a physical map, as internet connectivity may be limited in remote areas. If you get lost and have trouble using your map,  Seek help from locals or fellow travellers for route recommendations and updates on road conditions.

Insurance: Rental cars are usually Insured. Read and understand the insurance policy of your rental agency before making a reservation.

Animal Crossings: Drive cautiously, especially near national parks, as wildlife such as mountain gorillas, elephants,  antelopes and many more may cross the roads. Familiarize yourself with park regulations and adhere to designated routes to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Emergencies: Anything can happen on your self drive trip so it is important to have emergency contacts such as your rental agency emergency number, police, or friends in case of an issue along the journey. It is also important to have road assistance essentials for instance Jump starters, spare tyres, car jacks, fire extinguisher and many more.

Do not forget to pack medical supplies,  first aid kit, drinking water, power back-up, etc. Cash is also an important emergency item because you can need it any time along your journey.

Minimum Driving Age:

 The minimum age for driving in Rwanda is 18 years old but car rental companies have a minimum age they consider to rent a car age ranges from 23 years and above. Tourists must meet this age requirement to legally operate a motor vehicle in the country.

In order to have a smooth experience driving in Rwanda as a Tourist, follow all the traffic guidelines and avoid getting I’m trouble.

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