Fruits not to miss out on your Rwandan Self drive trip

We all know Rwanda as a top tourist destination due to its various attractions like the national parks such as Volcanoes national park, Akagera national park among other protected areas. Lake Kivu, and the Genocide Memorial Centre are also central to Rwanda’s tourism. When on a self drive safari in Rwanda, pass by Kimironko Market; one of the biggest markets in Kigali and be sure to find a variety of fresh fruits. You can also get these fruits from road side vendors along the highways if you’re headed for a self drive safari tour. Here are some of the fruits not to miss out on your Rwandan Self drive trip.

What many visitors may not know is that there is supply of fresh fruits throughout the year. Though the taste of fruits is rarely highlighted but when African fruits tend to taste far different from the European fruits. Rwanda is one of those African countries with very tasty fruits. The country is highly dependent on agriculture for both home consumption and exports.

The Rwanda Development Board states that the country’s horticulture exports increased from 5 Million Dollars in 2005 to 25 Million Dollars in 2018 and this is due to its competitive basethat hinges on its comparative advantages such as fertile soils, abundant water resources, abundant labour and favourable climatic conditions that enable production of quality and competitive fruits sold in regional and international markets.

Bananas

Bananas are a staple fruit in Rwanda and they are available throughout the year. An estimated 80% of smallholders grow bananas and they play an important role in household food security. Bananas of all types are the most important crop in Rwanda in terms of hectares under production.

During your self drive safari in Rwanda, bananas should be one of the fruits to try out.

Passion Fruits

Passion fruits are in season from April to August and October to December. They are widely grown in flat land areas such as Rwamagana, Nyagatare, Rusizi, Nyamagabe and Gasabo districts. Passion fruits are widely popular in neighbouring countries like Uganda and DRC and these account for 33% and 28% of  monthly exports respectively.

You can consume passion fruits by blending juice out of them or consuming them directly although they are best consumed in juice form. After your trip in Rwanda, you can always carry home Agashya which is a passion fruit concentrate.

Strawberries

These are widely grown in the cooler areas of Musanze and they are usually intercropped with citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines. Fresh strawberries are found in markets and supermarkets.

If you are fond of mocktails, you ask have one arranged courtesy of your Rwandan guesthouse.

Mangoes

Mangoes in Rwanda are cultivated in all provinces but the Eastern province is more suited for their production. Mangoes are adapted to both tropical and subtropical conditions and they’re successfully grown in a wide range of soils. They grow best in areas with a relatively warm temperature of between 20-26⁰C.

There are varieties of mangoes to try out for example Zillate, Alfonso, Dodo, Apple, Kent, and Sensation among others. Fresh mangoes can also be got from local markets or highway vendors. They are widely available from March to October. It is always recommended to stick to markets for fresh fruits.

Pineapples

Fresh pineapples are widely grown in all provinces in Rwanda and are available all year round. They are easily be bought in the local market and from street vendors.

Watermelons

These are available during the dry season of June to September. A perfect timing to quench your thirst on your Rwanda self drive trip.

Other fruits to enjoy include Papayas, jackfruits, avocados and citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and tangerines. All these can be found at local markets, roadside stalls and fruit stands.

Fruits are a major highlight of Rwanda self drive safari unfortunately many people skip visiting local markets which are the best place to get fresh fruits.