How Do I Get Around Rwanda; A Complete Guide for Tourists.

Discover the best ways to get around Rwanda, from domestic flights and car rentals to public transport and guided tours.

Rwanda, a small landlocked country in the eastern regions of Africa, is a stunning destination offering a diverse range of attractions, from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, BigFive safaris in Akagera National Park, and the scenic shores of Lake Kivu.

Whether you are planning to explore the vibrant city of Rwanda, Kigali or venture into Rwanda’s National parks and other hidden gems getting around Rwanda is a straightforward process as the country is featured with well-maintained roads and efficient transport options allowing travelers to conveniently the transport mode of their preference.

Let’s delve through the different ways you can navigate Rwanda during your visit, and provide you with the essential tips and insights to make your Rwanda safaris smooth and enjoyable.

This is how to get around Rwanda

1. Getting Around Rwanda by Road

Rwanda has one of the best road networks in Africa. the country has significantly invested in infrastructural development making its road travel efficient and enjoyable. Below are the different options you can use to get around Rwanda by road transport;

Private Car Rentals

Renting a car in Rwanda is a popular choice among visitors to Rwanda especially those who prefer flexibility in their travel itineraries. In Kigali city, you will find several car rental agents offering a variety of vehicles inclusive of 4×4 cars which are recommended for navigating Rwanda’s remote destinations such as the national parks. Additionally, you can also conveniently visit different car rental websites and enjoy a hassle-free car rental experience in Rwanda.

Tips for renting a car in Rwanda

• Ensure that your car rental has proper insurance coverage such as comprehensive insurance covering all its potential damages that may occur during your road trips in Rwanda.
• Carry a valid international driving permit with you if you are planning to embark on a self-drive

safari in Rwanda.

• Know the type of car you need based on the different factors such as the distance to cover, terrain to encounter, and travel budget among others ensuring you get the car that fits your travel needs and preferences.
• Look out for reviews from previous fellow clients if you are planning to rent a car online to ensure reliability on the car rental agent and its products.
• Compare market prices, this can best be done online to ensure that you get the best car rental deal.
• read and understand the car rental terms and conditions, and look out for additional fees, mileage limits, and fuel policies to ensure that you can deal with them

Taxi Services

In Rwanda, Taxis are among the most convenient and affordable options to get around the country. They are majorly found in Kigali, the capital and they are easily recognized with yellow stripes on a white body. Taxis in Rwanda can be hailed on the streets or booked via a phone call. They operate on the meter system therefore their fares vary depending on the distance to be covered.

For short trips within Kigali city typically costs around RWF 2,000 to 5,000 ($2 to $5). However, for very long distances outside Kigali, clients may decide to negotiate for a fixed rate with the taxi operators.

For travelers or tourists who prefer a more convenient and private option, Rwanda offers a variety of ride-hailing apps like Yego Cabs often available in Kigali. They offer cashless payment options at competitive market rates.

Public Buses and Minibuses

Rwanda has an extensive public transportation system primarily operated by buses and minibusses. These buses are a convenient and affordable option for tourists planning to travel between cities and towns, a good choice for those planning long road trips in the country.

They are regularly serviced and maintained after each road trip ensuring you a seamless travel experience to your destinations. Some of the bus stations in Rwanda include the Nyabugogo bus station. These buses travel to different parts of the country inclusive of the popular destinations of Rwanda such as Musanze, Gisenyi, and Butare, with bust tickets costing as low as $10.

caution must be taken when boarding buses as they tend to go to different destinations therefore one must board a specific bus based on where you are going. Major bus companies offering transportation services include Volcano Express, Rwanda Interlink Transport Company(RITCO), and Kigali Bus Services.

Mini buses also locally known as matatus are shared taxis commonly used by local people embarking on shorter road trips within the cities or in the nearby towns. Because they are the cheapest means of transport in Rwanda, their stations can be overcrowded and are less comfortable for tourists moving with their luggage.

They need one to be patient during your journey as they don’t operate on a fixed timetable. To access minibusses in Rwanda, you can go to their parking stations like the Downtown Taxi parking station in Kigali, Kigali City Center Taxi Park, and Nyakarambi Taxi Park.

Motorcycles

Locally known as Moto, motorcycles are among the popular transport options in Rwanda. They are used by travelers embarking on shorter road trips within the cities and towns. They are an ideal choice for navigating through traffic jams featured in major cities like Kigali. In addition to being cost-effective, motors are the fastest means of transport to get you through remote areas. Motor fares start at RWF 300 ($0.30) and increase depending on the distance to be covered. Costs are negotiable hence you can always feel free to bargain.  However, while motors are widely available and affordable, they may not be suitable for long journeys due to safety concerns and lack of luggage space.

2. Getting around Rwanda by Air

If you planning to embark on long distances such as those taking like 9 hours to be covered on the road and you have limited time, domestic flights are an option in Rwanda. Rwanda Air, the national carrier, operates domestic flights from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport in the southwestern regions of Rwanda, near Lake Kivu. This makes it a convenient option for travelers heading to Lake Kivu or Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The flight from Kigali to Kamembe takes about 45 minutes and offers stunning aerial views of Rwanda’s landscapes. While flying is the fastest way and best option for time-conscious travelers, domestic flights are typically more expensive than road transport with a roundtrip fare ranging from $150 to $300.

3. Getting Around Rwanda by Bicycle

For adventurous travelers seeking a more immersive experience in Rwanda, biking is the best way to go. It introduces to scenic landscapes of the country and other different attractions. For example, biking through the Congo Nile Trail offers you an opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside featuring scenic hills, shores of Lake Kivu, and stunning views of small local villages offering you deep insights into Rwanda’s rural life.

Bicycle renting agents are available in small towns of Rwanda like Gienyi and Rubavu, with local tour companies offering guided cycling tours across Rwanda. Cycling is not only eco-friendly but also allows you to explore Rwanda at your own pace.

4. Traveling to Rwanda’s National Parks

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, famous for its mountain gorillas, is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali. Most tourists book private transfers or hire a driver-guide to reach the park. The roads leading to the park are well-paved, making the journey smooth and scenic. For budget travelers, public buses from Kigali to Musanze are available, and from Musanze, you can take a taxi or moto to the park entrance.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, known for its safari experience and the Big Five, is situated in eastern Rwanda, about 2-3 hours from Kigali. You can drive there yourself if you have a 4×4 vehicle or book a guided tour with one of the many tour operators offering safari packages. Public transport to Akagera is limited, so renting a car or arranging private transport is the best option.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest, home to chimpanzees and other primates, is located in southwestern Rwanda, about 5-6 hours from Kigali. While this is a longer journey, the road is paved, and the views along the way are spectacular. Public buses from Kigali to Rusizi or Huye (Butare) are available for budget travelers, and from there, you can take a taxi to the park.