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Top 5 places to camp on your one way rental in Rwanda

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The history of recreational camping is often traced back to Thomas Hiram Holding, a British traveling tailor, but it was first popularised in the UK on the River Thames. By the 1880s, large numbers of visitors took part in the pastime, which was connected to the late Victorian craze for pleasure boating.

Over the years, Camping has become  an important aspect in team building,  recreation and survival training especially for scouts. It is one of the recommended activities to help you escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and reconnect with nature.

Fortunately,  Rwanda has a number of campsites that will give you an unforgettable camping experience and these include but not limited to the following.

Mutumba Campsite

Located in the North of Akagera National Park, Mutumba campsite is one of the few camps to visit especially when you’re on a budget. It is situated in a remote area on the highest point of the park; Mutumba Hills, giving you an exclusive view of the entire park, the lakes and you can take a glimpse into Tanzania at this point.

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It is famous for its high concentration of animals that usually gather in areas near the campsite for instance buffalo’s, antelopes and elands. Because of this, the campsite has an electric fence around it to ensure the safety of the campers .

The camp provides basic camping facilities like bathrooms and toilets but campers are advised to carry their own foodstuffs, tents , toiletries, cooking aids, flashlights, pillows, blankets among others.

Take part in game drives around Akagera, hike the Mutumba hill, watch birds and take guided nature’s while at Mutumba campsite. The rates per day is 25USD per person.

Muyumbu Campsite

South of Akagera National park is another budget camping site close to the entrance of the park. It is situated on a the ridge overlooking Lake Shakani and Ihema and it is also possible to take a glips3 at Tanzania from this campsite. The sunrises are beautiful and it also costs 25USD for locals and international visitors.

It has a spacious pitch for RVs and tents. For those who enjoy a communal atmosphere, Muyumbu Campsite often hosts group activities and gatherings, allowing travelers to share stories and experiences around the campfire

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In addition to the wildlife, the cultural richness of the surrounding communities offers a unique opportunity to learn about local traditions and customs, enhancing your overall experience in this beautiful region.

Shakani Campsite

This one is located south of Akagera National Park on the shores of Lake Shakani. It is the only camping site in Akagera National park with running water and flush toilets. Visitors are encourages to bring their own bottled water for health purposes, and also basic camping gear.

Lake Shakani  is the only place in Akagera where fishing is allowed and sport fishing is an important activity here. If you’re interested in this activity,  you’re required to carry your own fishing gear. The fish caught is either grilled or deep fried for you to enjoy.

Other activities include game drives, nature walks and bird watching. Enjoying all these activities also costs 25USD per day.

Mihindi Campsite

This is the newest budget camping site in Akagera National Park. It has a great view of the park and is surrounded by a  fence to keep out animals. There is a coffee shop  Barbeque spot and solar heated showers.

Enjoy a game drive and see the big five among other animals at only 50USD for adults and 30USD for children.

Visitors are advised to bring essential camping gear with the exception of tents which are provided by the campsite.

Karenge Bush Cam

The campsite is also located in Akagera National Park and was named after the area where the camp was first established.   Karange is a Rwandese word that means small footprint which represents the cost commitment to leaving nothing more than a light ecological footprint.

The main area comprises a dining tent with a small lounge and outdoor fire pit surrounded by chairs, all providing that view looking out over the vast Kilala Plains.

Community Guides are also only available on request and at an additional fee that covers the guide’s accommodation and food while staying at the camp.

The camp can host a maximum of 12 guests at a time. There are six canvas tents each containing 2camp beds, reed mats, camp chairs and solar lights.  Each tent has its own private outdoor bathrooms for privacy.

For anyone seeking comfort in the wilderness, Karenge is the place to be. It is open all year round with the exception of April. The rates range between 95USD to 265USD depending on the number of people and their age.

All rates include accommodation, dinner, breakfast and lunch. Rates do not include transport, park entry fees, activities, gratuities and drinks.

For an ultimate camping experience on your one way rental trip in Rwanda, ensure to pack camping essentials, take time to select a camping site that best suits your needs and while there, make a few friends over the campfire.

Here Are The Best Months For Camping in Rwanda

Camping Gear For Rent in Rwanda

Anyone who has camped before will agree that it is one of the few outdoor activities that gives you a real connection with nature because you watch it all sleep and wake up.

Camping is beneficial for physical and mental health because it allows you to build relationships, learn new skills, unplug from screens, connect with nature, increase physical fitness, and reduce stress.

Toyota-landcruiser-roof-top-tent for Camping Safaris

Activities such as nature walks on your Rwanda camping trip will enhance your mood and focus, increase your attention and cognitive capacity. Luckily, Rwanda has very good camping sites in national parks but you can only enjoy the experience if you travel in months that are not really rainy.

Because of its altitude and proximity to the Equator, Rwanda has an acceptable Tropical climate characterized by rain and sunshine. Seasons vary and because rain has a tendency of ruining the whole  experience, we elaborate the best months you can camp in Rwanda without much inconvenience .

June to September

This  long dry season coincides with summer and obviously the best period to visit Rwanda and engage in outdoor recreational activities like camping. The temperatures range between 16⁰C-27⁰C and rain is rare but if it happens, it is just 33MM/1.3IN.

The clouds covering the forests are light, the skies blue and the temperatures are pleasant. There is less malaria risk during this season. Since forests are dry, forest treks are made more accessible, there is less risk of getting stuck in the mud or having your camping tent filled with water or get  blown away by the wind.

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Vegetation is thinner and shorter so it is easy to view more animals and it is the perfect time to encounter gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park. It is also the best time to find gorillas and golden monkeys hidden within the Virunga Mountains of Volcanoes National Park, or spend a day at Lake Kivu.

Keep in mind that the rainforest regions in Rwanda always have higher than average rainfall, but the dry season means that it’s slightly less rain. September is a special month to visit Rwanda to experience Kwita Izina, a naming ceremony for new-born gorillas.

The disadvantage of traveling to Rwanda during the these months is encountering larger tourist crowds and many accommodations/camping sites and activities get easily booked out because of high demand.

Attractions like Volcanoes National Park limit the number of daily gorilla permits to visitors to 96, so there’s significantly more competition for the park passes in peak season.

Mid December to February

If you’re  looking for an alternative time to visit Rwanda outside of the long dry season, the short dry season is just a few months away to enjoy many of the same climate perks that the season brings. This season coincides with winter and most of the effects of this season in Rwanda are in the central and eastern regions of the country.

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Camping destinations in Akagera National park have a brief break from although places like with higher elevation in the western region maintain a wet climate. Travelers that want to escape cold winter often opt for these months since temperatures in Rwanda remain warm, although a jacket is recommended during the night when it’s slightly cooler than the long dry season.

Keep an eye out for the weather because there are occasional short-day showers. It is also the perfect time to spot primates before they relocate for the long dry season. . Plan a trek in December, right after the rain, when you can easily spot primates before they relocate for the dry season.

March to May

These months are considered to be the wettest months of year with the rains really heavy and persistent. To some people, this is the worst time to camp in  Rwanda but others may consider it a perfect opportunity.

This is maybe because there are less tourist crowds. This is also the best time to enjoy discounts on services like accommodation,  transportation and dining because demand is very low.

Camping safaris in Rwanda

Also during these months, gorillas move to the lower altitudes of the mountains because they are a bit warmer and it makes trekking a little easier because the gorillas will be easier to find.

Should you choose to camp during these months, ensure to get a 4×4 car with high ground clearance to manoeuvre the muddy and slippery roads in  camping destinations.  You’re also encouraged to check your tent for any leakages and fix them in advance.

The camping experience largely depends on weather so with the above elaboration, choose months that are best suitable for you.

Why is Rwanda so clean?

For years Rwanda has maintained its status as the cleanest country in Africa. This status was achieved in 2008 when Rwanda put a ban on the production, importation, use and sale of plastic bags and non biodegradable plastics, becoming the first country on the African continent to do so.

As the saying goes ; “Rome was not built in a day,” achieving and maintaining this status has been a joint effort of the president, law enforcement and citizens at large. During and shortly after the genocide, all you could see in the streets was dead bodies, loot, and ruined buildings.

Volcanoes Gorilla Trek with Go Self Rwanda

For years after the genocide, Rwanda  embarked on a mission to rebuild and this was possible with the help of the various organisations like the UN. The moment you step out of Kigali Airport, you’ll be mesmerised by the level of hygiene and cleanliness that the city portrays and this is not only in Kigali but throughout the major cities and countryside.  The real question here remains,  Why is Rwanda is so clean? Well, let’s talk about how that is even possible for a developing country in this  article

Strict laws and policies

Rwanda is a country of laws and everyone there follows the law. Nevertheless,  Rwandans are proud of their clean status and could frown at any attempt of Littering or causing chaos. In fact, they are such law abiding citizens that they make the work of law enforcers easy. The Rwanda police force (RPF) in accordance with the environmental legislation imposed a fine ranging between 10,000 to 100,000 RWF  for anyone found guilty of Littering.

Ntarama and Nyamata Memorial Day Tour

Also, a garbage collecting policy was recently put in place where garbage is collected every Tuesday. Each family is mandated to contribute 2000 RWF and businesses 10,000 RWF in form of public cleaning tax to maintain the cleanliness of the city and the country as a whole.

Plastic ban

In an effort to  protect the environment and stop littering, Rwanda became the first country in Africa to ban the manufacture, importation, sale and use of plastic bags in 2008. Later in 2019, the ban was expanded to include single use plastics such as bottles, straws and food containers.

The Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) and RPF have worked tirelessly to enforce this ban. In fact, a fine of 150USD and 6-12 months jail time was put in place for anyone found smuggling and selling plastic bags., if you fly into Rwanda with any plastic bags, they are confiscated at the airport.

Waste Management system

As much as Rwanda is still facing significant challenges with the disposal of solid waste with only 24% of Kigali’s  solid waste legally disposed of in Nyanza landfill,  the country has tried within its means to  put in place waste collection points across the cities and country side. There is

Infrastructural development

A lot of property was damaged during the genocide in 1994. Rwanda has heavily invested in the rehabilitation of public structures such as roads. Rwanda takes the third position for having the best roads on the African planet. Of course, it is natural that when you have something beautiful, you’ll do whatever it takes to maintain its beauty.

Community Effort

Rwanda is the only country in Africa where communities consistently gather to clean up the environment. This can be witnessed by Umuganda, (coming together in common purpose) which is a community service programme held every last Saturday of the month to clean the environment.  This has become a tradition among Rwandans and also, foreigners have been seen to participate in this programme.

Reconciliation and forgiveness were the agenda after the 1994 genocide and Umuganda has played a important role in uniting Rwandans regardless of their tribe. Umuganda is compulsory for all Rwandans and businesses are closed till noon for this and there’s also a fine for every Rwandan Citizen that doesn’t participate in Umuganda.

Solid Leadership

Rwanda has been under the leadership of President Paul Kagame since 2000. His leadership is rooted in the stoic philosophy that emphasises self awareness, openness to learning and careful planning. He is known among critics as the Iron fist president that stifles dissent and opposition yet he is so popular among Rwandans. Kagame has played a key role in the development of Rwanda with his strict policies

Rwanda’s commitment to cleanliness serves as an inspiration to other African Countries. Due to the joint efforts of both the government and citizens,  Rwanda is often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa.

Packing List For One Way Rentals

Renting a car for a one way trip in Rwanda is considered the most economic way of travelling within or across the border. It is convenient and flexible because you don’t have to worry about driving the car back to it’s original location especially if you don’t have intentions of going back . Hitting the road is freeing!

Whether you plan on driving across Rwanda to view the famous mountain gorillas, take a trip to Uganda, Tanzania or Kenya, or even just want to take a quick work trip , it’s important to bring all the essentials with you.

car hire Rwanda

 

Passport

If you’re a foreigner, you need to have your passport with you at all times to help with identification.  Rwandan Citizens and citizens from the East African Community may use a national Identification Card.

Driving Permit

Never forget to carry your Drivers licence especially if you plan to self drive. Foreigners may not require an International Driving Permit to drive in Rwanda but definitely need driving permits from their home country.

Insurance papers

Just like any other countries, third party insurance is mandatory in Rwanda. Read the insurance policies before renting the car and make sure you car has the sticker on  the car windshield.

Road assistance emergency kit

Car breakdowns are something every driver needs to prepare for especially when embarking on a long trip. It is therefore smart to have a roadside kit to help you fix your car after a breakdown. These include spare tyres, jumper cables, reflective triangle, flash light, car jack, among others.

Smart phone

We are in a digital era where a smart phone is a must have for anyone embarking on a trip. A smart phone helps with communication, entertainment,  work and can serve as a map by using Google Maps.

Safety Essentials

On any road trip, safety should always be the number one priority. Depending on where you are headed and what you plan on doing may determine what additional safety essentials to bring. Make sure you have a first aid kit that includes cold medicine, painkillers, gauze, bandages, stomach medicine, Antihistamines, ointment,  etc.

Food & Water

Nothing will frustrate you like forgetting to pack eats or drinks and then realising along the trip that you can’t find any store. None perishable eats are the best food options if your car is not equipped with a cooler.  We recommend foods like protein and energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, crackers, popcorn, bread , Muffins, chewing gum among others.

For drinks, avoid packing carbonated drinks like soda especially on a hot day. You can easily get cold drinks at gas stations although water is a must have at all times. Ensure to dispose off trash appropriately because Rwanda has fines for Littering.

Hygiene & Wellness Essentials

Hygiene essentials help you remain comfortable especially if you’re going for camping or if you plan to stay at different accommodations/hotels. These may include floss, deodorants, hand and face wipes sanitizer, skin care, makeup, feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary pads, eye drops, insect repellents, perfume, tissues/toilet paper among others.

Having these items readily available when you need to freshen up makes a difference. Wellness essentials may include prescriptions, vitamins /supplements,  sunglasses,  sunscreen, and bug sprays.

Clothes

For any road trip, comfort is paramount. Pack clothes that you are going to be comfortable enough to sit in for hours. Pack clothes depending on the activities you will engage in for example swimsuits are unnecessary if you don’t plan to swim or go to the beach. Cotton clothes are the most comfortable and suitable for all weather.

Do not forget to pack light. When packing, add a few extra clothes in case your trip gets extended or your clothes get ruined. Regardless of the season, packing sweaters and jackets is a must because the weather can change any minute.

Entertainment

It’s so important to have some entertainment options available during any road trip! There may be parts of the drive where cell service is non-existent, which means your entertainment options may be limited.

Be sure to download what you need for offline use before you hit the road so you can enjoy all your favourites wherever you are. Having audio books, podcasts, music playlist, movies, TV shows, and  portable speakers kills boredom and makes the journey fun.

Planning ahead for your road trip and packing all the necessities on this list will help you make the most of your time, save you money, and ensure you have the best possible experience on the road

Kigali One Way Rental Guide

With its incredible wildlife,  beautiful landscapes, , and amazing weather, spotlessly clean cities, Rwanda is a top destination for travellers seeking a safari get away worldwide. Apart from the safari destinations,  Kigali is considered one of the main attractions in Rwanda. It is a great city for business conferences and meetings, parties, reflection and shopping. This Kigali One Way Rental Guide is meant to help you plan better for your Rwanda car rental experience.

Exploring Kigali city on your terms can be an exhilarating experience, and renting a car gives you the freedom to do just that. Most people renting cars to explore Kigali usually drive them back to the original location since it is a small city but should you consider a one way car rental in Kigali , here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Early booking and reservations

Rwanda has gained traction since signing a sleeve sponsorship deal with Arsenal FC in 2021. The country is also a premium partner of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) FC. Some players for these clubs have visited Rwanda and shared wonderful experiences. Obviously, any Arsenal or PSG fan would want to visit Rwanda and this has boomed tourism.

The months of June to September are the peak months where it is almost impossible to get a car rental. By all means, avoid booking during these months or you can make your reservation way in advance to avoid inconveniences.  Booking early can also enable you get discounts which may not be the case with last minute booking.

Shop around

Kigali has a significant number of car rental agencies so it is essential that you take time to look at different companies, compare prices and offers, look at online reviews from previous customers and if possible,  get recommendations from friends or family.

This helps you get a legit company for your one way rental car. Do not forget to compare the one way rental fees for each company.

Choosing the Right Car

When selecting a vehicle for your Kigali adventure, consider the nature of your trip. A city exploration requires a compact car since it is convenient for steering traffic and parking in tight spots. Luxury cars are also popular in Kigali offering a taste of the high life if you intend to go for high end meetings or functions.

Outstanding Wildlife Diversity at Arusha Park

Understanding the Rules of the Road

Rwanda’s roads are well-maintained, and driving here can be a pleasant experience if you familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws. Speed limits are strictly enforced with a 60 km/h limit in Kigali. Traffic cameras are abundant, so adhere to these limits to avoid fines. It’s crucial to always wear your seatbelt and avoid using your phone while driving.

It is also important to note that driving in Rwanda is on the right side of the road.

Car Hire Rwanda
Car Hire Rwanda

Documentation and Insurance

Before you hit the road, ensure you have the necessary documentation. Tourists may not require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Kigali but their home driving license is mandatory. Always carry your passport, visa, and rental agreement.

Insurance is non-negotiable, so make sure you understand your provider’s insurance policies to protect yourself against unforeseen incidents.

Parking

Parking in Kigali is relatively straightforward, with ample spaces in malls, hotels, and public areas. Pay attention to parking signs and fees, as some areas require a paid parking ticket. Many malls and hotels offer free parking for customers, so take advantage of these facilities where possible.

SELF Drive Rwanda
SELF Drive Rwanda

On your one way trip in Kigali, endeavor to interact with locals, try out new food, engage in community activities like Umuganda, follow the traffic laws and be sure to have an amazing experience.

 

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