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.

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.

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. Tourists have always wondered Why is Rwanda So Clean compared to other countries.

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! Here is the Packing List For One Way Rentals in Rwanda.

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.

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. Contact us to know more about the Packing List For One Way Rentals in Rwanda.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One Way Car Rentals is an arrangement where you can pick up a rental car in one location and drop it off in another. This arrangement is convenient, time saving and flexible for travelers that have no intention of going back to the place/town where they picked the car from.

All that’s needed is specification that you need your car for one way and you’re good to go.  Round trips on the other hand involve you driving back to the original location so it is always wise to choose an arrangement that best suits your travel needs. In this article, we elaborate some of the advantages that a one way car rental has over round trips.

Flexibility and convenience

Whether you’re traveling for business or embarking on a safari trip, a one-way car rental gives you the freedom to end your trip wherever is most convenient. For instance, if you’re moving from Kigali to Musanze, pack your things in a rental car  in Kigali and arrange a customized drop off at your destination in Musanze.

Long-distance travel

Let’s say you’ve been on a sightseeing trip around Rwanda and you want to fly out of Kigali International Airport , but you’re concerned about returning the vehicle. A one-way rental gives you the flexibility to leave the car at the airport, unload your luggage, check into your flight, and go. That extra day you would have spent driving back is used to move to your next destination.

Avoiding round-trip fees

Odds are, the rental agency is going to charge an extra fee for a one-way car rental. Still, that fee is likely much lower than what it would cost to return it. Consider what you’ll save in fuel, parking, and extra travel expenses by dropping the vehicle off in its pickup location. This makes one way car rentals cost effective in the long run.

Peace of mind

Imagine you’re traveling around Rwanda for a safari adventure and somehow lose track of time and you end up taking more time than planned, you’re going to pay an extra fee for returning the vehicle late to it’s original location but with a one way trip, late return fees are the least of your worries.

Pick up and drop off locations

Car rental agencies usually offer customization options, like airport deliveries and drop offs at your hotel or office. When you book a one way car rental, you can choose to get a driver to pick you up from the airport and drop you off to your destination without worrying about how you’ll return the car to its original location.

Crossborder friendly

One way rentals are convenient for cross border trips. As case in point is if you plan to start your trip in Rwanda and end it in Uganda, one way car rentals are the best option. Start your journey in Kigali and visit other destinations of your choice and head to Uganda without worrying about dropping the car back to Kigali. The car rental agency will figure that out.

Explore different routes

One way car rentals enable you to explore different routes which is not the case with a around trip. You do not have to drive back the same route with a one way which gives you an opportunity to discover new places and enhance your travel experience.

Time saving

Since there’s no need to drive back to the original location to drop off the car, you save so much time which can be used to embark on a couple of adventures and relaxation.

Renting a car one way gives you the freedom to roam without the hassle of returning to your starting point. Simply pick up your ride in one place and drop it off in another. It’s a popular choice for road trips, flexible itineraries, and cross-border adventures.