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.
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
