Car Hire Rwanda: 15 Questions Tourists Ask Before Booking

We answer the same questions every week from travellers in the US, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, China, India and across Africa. Most of them come up before anyone has looked at a single car. So here they are in one place, answered the way we would answer them on WhatsApp.

Before you book

1. Can a foreigner hire a car in Rwanda?

Yes. You need a valid driving licence, held for one to two years, and your passport. If the licence is not in English or French, bring an International Driving Permit with it. Drivers are normally expected to be 23 or older.

2. Is an International Driving Permit really needed?

It is required when your licence is not in English or French, and useful even when it is, because it ends any conversation at a checkpoint quickly. It costs little at home and cannot be obtained once you have landed. Details are in our IDP requirements guide.

3. How far ahead should I book?

For June to September and the December holidays, book as soon as your gorilla permits are confirmed, which is usually three to six months ahead. In the quieter months, two to four weeks is normally fine. The cars that go first are the Prado and the Land Cruiser.

4. How much does car hire in Rwanda cost?

Our self drive rates start at USD 45 per day for a Toyota RAV4, USD 50 for a Kia Sorento or Hyundai Tucson, USD 75 for a Land Cruiser Prado and USD 110 for a Toyota Land Cruiser. Comprehensive insurance and unlimited mileage inside Rwanda are included, and airport delivery is free.

On the road

5. Which side of the road does Rwanda drive on?

The right, with left hand drive cars. This surprises visitors from the UK, Australia, Kenya and Uganda more than anything else. Our guide to driving on the right has the habits that make the first day easy.

6. Are Rwanda's roads safe for tourists?

The main routes between Kigali, Musanze, Rubavu, Huye, Nyungwe and Akagera are paved and generally in good condition. The real hazards are pedestrians, bicycles and motorbike taxis, plus steep bends in the hills. Drive in daylight and at the posted speed and it is one of the calmer countries in the region to drive in. See is it safe to drive in Rwanda.

7. What are the speed limits?

Typically 40 to 60 km/h in built up areas and 80 km/h on open roads. They are enforced by cameras and police checkpoints, and fines are issued.

8. Is fuel easy to find?

Yes, in every town on the main routes. Fill up before long park days, particularly before Akagera and the road through Nyungwe, where stations are far apart. Our cars go out full and come back full.

9. Will my phone and GPS work?

Mobile coverage is good across most of the country. Buy a local SIM at the airport for data and calls, and download offline maps as a backup for the forest and the park interiors. Every car has GPS.

Money, insurance and problems

10. What does the insurance cover?

Our rates include comprehensive insurance, not just third party cover. Ask any company you compare what the excess is and what is excluded. Tyres, windscreens and driving off road without permission are common exclusions across the industry. Our insurance guide goes deeper.

11. What happens if the car breaks down?

Call the 24 hour support number. We talk you through it, send help or swap the vehicle. In an accident, call us first and then the police, whose report is needed for any insurance claim.

12. Can I pay by card?

Card and bank transfer work for the deposit from abroad. In Rwanda, cards are accepted at most hotels and larger fuel stations in Kigali. Carry some Rwandan francs and set up mobile money if you can, because smaller places run on it.

Bigger plans

13. Can I drive a Rwandan hire car into Uganda?

Yes, with a written cross border authorisation from us and insurance for Uganda arranged in advance. Tell us at booking. Remember that Uganda drives on the left. The cross border paperwork guide lists everything you need at the border.

14. Can I hire a car with a driver instead?

Yes. Any vehicle can come with an experienced local driver for a daily fee, and many travellers mix the two: a driver for the first few days, then self drive once they have their bearings. See car hire with a driver.

15. Is car hire better value than a safari package?

For two to five people who are happy to drive, almost always. You pay for the car, fuel and your own choice of accommodation instead of a per person package price. Groups who want someone else to handle everything often prefer a driver.

Anything we did not answer here? Ask us directly. Call or WhatsApp +250 788 504 614 and a real person will reply.