Benefits of Renting a Car with Driver in Rwanda
When you hire a chauffeur, you don’t have to worry about the extra fees that come with renting a car, including parking fees, extra insurance and fuel. Licensed chauffeurs are highly experienced at navigating all types of traffic and weather conditions. Below are some of the benefits of renting a car with a driver in Rwanda;
Enjoyment
The first benefit of renting a car with a driver is that you don’t have to drive the car yourself and completely enjoy your trip sightseeing the roads, the mountains and the forests on your route. You can keep talking and discussing things with your companions have snacks and refreshments without focusing on the road.
Expertise
The second big benefit of renting a car with a driver is that the drivers that a car rental company provides you are experts in their profession and know about how to safely drive the car on highways and narrow streets without becoming prone to a car accident. Also, they have enough information about how to repair a car when it’s stopped in the middle of nowhere, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck at the spot for several hours doing nothing but wait for a mechanic to come and solve the problem.
Knowing the correct route
The drivers that a rental company hires are first assessed on how much they’ve traveled, how much they’ve learned about the routes, and what driving skills they have. After this complete inspection, the rental company hires the best candidates and hands over the responsibility of driving their cars. That’s the reason renting a car with a driver will help you to reach your destination through the correct route where there are no hurdles, and you reach in a safe & sound condition.
Knowledge about the car
Many times, when you rent a car, you aren’t properly aware of what functions the car has. Nowadays, the new cars are full of technology and features that weren’t introduced before. The drivers that a car rental company provides have enough knowledge about these features and how they work. So, if you aren’t aware of new car features, the best solution for this is to rent a car with a driver.
Helper
Renting a car with a driver is always beneficial rather than renting without a driver. The driver that a rental company appoints can help you out a lot during your trip as they know their way around places, hence if you need a hotel to have your meals at or to stop at some place for prayers, etc. the driver can have a good idea of where to take you, where you’ll get the most hygienic options, and this will make your trip more convenient and comfortable compared to traveling on your own.
Car’s safety
Another benefit of renting a car with a driver is the car’s safety, as the driver doesn’t leave the car alone. He always remains inside or near to it to keep an eye on the vehicle. This prevents the car from any damage or theft. That’s the reason it’s always a good option to have a driver when going on a tour.
Your safety
You might be worried about what will happen in case you get into an accident while on your road trip. Will the rental company trust that it wasn’t your fault? So here’s the solution for this. You can rent a car with a driver to protect yourself from being asked about the reason for the accident. The driver will be answerable to all these questions as he’s the one who was driving the car. So, it’s always recommended renting a car with a driver if you want to save yourself from incidental queries.
Relaxation
You can book car rental services with drivers and their main aim is to take you to your destination in a safe and sound manner. It’s totally the driver’s responsibility to take care of your transportation needs while you relax.
Smooth Transportation
If you are new to Rwanda, you will definitely get very confused when it comes to renting a luxury car and driving around the city because of the multiple roads connecting to multiple exits. Moreover, you will have no clue about the peak hours in Rwanda. So, if you rent an affordable car with a driver, he will know where to go, how to go and when to go.
Professionalism
Chauffeur services in Rwanda are very popular as business meetings and dealings are common in the city. Furthermore, if you have a VIP guest to attend, you need the best of the services. Luxury car rentals with chauffeur have made it easy to handle the guests professionally. They will be properly dressed in uniform and will transport the guests to their desired location.
Smooth Parking
You do not have to spend hours finding the right spot to park your car if you have rented a car with a driver can enjoy your outing in Rwanda while the driver of your rented car can take care of the parking.
Fluent Communication
Whenever we visit any foreign city or country, we are not required to learn their language. However, at times we may face communication barriers. So if you have rented a car with a driver in Rwanda, there will be no hurdles in communicating. The drivers can directly communicate with the locals. You don’t need to worry about communicating with anyone in Rwanda.
These were some benefits of renting a car with a driver. Whenever you plan a road trip, always remember these points before making your final decision about renting a car. If you’re from any foreign country you can rent from Kenya car rental, as it is one of the most reliable rental car companies in the whole country.
Booking a rented car with a driver will let you focus more on your trip. Let the driver solve the hassles of traffic and parking, while you enjoy your trip in your affordable rented car. Best of luck with your journey.
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Rwanda Safari Featuring Primate Watching
Best of Africa primate safaris, if you have an interest in Africa’s primates this journey is for you. See the endangered Primates in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park.
Primate Safari Experiences will give you a chance to participate in two premium wildlife activities in Rwanda; Golden monkey trekking and chimpanzee trekking which are considered to be some of the best to engage in while on a Rwanda Safari. Both hikes can be challenging depending on where the chimpanzee or monkeys nested the previous night. The Chimp trekking differs from Gorilla Trekking Rwanda because the sightings are a bit more sporadic and rushed, but worthwhile nonetheless as opposed to gorillas that stay for a while in one location.
The wildlife junkies have a strong connection with Rwanda and the primary reason for this is the stunning primates residing in the dense forest and volcanic mountain of the country. Though Rwanda is the iconic land for spotting Mountain Gorillas, there are a number of other primates also available who are equally entertaining during Primate Safaris Rwanda.
Primates in Rwanda
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimp Trekking in Rwanda is in Nyungwe national park in the south of Rwanda. The two areas where chimps can be trekked in Nyungwe are Cyamudongo and Uwinka. Your guide will guide you on the location you are expected to trek from and you will be given a briefing before you can start the trek. Chimpanzee trekking begins early morning with visitors expected to arrive at the briefing point in Uwinka to start trekking at 5:00 am. You are allowed to stay 1 hour with the chimps after locating them with the help of your ranger guide.
Considered as the cousins of human sharing 98% of Human DNA Chimpanzees tracking is one of the adventurous activities throughout the year. Nyungwe Forest National Park is the prime spot for chimpanzee tracking.
Uniquely located on a ridge between the Nile and the Congo Rivers, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is incredibly rich in biodiversity and protects one of eastern Africa’s largest belts of montane rain forest.
It’s home not only to a habituated group of chimpanzees, but also to other primates including the Ruwenzori colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey, more than 1,050 plant species including 200 different species of orchid, 85 mammals, 310 bird species, and more. Another highlight in this park is the 200-metre long and 40-metre high suspended canopy walkway that offers a unique view of the forest.
Chimpanzee permits in Rwanda cost US$100. This amount includes park Ranger and entrance fees. The permit can be acquired either directly from the Rwanda Development Board (Tourism Department) or through your tour operator. The minimum age for tacking chimpanzees in Rwanda is 13 years. Trackers need to go prepared to deal with the dense montane forest.
Golden Monkeys in Virunga Mountains
Golden monkeys are known to have unique characters and are a rare species that are endangered at the moment and they are currently found in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda. They are easily recognized due to the yellow patches that can be seen all over their bodies. The Golden monkeys are also known as ‘the Old world monkey’ and the only way to separate these primates from others is by their noses. There is a unique character about the golden monkeys and that is most of the monkeys have their nostrils pointing to the sides but if you look closely at the golden monkeys, their nostrils face upwards.
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda mostly takes place in the Volcanoes which is found in the Virunga Mountains and it has only one session per day which starts in the morning. Those who are willing to take part in the golden monkey trekking are advised to report at the headquarters by 7:00 am for a mini briefing about the trek before it starts and it is only fifteen minutes away from the Park.
The Golden monkeys in the Rwanda are divided into two troops and the largest is located in the Sabinyo and this has 80 to 100 monkeys and it is the most visited troop in Rwanda. The other troop is located in the Volcanoes and it is slightly smaller in number.
Golden monkeys are speedy moving little primates, very amusing to see as they suddenly jig from tree to tree or run after the other in loop around you. Watching these reddish gold back monkeys that blend in perfectly with the golden bamboo trees is an amazing experience.
Golden monkey safari in Rwanda starts 7:00 am in the morning; visitors can see two troops that have been habituated for tourism in the park numbering about 80 individuals, a maximum number of 8 people are allowed to track golden monkeys for only one hour at cost of US$100 per person. Visitors can arrange their permits in advance or get them at Kinigi the park headquarters where porters can also be hired at US$10.
L’Hoest’s Monkeys in Nyungwe and Gishwati Forest
Nyungwe national park is also a place where you will find lots of primates and one of them will be the L’hoest monkeys therefore a primates watching adventure to Nyungwe is the perfect opportunity you can have to see these monkeys.
L’Hoest’s monkeys are endemic to Albertine Rift and can be found in Nyungwe and Gishwati Forest. They have a dark coat with a white beard and live in small groups dominated by females, with a single male. These primates are also called mountain monkeys because they prefer to stay in mountainous areas.
Olive Baboon & Vervet Monkeys in Akagera NP
Akagera National Park is home to olive baboons and Vervet monkeys, which can be spotted on safari drives. Other species can only be seen at night – the small potto, closely related to the lemurs of Madagascar, and bush babies, with their distinctive large eyes for superior night vision, and bat-like ears to track insects in the dark.
Best seasons to visit Primates in Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is between June and September, which is during the Dry season when wildlife viewing is at its prime. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Rwanda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet and one can’t avoid rain completely. Walking in the forest is easier in the Dry season and that is also the recommended time for most primate walks, including gorilla trekking.
Lastly, Rwanda’s tourism is one of the reasons why Primates should be on your bucket list.
Read MorePlan a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
You can see the Mountain gorillas in only Africa. Scientifically known as Gorilla Berengei Berengei, these great apes live in three countries in the world; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Among these destinations, Rwanda is the country that attracts most travelers interested in mountain gorilla trekking. The mountain gorillas are protected in the Volcanoes national park within northern Rwanda, a park that the late Dian Fossey called home for almost 3 decades. Since the inception of gorilla tourism, there has been a growing number of tourists visiting Rwanda to meet the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Gorilla tourism was developed along the guidelines of ecotourism. There is a carrying capacity and the activity is highly regulated so that these great apes can be protected and preserved for the future generations.
Gorilla trekking is done daily in the Volcanoes National Park. Everyday, tourists converge at the park headquarters and are guided into the bamboo forest in search of the mountain gorillas. Tourists are grouped into small groups of eight (8) people who are guided to a habituated gorilla family within the park. Please note that it is only 8 tourists who are allowed to view these gorillas every day and this is the carrying capacity of the national parks where gorilla tracking is conducted.
Within the park, there are 12 habituated gorilla groups which are readily available for viewing once you have purchase a gorilla permit. A gorilla permit costs U$1500 whenever you go for tracking. Since there are as few as 96 gorilla permits available per day, it is advisable to book your gorilla permit well in advance most especially if you are to track the gorillas during the peak months.
Planning Your Gorilla Trek
For you to best enjoy this activity, you should book a fully inclusive gorilla safari with a credible tour company which can plan your trip and put together all the elements well in advance.
For one to track the mountain gorillas, a reasonable degree of fitness is needed. Please be prepared for hikes within the montane national park in order to meet the mountain gorillas. Like their names suggests, mountain gorillas tend to live on high slopes and therefore the experience doesn’t come that easily.
You will be required to wake up every early in the morning to go to the park headquarters for briefing.
In this regard therefore to avoid a lot of hustle, you are recommended to stay close at a safari lodge that is close to the park. This will save you from inconveniences which may have been caused when you have your accommodation away from the park.
Also remember for you to participate in the activity, you must be at the park headquarter by 7 AM.
Always listen to the briefing given by the park rangers. This briefing is useful on your side because, it will guide the safety precautions as well as how you are supposed to behave during the times with the gentle giants.
Why go gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is considered the best country for gorilla trekking because it provides you with more than eight (80) gorilla trekking guides. These are readily provided by the Rwanda development Board. They are much trained and they do speak in very good French and English language.
Essentials for a Successful Gorilla Trek in Rwanda
- Get well prepared for the gorilla trek. The hike demands a considerate level of physical strength. Keep in memory and mind that since there is an element of mountain which means something high, you must then expect to hike up-slopes and down-slopes.
- Also note that the gorilla trek is dependent on the movement of the gorillas. A trek can be from as few as 3 hours to a full day. You can spend the whole day trekking the gorillas, since the mountain gorillas are not stationed in one place.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits do not come cheaply. Since May 2017, the Rwanda gorilla Permits cost US$1500 per person. There are many tour operators offering gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda but the price of a fully inclusive tour differs from one company to company. These prices differ according to the costs of transportation and the accommodation fitted into your safari package. For your information, local companies definitely charge lower than the international agencies. Therefore, you can save more if you book with a local tour operator in comparison with the international companies.
Read MoreGo Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Mention Rwanda to anyone with a small measure of geo-political conscience and that person will have no doubt recall images of the horrific genocide that brutalized this tiny country in 1994. But since those dark days a miraculous transformation has been united and today the country has one tribal unity, political stability and promising future.
Volcanoes National Park
Tourism is once again a key contributor to the economy and the industry’s brightest star is the chance to track the rare mountain gorillas through the bamboo forests in the shadow of the Virunga Volcanoes. Volcanoes National Park is the highlight of the country, which runs along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, is home to the Rwandan section of the Virunga’s, comprising of five volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.
While most tourists to the park are understandably driven by the desire to have a face-to-face encounter with real gorillas in the mist, there is good reason to stay in the area once you have finished tracking: the gorillas share the park with rare golden monkeys, a troop which has also been habituated to human contact. The Virunga which towers over Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, also present a variety of rewarding climbing and trekking options. To get the most from the Virunga’s give yourself as much time as you possibly can. This is absolutely a park that rewards those who linger.
When to go
The long dry season from June to September is the ideal time to track mountain gorilla as it is well drier.
Accessibility to the Park
Access to Volcanoes National Park is via Musanze (Ruhengeri), although all gorilla treks need to report to the park headquarters in Kinigi north of Musanze at 7:00am. Musanze is a pleasant enough town to explore on foot and it’s situated near a number of interesting natural sights with the massive Virunga volcanoes looming to the north and west.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the highlight for any visitor in Rwanda. Virunga massif protects over 604 mountain gorillas which amounts to roughly half of the world’s existing population and is the ideal place for a gorilla safari in Rwanda. An encounter with a silverback male gorilla at close quarters can be a hair- raising experience, yet despite their intimidating size, gorillas are remarkably non- aggressive animals, entirely vegetarian and usually quite safe to be round. The term once in a lifetime is bandied about a lot, but gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park is one experience for which it just happens to be true.
Gorilla Trek
To determine whether the trek will be easy or had, it depends on which group of gorillas you go and see some journeys are just a short stroll but others a half day slog. You will most likely spend several hours scrambling through dense vegetation up steep, muddy hillsides, sometimes to altitudes of more than 3000m. At this altitude you will certainly be a little breathless, but someone amount of walking is unlikely to find the walk all that tough. If you are not used to walking is though it might be very different story and you should request a group closer to the trailheads.
The Gorilla Encounter
Visits to the gorillas are restricted to one hour and flash photography is not allowed. While you are visiting the gorillas, do not eat, drink, smoke or go the bathroom in their presence. If you have any potential air bone illness, don not go tracking as gorillas are extremely susceptible to human diseases. Visitors request to keep 7 meters from gorillas at all times.
The number of people allowed to visit each of the group is limited to a maximum of 8 people per day, limiting the total number of daily permits to an absolute maximum of 80. Children under the age of 15 years are not allowed to visit the gorillas.
Reservations
Bookings for gorilla permits can be made through the Rwanda Development Board tourist office in Kigali or a Rwandan tour company. With demand often exceeding supply, you will need to book well in advance if you want to be assured of a spot, especially during the peak seasons of December – January and July- August.
Golden Monkey Tracking
In case you still have enough time in Volcanoes National Park, Golden monkey tracking is another activity one can opt to do after mountain gorillas tracking. More like chimp viewing than a gorilla encounter, these beautiful and active monkeys bound about the branches of bigger trees. If you are looking for a reason to spend an extra day in the park, do not miss the chance to track these rare animals. Permits to track the golden monkeys cost US$ 100 per person are easy to get hold of, simply enquire at the Rwanda Development Board office in Kigali or Musanze or at the park headquarters in Kinigi.
The Virunga’s which tower over Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo; also present a variety of rewarding climbing and trekking options. To get the most from the Virunga’s give yourself as much time as you possibly can. This is absolutely a park that rewards those who linger.
Cost of Gorilla Permit
The gorilla permit costs US$ 1500 per person per day which includes park entry, compulsory guides and guides’ fee.
Clothing and Equipment
You need to be prepared for a potentially long, wet and cold trek through rainforest; a pair of hiking shoes is a must, as is warm and waterproof clothing. The stinging nettles at higher elevations can really put a damper on the experience, so consider wearing trousers and long-sleeve shirts with a bit of thickness.
Despite the high altitudes and potentially cold temperatures, you also need to be prepared for the strong sun. Floppy hats, bandanas, sunglasses and lots of sunscreen are a good idea, as are plenty of cold water and hydrating fluids.
When you check in at the park headquarters, you may be asked for identification by the park rangers. To avoid any potential hassles, carry your passport with you at all times in addition to your gorilla tracking permit.
Read MoreGorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda: Similarities & Differences
About Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda:
Gorilla Trekking is conducted in Volcanoes National Park which is situated in northern part of Rwanda known as Ruhengeri. The Park is reached after 2hrs drive from Kigali Airport or Kigali city. You can reach Ruhengeri town by public transport or private vehicle however, 4-wheel drive cars are recommended because the area is mountainous. Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is dominated by tropical rain forest. It’s situated in western Uganda and reachable after 8-9 hours drive from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala city.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is thought to have one of the richest faunal communities in East Africa, including more than 350 bird species and more than 200 butterfly species along side different primates but above all mountain Gorillas. The last gorilla census of 2018 shows that BINP hosts almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This Park is estimated to protect over 459 individual gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda:
It’s the smallest National Park in Uganda but treasured for hosting travelers looking to gorilla watching safaris in the Ugandan part of the Virunga. MGNP is part of Virunga crescent together with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. MGNP is famous for its mountainous relief amidst Virunga Volcanoes like Mt Muhabura (4,127 m), Mt Gahinga (3,474 m) from which the park derives its name, and Mt Sabyinyo (3,645 m). It lies in Bufumbira county, Nyarusiza and Muramba sub-counties and adjacent to the three parishes of Gisozi, Rukongi and Gitenderi.
Similarities between Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla trekking:
Uganda and Rwanda start gorilla trekking with briefing at 7:30am and thereafter, groups of trekkers walk to meet gorillas in their natural habitat. During briefing, guests are equipped with DOS and DON’Ts while with gorillas.
Trekkers are grouped into a maximum of eight people to visit each gorilla family. For more information, each group is headed by ranger guides whose work id to guide, feed information and provide security to the visitors.
A maximum of one hour is given to watch gorillas in their natural environment. Once you meet gorillas, Uganda and Rwanda gives you only one hour to take photos, films and watch the gentle giants as they perform their routine activities.
Trekkers meet only habituated gorilla families which are calm and familiarized to be tracked. For a gorilla family to be trekked, it first under go a 2-3year habituation process which is spear headed by wildlife experts and primatologists among others.
You need a gorilla permit to be allowed to meet Gorillas. Advance purchase of Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla permit is recommended because the permits are on high demand.
Differences between Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking:
The cost of Rwanda Gorilla permit goes to US$1500 while that of Uganda cost US$700. For that case, Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla trek on record.
Uganda conducts gorilla trekking in two gorilla parks namely; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. For that case, Uganda offers two options for tourists to choose where to trek gorillas from.
Uganda protects more than 18 habituated gorilla families in two parks while Rwanda offers 10 habituated gorilla families. That means that Uganda offers more gorilla permits per day, all year round.
Uganda offers both Gorilla trekking and Gorilla habituation for tourists. Rwanda only offers gorilla trekking however, the cost of Uganda gorilla habituation goes up to US$1500 (stay four hours with gorillas) which is equivalent to the cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking (1hr stay with gorillas).
Rwanda offers gorilla trekking from Kinigi park headquarters while Uganda is by far offers four gorilla trekking centres namely: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.
It’s a shorter distance from Kigali city to Volcanoes National Park (2hrs drive) verses 8-9hrs drive from Kampala city to Bwindi Impenetrable national Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Rwanda Gorilla Park is situated in northern direction while Uganda gorilla parks are in western Uganda.
Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda is more mountainous that Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The writer of this article is therefore cautioning all travelers opting to trek Gorilla in Rwanda to acquire high level of fitness before the actual tracking date.
Rwanda has ten habituated gorilla groups while Uganda has more than 18 habituated gorilla families. Rwanda gorilla families include Karisimbi Gorilla Family (Susa-B), Sabyinyo Gorilla Family, Amahoro Gorilla Family, Umubano Gorilla Family, Agasha Gorilla Family (Group 13), Kwitonda Gorilla Family, Hirwa Gorilla Family (Hirwa in the local dialect means “lucky one”) and Bwenge Gorilla Family.
Habituated gorilla families in Uganda include; Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Nkuringo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye, Nyakagezi, Kyaguriro among others.
Volcanoes National Park is more of bamboo vegetation than Bwindi. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is dominated by tropical rain forest which is characterized by tall trees, ever green vegetation, less undergrowth and canopies.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, covering 32,092 ha, is one of the largest areas in East Africa which still has Afromontane lowland forest extending to well within the montane forest belt. Volcanoes National Park covers 160 km2 (62 sq mi) of rainforest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes. For that case, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is larger than Volcanoes National Park.
In conclusion, Uganda and Rwanda offers the best mountain gorilla trekking exercise however, your budget will determine were to trek from.
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Mistakes to Avoid on Uganda and Rwanda Safaris
Everyone traveling to Uganda or Rwanda wishes to have the best and unforgettable safari experience. Safety, security, comfort and peace of mind are the things most tourists wish for. Therefore, if that is also your wish, then these are the mistakes you should avoid during Uganda and Rwanda safaris.
Avoid moving alone at night
Moving alone in lonely places is risky because of the high rate of theft and robbery in Urban places especially Kampala city. It is therefore advisable to move with someone, preferable a local of the country although it is better and safer to move during daytime during safaris.
Similarly, avoid some nightclubs
Most nightclubs within Kampala are not safe because it is in such places that most tourists are robbed, murdered and get involved in fights. Not only that, never leave your drinks unattended to because you may be dragged and robbed in the process. If you must enjoy the nightlife in these countries, avoid flashing money and valuables, do not use the ATM machines within Bars, don’t leave your mobile phone on the table and avoid “buying” prostitutes because they look beautiful but are “sometimes” either infected with HIV/AIDS or are thieves themselves and make sure top move with a friend (a local who understands the local languages)
Avoid motorcycle taxis or boda-boda transportation
Boda-boda motorcycles are one of the main reasons for the increasing accident cases within Uganda or Rwanda. This means of transport is undeniably faster and efficient but can also be the reason for you losing your valuables and life because some of the riders and robbers. While on safari in Uganda, it is important to use only safe bodas.
Make sure not to fall sick in Rwanda and Uganda
Try not to fall sick during Uganda and Rwanda safaris. It sounds weird and you are possibly wondering how you can control it but try to prevent some common things than suffering the effects of curing the sickness. Some of the ways to avoid falling sick include immunizing against yellow fever, carry malaria medications, avoid street foods, don’t drink tap water and you will be good to go. Nonetheless, the good news is that most travelers don’t fall sick during Uganda or Rwanda safaris.
Avoid eating street foods
Avoid eating street foods because most of them are contaminated/unhygienic hence increase chances of diarrhea or stomach upset. Therefore you are advised to avoid consuming muchomo (roasted meat), Rolex (chapatti and omelet) and other street snacks. If at all you crave for such food, you can always buy them from restaurants and you will be saving your stomach from diseases.
Do not swim in rivers and Lakes
Swimming in most Uganda or Rwanda Lakes and Rivers increases chances of contracting Bilharzia and encountering wild animals such as Hippos and Nile Crocodiles. However, other Lakes such as Lake Kivu in Rwanda, Uganda’s Lake Bunyonyi and Mutanda are relatively safe for swimming. To be more comfortable, tourists are advised to always swim in the Swimming pools found within most Safari Lodges.
Additionally, you should avoid crossing the road without caution because as earlier mentioned, most road users don’t obey the traffic rules.
Avoid drinking tap water
Do not use tap water or use cubes, locally made juice with un-boiled water because its increases chances of typhoid. Tourists are therefore advised to use bottled (preferable Rwenzori water in Uganda and Inyange water of Rwanda) or thoroughly boiled water even for brushing your teeth. The good news is that most Hotels offer complimentary water bottles in the rooms.
Do not leave your valuable and cash in the open within the Hotel room
Money, passports and expensive gadgets have to be put in a safe and not suitcase or bags because sometimes even the Hotel/Lodge employees can steal your valuables. Actually, most accommodation facilities will warn you about this.
Do not go on self-drive safaris
If you are a first time visitor to Uganda or Rwanda, avoid going on self-drive safaris because you might not be familiar with the traffic laws of the countries, or may not know the roads because for the case of Uganda, some roads or streets are not labeled. Another reason it is risky to go on self drive safaris is because of the high rate of accidents due to many inexperienced drivers who ignore traffic laws, vehicles of poor mechanical conditions and dilapidated roads. Therefore, you are advised to hire a car with a driver being provided so that you enjoy your safari in comfort.
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Rent a Car with Rooftop Tent in Rwanda
Car rentals with rooftop tents offer ultimate wilderness camping experience to holidaymakers on Rwanda safari. Setting up a camp tent each day can be tiresome but here is the best alternative to get yourself relieved from that stress. You can rent a car in Rwanda with a rooftop tent all suitable for game viewing and camping holidays. We have the best full-time 4×4 rental cars in Rwanda with rooftop tents for you to hire.
Our selection of car rentals with rooftop tents are ideal for Rwanda self-drive trips or while you are on driver guided tours. You can also choose from automatic to manual transmission rentals with rooftop tents. Our fleet of rental cars with rooftop tents in Rwanda include among others;
Rooftop tent Land Cruiser
A rooftop tent Land cruiser rental is among our excellent fleet of rental cars in Rwanda worthy hiring for your Rwanda safari holiday. We have the best full-time 4×4 Land cruiser with rooftop tent suitable for camping holidays. Our rooftop tent Land cruiser rentals are equipped with tents that can easily be folded or unfolded and it accommodates 2 people and comes with 2 doors but with no mosquito net, pillow.
Land cruiser GX with rooftop tent
Holidaymakers with a plan to visit Rwanda for a self-drive, renting Land cruiser GX with rooftop tent should be a must-do. This is available with a rooftop ten taking up to about 2 people.
Land Cruiser VX rooftop tent for families
A Rwanda road trip in a Land cruiser VX rooftop tent rental offers travelers lifetime experiences. We have the best Land cruiser VX with capacity of 4pax.
Rooftop tent Nissan Patrol
Hire a comfortable 4×4 Nissan Patrol with rooftop tent and have the best of Rwanda holiday safari. Our full-time 4×4 Nissan Patrol automatic transmission takes 5pax and hiring it is best for camping safaris in Rwanda the Land of a Thousand Hills. Its rooftop tent takes 2 people per night.
Why choose a rental car in Rwanda with a rooftop tent?
- Our car rentals Rwanda with rooftop tents come with adequate leg and luggage room. This guarantees you ultimate comfort on Rwanda holiday safari.
- If camping is your thing, then our rental cars with rooftop tents have you sorted this coming Rwanda camping safari holiday. Our rentals are fitted with tents and this means that you don’t have to stress yourself setting up one on the ground.
- Hiring a rental car in Rwanda with a rooftop tent lets you enjoy, explore and experience Rwanda in a single/double excursion. You have a chance to bundle game viewing together with camping experience.
- Renting a car with rooftop tent is advantageous as holidaymakers stand a chance to cut down on some costs like renting a vehicle and camping gear separately.

Hotel Rwanda – All You Need to Know
The quiet heroism of one man, Paul Rusesabagina (Don Checidle), during the Rwandan Genocide. Directed by Irish film maker Terry George, it was produced in 2004 together with Canadian, British, Italian and South African companies, and the first of its kind-produced together with the rival independent film studios, Lions Gate Films and United Artists. It was filmed mainly in South Africa, with a second edition filming in Kigali, which is the capital city of Rwanda.
Hotel Rwanda has been referred to as an African Schindller’s list. Each movie shows one individual who is not perfect-who uses his social position, interpersonal skills, together with quick wit to rescue thousands of lives form a holocaust. Different from its more popular cousin, Hotel Rwanda failed to win any Oscars, though it was chosen for three, including best Actor (Cheadle), best supporting Actress (Sophie Okonedo) and best original screen play.
Synopsis
The make is based on actual events which happened during the genocidal violent acts, which broke out in Rwanda in 1994, between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, the Hutu military and interahamwe militias put to death approximately one million Tutsis in merely three months. The main culprit is Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a Hutu who owned the four-star Sabena-owned Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali.
Amidst the fast de-generating confusion of the genocide, and afraid of losing his wife who was a Tutsi, friends and others, he endeavours to keep his luxury hotel as an oasis from the violent acts, changing it to a refuge for as many individuals as it could hold. The remaining part of the world is shown turning its back Rwanda. A well-intended but rather less-resourced UN peacekeeping commander known as Nick Nolte is unable to put to an end the bloodshed, and baffled at the lack of support or concern from outside countries. The harness and failure to provide answers by the international community and the clamorous terror of the genocidal militias and generals, all totally differ from the humble effective life-saving manipulations of Rusesebagina.
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