The Easiest Ways to Travel Around Rwanda

The Easiest Ways to Travel Around Rwanda

Rwanda, sometimes referred to as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ has some of the most beautiful landscapes in East Africa. Rwanda is a green country filled with valleys, volcanoes, and of course savannahs, and going around it is quite rewarding. This, however, doesn’t mean that Rwanda is an easy country to travel around though and you must determine the easiest ways to travel around in Rwanda for the most out of your trip. If you’re traveling and plan to visit Kigali or trek and see the Mountain Gorillas, or explore the country’s national park, having the best transportation options can make the Rwanda terrain easy to ride.

Traveling by Car in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the easiest and most convenient countries to get by car. Many travelers prefer to rent a car when venturing to the country if they want to explore at a pace that suits them. The paved roads in Rwanda link major cities and towns and the roads are relatively well maintained. Kigali, the capital city, also has car rentals and there are vehicles with drivers that can be hired through tour operators to take you to the country’s attractions.

It is worth noting, while renting a car in Rwanda, that driving is on the right and while doing so go a bit slower. The roads are generally in good condition, although some of the more rural areas may have less developed roads, and hence a 4×4 vehicle may be needed to get to destinations like Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe Forest.

Public Transport in Rwanda

Traveling around Rwanda is also affordable for those with a budget as public transportation is available. Buses between the major towns and cities is the main form of public transport. Shorter trips are by minibusses commonly known as ‘matatus.’

Public buses and taxis are available widely in Kigali. Even the bus is reliable, but the taxis, while cheaper are not such a convenient or comfortable choice. And while public transport is cheap, it’s not guaranteed to be the most efficient if you have to go some distance, to a far place.

Biking Around Rwanda

The hilly terrain of Rwanda is famous, and biking is the best way to discover the country, for instance, in the more urban areas. One of the most bike friendly cities is Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, you can get bikes on daily or city tour basis. Mountain biking is a very popular pastime for people wishing to explore the scenic landscapes of Rwanda outside the city.

Those wishing to explore the country’s national parks, Volcanoes National Park for example, and Nyungwe Forest have several tour operators providing biking excursions. Riding through these biking tours proves to be an eco friendly way to enjoy the natural beauty of Rwanda and engage into healthy physical activity, at the same time.

Motorbikes and Motorcycle Taxis in Rwanda

Rwanda, of course, being so small has other efficient and equally popular ways to travel around like Motorcycle taxis (also referred to as Motos). For short distances as well as navigating the dense streets of Kigali or reaching outlying towns these motorcycle taxis are a nice option. Cities have motos, and motos drivers are well apt at weaving their way through traffic, unfortunately, they’re fast and cheap.

For short distances, the motos are great, but safety needs to be the priority. Be sure that the driver always provides you a helmet and take precautions, especially if you are not aware of the conditions of the local driving.

Domestic Flights within Rwanda

Though small, it’s easy to move around in Rwanda by flying from one distant place to another by domestic flights. However, flights between international destinations including Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest can only be reached from Kigali, Rwanda’s domestic airports are growing and they are connected to key destinations. The easiest, cheapest (if not possible) way to travel across Rwanda in the shortest time is by flying on RwandAir, the national airline, which has regular domestic flights.

They are more expensive than other forms of transportation, especially to remote areas, however, domestic flights are quicker than other forms of transportation.

Traveling by Boat in Rwanda

While Rwanda is a landlocked country, Lake Kivu’s proximity to it provides the opportunity for water travel. And if you plan to visit Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu around the lake, then taking a boat ride is perhaps the most tantalizing and relaxing way to get around. Boat tours on Lake Kivu afford one a splendid view of the hills surrounding the lake and offer a special opportunity to get a feel of Rwanda’s natural beauty.

The boats for tourist excursions are several local companies who operate them and you can hire the boats or go on scheduled boat rides between towns. But boat travel is mainly restricted to the Lake Kivu region and is not common in any significant fashion as a means of transport in the country.

Tour Operators and Guided Tours

If you are a traveler who prefers to relax with the structure of the same, booking a guided tour with a local tour operator is one of the easiest ways to go for a safari in Rwanda. As part of their packages, tour operators often offer transportation with vehicles, and drivers to ensure your travel experience is enhanced through a knowledgeable guide sometimes supplied. There are many guided tours according to the specific interest of wildlife safaris, culture experiences, and adventure tours.

Since most animals can only be found during a short period, be it trekking the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, or hiking up the rolling hills of the countryside, or visiting the historic sites in Kigali, you will need a tour operator to ensure he provides you with transportation services and gets you the most out of your visit.

Conclusion on the Easiest Ways to Travel Around Rwanda

However, it is clear that your options for traveling in Rwanda will depend on the sort of travel options you require. For flexibility, renting a car or using public transport is best, but motorbikes and biking are good for short distances and are eco friendly. Almost everything is doable via domestic flights or boat trips; nevertheless, guided tours are just the thing for travelers who want to keep things simple and learn some expert insights of these distant areas. The country has a well-developed infrastructure and transport options, so whichever method you choose to explore this beautiful country, is worth it.