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Kigali Carsby EATTS
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Self-drive Rwanda

Self-drive Rwanda: take the keys, set your own pace.

Rwanda is one of the easiest countries in East Africa to drive yourself — good tarmac, clear signage and short distances. We hand over a full tank, a local SIM and offline maps, and collect the car wherever you finish.

2+ yrs
Licence held, any language
$500
Refundable deposit
Free
Delivery to airport or hotel
SIM
Local SIM + offline maps fitted

What you need to self-drive in Rwanda.

A driving licence held for two or more years, in English or French — an international permit helps but is not required. A refundable $500 deposit holds against the excess. That is it; we handle the paperwork at handover, which takes about fifteen minutes at the airport or your hotel.

Driving is on the right, speed limits are enforced, and headlights on the main roads at dusk are a good idea. We will talk you through the roads on your route before you leave, and we are on the phone the whole time you are away.

The self-drive favourites.

Couples doing Kigali, Lake Kivu and the northern parks mostly take the Toyota RAV4 — light, automatic, all-wheel drive and easy to park in Nyamirambo. For Nyungwe mud and murram to the lodges, the Land Cruiser Prado TX is the default Rwanda car. Field teams take the Hilux double cab.

Rates include unlimited kilometres in-country, insurance and roadside support. If your plan changes on the road — an extra night in Kibuye, a different return point — send a message and we redraw the route.

What is included, and what you need.

Included

  • ✓Comprehensive insurance and roadside support
  • ✓Unlimited kilometres in-country
  • ✓Full tank at handover
  • ✓Local SIM and offline maps
  • ✓Free delivery and collection anywhere in Rwanda

You will need

  • Driving licence held for two or more years, in English or French
  • Refundable $500 deposit

What comes with self-drive car rental.

  • ✓Free delivery and collection anywhere in Rwanda
  • ✓Full tank at handover
  • ✓Unlimited kilometres in-country
  • ✓Local SIM and offline maps fitted
  • ✓Insurance and roadside support included
Self-drive fleet

Cars we hand over for self-drive.

Browse all cars
Toyota RAV4
Self-drive favourite

Toyota RAV4

Light, thrifty and easy to park in Nyamirambo. The car self-drive couples ask for by name.

  • 5 seats
  • Petrol
  • Automatic
  • AWD
$65 / day
Reserve
Land Cruiser Prado
Most booked

Land Cruiser Prado

The default Rwanda car — comfortable on tarmac, unbothered by Nyungwe mud.

  • 5 seats
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • Roof rack
  • 4x4
$80 / day
Reserve
Toyota Fortuner
7 seats

Toyota Fortuner

Seven seats and 4x4 confidence — the family car for the parks.

  • 7 seats
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • 4x4
$70 / day
Reserve
Toyota Corolla
City

Toyota Corolla

Meetings across Kigali, day rates or a monthly corporate arrangement.

  • 5 seats
  • Petrol
  • Automatic
$45 / day
Reserve

Rates include unlimited kilometres in-country, insurance and a full tank at handover. Fuel on the road is yours.

Related
Good to know

Good to know before you book

Do I need an international driving permit to self-drive?

A licence held for two or more years is required, plus a refundable $500 deposit. An international permit helps but a valid national licence in English or French is accepted. We fit a local SIM and offline maps before you leave.

Is delivery really free anywhere in Rwanda?

Yes — we deliver and collect the car anywhere in the country at no charge: the airport, your hotel, or as far as Karongi and Rubavu. The car arrives with a full tank.

What is included in the daily rate?

Unlimited kilometres in-country, insurance, roadside support and a full tank at handover. Fuel on the road, park fees and permits are quoted separately.

What insurance is included, and what is the excess?

Every rental includes comprehensive insurance and roadside support. The refundable $500 deposit covers the excess on self-drive hires and is returned when the car comes back as it left. Full terms are on our insurance and damage policy page.

What if the car breaks down on the road?

Call or WhatsApp the office — we answer 6am to 10pm, seven days. Roadside support is included, and we arrange a replacement vehicle if the car cannot continue.

Can I drive the car to Uganda or Tanzania?

Yes, with cross-border papers arranged in advance for a small fee. Tell us the route when you book so the insurance and documents are in order.

How far in advance should I book?

As soon as your dates are fixed. Cars are usually available at short notice, but gorilla permits and park lodges sell out in the dry seasons (June to September, December to February).

Do you offer monthly or long-term rates?

Yes. Weekly and monthly hire comes at reduced rates for expatriates, consultants and projects, with servicing and a replacement vehicle handled by our own workshop.

Self-drive

Tell us where you land and where you will finish.

We deliver with a full tank, fit the SIM and the maps, and collect the car wherever the trip ends.

Book self-driveCall the office