Do you need a 4x4 in Rwanda?
Not always. The main roads between Kigali, Musanze, Rubavu, Huye and Nyungwe are paved, and an SUV such as a Toyota RAV4 handles them easily. A 4x4 is the better choice when:
- You are doing a self-drive safari in Akagera National Park, where the game-drive tracks are unpaved.
- You travel in the rainy seasons (roughly March to May and October to December), when dirt roads become muddy.
- You are going to lodges or trailheads on rural, unpaved roads.
- You are a group of up to 8 people with luggage and want to travel in one vehicle.
Our 4x4 vehicles
The Toyota Prado is a comfortable 7-seat 4x4 for families and small groups. Our manual safari car is built for game drives, with up to 8 seats and high ground clearance.
| Car | Seats | Gearbox | Price per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prado 20144x4 SUV | 7 | Manual | $80 |
| Safari CarSafari 4x4 | 8 | Manual | $170 |
Popular 4x4 routes
- Kigali to Akagera National Park: around 2.5 hours to the park, then game drives on dirt tracks.
- Kigali to Volcanoes National Park: paved road to Musanze, with rougher access roads to some trekking trailheads.
- Kigali to Nyungwe National Park: a long but paved drive through the south.
Book your 4x4
Demand for 4x4s is highest in the dry seasons, so book early for June to September and December to February. Send us your dates on WhatsApp at +250 788 892 976 and we reply with availability and a written quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I self-drive in Akagera National Park?
Yes. Akagera allows self-drive game drives. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. You can also hire a park guide at the gate.
Is the safari car manual or automatic?
Our safari car and our Toyota Prado are manual. The RAV4 and Kia Sorento are automatic.
Is a 4x4 needed for gorilla trekking?
The road from Kigali to Musanze and the park headquarters at Kinigi is paved, so an SUV is fine. Some trailheads are reached on rough roads, where a 4x4 is more comfortable, especially after rain.