A Weekend on the Lake Kivu Road
One of the most enjoyable drives in the country, and an easy two nights out of Kigali.
If you only have a weekend and want the drive itself to be the point, head west. The road from Kigali to Rubavu takes about three hours, and the stretch running south along the lake is the one people remember.
Day one
Leave Kigali early to clear the city traffic, and stop in Muhanga for coffee. The climb through the Congo Nile ridge is the best part of the drive, so take it slowly and use the viewpoints.
Day two
Follow the lake south toward Kibuye. The road is tarmac the whole way now, and the switchbacks are genuinely fun in a responsive car. A sedan is perfectly adequate for this route in the dry season.
Keep Reading
Driving TipsDriving in Rwanda: Roads, Rules and What to Expect
Rwanda is one of the easiest countries in the region to drive in, but a few local habits catch first-timers out. Here is what actually matters.
RentingSelf-Drive or With a Driver: Which Suits Your Trip?
Both cost less than people expect. The right answer depends on your route, your schedule and how much you want to think about parking.
RentingKigali Airport Pickups: How It Works
What happens between your plane landing and you driving away, including the bit most rental companies leave vague.