- Vehicles
- Saloon cars, SUVs and 4x4s, on request
- Driver options
- With a driver, or self-drive where suitable
- Pickup
- Kigali International Airport, your hotel or our Kigali base
- Best for
- City use, airport transfers, day trips and longer tours
- Price
- On request, quoted per trip
Renting a car in Kigali
Kigali is a compact, hilly, well-organised city, and a car gives you freedom to move between neighbourhoods, meetings, restaurants and the start of longer trips. You can rent a vehicle for a day in town, for a week of touring or for a month while you work. This page covers the Kigali-specific points. For the full picture of what we arrange across the country, see our main car rental in Rwanda page.
We arrange rentals on request and quote each one in writing, so you know what is included before you commit.
Vehicles for Kigali
| Vehicle type | Best use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saloon car | City travel, meetings, airport runs | Easy to park and economical |
| Small or mid-size SUV | City plus trips to Musanze or Lake Kivu | More comfort on hills and bad patches |
| 4x4 | Akagera, rain-affected roads, longer tours | See 4x4 safari car rental |
| Land Cruiser | Classic safari touring | See Toyota Land Cruiser hire |
You can view what is available on our fleet page.
With a driver or self-drive in Kigali
A driver makes sense for most visitors. Kigali's roads are calm by African standards, but motorbike taxis weave through traffic and the hills can be confusing. A driver also handles parking and knows which routes are quickest at rush hour. See car hire with a driver-guide.
Self-drive suits confident drivers who want freedom, and it is easy enough inside Kigali. See our self-drive Rwanda page. Our article on self-drive vs car hire with driver helps you weigh it up.
Renting from the airport
We can arrange pickup at Kigali International Airport so the vehicle is waiting when you land. That saves negotiating taxis after a long flight. See our Kigali airport car rental page and the step-by-step guide to renting a car at Kigali airport. If you only need a lift, our airport transfer service is simpler.
What you need to rent
Licence
For self-drive you need a valid driving licence, and an international permit may be advised depending on the country that issued it. Read can foreigners drive in Rwanda and confirm the current rule.
Age and experience
There is normally a minimum age and a minimum period of holding a licence.
Deposit and insurance
Self-drive rentals normally need a deposit, and the vehicle is covered by insurance with an excess. We explain both before you sign. See our guide to car rental insurance in Rwanda.
Driving in Kigali
Drive on the right. Kigali is clean, with clear lanes and enforced speed limits. Expect motorbike taxis, called motos, pedestrians crossing without warning and traffic at peak hours. Parking is easy in most areas, and central hotels and malls have their own lots. Read driving in Rwanda, traffic fines and our guide to getting around Kigali.
The last Saturday morning of the month is umuganda, a community work day, and some roads and shops are quiet. Kigali also holds a car-free day at intervals, described in our Kigali car-free day article.
Day trips by car from Kigali
A rental in Kigali opens up several easy day trips.
- Akagera National Park, about two to two and a half hours. See our Akagera day trip.
- Musanze and the volcanoes, about two to two and a half hours.
- Nyanza and Huye, for the King's Palace and museums.
- Mount Kigali, for a short hike above the city.
See our list of day trips from Kigali for more.
Longer rentals
If you are staying for weeks or working in Kigali, see our long-term and monthly car rental page. For groups, our minibus and coaster hire page covers larger vehicles, and wedding and event car hire covers celebrations.
How to book
- Send your dates, pickup place, number of people and whether you want a driver.
- We suggest a vehicle and send a written quote.
- You confirm and pay the agreed deposit.
- We deliver the vehicle to your hotel or the airport.
Rates depend on vehicle, days and distance. We do not print a rate card. Read our car rental prices in Rwanda article for the factors.
Choosing the right rental for your Kigali plans
Think about what a typical day looks like. If you are attending meetings at the Kigali Convention Centre, a saloon car with a driver is the simplest choice, and it arrives when you need it. If you are combining work with a weekend trip to Lake Kivu, an SUV gives you more comfort on the hills. If you plan to visit Akagera or leave the tarmac, a 4x4 is the sensible option. Business visitors can read more on our Kigali conference tours page and in our guide to conference transport in Kigali.
Families should think about luggage as well as seats. Car seats for small children may not be standard, so tell us in advance if you need them.
Visitors who arrive without a plan can start with a short rental of one or two days, then extend it once they know where they want to go. We are happy to adjust a booking if your plans change, subject to the vehicle being free.
Fuel, parking and running costs
Fuel policy is stated in your quote. Most rentals are handed over with a set fuel level and returned at the same level, and with a driver, fuel is often part of the daily price. Parking in Kigali is easy in most places and usually free or low cost, and hotels and malls have their own lots. Keep valuables out of sight when the vehicle is parked, as you would in any city.
Before you set off, we walk through the vehicle with you, check the tyres and spare wheel and note any existing marks, so there are no disputes at the end of the rental.
Kigali areas worth knowing
Kigali is spread over several hills, and travel time depends on the route more than the distance. Kiyovu and the city centre hold many hotels and offices. Kimihurura and Remera hold restaurants, embassies and the convention centre. Nyamirambo is livelier and its streets are narrower. Read our guide to where to stay in Kigali to choose a base, and see Kigali tours if you want a guide to show you the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Kigali without a driver?
Yes, if you hold a valid licence and meet the requirements. We can also supply a driver, which many visitors prefer.
Can I rent a car at Kigali airport?
We can arrange pickup at the airport on request. Send us your flight details so the vehicle is ready.
Is it safe to drive in Kigali?
Kigali is orderly, but motorbike taxis and pedestrians need attention. Avoid driving at night outside the city.
What type of car is best for Kigali?
A saloon or small SUV is enough for the city. Choose a 4x4 if you plan to visit Akagera or leave the main roads.
Do you deliver the car to my hotel?
We can arrange delivery to a hotel or guesthouse in Kigali on request.
How much is car rental in Kigali?
It depends on the vehicle, the days and whether you want a driver. We quote per trip in writing.