For anyone who is planning a similar journey in the near future, here are a few helpful Rwandan facts and figures.
On the road
Our route:
Gatuna, Kigali, Kibuye, Kigali, Kireye, Rusumo.
The border:
The Ugandan / Rwandan border in Gatuna was quite busy as we arrived and it wasn't difficult to find the right building amongst the hustle and bustle. We were assailed by a group of young men as we got out of the van, asking whether we needed change or any help. We didn't and were left to ourselves.
The immigration building is on the right, past the lorry queue, and a few meters after the boom gate. Customs was 20 meters further on, on the left. They asked where the van was but didn't want to see it. Then another boom gate and we were out. The officials were all very correct and efficient.
Then on to the Rwandan boom gate (Unfreandly) and the immigration / customs building on the left. The immigration officer had a problem with us because we didn't have an address in Rwanda where we would be staying. We said that when we got to Kigali we would take a room in one of the hotels or pensions and that there must be hundreds of them to choose from. He wasn't at all happy with that, however, as soon as the queue behind us began to grow our passports were stamped and chucked back at us.
We had learnt a lesson. Thereafter we would look up a hotel address in advance whenever we crossed a border. The official behind the customs window was much more relaxed and even waved at us to jump the queue. He didn't have any questions at all about the van.
Kilometers:
556
Diesel:
The filling stations were well kept. As allways the pump attendant (usually a women) does the filling.
Diesel costs:
60.000,00 RWF (58,37 EUR)
Diesel price:
??? Mrs. forgot to take note.
Traffic:
Drive on the right (Rwanda was once a German, then a Belgian colony). The roads must be amongst the best we've driven on untill now. We passed hundreds of Small labour gangs, again, usually women, sweeping and keeping the curbs and laybys clean and tidy. I don't think we had a single checkpoint.
The traffic in Kigali was very heavy but otherwise not too bad. Bicycles are very popular and are commonly used as Taxis. They are easily told apart from private
bicycles by their number plates and the passengers with their goods balancing on the rack.
Accomodation
Nights:
4 (07.09.18 – 10.09.18), 1 in Kigali in a hotel room and 3 inside the van in pension, hotel, or lodge courtyards.
Total costs overnight:
40.000,00 RWF (38,91EUR)
Average costs overnight:
9,73 EUR or 4,86 per person.
The best:
Home Saint Jean.
The worst:
The hotel in Kigali, far too expensive, no hot water, no wifi, a horrible room, and horrible food. At least the fruit at breakfast was fresh but otherwise a place to forget as soon as possible.
We had arrived at night and couldn't find anywhere affordable. The hotel ethic in Kigali reminded me of Khartoum, completely spoilt by ridiculous NGO prices and without the slightest intent of offering anything that could reasonably be expected in return.
The same can be said of London or Paris however. That's just the way large cities work. Given the choice I avoid them.
Money
Exchange rate:
1,00 EUR = 1028,00 RWF
ATM:
ATMs seem to be in all Towns.
Shopping
Eating out:
48.400,00 RWF (47,08 EUR)
Food:
22.500,00 RWF (21,89 EUR)
Bits and bobs:
2.000,00 RWF (1,94 EUR) stamps and postcards.
6.000,00 RWF (5,84 EUR) Fabric.
Other costs
East Africa Visa and Comesa insurance:
Paid in Kenya and taken into account there.
Genocide Museum:
12.000,00 RWF (11,67 EUR)
Bat Island:
30.000,00 (29,18 EUR)
Iveco / Mechanic:
15.000,00 (14,50 EUR)
Total costs Rwanda
Diesel:
58,37 EUR
Accomodation:
38,91 EUR
Shopping:
76,75 EUR
Other costs:
55,35 EUR
Total:
229,38 EUR
In conclusion
Once again I wish we had more time. Lake Kivu was very pleasant. The brakes are very annoying and we still have a long way ahead of us.
- Thankyou Rwanda