Self Drive Vs Guided Trips – Whats The Best Travel Option

Exploring Rwanda on a safari, business or leisure vacation is best done privately in a rental car and that’s why the majority of travelers nowadays have ditched pre-planned tours to go make adventures on their own. Rwanda has long been a favorite destination for cultural and primate enthusiasts who love to learn about the rich culture & terrifying history of Rwanda and also get chance to come close to the infamous endangered mountain gorillas.

However, if you are planning to explore Rwanda privately. you have to make a choice between self-drive trip or traveling with a professional driver. In this article, we will break down the advantages and disadvantages of driving yourself or choosing to hire a driver in Rwanda for your next road trip. Remember the advantages of self drive are the disadvantages of hiring a driver and vice-versa.

Advantages of Self drive trips

Cheap– One of the best things about Rwanda self drive adventures is their affordability. You easily cut out driver costs when you choose to drive yourself. A hired driver in Rwanda will cost between US$ 30 to 60 per day hence you are saving all that money when you cut him out of your trip.

Privacy – Another advantage about self driving trips is that you have all the freedom and privacy you deserve. You will be in the company of friends and family cutting out strangers or locals that would otherwise limit your conversations.

Flexibility – Renting a car for self drive in Rwanda allows you to make your own itinerary traveling to places of interest at your own pace and time. You can even decide to change course and visit a nearby attraction hence dictating every movement you make.

Why choose a driver-guided trip

Comfort – You should strongly consider hiring a driver in Rwanda if you are looking for total comfort. You don’t have to worry about doing any chores as your personal driver got all this covered. He will be responsible for all the car-related duties including washing, fixing mechanical issues, changing tire, car replacement and routing among others, so you can just sit back and relax.

Security – The driver’s number one responsibility is to make sure you are safe and sound during the trip. A hired driver will ensure he keeps you safe from fraudsters, conmen, traffic police and wildlife as well. Unlike a self drive trip where you have to look out for yourself which is pretty hard if you are in a foreign country.

Direction – You don’t have to worry about getting lost when you decide to hire a driver in Rwanda as compared to the uncertainties that await you should you choose to self drive Rwanda. The GPS and Google Maps are very useful direction gadgets and apps respectively but not as accurate and up-to-date as a driver.

Culture sampling – You will only get chance to interact with locals if you are traveling with a local. The fear of getting robbed or conned by locals vanishes when you are in the hands of a driver, he will teach you a few quick language phrases and also take you to restaurants serving local dishes so you can also smaple the cuisine.

All in all, a self drive trip is cheaper, private and more flexible but traveling with a driver is more safer and comfortable. Whicher ver choice you make, dont rush into making a decision based on what you friends say- go out there and make your own adventures with or without a driver.