Bike Rental in Rwanda
 

Anyone rented a motorcycle in Rwanda? Or bought one from a dealer with guaranteed buy-back? A phone number or address would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

I think you will struggle to find any decent motorbikes in Rwanda. There are some dealers selling small scooters in Kigali. From memory there is one near the main roundabout as you enter town (virtually directly opposite the tourist office and Shell service station), although they only sell cheap chinese 125cc scooters.

If you do find anything, it is likely to be old XRs or XTs, probably owned by the expat community and riden into the ground.

As an alternative, I know you can buy reasonable used dirt bikes in Kampala, Uganda and then ride it to Rwanda. If you go to 'Backpapers' in Mengo, Kampala and ask the Australian owner, John, he can give you directions to the better shops.




[This message has been edited by Matt Roach (edited 27 August 2005).]

Thanks Matt. I thought it might be a long shot. Sounds like Kampala might be a better option. Do you know if a carnet is required for Rwanda? Or perhaps not for a Ugandan registered machine.

Cheers

Hi Ian,
Shouldn't be a problem going to Rwanda on Uganda plates. They give you a temporary import for a few weeks. Same story all the way down untill Botswana where they ask for carnets.
This was my experience about 5 years ago on kenya plates any way. Things change, but nieghbouring countrys are usually nieghbourly.
Andy

Most of the east African countries don't require carnets. From memory, I had to fill out my own carnet when crossing from Burundi into Rwanda because the customs officer seemed rather mystified with the document.

A temporary import permit should certainly be sufficient, and is definately a lot less hassle.

As another option, although it will add another 1000kms or so to get there, but you can pick up a good selection of motorbikes in Nairobi. There are dealers for all the japanese manufacturers, although their range isn't big, and there is also a KTM dealer in town.