When one talks about a trip, one of the great highlights is that one is going to travel from one area to another, so it is highly important to think of where you will hire a car to use all through your trip. You do not want to be stranded at different points of your trip because you don’t have a means of transport to use but while in Rwanda, this is well sorted because of the availability of trusted car rental companies from which you can hire a car to use but before proceeding with your bookings, consider the following;
Number of people
The type and number of cars to hire will highly depend on how many people you are coming with for the trip, if you are a group of five people or more, you will not hire saloon cars because of their small sitting capacity, so you have to opt for large SUVs or vans where you will fit comfortably and enjoy your trip all through.
Destination
Most times, the type of car to hire will be dictated by the place where you are going because particular cars cannot handle terrain of some areas, for example a premio, Noah, range rover or limousine may not be able to handle the terrain of national parks so if heading to any, Rav 4, land cruiser or safari van are some of the best options.
Your budget
It is always a wise idea for you to make all your bookings within the range of your budget such that your trip is not messed up because of lack of enough funds. You do not need to end your trip with accumulated debts because you used a luxurious car that was beyond your budget. Only go for it if your budget suits it or else cling to cheaper but efficient car option such that you enjoy your journey without running short of funds.
Need for a driver
You need to decide whether you will be on a self-drive or will need a driver for your trip. A self-drive safari has its benefits but you should be sure of your driving skills and routes to your destinations or have a GPS with you such that you don’t lose track. However, having a driver is usually regarded more secure as they are often well conversant with your destinations and are readily available for you to inquire anything about Uganda.
Luggage
The amount of luggage you carry during your trip is a peculiar factor to consider when hiring a car for your trip. All cars have reasonably enough cargo space in the rear but some luggage is exclusively much that it can hardly fit in there, so if you are coming along with the likes of 8 big suitcases and 5 back bags, better opt for a land cruiser instead of a premio or Rav 4 whether you are less than four people or not.
Fuel Policy
Every car rental company in Rwanda has its own unique fuel policy that you need to know right from the start. Some companies will hand to you an empty-tank vehicle, and expect you to return it in the same status. It’s also not uncommon for some car hire services to have a full-to-empty fuel policy, which is a bit tricky because it’s difficult to return a vehicle with the tank empty. Also, there are some firms which make you pay only for the fuel you consumed, which is a bit fair (all things considered).
Payment Options
Ideally, you should hire a car with a Rwandan company that offers as many payment options as possible. Thankfully, most of them offer a great choice of payment methods, including online payments using MasterCard and Visa or cash-on-hire.
Age Restrictions
It might sound ridiculous, but some Rwanda car hire companies have age restrictions. In fact, nearly half of them don’t allow individuals younger than 25 to hire their cars.
Fleet Size and Variety
In the car hire industry, variety is the name of the game. So, look for a company that boasts a large car rental fleet comprising several different models. No matter the terrain and travel needs, the company should have a car for you.
Car Condition
Don’t just get on the driver’s seat and drive off; be sure to check the condition of the vehicle. Check under the hood, inquire when the last maintenance was done, and look out for physical damages like scratches, broken windscreens, fender-benders, etc.
Cross-Border Policy
Some companies out-and-out don’t allow their vehicles to be driven across Rwandan borders. Some permit cross-border hires, but you are required to get written permission and additional charges might also apply. Either way, it is crucial to inquire about the company’s policy on crossing borders.
Conclusion
These are just but a few things to look for while hiring a car in Rwanda. You might also want to look for things like damages policy, insurance policy, and late-return policy.
