Renting a car in Rwanda for a one way trip is a flexible and convenient way of exploring the country at your own terms. One way car rental is an agreement where one picks a car from one location and drops it off in another and most people opt for this when they have no intentions of driving back to the original location.

There are some fees that you incur for dropping off the car in a different location but they are still less than the amount you would have spent to drive back to drop off the car.  With the excitement of exploring Kigali and embarking on a safari drive to the Volcanoes and Akagera, it is easy to overlook some essential details that can make your car rental experience unpleasant.

In this article, we take you through some of the common mistakes you should avoid when renting a car for one way.

Last minute booking

Just like any other services like accommodation and flights, booking a one way rental last minute can be costly.  Also, you can miss out on discounts and other deals. You might not get your desired vehicle model if you book late because chances are some of them are already taken.

Booking during peak seasons

In Rwanda, the months of June to September are considered to be the peak months for tourism. Literally, demand for services like hotels and car rentals is high  automatically rising the prices.

Booking airport rentals

One of the biggest disadvantages of airport car rental is the additional fees and taxes. Many airports charge a concession fee to car rental companies for the privilege of operating on airport property. This fee is often passed on to customers in the form of higher rental rates. Get your one way rental from companies that don’t operate on airport premises.

Ignoring Insurance policies

Insurance is one of the significant aspects of car rental agreements provided by the agency. It provides protection in case of damage, theft or accident. Car rental agencies in Rwanda offer multiple insurance options with different levels of coverage. If you do not read and understand these policies,  you may find yourself paying for damages which you would have otherwise avoided.

Crossing borders

Another mistake to avoid is crossing borders without your provider’s consent.  Travelling across borders in East Africa is a smooth process and may be tempting for example if you’re gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you may be tempted to check out Attractions in Kisoro(Uganda) since they’re pretty close. When the vehicle gets a problem in Uganda, you’ll be liable if your provider didn’t approve.

Choosing the wrong car

Rwanda car hire companies offer a vast range of vehicles for rent. You are allowed to rent from compact sedan to SUV. Therefore, when selecting a car, you must consider some essential factors, such as the size of your travel group, rental duration,  and budget.

Generally, fuel-efficient models are suggested to save on fuel expenses, especially when traveling long distances.

Not following traffic regulations

Familiarize yourself with the local driving rules of Rwanda. The Rwanda road network is busy, especially during the peak hours. So, always pick a vehicle with good visibility. Bear in mind that speed limits in Urban centres is 40kmhr and 60kmph on highways, driving is on the right hand of the road and Littering is prohibited.  Ignoring these will serve you heavy penalties.

Altering the agreed drop off location

You will be charged with penalties if you change the drop off location that was agreed upon. Ensure to drop off the car in the agreed location.

Not understanding hidden fees

We understand that there are fees associated with one way car rentals. Apart from that, be keen to find out hidden fees for instance  GPS fees, child seat fees, toll fees, cancellation fees, airport surcharges and taxes.

Before heading on your journey, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the proper car rental process in Rwanda. First, research various companies to find out the best deal that fits your needs,  book in advance, carefully read and review all the terms and conditions provided by the car rental company.

Pay attention to insurance coverage in the rental agreement. Understanding all these terms in advance will prevent you from being surprised during the car rental journey.