Regardless of whether you are hiring a car for the first time in Rwanda or you have ever hired it more times before, we share with you some of the most important things you should know and take note of before/when hiring a 4X4 car rental in Rwanda:
1. Make sure you have your paperwork
There is nothing worse than going to the car rental agency just to realize that you have forgotten your driver’s license back home. Before renting a car with any car rental agency, please make certain that you have your driver’s license and a valid credit card in your name with you. Most of the car rental agencies in Rwanda will require you to present a valid driver’s license before handing the car over to you; therefore you should be sure about all your paperwork when traveling to Rwanda.
2. Thoroughly check the car exterior
You do not want to be responsible for another person’s misuse of the car. Therefore you should scrutinize the car before heading on your way for any scratches or dents otherwise you may end up getting penalties for other people’s misuse of the car.
3. Familiarize yourself with the Rental Car
It should be noted that every car is different. There are always higher chances that you will not be renting the same car model as you drive back home. Therefore before setting off, make sure to take some time to adjust the seat and mirrors to your liking.
Check where the car functions such as Air Conditioning, lights, windshield wipers and handbrake are located. Once you have thoroughly familiarized yourself with the vehicle, you are ready to go.
4. Identify the Place you are to visit
Before renting a car, it would be a good idea to have a travel plan (itinerary) with specific locations to visit to budget your time effectively. Rwanda is a compact country with several landmarks and attractions that you may be interested in seeing.
Our staff will be happy to show you how to get where you want and advise you as far as your trip is concerned. Do not hesitate to ask the staff about where to go and about anything you may need to know – always be free and comfortable with the staff! As with everywhere, it is the locals who know all the little secrets and gems to be discovered, so with this, it will be a great idea to hire a driver guide on your trip in case you’re a true adventurer!
5. Always identify the kind of fuel your rental car consumes
If you’re the one to fuel the car by yourself (without a driver’s guide), it’s always important to know what kind of fuel your vehicle runs on before you set off. Most cars in Rwanda’s car rental companies have diesel and petrol engines; therefore always ask the staff before taking the car.
6. Always be punctual in taking back the rental car
Most car rental agencies, especially during the high/peak season run on a very tight schedule. Therefore you are required to return the rental car on the agreed time as delay charges add up fast and might cost you a full rental day plus extras if you have not informed the agency.
7. Make sure your rental car is under insurance
Most rental agencies in Rwanda have put their car fleets in insurance. Meanwhile, this insurance is only comprehensive so if you recklessly drive and cause serious damages, you will be charged a fee that will transport the car from the crime scene to the repair venue. You should always read the rental agency’s agreement carefully before taking the car and if you find that you are not fully convinced with what the agreement states, then leave that agency’s car and maybe look for another convenient company for you. Meanwhile, if you take a car that isn’t insured, some rental agencies will charge you for all the damages, therefore ask your agency whether the car is insured such that you are on the safe side. Some of the car rental damages though may be minor like scratches or broken tires and mirrors, and here some companies tend to repair them by themselves.
8. Always be careful with where you park
You don’t want to find your car with no license plates and a tagged fine on the windshield as you return from where you would have gone. Make sure you ask your car rental representative about the parking regulations in Rwanda.
9. Don’t dare hire a car from the Airport
You don’t want to wait until you have landed in your desired destination’s airport to look for a car rental agency, and for sure you don’t want to book a car from the agencies located inside the airport as you will be paying your rental car as gold – costly. Take some time before arriving in Rwanda and book your car online or by phone. It will be waiting for you just as you arrive at the exit.
