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  • Best Cars to Consider for Cross Border Tours

    Best Cars to Consider for Cross Border Tours

    Cross border trips involve driving across border points meaning you must have the required paperwork for instance passport, driving permit, insurance, and a visa. All countries bordering Rwanda are accessible by road although Rwanda has the most strict border immigration policies in the whole East African region therefore you must have all your required paperwork and make sure you do not carry any illegal items because chances are you’ll be required to step out of your car for inspection. The best cars to consider for Cross Border tours include the strong and capable vehicles that will take you to wherever you want to go safely.

    Bearing in mind that Rwanda is  one of the smallest countries in East Africa, be prepared to drive long distances once you cross its borders. This means that you need a car that’s strong enough to take you wherever without any worries. Here’s a list of Best Cars to Consider for Cross Border Tours.

    Land Cruiser Prado TX:

    Referred to by many as a travel bestie, the Prado TX is probably the most commonly used car for Cross border tours. It is a car that is a mixture of luxury and economic tastes. It has an engine to manoeuvre through any rough terrain. Some Prados are customised with pipe up roofs sound system and coolers to make the trip more comfortable.  It can seat up to 7 people and has seat belts on all seats for safety. Engage the 4wd when you get to rocky or bumby roads and be sure to come out unharmed.

    Toyota Land Cruiser GX/V8/Extended:

    This is one of the cars that will give you and travel buddies a perfect high end luxurious trip. The Land Cruiser can handle any terrain in the world and it has an added appeal of  being quiet, comfortable and surprisingly swift on the road. The Land Cruiser is a class of its own. Enjoying a level of customer loyalty unmatched by any other SUV, the Land Cruiser is a sophisticated blend of off-road expertise , on-road comfort and unparalleled refinement. It also offers seating for up to eight passengers. It is a vehicle that will truly go down as one of the greatest off-roaders of all time. A perfect blend of refinement and ruggedness, comfort and capability, and sheer V8 grunt. It is a true go-anywhere, all-terrain four-wheel drive SUV with exceeded expectations all around the globe.

    Toyota Rav4

    This compact SUV is the most economic safari car in Rwanda. The Rav4 is totally amazing, as its handling and efficiency truly give you a wonderful self drive adventure across borders. This Japanese made 4 wheel drive vehicle seats 5 adults, designed with the 4×4 drivetrain, has the fuel efficient 2.0L petrol engine, has a spacious trunk, has its spare tire mounted at the tail gate and so many more great features. The RAV4 is easily one of the Best Cars to Consider for Cross Border Tours.

    Land Rover Defender

    This is an absolute beast and one of the best off-road cars . The Defender name is something that everyone has heard of, it’s one of the longest lasting and most recognizable SUV nameplates in the world. it copes well with mud, wet grass, steep hills, a bit of rocky surface and dusty places. It has a spacious interior and customizable configurations and provides ample room for the passengers and luggage.

    Mitsubishi Pajero.

    The Mitsubishi Pajero  is categorised as a large    (SUV) with room for five passengers. The vehicle has a 2.4L diesel turbo engine with 133 kW and 430 Nm. The powerful engine and eight-speed automatic transmission can handle any off-road obstacle, instilling a sense of reassurance while embarking on off-road excursions with your loved ones. By considering the Pajero , you may have confidence in its ability to provide a high level of safety and security during your travel experience.

    Land Cruiser 70 Series:

    In terms of road performance,  the land cruiser 70 series can be compared to some land rover and defender models because it never fails or disappoints especially when driving on marrum roads. It has the capability to reach anywhere without fail as long as it is good mechanical condition. It has a seating capacity of 10 people. It has 2bench-like seats on the boot which can be folded to create more room for luggage. It commands high stability on the road when driving at high speeds. It is well raised and does not require spacers to increase its ground clearance.  Just make sure you have top notch shock absorbers to enjoy this car in long cross-border trips.

    Choosing the right for that meets your travel needs will give you the confidence to go on adventure across borders. Ensure that the car is in good condition and has the necessary paperwork to be driven across borders. Contact us for more information about the Best Cars to Consider for Cross Border Tours.

  • Kigali Car Rental with a Driver

    Kigali Car Rental with a Driver

    There are quite a number of reasons to consider Kigali Car Rental with a Driver but before we dive into those reasons, you might first need to check out the car options available for hire in Kigali as well as their rates. When hiring a car with a driver, the driver rate per day remains the same but what changes is the car rental rate per day.

    In some cases, if the driver has some special expertise such as birding or butterfly guiding experience, they might charge double or even more than double the covenantal rates that most the agencies per day for a driver. With all that said, here are some of the reasons why you should consider car rental with a driver in Kigali.

    Automated Traffic Tickets

    One of the things that continually makes driving in Rwanda a horror is the automatic traffic fines. Instead of being worried about the possibilities of the permits that would arise out of every simple mistake, you can simply leave all this trouble by opting to hire a car with a driver.

    The traffic cameras often issue speeding tickets, as well as violations of road sign instructions such as zebra crossing. Given that you will be driving in a new country, it is inevitable to make a traffic mistake and therefore most of the money that would have been spent paying for traffic fines, simply divert the same money to hire a car with a driver.

    Driving On The Right Hand Side

    In Rwanda, they drive on the right hand side of the road. If you come from a country where driving is done on the left hand side of the road, then you might find some trouble getting accustomed to driving on the right. To avoid the possible mistakes that could arise merely by impulse, you would do well merely hiring a car with a driver.

    Itinerary Planning

    Kigali Car Rentals with a driver make your itinerary planning very easy. With a professional driver guide, you might not even need to draft an itinerary, you simply have to take the driver’s advice and move to any destination that is at your convenience. There are also places that you might not be able to find online but with the help of a professional driver guide, you will be able to visit these places that are least visited.

    The car rental company can also connect to your driver prior to the trip and do the itinerary planning together. In both cases, the driver will help you plan more effectively given that the is well aware of the security and road conditions of the place you intend to visit.

    Compensates For the GPS

    There are lots of developments that are ongoing in Rwanda. Most GPS devices do not have up-to-date data. Instead of hustling with GPS issues, the driver will come in handy to take you to destinations of your choice with ease. The drivers also know the shortcuts to help you avoid the traffic jam in case you are getting around Kigali.

    Travel Companion

    Sometimes you need a person to travel with. A person who is well versed with a destination you are visiting. Someone you can ask questions in real time. A profession driver guide can work well as a travel companion.

    At times, the car rental agencies are also willing to offer you discounts in car you are hiring the car with a driver.  In conclusion Kigali Car Rental with a driver is the most recommended option whether you are getting around Rwanda on a safari holiday or a business trip.

  • Long Term Car Rental Kigali

    Long Term Car Rental Kigali

    Words mean nothing but people mean things when they use the words. It is very easy to think that your understanding of long term car rentals from your home country directly applies to long term car rentals in Kigali. However this is a different part of the world and for that reason, there are differences in culture and the meaning of things. A Long Term Car Rental Kigali refers to any rental exceeding 21 days. The cars are not mainly rented out for town service. Therefore the discounted offered are not in anyway similar to what companies in Europe have to offer.

    Most car rental agencies in Kigali only define long-term car rentals as those rentals of one more and longer. Regardless of the case, we now have an idea of what long-term car rentals in Kigali mean.

    Advantages of Long Term Car Rentals in Kigali

    There are quite many advantages of renting a car in Kigali on a long-term rental basis but we are going to point out only two advantages with the first one being discounts. When you rent a car on a long-term basis, you can get a long-term car rental discount of about 20%.

    The second advantage of renting a car in Kigali on a long-term basis is getting a high quality car. No car rental agency would wish to risk giving you a car that has some potential to break down. When you are renting on a long term basis, they ensure that everything is in perfect condition.

    Disadvantages of Long Term Car Rentals in Kigali

    Mileage restrictions is one of the main disadvantages of renting a car on a long term basis. Some companies offer their cars on a limited mileage basis which can affect you in the long run.

    The second disadvantage of long-term car rentals is unclear refund policies. Sometimes you might need to cancel your trip or make it short. With a long term car rental, you will lose a lot of money in cancellation compared to people who hire on a short-term basis. It is therefore recommended to only hire on a long term basis if you are sure of your travel schedule.

    Most Popular Cars For Long Term Car Rentals in Kigali

    Here are the most popular cars for long-term car rentals in Kigali.

    5 Door Toyota Rav4

    The 5-door Toyota Rav4 is one of the most popular cars for long-term car rentals in Kigali. This car serves the purpose both business car rentals in Kigali and safari car rentals in Kigali. It has a seating capacity of four people excluding the driver.

    Land Cruiser Prado TX/TZ

    The Land cruiser TX/TZ is one of the most popular cars for long term car rentals in Kigali. The car has better ground clearance than a 5 door Rav4. It has a sitting capacity of four people excluding the driver. There is also an option of adding two extra seats in the trunk.

    This car is a full-time four-wheel drive car with an option of differential locking and a low-gear four-wheel drive. It is the most popular land cruiser when it comes to self-drive car rental in Kigali.

    Prado exists in three options, the 3000cc diesel engine. The 3400cc petrol engine and the 2700cc petrol engine. The 3000cc option is the most common option in case you are interested in a manual car. The 2700cc and 3400cc are the most common options in case you are interested in an automatic gear Land Cruiser Prado.

    In conclusion, when choosing Long Term Car Rental Kigali option, the most recommended cars are the Land cruiser Prado and the 5 door Rav4.

  • 4×4 Car Rental Kigali

    4×4 Car Rental Kigali

    4×4 Car Rental Kigali is one of the things that could be overlooked by many because of the good road conditions of Kigali city at large. But do not be fooled, a very strong car will give you a nice experience in the hilly scapes of Kigali city.

    When renting a 4×4 car in Kigali, it is important to note that most 4×4 car rental companies offer cars that are comprehensively insured, with unlimited mileage as well as an option to extend your trip on short notice. Here are some of the 4×4 cars rented out in Kigali city and their respective average prices.

    5 Door Toyota Rav4

    This is one of the most popular 4×4 car for rent in Kigali city. It has a sitting capacity of five people including the driver. It is recommended for four people so that each person gets access to the window. The advantage with this car is the fact that it is a full time 4WD car.

    You will not need any 4×4 driving experience to drive a Rav4. The car is not to big to make you uncomfortable and it is not too small to the point of having poor ground clearance. Its fuel consumption is also lower than that of Land cruisers.

    The car hire rate range is $45 per day to $60 per day.  The rates vary according to the Kigali car rental agency or the time of the year.  This car also is available with an automatic gear option and manual gear option.

    Land Cruiser Prado TX/TZ

    The Land Cruiser Prado is the second most popular 4×4 car in Rwanda. Unlike the 5-door Rav4 the Land cruiser Prado has a low gear lever that allows you to engage extra 4WD power.

    The car comes in three options; the 3000cc diesel engine, a 2700cc petrol engine, and a 3400cc petrol engine. The V6 3400cc is the strongest of all these cars and the most reliable of all the Prados.

    The car also has an option of a 7 seater but popularly available with a 5 seater capacity. It is air-conditioned and also has a very good ground clearance. The car is both available with a manual gear option and automatic gear option. It ranges between $80 per day to $100 per day.

    Land Cruiser Extended

    The car is popularly known as the classic safari Land cruiser. It is a 7 seater car with a 4200cc diesel engine. It is currently only available with a manual gear option. Most of the 4×4 car rental companies in Kigali do not offer this car for self drive. It usually comes with a driver.

    The daily rate ranges between $220 per day and $250 per day. This does not cover the fuel charges. Unlike the self drive car rental options, this car is fully insured. When you hire this car, you are not responsible for anything that happens to the car. The only thing you are responsible for is fuel.

    Land Cruiser V8

    The Land Cruiser V8 is the most luxurious of all the Land Cruisers. This car comes with a 4700cc petrol engine. Similar to a Land Cruiser V8, the Land Cruiser VX has a similar make to the Land Cruiser V8 but for it, it has a 4200cc diesel engine.

    The car also has the option of a seven-seater similar to the Land Cruiser Prado. However many car rental agencies remove the trunk seats to create more room for luggage. Depending on the car model, the car ranges between $110 per day and $150 per day.

    These are the most popular 4×4 cars for rent in Kigali. You can get them at discounted rates if you hire for more than 14 days to a month. The rates will also vary depending on the time of the year.

  • Kigali Self-Drive Car Rental

    Kigali Self-Drive Car Rental

    Kigali Self-Drive Car Rental is often inspired by many reasons. To some, it is to enjoy their company without any strangers in their midst. In other instances, it is to save the extra money that would have been lost in hiring a car with a driver. Whatever your reason may be for hiring a car without a driver; here are some of the things you need to know about Kigali Self-Drive Car Rental.

    Limited Mileage Hire/ Unlimited Mileage Hire

    Most car rental companies in Rwanda offer their cars on an unlimited mileage basis. However, when you are renting newer car models, most car rental agencies in Kigali offer them on a limited mileage basis. It is therefore important to way the two options; are you interested in a new car model or you are interested in a budget-friendly car.

    No Extra Fee For Second and Third Driver

    One of the most popular questions that arises when hiring a car for self drive in Kigali is whether companies charge extra for second and third drivers. Most car rental agencies in Kigali do not charge any extra fees for people who intend to have a second or third driver.

    You Only Need your Local Driving License

    Another common question for people who intend to self-drive in Kigali or Rwanda at large is whether they need to get a local driving license to drive or they need an international driving license. Unless you are spending more than 3 months in Rwanda, you do not need to get a local driving license.

    We recommend you to translate your driving license in case it is not in English. It is also important to note that people who have driving licenses but are still under 18 years are not allowed to drive in Rwanda even if they possess a driving license.

    Driving Is On The Right Hand Side

    In Rwanda, driving is done on the right-hand side. If you are used to driving on the left-hand side, it is recommended that you hire an automatic car to reduce the trouble of changing gears.

    Automatic Traffic Tickets

    Unlike other East African countries where most of the traffic enforcement is done by traffic officers, in Kigali they have automatic traffic ticket issuing cameras. It is very hard to drive in Rwanda without getting one unless you have been there for some time.

    One of the most common offenses is driving above the prescribed speed limit. The other common offense is not stopping at Zebra crossing points. However, with extra caution, you can avoid all these traffic fines. In case you cannot take extra caution, it is recommended to hire a car with a driver.

    Self Drive Rates In Kigali

    Self drive car rental rates in Kigali vary according to the time of the year and the type of car you intend to hire. The cheapest car for car rental in Kigali is often the 3 door Toyota Rav4 followed by the 5 door Toyota Rav4. These range between $40 to $60 per day.

    The other popular car for Kigali Self-Drive Car Rental is the Land cruiser Prado. This ranges between $80 per day and $100 per day. These prices cover comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, and road assistance. The rates exclude; fuel, driver, and parking tickets.

    In conclusion, the above tips will help you get answers to the most frequently asked questions about self-drive car rentals in Kigali as well as the price range. In case you need more details about self-drive car rental in Kigali, check out the required documents to rent a car in Kigali for self drive.