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Rwanda the land of a Thousand Hills is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places you will visit in Africa.  It is gifted with unique flora and fauna and some of the places to visit on your self drive trip include the Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, and Lake Kivu among others. There are some important things you need to bear in mind when renting a Car for Self Drive in Rwanda for a great Rwanda Car Hire experience.

There are a couple of Rwanda Car rental companies that allow you to self drive upon request though some can provide you with a chauffeur/driver. You need to be keen when choosing a car hire company because they are very many and because of this, scammers have taken advantage to con people.

In order to get a reputable company for your self drive car, research online for customer reviews and consider recommendations/ referrals. Self-drive is the best option because you get to plan your trip according to your own terms, it is flexible and provides a high level of privacy.

Minimum Age

You need to be above 18 years of age to be able to drive in Rwanda. As much as one can drive a car as early as 15 years old in the USA, It is not allowed in Rwanda. You may have a driver’s license at 16 from USA but this license is rendered invalid in Rwanda and you can not hire a car for self drive.

Also adults above 70 years may not be allowed to self drive because of impaired vision and other old age health issues like back pains. Avoid providing counterfeit permits because you’ll be charged with fraud and also make sure that your permit is not expired.

GPS Navigation

For renting a Car for Self Drive in Rwanda,  you need a GPS navigator especially if it is your first time there. Having a GPS system for saves you a lot of trouble getting lost here and there. It also saves time because you don’t have to stop multiple times asking locals for directions.

All you have to do is type in your destination and the GPS will direct you all the way to the place you’re going to while it draws you a line to follow. You may also add in some places of interest that you want to stop at and all the information will be given.

Ask your car rental operator for a car with a  GPS  system though this comes at an extra cost. Another way to easily navigate is by using Google Maps but this may not be effective in remote areas where there is bad Internet connection.

Choose the Right Car

In order to enjoy your self drive trip in Rwanda, you have to choose the right Car for your trip. Car rental Rwanda has a large fleet of vehicles to choose from depending on your needs. Are you driving to a safari destination? You need a 4×4 vehicle that is able to withstand rough roads in those areas but you may not need it if you’re driving around Kigali and it will just cost you extra for nothing.

Also, consider the number of people you’re travelling with as this will help you get a car with the right sitting capacity.

Traffic Rules

The speed limit is Rwanda is 40kmph in the cities and 80kmph in the provinces or upcountry. There are speed cameras on certain points of the roads and  E-tickets are issued so endeavour to drive within the given limits.

Inquire from your car rental provider about other local traffic laws to avoid getting penalties.

Night Driving

Driving at night in Rwanda is discouraged for first-timers because they are not familiar with the roads. Rwanda has a hilly terrain and the roads have sharp corners which are hard to navigate.

Also, fog is common, especially in the provinces and this can obstruct your vision. You may also not be able to see obstacles on the roads like rocks and fallen tree logs, especially on rainy nights.

Do not forget that driving in Rwanda is on the right hand of the road and while on your self-drive trip, avoid littering and engage with locals by supporting their businesses and participating in various community activities. You can also make a friend or two to keep your memory of Rwanda embedded in your mind.

Renting a car is the best way to move around in Rwanda just like booking a flight or making reservations at a hotel, it can be a hard task. The process of finding the right car hire company is hard since there are plenty of options to choose from and many of which are scammers. It is also hard to navigate a new territory if you choose to self-drive. However, there are standard essentials for Renting a Car in Rwanda whether for self-drive or with a driver. We break them down for you in this article.

Valid Driver’s License

It is essential to have a driver’s license if you opt for a self-drive trip. This enables you to drive legally but Rwanda and also meets most Rwanda Car rental requirements. Make sure that your permit is valid, up to date and not a counterfeit because providing a fake one is a criminal offense and you could go to jail for committing fraud.

Security Deposit

A deposit is one of the most important requirements to rent a car since it is the main confirmation that you have booked and it will be available on the agreed day.

Ensure to book your car in advance because last-minute bookings are usually expensive, especially during the peak seasons. You can book your car using a credit card or any other form of payment that’s convenient for you

Clean Driving Record

Before renting a car for self-drive in Rwanda, you need to have a clean driving record with no past or recent convictions of reckless driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Note that car rental companies do background checks on their customers so these records can render your license invalid.

Identification

Whether you’re renting a car with a chauffeur or self-drive, it is important to have an identification card and you may be required to provide a copy of your passport. You will also be required to provide your personal information for example home address, phone number, email address, and next of kin.

All this is for safety and communication purposes.

Emergency Kits and Personal Medications

Renting a car for a trip comes with uncertainties and these can include flat tires, accidents, insect hires, allergies, and health deterioration for people with underlying medical issues.

It is important to pack emergency kits to help you in times of crisis. These can include jumper cables, tyre repair kits, basic first aid supplies, Insect repellents, mosquito nets, umbrellas, gumboots, jackets, rain coats among others. Also, have an emergency contact which should be noted down.

Cameras

You can never go on a safari trip and not carry a camera! From the scenic landscapes to unexpected roadside attractions, you’ll want to preserve these memories so have a camera or smartphone to capture them.

Endeavor to keep your phones or cameras charged so that you don’t miss out on capturing exciting attractions because of low batteries. Also, carry a backup power supply like a power bank.

Trash Bag or Bin

Littering in Rwanda is prohibited and punishable so pack a trash bag to keep food remains, snack packaging, and so on in order to maintain a clean environment.

Snacks and Drinks

Perhaps the most important road trip essential of all is the snacks! Keep hunger and thirst at bay by stocking up on all your favourite snacks and drinks for the journey. Stick to non-perishable items like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits for a healthier option or if you find roadside vendors, you can buy some fresh fruits or Roasted meat.

Do not forget to pack enough water and other drinks to stay hydrated.

Entertainment

Getting bored on your road trip will ruin the whole experience.  That’s why most rental cars are equipped with a sound system. Organize a playlist of your favorite music, download podcasts or movies on your phone/tablet to keep boredom at bay.

You can also tune in to local radio stations and get updates about events in Rwanda. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with confidence and peace of mind by having these comprehensive essentials when renting a Car in Rwanda.

Many workers have been travelling for work and leisure since the Covid-19 epidemic, contributing to the growth of the tourism and travel industries. Due to the present state of economic inflation, travellers must search for ways to cut costs on lodging, food, and transportation. To ensure a hassle-free journey and save costs associated with renting a car in Rwanda, you must learn how to obtain Car Rental Discounts in Rwanda.

Travelling for business or pleasure involves more than just booking flights and accommodations; you also need to figure out how to get there, which is where vehicle rentals come in useful. The cost of renting a car in Rwanda is still going up, particularly between June and September when travel demand is at its highest.

Compare Prices

There are numerous service providers in Rwanda’s competitive car rental market. Since many of these businesses have social media pages and websites, it’s critical to shop around for the greatest offer by comparing rates. When comparing prices, take into account other costs such as taxes, driver fees, fuel, airport pickups, and daily or weekly vehicle rentals.

Additionally, consider the company’s flexibility for the duration of the rental and weigh the availability of several car options against the vehicles’ conditions. You can find the greatest deal by examining these factors, which all affect the car prices.

Book Early

You are demonstrating your commitment to the rental firm by making your car reservation well in advance of your trip to Rwanda. Booking fees are frequently required for rental cars, and you are taken into account when there is a promotion. It’s also vital to remember that reservations made at the last minute cost more.

Utilise Travel Management Companies

It is difficult to plan a trip, especially one that is abroad. For this reason, you require a local travel management company (TMC) to take care of all the arrangements, including finding you the best rates on vehicle rentals and scheduling flights, lodging, and locations.

These travel management firms have professionals on staff who can assist with haggling and obtaining the greatest discounts. In addition, they have access to exclusive offers that are not available to the general public. TMCs have relationships with top rental car agencies around Rwanda, and some of these agencies also provide corporate rental car discount codes to TMC customers. This is a sure fire method to receive Car Rental Discounts in Rwanda.

Create an Account with a Major Car Rental Company

Look into and learn about the different corporate programs that different rental businesses have to offer. These consist of membership, among other things. Those who rent cars through memberships receive significant savings over non-members. Negotiate the terms and discuss the advantages of memberships with the sales staff when you call.

Never be scared to haggle because you could be able to obtain a decent deal this way. You can proceed with signing up if you agree with the terms. Additionally, enquire about the availability of any discounts that particular organisations may be eligible for from car rentals.

Look out for Promotions and Special Offers

There are several car rental companies that run specials and discounts at specific seasons of the year. To stay informed about these exclusive discounts, you can subscribe to the newsletter, which will provide you with updates on special offers. You can also use tools like Google notifications to set up notifications, and you can follow car rental firms on social media.

Rental Timing

It is less expensive to rent a car for an extended length of time than for a shorter one. Many rental car companies provide long-term packages, such as weekly and monthly rates. Steer clear of car rentals during the busiest travel months of June through September, since demand will drive up costs. Best deals are typically found during off-peak seasons.

Check Reviews

This is an additional method for maintaining tags on current Car Rental Discounts in Rwanda. Go through traveler reviews on social media, visit websites that rent cars, and see what other people have to say about their experiences. Since tripadvisor.com is a popular travel website, you may also read reviews there.

Occasionally, previous visitors disclose the specific discounts they received from the vehicle rental company. Once you’ve located one, you can proceed to request a comparable discount.

With so many alternatives, selecting the finest automobile rental might be challenging, but getting good deals doesn’t have to be a complicated procedure. By being organised, weighing your options, and grabbing hold of any accessible deals or packages, you may save down on your travel expenses.

Given the ease and flexibility that renting a car offers, the Rwandan car rental industry is expanding quickly. The greatest way to get about Rwanda if it’s your first time there is to rent a car. You have complete control over your itinerary and speed of travel. Find our the Impact of Car Rentals on Local Communities in Rwanda.

They also provide visitors the freedom to roam around the county at will, take in the sights, travel to far-off locations, and make their own travel arrangements. To help you select the vehicle that best meets your demands, they also provide a large selection of car models. Numerous effects of car rentals have been seen in the surrounding towns.

Accessibility

For both tourists and residents, car rental services offer the most affordable and convenient means of transportation across the nation. Not everyone in Rwanda owns a car, and there are situations in which using a private vehicle is preferable to using public transportation.

A few examples include transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, sending kids to boarding schools, attending a lavish celebration, and taking a trip. The best course of action in this case is to rent a car from a reliable car rental business.

Growth of Local Businesses

The country’s top export is tourism, which explains why the automobile rental industry is flourishing. The fleets of Kigali car rental companies are diverse and require routine maintenance and servicing.

By obtaining contracts to maintain these cars, the majority of auto service and repair businesses have profited greatly from this market. Additionally, renting a car allows visitors to see both distant and metropolitan locations. In these locations, locals run a variety of businesses, including restaurants, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, lodging, and arts and crafts.

Infrastructural Development

The best months to visit Rwanda are June through September. In many Western countries, this falls within the summer season. Summertime is a popular time for travel, and since most visitors like to explore the area on their own, there is a strong demand for rental automobiles during this period.

It is therefore not surprising that Rwanda boasts some of the best roads in Africa. This has forced the Rwandan government to invest on a good road network system. Rwanda Car Rentals has made it possible for Rwanda to maintain up-to-standard roads by contributing a sizeable portion of road maintenance costs to the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF).

Employment Opportunities

Rwanda A considerable portion of Rwandans might find work in car rental companies. They hire security guards, drivers, customer service professionals, sales representatives, and software developers, among others, to create and manage their websites. Their lifestyles have improved and their income levels have climbed as a result.

Although automobile rental companies have greatly improved the quality of life in Rwandan communities, they have also had unfavourable effects, such as the following;

Increased Traffic

The majority of visitors rent cars for self-drive during the busiest travel season, which increases the number of cars on the road. It’s difficult to find parking spots on the streets and in night parking lots. Many residents receive citations as a result of parking improperly.

Greenhouse gas emissions from more cars can have a negative impact on the environment and the climate overall. However, since electric vehicles are probably going to become the new norm in Rwanda in the near future, this shouldn’t provide too much of an issue.

Reduced Vehicle Purchase

People that need access to a car can borrow one by renting one instead of having to deal with the expense, difficulty, or commitment of owning one. Depending on what kind of car one requires, Kigali Car Rentals offers a wide selection of fleets.

In addition, a lot of Rwandans don’t perceive the need for a car because they go around via public transport for most of their daily needs. automobile rentals are available to solve the problem at a reasonable cost if the desire to have an automobile for personal usage emerges.

The majority of the effects of car rentals on the community have been beneficial. To mitigate the negative effects, companies should purchase environmentally friendly cars, adopt sustainable business practices, and engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to help the community. Contact us to know more about the Impact of Car Rentals on Local Communities in Rwanda.

Rwanda, sometimes known as the “land of a thousand hills,” is among the most intriguing locales on the planet. An essential place to visit! The idea that this is the same country that was the site of a genocide less than thirty years ago is almost unfathomable to foreigners. A Self Drive Trip to Rwanda is an exhilarating experience. Find out here some of the cultural shocks you might expect.

As soon as you set foot in Rwanda, Kigali, the capital city, welcomes you with serenity, order, and cleanliness. After a campaign that claimed the lives of over a million Rwandans and forced almost two million more to leave, the government worked with a number of foreign organisations, such as the UN, World Bank, and World Vision, to reconstruct the country.

Many genocide survivors continue to experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of witnessing the terrible deaths of loved ones. This occurrence has had a profound impact on Rwandan society, which many foreigners may find surprising, and has a significant influence on how many people behave. We’ll lead you through five potential culture shocks during your self-drive journey across Rwanda in this article.

Staring

This is extremely startling to many tourists, particularly those from the west. To be exact, a lot of them leave reviews about this on websites like Google, YouTube, and social media, among other places. But Rwandans—who can blame them?

They’re presumably wondering: How long will this individual be staying here, and what does this person do for a living? I could go on and on about how gorgeous this person’s hair is. But, since gazing is wrong in Western countries, where people are taught this from an early age, the target of the stare may feel offended or disrespectful.

When you are in Rwanda and someone stares at you, remember that it’s out of curiosity and try not to become upset. In an attempt to strike up a discussion with the individual staring at you, try to put on a nice front.

Eating while walking

It is considered impolite to eat while strolling in Rwanda. It is common for many tourists, particularly those from Western nations, to stop for coffee and a bagel and eat on the way to work, particularly during rush hour.

Usually, you’ll be instructed to either take your food home and eat it there or to sit at a cafe or restaurant and eat there. Eating while strolling is simply frowned upon. While some people no longer struggle with it, others still do.

Time keeping

Reviews from tourists indicate that Rwandans keep very bad time. Consider the following: most events go longer than planned, people rarely arrive early for work, the honouree will arrive really late when everyone is exhausted, and wedding guests arrive quite late.

It is astonishing that despite Rwandans’ habit of arriving late for work and events, they still whine about being late, show up late the following day, and so on. This is very annoying to Westerners who respect their time.

Meatless Meals

The majority of meals in Rwandan families are prepared without meat. This is due to the fact that meat is typically reserved for special occasions or weekends and is seen as a luxury in many families. The majority of Rwandans cannot afford to eat meat often. Many visitors believe Rwandan cuisine to be bland or uninteresting because they are accustomed to eating meat or fish at every meal.

Compulsory Community Work

Towards the end of the month, if you happen to go on a Self Drive Trip to Rwanda, you will see that people get together to perform community service. This event, known as Umuganda, takes place on the final Saturday of each month from 8 to 11 a.m.

Rwandans are required to participate, and not doing so carries a fee. On Umuganda, offices and businesses are closed. The president instituted this, and it has been crucial in maintaining cleanliness throughout the nation. Additionally, this strengthens Rwandan unity because forgiveness and reconciliation played a vital role in the country’s rehabilitation from the genocide.

It is an unusual custom that many tourists find upsetting because it is unique to this part of the world. You will definitely have a great time in Rwanda, as it is a pleasant destination to visit. If you make an effort to fit in with the locals, you will have a memorable time.