Travelers looking for flexibility and independence often opt for car hire. Whether you’re exploring the gorgeous Kigali City, the national parks, the beautiful Musanze Hills or going for a safari tour, Car Hire Rwanda allows you to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace.
However, the process of hiring a car in Rwanda can be draining especially if it’s your first time in the country. It is easy to feel overwhelmed given the many options you have to choose from i.e car models, rental companies, and insurance policies.
That is why in this article, we take you through a comprehensive guide which will help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and stress free rental experience.
Select Your Date, Time, and Location.
The very first step to renting a car is determining when and where you’ll need it. When planning your trip, it is important to make a schedule. This includes your arrival at the airport, your hotel location, the places you’re going to visit and the time allocated to each destination.
Consider the duration of your trip as well as any other important activities that will require transportation. Choose a pickup location that is convenient for you and the car rental company should not be far away from your residence.
Identify Your Preferred Rental Company
With so many companies in the Rwanda Car Hire business, it is stressful to choose one. Use the Internet to identify the various car hire companies. Visit their websites, social media platforms, and other channels to get reviews about them.
Reputable companies have a consistent online presence and mostly positive reviews from their past users. Also, consider referrals from friends and relatives, compare prices, and look out for the ones with the best deals. Also read about the various company terms, insurance policies, and rental agreements. Go with one that best suits your needs and budget.
Choose the Ideal Car
Having set your time, date, location, and chosen your car rental company, it is time to choose the car that best suits your needs. Rwanda car rental companies often have a fleet of vehicles to choose from so you need to consider the number of people you’re traveling with, the amount of luggage, and whether you will self-drive or need a chauffeur.
You also need to be specific about the features of your ideal car for instance sitting capacity, fuel consumption, and the style. If you’re going on a safari trip, you need a 4×4 vehicle because of the terrain and rough roads in most safari destinations but a 4×4 may not be necessary if you’re driving around Kigali City.
Also, consider your budget because as much as luxury cars are tempting, they’re often more expensive and come with additional charges. Choose the car category that provides your desired features at a price that’s not way out of your budget.
Recheck all the Information
It is very important to always double check information. Before finalising your car rental reservation, confirm the booking information to ensure that everything is accurate and meets your needs. Make sure that you have the required documents such as Identification cards, drivers license and passport.
Ensure that the rental category you selected is the one that you need for your trip. Check the vehicle type, size, and features, and double-check the car rental company to make sure that it’s your required choice. You also need to verify the pickup and drop-off locations, and the hours of operation in order to avoid surprises.
Review the insurance details to ensure that it provides the level of protection you need. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, as well as any deductibles or exclusions and if you have added any optional items such as a GPS Navigation or child car seat, ensure that they are included in the reservation and that you have confirmed the pricing.
Provide Personal Information
Having confirmed your reservation details, the next step is filling in your personal information. This is necessary to secure your car rental and complete the reservation process.
You’ll be required to provide your full names phone number and email address. Since most companies require a deposit to secure your car, you’ll be required to choose your preferred payment option and provide your credit card details.
Make sure you understand the payment terms and any additional charges. If you have any special requests for instance disability access, inform you provider.
Payment
After providing your personal information and confirming your reservation, you’ll be prompted to the payment gateway. Since there are various modes of payment for car hires, choose the one that’s most convenient for you to complete the transaction. In Rwanda, you can pay for car hire in cash upon pick up, via Mobile money or credit card
Pick Up and Drop Off
This is the final step. Talk to your provider about your preferred pickup and drop-off time and location and inform them in case of any changes.
