Car Rental Trip in Rwanda is some wave that has come to stay. Travelers have resorted to merely hiring a car with a driver or without a driver (Self-drive car hire) from the tour operators and handling the booking of other travel items like accommodation, park entrance, and park activities by themselves.
Car Rental Trip in Rwanda, especially the self drive option provide the freedom to travel at your own leisure since there is no specific schedule or itinerary to follow.
Albeit so exciting and adventurous, a car rental trip is a risky venture as you take on a foreign country on your own without the help of a local expert.
Everything can be unfamiliar to you and thus bound to make lots of mistakes and turn the trip into a nightmare. To avoid such mayhem, you have to plan and prepare thoroughly.
Here are some tips for having a successful car rental trip:
Plan ahead: Before you even start your trip, make sure to plan out your itinerary and understand your rental agreement. Research the rental car company policies, insurance coverage, and any additional fees. Know which damages are not covered in the car rental insurance to be careful when driving. The driving time is also important as rental operators don’t allow exceeding 7 pm. ensure to plan your travel so that you reach your destination in time to avoid fines from the operator.
Book in advance: It’s always best to book your rental car in advance, as this gives you time to compare prices and options, and secure the vehicle you need. The last minute could make you settle less as you have no choice which could be a nightmare. So allow yourself time to book a perfect car for your trip.
Choose the right car: Make sure to choose the right car for your needs. Consider the number of passengers, luggage space, and the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. Select a car that will enable you to have a comfortable trip. When you have no clue about the vehicle to rent, seek advice from your operator.
Check the car thoroughly: Before you drive off, make sure to inspect the car thoroughly. Check for any damage, dents, or scratches, and report them to the rental company before leaving.
Understand the controls: Familiarize yourself with the controls of the car, especially if it’s a new model or you’re not used to driving an automatic transmission.
Drive carefully: Be a responsible driver and follow traffic rules and regulations. Take into account the road and weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.
Fill up the tank before returning: Make sure to fill up the gas tank before returning the car to the rental company. Otherwise, you may be charged an extra fee for refueling.
Return the car on time: Return the car on time to avoid any late fees. Also, make sure to return the car in the same condition as you received it.