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Should i always use the GPS in my car rental?

GPS in my car rental

Should i always use the GPS in my car rental? With the adoption of technology in our day to day lives, the GPS is very important especially when you are visiting a country or safari destination for the first time. The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become an indispensable tool and is very useful in today’s world. When you use the GPS, you find it easier to travel with less stress avoiding getting lost while on your safari. However, like all innovative tools, it can sometimes be harmful. Crystal Car Hire has put together a quick guide for using GPS navigation and how becoming too reliant on it can pose some risks.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN USING A GPS?

  •  Always use GPS only when it is needed. R​elying too much on your GPS can possibly ruin your navigational abilities. If you want to get around in the world, having a natural sense of direction is still essential as GPS devices can sometimes be unreliable and leave you feeling more helpless when you get lost thanks to a drained smartphone battery or a navigation app mishap because of a weak signal.​
  • Limit the use of GPS while driving: Try not to use your GPS if you can while driving and instead check all the directions before you embark on your journey. This way, you can retain the information easily and spend more time observing the landmarks around you.​

GPS in my car rental: WHY GPS CAN SOMETIMES BE HARMFUL?

From the story of three Japanese tourists who chose to follow the counter-intuitive direction of their GPS, and they ended up driving into the waters of Moreton Bay in Brisbane, Australia, to a story about a driver who failed to noticed a few “Road Closed” signs and ended up with his van in temporary flood-created lake after following GPS directions, there are a few other stories​ which will prove why avoiding relying blindly on GPS is strongly encouraged.​

A New Jersey driver caused a four car pile-up after he followed his GPS and made an illegal left turn while the warning signs stated: Don’t make a left turn.

Another case of a GPS system that didn’t quite live up to its standards​ featured the story of three Mexican women who drove ​straight into a swamp ​after they followed directions from their GPS unit. Based on the incident report, the three women were safe and rescued, but the vehicle was completely under water.

The  moral of the story: if you miss a turn or get lost while driving in an unfamiliar place, you have two choices. Stay calm and figure it out carefully, or try not to rely on your GPS too much and instead, use your common sense. GPS and other navigational apps can be very useful, but blindly following its directions may sometimes lead to danger.

Using a map and reading warning signs, in combination with the use of GPS, is what we always encourage. You may still listen to the GPS voice that offers turn-by-turn directions, but make sure to pay attention to traffic lights and warning signs to avoid road accidents. ​

WHICH IS BETTER: DEDICATED GPS DEVICE OR SMARTPHONE GPS?

If you are a frequent traveller, you may already know that all major suppliers in the car rental industry have GPS navigation systems to hire, even smart phones have built in maps that can direct you to your destination. If this is the case, you may be wondering whether if it still makes sense to add a GPS as an extra when you can just use your smartphone.

We listed down a few good reasons on why renting a GPS is still a better option.

  • Data: ​If you are planning on doing some long distance driving, renting a GPS unit is a good option than using your mobile data plan, to avoid expensive overage charges.
  • Battery: In terms of battery power, a rental GPS unit can last longer especially on long trips than relying on your phone, which may not  even last halfway through the day​. Additionally, GPS navigation is more suited in time of emergency.
  • Service: Without cellular service, you cannot expect to receive a full turn-by-turn directions on your smartphone, while a rental GPS unit can still work in locations when there is no cellphone coverage.

Why Consider Land Cruiser Models For Rwanda Self Drive

Renting a car for the first time, Rwanda Self Drive

A  Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tour is one of the best adventures best experienced on foot and in the car especially the land cruiser models for Rwanda self drive, the rugged off beaten tracks coupled with impenetrable jungles all add spice to the safari tour. Having a professional guide gives you a comfortable journey and most importantly a well serviced 4×4 land cruiser model that can handle even the toughest of terrain and also offer comfort to passengers aboard.

There are several rental cars ideal for a safari in Rwanda or anywhere in Africa but only a few can match the Land Cruiser models and we present to you some of the reasons you should rent land cruiser models for Rwanda self drive from Crystal Car Hire Rwanda if you plan on visiting a national park or any other remote destination.

Special Features Of Land Cruiser Models:

4×4 –  4×4 wheel drive cars,  is almost what every car has to offer but for other cars like a safari land cruiser, built for  the roughest of terrain,  there is no denying that the safari land cruiser fits the bill for the perfect safari car and that’s where the other Land cruiser models come in with a 4 wheel drive mechanism that enables a car to pass through steep slopes, muddy and rough terrain in Rwanda.

Space –  Every traveler loves having enough space while on a Rwanda self drive long road trip because it gives comfort throughout the journey. Rent one of the land cruiser models for Rwanda self drive from Crystal car hire and enjoy the legroom, air-conditioner as you travel to your destination.

Extra Features –  The land cruiser models for self drive have evolved over the years with some models customized to fit park tours, the modern-day safari land cruiser is the best example with improved features like a pop-up roof, fridge box seating up to 8 people with extra space for cargo on the rooftop. This car rental comes with free camping gear at crystal car hire and can carry all that camping equipment.

Family-friendly – Land cruiser models is one of the ideal cars for family travel or a small group of 5 to 8 people or the land cruiser Prado or the infamous extended 8-seater safari land cruiser and give your loved ones and friends that comfortable class safari experience.

There are many other reasons as to why you should consider land cruiser models for Rwanda self drive and the truth is there are no better safari cars for a road trip in Rwanda or Africa than the Toyota made Land Cruisers. To inquire about rates and availability, simply send us an email to book info@crystalcarhire.com

Paying for the fuel on a Self Drive in Uganda

Electric Car Charging Stations, Rwanda Fuel Prices, How to save on excessive fuel consumption, Self Drive in Uganda

When you contact car hire operators in Uganda, for a quote most come back with the price of the car rental, with driver (including all his costs), unlimited mileage but EXCLUDING fuel. Well, that’s fine but you may still need to know how Paying for the fuel on a Self Drive in Uganda is done, an explanation on how you would pay for the fuel each time you re-fill at a different petrol station given receipts at end of tour – charged an overall amount based on miles covered? You don’t really want to go for a Car + fuel basis because you want the flexibility of changing your plans and hence mileage. 

What is the norm?

When you take a car with a driver it includes a fixed sum with Insurance etc., for a fixed rate per day and buy your own fuel. When you need fuel, just put it in and pay the Pump attendant in cash. Always remember to ask for a receipt if you need accountability,… work with your driver. You could arrange for the driver to have a float and you settle later but it is just so much simpler Paying for the fuel on a Self Drive in Uganda by yourself.

Take it full, bring it back full: Such arrangements are not particularly common in Uganda as of course most folks get the car/driver package as part of a full-blown safari excursion where the owner estimates the cost of fuel to be consumed based on a known itinerary. And we definitely do that to our customers who need to plan/budget ahead of time..

Yes!, ….its an added hassle to pay at each fuel-up but at least you know how much fuel you’ve used rather than an overall estimate the operator has come up with at the start of the trip – surely fuel consumption must vary! You may decide to just take it easy a day or two and do no traveling – (of course we do get your money back then) but not many tour/car hiring operators are that flexible.
I am not suggesting that the driver will trick you, but helps if you are on a tight budget so just need to keep an eye on the money.

How to stay alert on the road.

how to stay alert on the road

Driving while tired can be extremely dangerous as it only takes one second of drifting off and poor concentration to cause a fatal accident. If you feel sleepy or tired, don’t drive. Trying to stay alert on the road when you are driving long distances, especially at night can be risky. Crystal car hire has put together a few things to keep in mind for staying safe when you are behind the wheel.

PLAN AHEAD.

Make sure you are well-rested before you take off on a long journey. Allow plenty of time for breaks on your itinerary. Try to avoid driving between midnight and early morning. Limit eating any heavy meals as they might make you feel sleepy. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Ensure you put your mobile phone away so it will not distract you while you are driving.

KNOW THE SIGNS.

It’s easy to get caught up in reaching your destination and ignore the signs when you are tired. If you are distracted, struggling to focus, yawning or finding that you are drifting out of your lane, it is time to pull over and take a break. Keep in mind that arriving late is better than ending up in a car accident. Traveling to Rwanda or Uganda? Ensure to familiarise yourself with these Rwanda or Ugandan road rules and signs.

OPEN THE WINDOW AND FEEL THE WIND BLOW.

You may want to open your windows and let the fresh air into the car. This can have an effect and make you more alert and awake. Or you can just simply use the air conditioner to relieve the stale, warm air that often contributes to making you feel more tired.

TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS.

If you are feeling tired, it is essential that you find a safe place to pull over and take a break. Get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs, or get something to eat. Remember to take a 15-minute break every two hours on a long drive to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.

CHANGE THE MUSIC OR LISTEN TO THE RADIO.

Find something good to listen to so you can focus. Whether it be a radio show, great album or even an audiobook – having something to concentrate on will keep you awake. If you are looking for some road trip songs, make sure to check out our cool playlist here.

DRIVING IS BEST WITH COMPANY.

Traveling with a friend or family member is one of the best ways to avoid any accidents. Keep up a conversation, or try some easy and funny driving games to keep you from drifting off.

Of course, the above are only short-term solutions for when you begin to feel fatigued while driving, however when you do start to feel very tired, your only option is to STOP driving and only begin again when you are fully refreshed.

Car Rental Discounts in Uganda

Car Rental Discounts in Uganda

Car rental discounts in Uganda is an opportunity to get your Self Drive Car rental at the best rates in Uganda. Crystal Car Hire has decided to bring down its Car rental prices by 20% for those on long term Uganda Car rental on both Self drive and chauffeur Car hire options. As the peak seasons has come, we encourage you to Save more on Uganda Car hire by enjoying this chance to have great fun in the Pearl of Africa, whether individually, with friends or family, all at a lower rate than usual. Below are the discount rates for different car rentals and drivers in Rwanda during this wonderful month.

Toyota Rav4

A rav4 is the most used saloon car for trips in Uganda, both in cities and villages including all national parks because it is affordable, comfortable and convenient for those who love small cars in particular. It is a four wheel vehicle that carries up to four people comfortably, driver inclusive with an air conditioner and an audio player.

The rav4 hire rate for this April on self drive is USD 60 per day if you are taking it for two weeks or more.

Toyota Land cruiser

This is another interesting car to use for your Self drive car rental trip in Uganda because it is good at the country’s terrain. The interior has comfortable adjustable seats and enough legroom carrying up to five people with driver inclusive.

Rent a Land cruiser with a driver this April at only USD 90 per day if you are taking it for 7 days or more.

Super custom

A super custom van is a 4×4 vehicle that carries up to eight people comfortably with driver inclusive and has a sun roof, an air conditioner, adjustable comfortable seats with enough leg room, FM radio all these making it suitable for your trip in Uganda.

Hire a super custom for 10 or more days at a discount rate of only USD 110 per day with a driver.

for more Car Rental options, check out our Crystal car hire fleet.

Drivers

Car rental services with Floben car hire has qualified drivers with great working experience and a good general personal conduct, willing to give you the best services for your trip both in the city and national parks as you enjoy the drive.

Crystal car hire in Uganda offers you a driver for your Uganda trip this June at a discount rate.

What you need to know about the 5 door Rav4 self drive rental

Kigali Corporate SUV Hire, The 5 door Rav4 self drive rental

Planning to have a perfect self-driving safari or Car rental in Rwanda or Uganda with the 5 door Rav4 self drive rental?

Then, Crystal Car Hire should be your company to hire from. Rwanda and Uganda are the emerging African destinations with unceasing activity of mountain gorilla trekking in these two countries alongside Democratic republic of Congo which is a bit unstable leaving Rwanda and Uganda to directly compete in the mountain gorilla tracking market.

In the car renting business, the 5 door Rav4 self drive rental has been the best consumers’ choice for self drive. This is because it is relatively affordable (budget hire ranging from US$40-US$55 per day ) and fit for the relatively rough roads which are the most common in rural areas of Uganda.

The 5 door Rav4, has automatic gear shift with a lesser petroleum fuel consumption and a tank size of sixty liters. This grants you between 500-650 kilometers depending on the type of the road you are using.

However carries up to five people including the driver, so most times is considered a four seater as it only gives four people access to the windows; leaving the fifth (sitted in-between) person without direct access to the window

Due to its limited size, it has no roof top tents however it has enough space in the back to carry camping gearing for four people. These includes a quite number of items that you may use on your tour:

  • Sleeping bags / small matresses
  • Fold Chairs
  • Camper table(s)
  • Lamp (s)
  • Suite case
  • A water proof tent
  • Electric cooler box
  • Cutlery
  • Gas cooker / Cylinder
  • Jerrycan (s)
  • Water Jug

How to hold a steering wheel while on a self drive.

Steering wheel while on a self drive

While you plan to go for a Rwanda safari, you might opt for Rwanda self drive as your car rental option and obviously want to drive the same way your instructor taught you. Unfortunately, this is could the wrong way. For a very long time, the most common lesson given to new drivers was that your hands need to be placed in the 10 O’clock and 2 O’clock position on the wheel as if the steering wheel is a clock. If you’re still using that method, you might need to know How to hold a steering wheel while on a Rwanda self drive so that you do not yourself to some risks that your driving instructor didn’t envisage. In fact, driving with hands on the steering wheel at ‘ten and two’ is downright dangerous, and exposes you to some serious injuries should the worst happen. This is largely down to safety improvements, and airbags, in particular, are a big factor. That’s why crystal car hire brings you tips on how to hold a steering wheel while on a Rwanda self drive.

The Correct Clock.

While you are on your Rwanda self drive, holding the steering wheel the correct way is the most important thing while driving, the 9 and 3 O’clock position has been recommended, others have suggested that the 8 and 4 O’clock positions are safer. Doing the 8 and 4 does reduce the risk of more serious airbag-related injuries in the case of collision, but it has been suggested that this does actually give a little less overall control of your vehicle. Stick to the 9 and 3 option and your vehicle handling will be noticeably better. Distance is vital. The further apart your hands are when you hold your steering wheel, the more precise you will be and the more control you will have of your vehicle. That’s why the 3 and 9 position is the ideal hand position on steering wheel designs of every kind.

Dangerously Common Habits.

Drivers can pick up bad driving habits very quickly, and that’s why they need tips How to hold a steering wheel while on a Rwanda self drive once you start driving in a certain way it can be very difficult to shake free of those habits. Consider how many times you have seen someone driving using just one hand. Whether you’re using your spare hand to check your phone or for playing with your sound system, driving one-handed is one of the most dangerous ways to drive. You lose control of your vehicle the second that you don’t have two hands on the wheel, and it can only take a second for an accident to happen. While most cars in Rwanda are automatics, those with stick-shifts often prefer to drive with one hand on the stick. They think that this makes them safer and more responsive, but the fact is that you should have both hands when you hold a steering wheel while on a Rwanda self drive and only take your gear changing hand off the wheel when you actually need to change gears.

Holding the Inner Wheel.

It might not be quite as common as those drivers with one hand on the wheel, but a surprising number of drivers still hold their steering wheel in the central hub. Some even do this using just one finger! It’s easy to see why this habit can develop. It’s a remarkably lazy way to drive, and it’s surprisingly comfortable. Of course, driving in this way is highly dangerous and gives you almost no control over your vehicle, especially in emergency situations. If you drive using the central hub then you need to rid yourself of this dangerous habit immediately, because the results will inevitably be bad.

Twelve O’clock Steering.

This is a very common issue, but driving with both hands at the top of your steering wheel is no safer than driving with one hand. That’s because if you need to react quickly, then you will overreact because both hands will be doing the same thing. You lose a massive amount of precision by driving with both hands together, largely because you are losing some of your internal resistance. Not only that, but should you collide with something and your airbags deploy then your hands and arms are going to be forced directly into your face at high speeds. That will inevitably cause serious injuries that can be easily avoided by keeping your hands further apart.

Don’t assume that your driving lessons are going to mean that you know the right way to drive. Technology has changed the way that cars are designed, and no matter how long you’ve been driving in the same way, your car will respond more and be safer to drive if you rid yourself of those bad driving habits. You might have to relearn how to hold steering wheel types, but doing so will keep you much safer on the roads.

Self Drive Holidays in Rwanda

Family Car Rental in Rwanda: Safe & Clean Journeys for All

Self Drive Holidays in Rwanda is one of the most enjoyable and self-satisfying adventures anyone can do on a holiday safari. Rwanda is a mountainous country and that’s why its called “The land of a thousand hills” because of its Volcanic mountains, Rwanda is located in the Eastern part of the African Continent bordering Tanzania in the East, Uganda in the North, Democratic Republic of Congo in the West and Burundi in the South, it has a wide range of tourist attractions like wildlife primates and species stocked in its diversity thus rewarding you with an amazing Wildlife Safari excursion.

Its prime wildlife attraction includes the endangered Mountain Gorillas which are only found in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys, African Big fives which include Elephants, Leopards, Lions, Buffaloes and the Rhinoceros, Vervets, Black and White Colobus Monkeys and different bird species, all these species and primates are found in the three major National parks to visit which include Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

Going for Self drive Holidays in Rwanda is one of the best ways of exploring this country through visiting its major prime touristic destinations which include National Parks, game reserves, Cultural sites like Kigali genocide memorial, IbyI’wacu cultural village, Dian Fossey graveyard and adventure sites.

Crystal car hire is one of the premium car hire companies in Rwanda specializing in providing all modes of different 4×4 wheel drive Safari Jeeps which include Land Cruiser Prado, Tx, Tz, V8, Super custom, Safari vans, Coasters, Safari Cruiser extended and Rav4 at cheap and affordable prices. Renting a car for long terms with 4×4 Car Hire Uganda starting from three weeks on wards an offer of 5% discount is given off the original prices.

What’s required to rent a car for Self drive Holidays in Rwanda? Renting a car for self drive holidays in Rwanda you must be eligible by owning a valid driving license indicating the names of the person who is to drive the car plus a valid passport because you are not allowed to drive if you do not own a driving license. Age is not considered mostly but it has to be reasonable as young kids below twenty years are not trusted by most of the car hire companies.

On the day of issuing a car to you a photocopy of your valid driving license and passport are required to be left with or at Crystal car hire company offices for security purposes, you must read through the company terms and conditions provided in a hard copy which you must follow if you decide to go by them.

Failure to go by our terms and conditions you will not be issued a Car for your Self drive Holidays in Rwanda therefore if you decide to book a Car you must go by the terms and conditions in the car rental agreement.

What’s the payment method your self drive car Rental? When renting a car with crystal car hire all costs for the rental are paid on arrival in cash with a receipt issued to you for confirmation of your payment, before taking the Car carry out an inspection and confirm whether it’s in good condition, take photos of the Car for evidence because you have to bring it back when it is in the same state like you had taken it away at the time of hire.

Car hire destinations for children in Rwanda

Car hire destinations for children in Rwanda

Car hire destinations for children in Rwanda a quite a number because of its various attractions like wildlife in Akagera national park, beaches along Lake Kivu that can be enjoyed as a family. However, there are places that aren’t destinations for children in Rwanda due to different reasons, so it would be a better idea not to include them in your itinerary if travelling with children and these include the following.

Genocide sites.

Since Rwanda is known for the 1994 genocide, it has a lot of memorial sites that are highly rated tourist destinations in Rwanda since they home the remains of victims and these include Kigali genocide memorial center, Murambi genocide site, Nyamata, Bisesero, Ntarama and many more. In different genocide sites, you will find skulls, bones, whole skeletons, victims’ belongings like rosaries, shoes, blood stained clothes, videos of the massacre and these are really scaring to children so do not plan to visit a genocide center unless you want to precipitate their night mares.

Volcanoes national park.

When you talk about Volcanoes National Park, what comes in some one’s mind is the wonderful and explorative activity, gorilla trekking. There is no greater deal in Volcanoes than this as it is the only place in Rwanda where you can locate mountain gorillas. You should note that children below the age of 15 years are not allowed to do the trekking activity, so once having a trip to Car hire destinations for children in Rwanda it is better to keep this out of your itinerary and opt for other places like beaches where you will enjoy as a family.

Having successful road trips in Uganda

road trips in Uganda

Road trips in Uganda are taking the lead and they are replacing the guided safaris in the country. Traveling around Uganda with your own means of transport is the only way to experience Uganda’s en-route attractions to the fullest. Uganda is a destination which is packed with exciting and beautiful things to see and do, many of which are away from the usual routes.

Having a car to travel around road trips in Uganda does not only give you the freedom to see various sites but as you can pack up and leave your lodge or accommodation to where you want to go, no schedules! Even though having a vehicle is an amazing way to see the country, there are things to consider in order to have a successful road trip in Uganda.

In other countries, driving at night is okay, but not in Uganda, due to the fact that you’re in the foreign country, you shouldn’t risk to drive at night because most drivers in Uganda don’t respect traffic laws at night and most high ways do not have street signs and lights.

The main reason is to make sure you arrive at your lodge or destination before the sun has set for safety reasons.

In order to enjoy or have successful road trips in Uganda, choose suitable accommodation and keep their contacts. Search for suitable and good accommodation facilities near travel destinations and the travel operator you choose can help you because they are knowledgeable enough to help you choose the suitable accommodation that suite your budget. They can even give you all the relevant information about attractions en-route and also in national parks.

A number of roads in Uganda have street signs so don’t neglect them and drive under the stipulated driving speed, over speeding in Uganda is an offense and punished. The speed limit on major highways is 80-100 km/hr. while in trading centers it can range between 30-40km/hr. and in national parks is 40-50km/hr. it is also advisable that you switch on lights when driving on dusty roads and when it is raining. And in national parks of Uganda, off-track riving is not allowed.

There are very many reasons to have a good map, but due to Uganda’s nature of having many scenic drives, so not only will the map stop you from getting lost but they typically list various routes you can take to get to your destination. We suggest always opting for the scenic routes listed on the map as those drives are stunning. Having a cell phone is just plain smart. Use it to reserve hotel rooms, to call someone if you need help, or if you’re lost. And you can buy a local SIM card when you get to the country.

When starting your journey every morning, first check the vehicle and ensure that everything is in good condition such as the indicators, breaks, head lights, oil level, tyre pressure for all the 4 wheels and spear tyre and many others.

Although it’s great to drive along the highway with the widows down and the breeze blowing on your face, make sure to roll the widows up when you reach a town. If you’re sitting in the car parked in a parking lot with your widows down, you’ll be an easy target for someone to reach in and steal your belongings. Enjoy the breeze outside of the cities but turn on the air conditioning and roll up the windows when you reach town.

The above-mentioned reasons are the things to know to have successful road trips in Uganda.

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