We are living in a different world now due to the coronavirus pandemic. Restrictions and SOPs have been declared mandatory by government of Rwanda, we are spending most of our time at home. However, at Crystal Car Hire we bring you good news that you can still safely Rent a car during the Pandemic.

There are also restrictions in the travel industry. The flights are cancelled and people who need to travel are searching for the safest possible options. If you needed to travel during the pandemic, you may have wondered whether car rental is an option or not.

Many people do believe that renting a car is only an option if you are going to pick-up the car at the airport. On the contrary, most of the major car rental companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, AVIS, Budget or SIXT have offices in the downtown areas as well and we have great news for you if you need to travel soon.

Yes, you can still safely Rent a car during the Pandemic and can pick-up your car without having to go to the airport.
As Crystal car rental, we are committed to safe car rental option and we are offering major car rental discounts. Although there is lockdown in some districts of Rwanda, you can still find our office fully operating during the pandemic.

Crystal Car Hire mainly refers to renting a vehicle for the time you will be in Rwanda. If you plan on spending a long time in Rwanda, like a month or more, you could opt for long term car going to be in Rwanda for a long term car hire instead of buying a new car. All your car rental needs can be covered in this Crystal Car Hire service whether long personal hire or family holidays, business, medical or research projects, Crystal Car Hire is the best deal for you to achieve efficient but cheap transport services while on your holiday in Rwanda. 1000hills car rentals has a huge fleet of cars which includes saloon cars like RAV4, large SUVs like land cruisers, trucks, buses You will be able to choose a car of your choice. Crystal Car Hire is offered alongside other services like Rwanda self drive and Chauffeur hire for those who don’t like to drive while on a holiday or foreign country. Here are some of the facts as to why you should opt for Crystal Car Hire while on your visit in Rwanda.

Cost-effectiveness     

Rwanda car rental is way cheaper than buying a new car and it is cost-effective because most expenses are minimized.  Most of the cars come with unlimited mileage and all you have to do is fuel the car according to your movements. You do not have to worry about any other car expenses because things like insurance, tax, driver and fixing any damages are taken care of by 10000 car rentals. For visitors who plan on staying for long, opt for long term car hire because it comes with a discount.

Comfort           

Every traveller or tourist would love to be comfortable while on their visit or safari or be it a business trip. With Crystal Car Hire, you will be able to achieve this comfort whether on drive self car rental option or car rental with driver guide. Public means sometimes come with a lot of congestion so get rid of all these risks by opting for a long term car rental service in Rwanda where you will achieve the highest level of comfort in your vehicle for the rental period.

Convenience

Crystal Car Hire is very convenient as the car is always ready and available whenever you need. The time of your car rental arrival or query for the car rental does not matter, our team is always at your service 24-7. For the whole signed period of the contract, the car is fully yours to enjoy transportation from one place to another.

For your Rwanda car hire needs, email us on info@crystalcarhire.com  and get more information about your booking.

Anyone who has never had a safari to Rwanda might never imagine or think that spectacular Islands exist in the country but once you explore the Karongi Islands And Peninsulas Of Lake Kivu, you will believe that this country is indeed blessed beyond imagination. An island is a piece of land surrounded by a body of water and for Karongi in Gisenyi, there are 16 islands in total but there are only 6 popular and larger ones while the rest and smaller and less important.

Therefore, the most spectacular and popular of the Karongi Islands and Peninsulas include;

• Amahoro Island.

This privately-owned island is surrounded by numerous Islands and is currently being transformed into a wonderful tourist destination with several Campsites for tourists interested in outdoor camping while surrounded by nothing but nature. Visitors to this Island also have the chance of enjoying other activities such as swimming, fishing, bird watching, boat rides and adventurous water sports like kayaking. There is a bar and a restaurant within Amahoro Island, hence allowing visitors to relax and refresh when they visit the site.

• Mpembe Peninsula footpath.

This Peninsula is privately owned and can be easily reached with a boat from Kibuye but offers whole 4 kilometres long nature walk that allows tourists to explore some of the bird species found in the area. There are also several Camping facilities within the area and there is nothing as mind-blowing as sleeping and being woken by the beautiful sounds of the singing birds, which can only be achieved by visit the Mpembe Peninsula footpath.

• Mpembe Island.

This Island is found near the Mpembe Peninsula and the two sites are connected to each other by a bridge but is easily reached by boat ride from Kibuye, hence rewarding tourists with the opportunity of relishing the magnificent views of the vast Lake Kivu and the whole island.

• Napoleon or Munini Island.

Napoleon Island derives its name from its shape that looks like Napoleon’s hat and is renowned for being a home to a colony of fruit bats in addition to a wide range of bird species.

• Nyakarwa Peninsula.

This small Peninsula is also found within Lake Kivu and is home to several bird species making it a wonderful birding spot. For tourists interested in enjoying an exciting birding experience in a less tiring environment can stop by Nyakarwa Peninsula and participants start the activity from the western province of Bwishura sector.

• Kibuye footpath.

Kibuye footpath is presently being developed into a spectacular tourist site within Kibuye district and offers a number of adventurous activities such as bird watching, lakeside walking and relaxation, camping and picnics with barbeque facilities.

In conclusion, you cannot allow exhaustion and boredom to ruin your memorable safari experience in Rwanda when you can explore one or more of Karongi Islands and Peninsulas in Lake Kivu where activities such as swimming, bird watching and lazy nature walks can be enjoyed. A visit to these islands can supplement gorilla tracking adventure in Rwanda.

Car Rental Parking: If you are pregnant and you are planning to have a vacation before delivering, there is a need for you to consider certain items in your packing list to ensure that you have the most comfortable and convenient safari in any of the destinations of your choice. To be on the safer side, you will need to pack lightly to ensure that you are not strained while on your vacation, and for pregnant women, below are some of the items that you need to consider your Car Rental Parking List.

Clothing and shoes, like any traveller, you need comfortable clothing and shoes that do not cause pain to your heels and at the end of the day your feet start swelling. Make sure that you plan appropriately for what you are going to dress so that you have the most enjoyable vacation. Your clothing should be flexible based on weather pattern.

Medical records; make sure that you have packed any medical records in relation to your pregnancy together with maternity or doctor’s note which spells out the due date and describes that it is safe for you to move. And this is of great value for travellers who are on their third (3^rd) trimester.

For visitors who are planning to travel to foreign countries, you will need to come with counter medication that will help you during cold or in case of heartburn. You have to be prepared to encounter all kinds of symptoms and make sure that you are in touch with your doctor to ensure that you are safe and you taking the right dosage.

Foods which do not cause discomfort to you while on your holiday. You can include some healthy snacks to help keep you busy at night after restaurants have closed or while you are traveling in the morning. Make sure that you have enough dried fruits, cereal bars, biscuits and many others. Your snacks should be accompanied by enough drinking water.

Maternity swimsuit, note that it is challenging for one to get a better maternity swimsuit at the destination that is why you will to come with your own.

You will also need anti nausea wrist bands in case you have morning sickness.

Don’t forget to come with your passport to help identify you and this should be valid for 6 months after your return date. Don’t be taken unaware when you reach at check point and you only realize that your passport had expired long time. Check your passport many times before setting off from home.

You may also consider a lightweight pregnancy handbook as it might be challenging for you to get access to internet.

Insurance information, make sure that you have cross checked with the destination to ascertain that you are covered. You will need insurance documents and in case you have a general multi trip travel insurance, ensure that it is valid otherwise you will opt for a better single trip policy.

You will need emergency contact information for your OBGYN and the closest medical facility to destination that you intend to pay a visit.

Hand sanitizer, the fact that your immune system can be less effective during pregnancy and given that you will be in crowded tourist sites, you will need to keep cleaning your hands many times. This means that you have to consider wipes and anti bacterial hand gel in your packing list.

Prenatal vitamins and other supplements, they should be more to take you up to the last date of your vacation to avoid finding challenges with getting the favorite brands while on vacation.

In conclusion, if you are planning to travel to Africa or any destination for a holiday before your due date, we believe that the above listed items will be of great help to you while you are on your vacation.

Tourism and its Role in Society: Whereas economists are left to think that poverty alleviation is dependent on the person’s income and finances, certain extent the latter isn’t true. Increase in productivity and income alone won’t contribute to poverty reduction but to allow individuals to have a wide sense of well being and avenues to express and make their own choices pertaining lives. That said, cultural tourism plays a significant role especially when it comes to poverty reduction. However, most travelers on safari to Africa are left to think that Africa is only for wildlife viewing and culture has been left out unexplored. With cultural tourism, a tourist has opportunity to interact with the locals and also engage in most of their daily activities and rituals thus rewarding them with authentic experiences. As a result, locals get encouraged to embrace their own cultures and in the long run, it becomes a booster for local economic growth.

To come up with culturally related tourism projects is one way in which tourist destinations can celebrate and market what makes their community rare from the rest and thus offers chance for authentic cultural exchange between different parties. Cultural tourism however contributes over 37% of the world’s tourism and it is believed to have a continued growth of at least 15% every year. In Rwanda and Uganda inclusive, this type of tourism is on its boom and it has enabled most local residents to explore more about other nations besides the revenue generated. In Rwanda one of the key cultural programmes that have stood for sometime is the Red Rocks Initiatives for Sustainable Development. It is a local nonprofit project and a leading example that entails how cultural tourism can be marketed or promoted to assist communities benefit from the tourism sector. This group has a long history of starting projects that promote cultural tourism especially within Volcanoes National Park a renowned mountain gorilla paradise in Rwanda.

In Uganda, you will find a number of cultural related tourism projects or programmes and one of them include the United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda-a Batwa organization which strives to offer alternative livelihood for all the marginalized Batwa pygmies around Bwindi forest and Mgahinga National Park. Usually, such cultural organizations or programmes promote tour packages such as local home visits, art and craft demonstration, village tours, sitting by the campfire especially in the evening as you enjoy stories told by locals and many more.

In most cases, you need to have unique experiences and one of the ways for you to get out of the usual environment is by embarking on a cultural safari in Uganda or Rwanda. What is interesting is that most of the national parks where most safaris are conducted are also good for cultural experiences. This means that you can incorporate your for instance gorilla safari with cultural experiences whether in Bwindi National Park or Volcanoes National Park. While on cultural safari in Uganda or Rwanda, you are able to explore more about local residents’ daily activities, traditions, cultures and others that reward you with authentic African experiences.

In a village tour for instance, visitors get opportunity to engage in a number of thrilling activities such as fetching water, food preparation mostly local dishes, sisal weaving, how to make jewelry using banana leaf fibers and many more. At end of it all, both a destination and local community become beneficiaries due to cultural tourism. Most of the cultural groups around the parks and outside are devoted in developing more cultural tourism products that benefit destinations, communities and tourists which ensures sustainability in travel sector while also protecting their cultural heritage.

In Uganda and Rwanda, there are several historical and cultural heritage sites that are worth exploring while on cultural safari. Therefore, in Rwanda they include the Rwanda genocide memorial centers including the famous Kigali memorial center, Nyamata genocide memorial site, Nyanza, Bisesero genocide memorial site, Ntarama, Murambi memorial center and others; Ndaba rock, Iby’iwacu cultural village, cultural museums in Nyamata and others while in Uganda, you will find historic and heritage sites like Kasubi tombs, Bahai temple, walumbe tanda pits, Nyero rock paintings, Namugongo martyrs shrine, Amabere ga Nyinamwiru, Uganda museum, Igongo cultural center, Bigo Bya Mugenyi a mention but a few.

Top Performing Vehicles to hire for a self-drive in Rwanda. As the tourism trend continues to be something that almost all people would love to spend on more, whether domestic tourists or international tourists, they are all longing for longer safaris with more independence, flexibility and convenience yet on tighter budgets.

Trying to cut the costs, most travellers have opted for self-drive safaris avoiding the chauffeur payments. Rwanda being with nice highway roads connecting to most of the tourist attractions and hospitable people everywhere who could easily direct anyone who seems to have lost his way have made it easy for all self-drive tourists heading to the national parks of these countries and other amazing wonders.

But having to drive for longer distances, travellers are now seeking for speedy cars that can travel miles in just a short period creating adventures that cannot be easily forgotten. Walking on the streets in Rwanda and Rwanda, you realize that most cars are Toyota vehicles because of their trusted speed that limits the time spent on roads.

Here are the top speed vehicles that any traveller should consider hiring for any self-drive in Rwanda, regardless of the purpose of the car.

Toyota Land cruisers

Toyota Land Cruisers are perfect vehicles for a self-drive holiday. These cars offer plenty of space for passengers and luggage, making them ideal for long journeys. Plus, Toyota Land Cruisers are easy to drive and maintain, meaning you can spend less time worrying about repairs and more time enjoying the scenery.

There are two types of Toyota Land Cruiser available: the FJ Cruiser and the Prado. Both models are spacious and comfortable, and both feature four-wheel drive, allowing you to travel over rough terrain safely.

The FJ Cruiser was introduced in 2003 and features a 2.7L engine, automatic transmission, and 4WD system. It seats five comfortably and offers a large cargo area. The Prado was released in 2008 and includes a 3.0L V6 engine, manual transmission, and 5WD system. It seats six and offers a larger cargo area than the FJ Cruiser.

Both models are reliable and durable, meaning you can count on them to perform well during your journey. And since they were built to withstand extreme conditions, they’re able to handle snow, sand, mud, and other difficult terrains.

For self-drive tours in Rwanda, Land cruisers are the perfect vehicles that assure that you arrive in style. TXs, TZ, Prado SL, Hard Top and extended land cruisers are all that you could choose from.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

There are plenty of reasons to consider hiring a Mercedes-Benz vehicle for a self-drive experience. From luxury to safety, here are five benefits of driving a Mercedes-Benz car.

1. Luxury.

One of the biggest perks of renting a Mercedes-Benz is the luxurious interior. With leather seats, heated steering wheel, and other features, drivers can enjoy a comfortable ride while still feeling pampered.

2. Safety.

While driving a Mercedes-Benz is certainly fun, it’s also extremely safe. Drivers can rest assured knowing that the car is equipped with advanced technology, including blind spot monitoring systems and lane assist.

3. Convenience.

Driving a Mercedes-Benz allows you to travel anywhere you’d like, whenever you’d like. Whether you’re going to work or running errands, you can drive wherever you need to go.

4. Reliability.

Renting a Mercedes-Benz ensures that you always arrive safely. While other cars might break down unexpectedly, Mercedes-Benzes are built to withstand harsh conditions.

5. Value.

With rental rates starting at $35 per day, renting a Mercedes-Benz can save you money over purchasing a similar model. Plus, you can rent a Mercedes-Benz for as long as you’d like.

These offer exhilarating performance, sophisticated style and intelligent technology that no other car possesses. The pre-safe brakes that can control the unsuspended speed. The comfort, the four-wheel drives plus their height above the ground making them very flexible cars for the highest form of speed any traveller would ever want to drive. Mercedes-Benz is also perfect cars to consider for self-drives in Rwanda.

Subaru cars.

Subaru is a Japanese car manufacturer that produces vehicles ranging from sedans to sports cars. Subaru is popular among young professionals who enjoy driving fast cars.

To attract potential customers, Subaru offers a variety of different models, including the Legacy sedan, Outback SUV, Forester crossover, Impreza compact hatchback, Crosstrek hybrid, WRX sport coupe, BRZ sports car, and Ascent minivan. Each model has its own unique features and benefits.

For example, the Legacy sedan is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the Outback SUV is equipped with four-wheel drive. Both models offer standard safety features, such as airbags, ABS brakes, traction control, and stability control.

Additionally, the Legacy sedan is offered in three trims: Premium, Limited, and Touring. All trims feature leather seats, power windows, keyless entry, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, USB ports, and dual zone climate controls.

On the other hand, the Outback SUV is available in two trims: Sport and Limited. The Sport trim includes heated seats, automatic headlights, fog lights, and a rearview camera. Meanwhile, the Limited trim adds alloy wheels, a sunroof, and a navigation system.

In addition to offering various models, Subaru also offers several packages and options. For instance, the Premium Package includes a premium audio system, a backup camera, and a blind spot monitoring system. Other optional features include a cargo cover, a cargo net, and a trailer hitch receiver.

These are designed for optimal balance with wheel drives that make them extremely stable with impressive efficiency and a quick response to driving conditions. Subaru vehicles are those that can handle all terrains in Rwanda, whether the smooth roads in Kampala or the rugged roads in Kisoro, you can never go wrong with a Subaru car. Also, the comfortable interior makes them one of the perfect cars for self-drive in Rwanda.

Double cabins

These are both manual and automatic, and some are manufactured by Toyota and others by Isuzu. Double cabins include the Hilux, Navara and so many others.

Each type offers a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Double cabs offer plenty of space for passengers, while single cabs tend to be smaller and cheaper. Four wheel drive options allow drivers to travel off road, but they aren’t recommended for inexperienced drivers. Van rentals are ideal for groups who require extra storage space.

It’s always a good idea to research each vehicle thoroughly before renting it. Make sure that the vehicle is safe and reliable, and that it meets your needs. Also, consider whether you’d prefer a larger vehicle or a smaller one. Some companies provide both options, allowing customers to choose based on preference.

After choosing the perfect vehicle, you’ll need to decide whether you want to rent it yourself or let someone else do it. Self-driving cars are becoming increasingly popular, especially among tourists. While driving yourself might seem safer, it could lead to boredom and fatigue. Hiring a professional driver allows you to focus on other tasks during the trip.

Before signing anything, read the fine print carefully. Many companies charge extra fees for additional services, such as GPS navigation systems or insurance coverage. Also, make sure that the rental agreement specifies the exact location where the car will pick you up and drop you off.

They are strong cars and very stylish, meeting the standards of a perfect car for a self-drive in Rwanda regardless of the purpose; whether a safari to Akagera national park or just a honeymoon drives around Kampala, Double Cabins are a right solution.

Jeeps.

Jeep is a brand name used by Chrysler Group LLC, a division of Fiat S.p.A., for four-wheel drive vehicles. Jeep was originally developed by Willys Overland Company, founded in 1919, and later acquired by American Motors Corporation (AMC). AMC merged with Daimler AG in 1999 to form Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc.

Jeep started off as a military vehicle, but soon became popular among civilian customers due to its ruggedness and durability. Today, Jeeps are available in various sizes, ranging from compact cars to large SUVs.

There are two types of jeeps: 4x4s and 2x2s. Both types are capable of traversing rough terrain and climbing steep inclines. 4x4s are generally larger and heavier than 2x2s.

Jeeps are usually equipped with a manual transmission, although automatic transmissions are becoming increasingly common. Most models are powered by gasoline engines, although diesel engines are also available.

Jeeps are typically sold with either front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive configurations. Front-wheel drive systems are less expensive to manufacture, but require greater maintenance. Rear-wheel drive systems offer superior handling characteristics, but are more difficult to repair if damaged.

Jeeps are manufactured in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and other regions.

Jeeps were originally built in Toledo, Ohio, United States, where the first model was introduced in 1948. Currently, the largest manufacturing facility is located in Toluca, Mexico.

Jeeps are available in several different body styles, including pickup trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles, minivans, station wagons, and coupes.

Jeeps are produced in three generations: the first generation debuted in 1947; the second generation appeared in 1953; and the third generation debuted in 2000.

Jeeps are currently being produced in five different models: Grand Cherokee, Compass, Patriot, Renegade, and Wrangler.

Jeeps are sometimes referred to as “jeepers,” “jeepsters,” or “jeepinions.”

Jeeps are so modern in every way, the interior is so comfortable for both the driver and the passengers even if they had to travel for days without resting. It has strong and fast breaks that can control the unsuspended speed. It is one vehicle that can cover a long distance in just minutes; it can be best compared to a cheetah in terms of speed. Consider it for a safe self-drive in  Rwanda.

For travellers in Rwanda that would want to have safe self-drive in Rwanda, the above options should be strongly considered.