Kigali is one of the cities where car rental services have become vibrant, thanks to Rwanda’s
prominence in the tourism world. Lots of travelers use Kigali as their starting point for visiting
other attractions in the land of a thousand hills and more so, the city itself is a force of
attraction. It has lots of historical and modern sites worth encountering. The demand for car
hire in Kigali is on the rise and the services are a lifesaver to travelers. However, you have to
plan and prepare to have a joyful experience with the Kigali car rental.
If you’re planning on renting a car in Kigali, Rwanda, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit (IDP) if required. There is no way, you are allowed to rent a car without a valid driver’s license. It proves that you are fit to drive a car.
- Choose a reputable car rental company with good reviews and a well-maintained fleet of
vehicles. Due to technological advances, it is easy to know the reputation of the company, you
simply visit travel social platforms such as TripAdvisor, Kayak, Booking.com, and Lonely planet.
On the aforementioned forums, you get to know the ratings of the company and also what
their past client say about their services. This enables you to make a judgment of whether the
company is up to standard to deliver a great car rental experience. - Consider renting a car with a driver if you’re not familiar with the area or feel uncomfortable
driving in Kigali’s traffic. A driver offers the certainty of your travel experience. These are
normally experts who have driven in Kigali for ages and are thus in a position to render a safe
and convenient trip. - Be aware that traffic in Kigali can be congested, and driving can be challenging, especially if
you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road. Take note of the speed limits, which are generally posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), and follow them. There are automated cameras on every road in Kigali once you violate the speed limit, a fine ticket will be waiting for you. - Be mindful of road conditions, especially during the rainy season, when roads can become slick
and slippery. The fog cannot be forgotten especially in the morning, you are advised to keep the headlights on as well as low your speed. - Always wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers in the car do the same. The seat belt
saves a lot especially when there is a collision. It prevents your body from hit any object in front of you. - Be sure to carry your identification and vehicle documents with you at all times, as you may be
asked to present them at checkpoints. - Fill up the gas tank before returning the car to the rental company to avoid any additional charges.
- Finally, be respectful of local driving customs and etiquette, and remember that driving in Kigali can be a unique and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
