Travel Tips

Car With a Roof Top Tent for Hire in Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the “land of a thousand hills,” offers a breathtaking landscape for adventurers seeking an immersive outdoor experience. One of the most convenient and adventurous ways to explore this beautiful country is by renting a car equipped with a rooftop tent. This guide provides comprehensive details about car rental services offering rooftop tents in Rwanda, including features, pricing, rental terms, and suggested itineraries, ensuring travellers have a memorable and comfortable journey.

1. Overview of Car Rental Services in Rwanda

• Rwanda boasts several car rental companies offering a variety of vehicles, including those equipped with rooftop tents.
• Major cities like Kigali and Gisenyi host numerous rental agencies catering to both tourists and locals.
• Prior reservation is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the desired vehicle and tent setup.

2. Types of Vehicles Available

• Rental agencies in Rwanda typically offer a range of vehicles suitable for various terrains, including compact SUVs, 4x4s, and pickups.
• Vehicles are equipped with sturdy roof racks designed to support rooftop tents, ensuring safety and stability during travel.
• Popular vehicle models for rooftop tent setups include Toyota Land Cruiser LX, V8, Prado among others

3. Rooftop Tent Features and Specifications

• Rooftop tents provided by rental services are designed for durability, comfort, and ease of setup.
• Most tents accommodate 2-3 people and come with a high-density foam mattress for a restful night’s sleep.
• Tent materials are weather-resistant, capable of withstanding rain and wind, ensuring a cozy shelter in various conditions.
• Setup and dismantle instructions are provided, along with necessary accessories such as tent poles, stakes, and a ladder.

4. Pricing and Rental Terms

• Rental rates for vehicles with rooftop tents vary depending on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and included amenities.
• Prices typically range from $10 to $30 per day, with discounts available for longer rental periods.
• Rental terms usually include comprehensive insurance coverage, unlimited mileage within Rwanda, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
• Additional charges may apply for accessories such as camping chairs, tables, and cooking equipment.

5. Booking Process and Requirements

• Booking a car with a rooftop tent can be done online through the rental agency’s website or by contacting their office directly.
• Required documents usually include a valid driver’s license, passport, and a refundable security deposit held on a credit card.
• Rental agreements specify the terms and conditions, including insurance coverage, liability, and vehicle maintenance responsibilities.

6. Recommended Itineraries and Camping Sites

• Rwanda offers a diverse range of attractions, including national parks, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences.
• Popular destinations for camping with a rooftop tent include Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Lake Kivu.
• Campsites within national parks and private reserves offer basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and designated cooking areas.
• Travelers are advised to adhere to park regulations, practice responsible camping, and respect the environment and local communities.

7. Safety and Security Considerations

• Rwanda is generally considered safe for travellers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals.
• However, it’s essential to exercise caution and common sense, especially when camping in remote areas.
• Secure valuables and lock the vehicle when unattended, and avoid isolated camping spots, particularly at night.
• Emergency contact numbers for local authorities and rental agencies should be readily available for quick assistance if needed.

MERITS OF A RENTAL CAR WITH A ROOF TOP TENT

Renting a car with a rooftop tent offers several merits, especially for adventurous travelers or outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature while enjoying the comfort of a mobile accommodation. Here are the detailed merits of renting such a setup:

1. Mobility and Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of a rental car with a rooftop tent is the mobility it provides. You’re not tied to specific campsites or lodging locations, allowing you to explore a wider range of destinations, including remote or off-grid areas where traditional accommodations might be scarce.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to renting an RV or booking hotel rooms along your journey, renting a car with a rooftop tent can be more cost-effective. You save on accommodation costs, especially in areas where lodging options are limited or expensive.

3. Close to Nature

Sleeping in a rooftop tent brings you closer to nature. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors while still having a comfortable and secure place to rest. This immersive experience enhances the overall adventure and allows you to truly appreciate the natural beauty around you.

4. Ease of Setup

Most rooftop tents are designed for quick and easy setup, usually within minutes. This convenience is particularly valuable after a long day of driving or outdoor activities when you just want to relax and unwind without spending time setting up a traditional tent on the ground.

5. Safety and Security

Rooftop tents provide an elevated sleeping platform, offering protection from ground-level hazards such as insects, animals, and inclement weather. Additionally, many rooftop tents come with built-in locks or security features, providing peace of mind when camping in remote or unfamiliar areas.

6. Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements

Rooftop tents typically feature a high-density foam mattress or similar sleeping pad, offering better comfort compared to sleeping directly on the ground in a traditional tent. Some models also include additional amenities such as ventilation, windows, and built-in lighting for added comfort and convenience.

7. Space Efficiency

Renting a car with a rooftop tent maximizes space efficiency, especially for small groups or solo travellers. The tent occupies the roof of the vehicle, leaving the interior space available for storing gear, luggage, or additional passengers.

8. Versatility

Rooftop tents are compatible with various types of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, and even some sedans with roof racks. This versatility allows you to choose a vehicle that suits your preferences and travel needs while still enjoying the benefits of a rooftop tent.

9. Experience Freedom

With a rental car equipped with a rooftop tent, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. You’re not constrained by rigid travel itineraries or accommodation reservations, allowing for a more spontaneous and adventurous journey.

10. Memorable Experience

Ultimately, renting a car with a rooftop tent offers a unique and memorable camping experience. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, exploring national parks, or simply seeking outdoor adventure, sleeping under the stars in a rooftop tent creates lasting memories and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.

In conclusion, renting a car with a rooftop tent in Rwanda provides adventurers with an exciting opportunity to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage at their own pace. With comprehensive details about rental services, vehicle options, pricing, booking process, and safety considerations, travellers can embark on a memorable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and immersive experiences.

Rwanda is So much more than ‘Just Gorillas’

Ms. Rica Rwigamba, head of tourism and conservation within the Rwanda Development Board, during her visit to the World Travel Market in London last week made it plain to stand visitors and the media, that Rwanda had a lot more to offer than ‘just gorillas’. While admittedly Rwanda is still best known for the tracking of the rare mountain gorillas in the ‘Parc de Volcanoes’ in the West of the country along the common borders with Uganda and the DR Congo, RDB has in recent years made a determined efforts to opening up new areas and attractions, to offer visitors a wider range of tourism products.

The effort has largely paid off with more and more visitors coming to Rwanda and spending more time in the country, in the process pushing the tourism sector to the top of the economic performance list.

A canopy walk at Nyungwe Forest National Park, said to be the first in any of East Africa’s rain forests, the expansion of tracks and viewing points in this particular park, the partnership with ‘African Parks’ which is now managing the Akagera National Park and investing over 20 million US Dollars there to improve infrastructure, but also the introduction of suitable boats to take tourists on trips along the shores of Lake Kivu, have all made an immediate impact on the tourist itineraries now offered to visitors, keeping Rwanda at the cutting edge of the East African tourism sectors.

It was also ascertained that the average stay in country has now gradually moved towards the 6 day intermediate target, and with the recent start of KLM flights, operating from Amsterdam via Entebbe to Kigali five times a week, more and more tourists are expected to visit ‘the land of a thousand hills’.

Kigali round about; Modern structures are sprouting up; Centenary house is among the new structures

If one is assigned to depict Kigali City to people who have never been here, and he’s supposed to tell it as it is, he would easily be indicted of exaggeration or even risk losing his writing job.

No one would believe him, he would be rubbished as a fascinated dreamer describing a fairyland city. As for people who live in it, some don’t notice the beauty of their city until they visit other cities outside Rwanda.

Thus the common saying, “One can’t know what they’ve got till when it’s gone”.

Kigali is an attractive city during day and a sleeping beauty in the night. It is characterized by well manicured roads and pedicured sidewalks and clearly marked lanes. Street and security lights (that work), green turf, palm trees and flowers give it a lovely arresting look.

The roundabouts and the magnificently created fountains put a marvelous magic touch to this vibrant city.

The cleanness of this city is beyond description; it’s also easier to find a polar-bear in the desert than finding a polythene bag in Kigali and Rwanda at large.

They do not allow polythene bags in the country, so, there are no roadside eyesores that continue to rustle and float around in the wind like you can find elsewhere.

Like officers on duty, poles that hold trash cans stand erect on all road sides in the entire city. The cleanliness of Kigali is partly made easy by the Rwandan culture of not eating in public, Rwandese believe that eating should be done in appropriate places.

Another facet that makes Kigali an amazing city is the sociability of the people. There is no hostility, violence or edginess that you find so common in other countries.

Asking for direction, unlike other cities where if one doesn’t turn a blind ear when you ask him for direction before asking for a’ little something’, people in Kigali will get out of their way to give you the right direction, if possible even accompany you, to make sure you don’t get lost, not because they have a lot of time or are trying to impress you, but I guess that’s how they are wired naturally.

Another rare thing about Kigali and Rwandan citizens is their obedience to traffic laws. It’s a well known-open secret that in most African countries nobody follows traffic rules, not even pedestrians, but in Rwanda traffic laws are respected and of course this is made easy by the fact that traffic lights are in working order and zebra-crossings are well marked and repainted at any sign of fading, traffic officers also doing a terrific job 24/7.

(But although this is the case, here I don’t give our drivers 100% credit. I believe they should add a little more respect to zebra-crossings. Pedestrians also need to know and practice their rights here.)

Kigali city is also a bicycle free city! The only bicycles you can spot in Kigali are sports bicycles, bicycles were gently pushed to city suburbs and were replaced by motorbikes, operated by qualified riders in uniforms.

It’s also a rule to have a helmet both for the passenger and for the ‘motari’. It’s also believed to be easier to see a refrigerator in an Eskimo’s igloo than seeing a taxi-Moto in Kigali ferrying two passengers.

Another thing that makes Kigali worth writing about is the security. Whether on leisure or business, day or night you can walk anywhere without fear of being mugged or your purse being snatched

Let alone petty thefts, car thefts, burglary and bank robberies in Rwanda are only read in Grisham novels and seen in movie scenes.

There are army patrols, police patrols and community security patrols. These can be seen patrolling peacefully without bothering a soul! Today, one can’t be wrong when one says Kigali will soon be a match for any Western city.

Rwanda Safaris Are a Dream Come True

Rwanda has done much over the past decade and a half to recover from its violent history. Today, Rwanda is a stable country and is rapidly growing economically. Because of the country’s beauty is has especially grown in terms of tourism. The lush mountains and vibrant plains are home to a variety of wildlife, making Rwanda a prime destination for safaris.

Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

People venturing on Rwanda safaris are especially drawn to the famous mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to the world’s largest number of endangered gorillas. It is actually one of the few countries in Africa where these magnificent creatures can still be found.

Experience Game Viewing in Akagera National Park

The country is also famous for its range of other types of wildlife. Safaris can be taken through places like Akagera National park where there are elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and more. If planning to stay in Rwanda for several days, the small size of the country makes it ideal for taking a variety of tours as everything is in relatively close proximity. This convenience, along with the beauty and diversity of wildlife in Rwanda, makes it a dream safari destination.

Experience Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is a high-altitude, mountainous rainforest in southern Rwanda established as a forest reserve in 1933. The conservation area consists of approximately 378 square miles (970 square kilometers). The forest is located in the Albertine Rift, a series of mountain ranges beginning at the Rwenzori mountains in western Uganda and Congo, continuing south into the Lendu Plateau in eastern Congo. Contiguous with Kibira National Park in Burundi, Nyungwe is one of the largest mountainous rainforests remaining in Africa. Just recently the Nyungwe forest received National Park status, making it East Africa’s largest protected high-altitude rainforest.

Things to Check Before Driving a Rental Car in Rwanda

Renting a car is great if done right. Go through this checklist before you leave the rental company to start your trip. When you first time rent a car in Rwanda, you need to look after several things to have a stress-free beginning to your trip. So when it comes to renting, be sure you opt for the right choice. With some smart tips, you can be prepared to make wise decisions. Let’s have a look into it.

Find out the easy things to look for to avoid hassle later on.

Look over the car

Have a thorough inspection of the car you have rented. Take time and walk around to discover anything unusual inside and outside of the car. If you sense any doubt, you can inform the authorities straightway or take some pictures by your smartphone. The most common damages to look out for are scratches, dents or chips on the outside of the car and cigarette burns on the car seats.

Ideally, do your check in daylight so you can spot everything. Look over bumpers and wing mirrors, too. Take pictures of any defects and flag them at the counter before you drive away, to ensure you’re not held liable for them on return.

Check what fuel it takes

Ask, and ask again, just to be sure. Thought it seems an absurd thought, you should be aware of what fuel your rental car takes. When you are at the fuel station and in a hurry as well, you shouldn’t be unaware which fuel is right for the vehicle. Open the cap to see if it’s petrol or diesel. Else know it at the time of renting the car from the provider office.

Sort your route

If your car has navigation feature like GPS it’s worth setting it to your language before you head off. If you don’t have one, you can get the route on your smartphone download maps when you’re in a wi-fi zone then you can use them when you’re offline, so there are no roaming charges to worry about.

Note the emergency number

Before opting for a self-drive car to make a drive to a remote destination, ensure that network coverage is available there. It enables you to be in touch family though you are in the remote area during emergency situations.

Ask at the counter for the numbers to call if you’re in an accident or your car breaks down. Check your contract to understand the timeframe you have to report an incident to both the police and the rental company in order to be covered; often it’s within a matter of hours.

Check the parts, toolkit and spare tire before you rent a car

Many of you might experience the self-drive in Rwanda for the first time. Though you are assured that the cars would be perfectly alright and won’t make any mistakes, be on the safer side by having an inspection on the condition of the vehicle yourself. Also that you should check if the spare tire is available in the car, take a test ride and check the condition of the brake and the clutch.

Maintenance issues

If you happen to see any wear and tear in the vehicle you booked, ask for a maintenance report or clear it in the initial stage itself to avoid any stress. Before you drive away, check the air-conditioning, tire condition, air in the tires and so.

Returning the Car

Clean the in and out of the car before you return it to the rental company. If the agency has to carry out a quick clean, you may be charged extra. Therefore it is advisable to check each and everything to make sure that it is managed properly. In Rwanda car rental, you get exceptional services from our company the biggest car rental company in Rwanda. You would be given proper advice before you hit the roads with the rented car.

Check battery condition & Check lights functioning

You have to pay close attention to the condition of the battery in the rental car to avoid getting stuck on the road due to a drained or corroded battery. Check if the cables are well attached to the battery terminals plus make sure the water levels are steady.

Check to see if all the car lights function properly including high and low beams, Check the turn signals, parking and tail lights. They all have to be fully functional to avoid getting into night accidents or being pulled over by the traffic police.

Check for emergency gear in the boot

You should be supplied with a spare wheel and jack, reflective triangle, jumper cables and a small fire extinguisher. Open up the glove compartment to check for the Owner’s Manual, too.

Ensure you’ve got the right insurance

Check your contract and ask if you’re unsure. For example, cover for tyres and the windscreen is often charged separately, if this is important to you, ensure it’s added to your package.

Confirm the named drivers

Most companies won’t allow multiple drivers unless you’ve declared this upfront.

Ask about e-tolls

Many companies don’t cover the cost of e-tolls or fines. Your contract should outline how this is settled, but ask upfront so you don’t get whacked with a surprise bill.

Crossing borders? Find out the rules

You may need a letter of authorization from your car-rental company to allow you to drive between borders. Travelling across countries may also affect your insurance – ask before you drive off to ensure you’ve got the right cover for your holiday plans.

Conclusion

Make your next trip an unforgettable experience. To allow yourself time to find a real deal, you should start looking for your hire car well in advance of your trip. We’ve consistently found that by booking early, it’s possible to save hundreds of pounds on a rental.

When is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda Gorillas?

Mountain Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is one of the safari activities that is loved by many tourists who visit this country. There are several gorilla families that have been habituated for gorilla visits. Gorilla tracking has been one of the iconic activities since the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) introduced a ceremony of naming newly born gorillas called Kwita Iziina and it is carried out mainly in Volcanoes National Park which is located in the north west of the country bordering Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. This activity has been mostly enjoyed and done by foreign tourists because of its prices that are cheap compared to the dollar rates. When you try to compare gorilla trekking in Rwanda and in the other countries like Uganda were it is done in bwindi impenetrable national park and DRC, you may wonder why Rwanda receives more than ever before.

Although countries like Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) do this activity as also as their main safari activity that brings in more income compared to other activities, Rwanda leads all of them in terms of number of tourists yearning for this activity. More so when you look at the gorilla permits that are sold at US$1500 that are higher than the rest of the countries (Uganda and DRC) because they do offer reliable good accommodation compared to other countries when it comes to offering good services to tourists.

To enjoy this activity in particular, there are number factors that are needed or considered when doing this activity one of them is climate and weather of the given national park. Mountain Gorilla tracking is mostly done in dry conditions which are favorable to both the tourists and the primates themselves.

To perform this activity in a wide scale, the dry periods of June to September, then from December, January and February are the best periods receiving good temperatures that favor gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park. it is for this reason that during this period, roads leading to the park in most cases are not muddy  which eases movements of cars driving tourists to the national park and also, with in the park most especially when there is a safari that is going on. Furthermore, in this period, prices for gorilla tracking tend to be high than other periods because tourists tend to be many because of the favorable climate that does not stop them from trekking. When you look at these primates in this period, their movements is limited in other words, they tend hide since in that time, there is limited food that is already for eating meaning taking gorilla tracking as an activity may take long to finish as the activity may even start from morning until in the evening hours trekking for a specific Gorilla family unlike in other periods which are wet.

When you look at another side of the coin, the wet periods of March, April and May tend to be wet making the movements of the tourists more difficult or limited causing a scare to the tourism industry in terms of revenue to the government. During this season, at the top most of highlands in volcanoes national park, temperatures tend to be cooler. And that is why gorilla tracking in this period takes a short period of time from 1 to 2 hours because these primates do not normally move alot when food is not in plenty. It is for this reason that tourists end up doing a double trek than what they asked to do.

Best 5 Things to Do in Rwanda

There are several unique tourism activities to do in Rwanda; this country is long past its war torn days and now it’s one of safest countries visited in Africa. You will feel the real true African country with lots of unique attractions which have attracted many safari tours to Rwanda. This country is extremely small and there is one unique thing about this small country, this is gorilla trekking which is done in volcanoes National park and it has raised increased revenues for the country.

Kigali City Tour

There is the Kigali city which is in the heart of Rwanda, this gorgeous city with great weather can get you taste the history here through visiting the genocide memorials and here you will learn about the turbulent past of this country. You will also have a chance to visit the different local markets which are found in the city as well as the art facts and the craft shops which are found within the city. These have also attracted many safaris to Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking

Thinking about Rwanda makes you come close to the mountain gorillas and these can be spotted in volcanoes National park which is found some few kilometers from Kigali city. You will enjoy a very unique experience taking Rwanda Gorilla  adventure, take this advantage and experience the largest group of gorillas  when you come for a  safari . Gorilla trekking can also be carried out in Uganda and the Democratic Republic Congo.

Game Drives

Rwanda has also got three national parks and these include; Akagera National park, Nyungwe National park and Volcanoes National park, there are many animal species which can be spotted in these national parks and some of these include; the chimpanzees, bird species, elephants, lions, leopards, and the monkeys.

Holiday at Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu also makes a border between Rwanda and Congo and it’s a great region where the tourists are safe to visit and swim, you will also visit the safari cities like Kibuye and Gisenyi near DR Congo border.

The other attractions which are found in Rwanda include; city tours, cultures, bird species and many wild animal species. The Butare is a cultural hub for the country and was once the most important city before 1965. You will also visit the great national museum which will help you explore the great history of Rwanda.

How to Get Discounted Rental Cars in Rwanda

The Car hire service provision may not seem to be a popular means of transport in Rwanda but in recent days , it has been developing not only for frequent travelers or people who have their own vehicle in the garage in most areas in Rwanda and Kigali, but especially for people on holiday to the land of a thousands .

At the airports in Rwanda that include Kigali International airport, GYI airport and Kanombe airport,  you will find a desk of multinational companies,  National or international in the terminal building. But at popular tourist destinations like Nyungwe forest national park, lake Kivu, amazing Nyamata church in Kigali , Ntarama church, Akagera national park. You will also find a choice of local car hire companies with a similar philosophy as the low-cost airlines offering cheap all inclusive car rental prices both in Kigali and in Nyagatale.

Aside from the type of car you would like to rent , An important consideration tom make is the optional insurance coverage, also called CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) that is mostly provided by the majority of car hire companies. This service, which is relatively inexpensive, will cover any damages to the vehicle hired.

Unlike the multinationals most local car hire companies in Rwanda offer a fully inclusive insurance without excess, which means that you do not have financial liability in case of an accident or damage to the rental vehicle. Generally, if insurance is not purchased, the customer may be held financially responsible for any damages that occur with the car during the rental period stated on the rental agreement.

If the insurance does include an excess consider that, while on the road, anything can happen. Insurance coverage is often the only link between a holiday with complete peace of mind or considerable additional expenses in case of damages to the car or an accident.

Normally there is a fee to be paid if a certain amount of kilometres has been exceeded Although rental agreements generally include unlimited mileage, there are still agencies offering rental cars with mileage limits.. But, as said before, in Spain unlimited mileage is usually included in the rental price.

Most of Car rental companies in Rwanda will usually deliver a vehicle that is filled with fuel, although this may vary depending on the location as local car hire stations do sometimes not have a facility close by to fill up the vehicles returned by previous customers. When vehicles are returned to the car hire agency, some expect that you take care of refilling the fuel tank yourself, whilst others may request you to return the car with an empty tank when you sign the rental agreement

Please note that if a client is not able to provide a valid credit card on the driver’s name at the pickup of the vehicle, some car rental companies will refuse to deliver the car to your preferred place in time or never .In order to rent a car in Rwanda especially in Kigali, most companies require the customer to provide a valid credit card in order to confirm the booking. In some cases, the credit card is not actually charged until the rental period expires on the date specified in the rental agreement.