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 – The East African Community Cultural Destination

A Gorilla is both a blessing and a handicap. It is a blessing because Rwanda has been able to create a dynamic tourism industry around these primates.

Not only has it been responsible for generating around 90 percent of the US $ 175 million in 2009 annual tourism revenues, but it has done so in a sustainable way with Rwanda being known for its world class conservation efforts with regards to the 380 mountain gorillas in the Virunga volcano range.

Developing a vibrant tourism activity around gorillas has been a brilliant strategy and none can question its positive impact. However, it is a handicap, as Rwanda tourism industry is perhaps over-reliant on gorillas and re-examining this dependence on a single attraction is vital.

For Rwanda to overcome the single attraction challenge and to sustain its tourism growth momentum, more efforts are required to diversify product offerings. This is crucial in order to leverage other avenues where the country is well positioned to compete and to significantly augment its tourism receipts. One of these avenues is cultural tourism.

Cultural tourism is a critical component to Rwanda’s tourism product diversification agenda, and has projected annual revenues of $31M by 2015.

The foundations to support cultural tourism are being developed. Rwanda has a rich cultural heritage and investments are being made to ensure the necessary infrastructure and the development of clusters, especially in strengthening the creative industries which include handicrafts, dance and music.

Mayor Winifred Mpembyemungu of Musanze district, one of the most dynamic areas in terms of tourism development, declared “The number of hotels increased from six in 2005 to 15 in 2009, and we have eight registered cooperatives with over 400 members involved in making arts and crafts.” This illustrates the successful development of a cultural tourism foundation.

Rwanda understands the potential of cultural tourism and it is the rationale behind organizing a biennial event, launched in 1998, dubbed the “Pan African Dance Festival (FESPAD).” It was mandated by the 67th Council of ministers of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

Under the auspice of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the seventh edition of FESPAD welcomed participants from ten countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. During the seven-day festival, there was a wide range of activities including art exhibitions, concerts, dance workshops, conferences and a national dance competition.

The newly introduced dance competition was inspired by Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

More than ninety dancers from nineteen districts registered and proudly represented their hills and demonstrated their skills, passion and enthusiasm to an entertained public. Dancers performed both traditional and contemporary dances. The traditional dance forms included Igishakamba, Ikinimba, Gusama, Umushagiriro, Imishayayo, Ikinyemera, Urusengo, Icumu, Intwatwa, and other dances that testify that traditions are still very much a part of today’s Rwandan culture.

The very talented young Rwandans surprised many with hip hop, free style and Ndombolo, demonstrating that Rwanda has traditions but is also part of global movements.

I was reminded of Milton Berle’s quote:”If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Each dance competitor built an eye-catching and solid door which I hope will soon be noticed and knocked on by the right visitors. Dance is a perfect means for Rwanda to showcase her culture and can be packaged as a product of cultural tourism as through its different forms, we see the Rwanda of yesterday, the continuation of tradition and how Rwanda has integrated its unique character in order to function in the global village.

The dance competition helped visiting participants discover the rich Rwandan culture, through several experiences that were offered by means of a single one-stop shop. The shop was a tent that was transformed into a cultural village, with a view to demonstrating the abundant opportunities that arise when public and private sector partnerships (PPP) are deployed to their full capacity.

Lao-tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Rwanda fully understands this, as it is developing PPP (Private Public Partnership) mechanisms and has commenced its journey by taking strides in nurturing meaningful partnerships between the public and private sector.

This is demonstrated with the recent dance competition and gives hope that such partnerships will increase in new avenues. Each group helped to build the foundation for this event; the RDB organized the venue while the private sector organized concessions.

This partnership provided a full cultural experience to visitors. They were invited to a fully furnished traditional house, with a professional guide from the Rwanda tour and travel association (RTTA). This was free of charge, but supported the purchase of Rwandan handicrafts from more than 35 local handicraft associations. This platform also enabled the handicraft association and tour operators to showcase and sell their products and services, while the enchanting dancers performed on stage.

In the long run, the impact would be twofold. First, there could be an increase in the number of private sector entrepreneurs that would earn a living from leveraging Rwandan culture. The second is that there would be an increase in the number of tourists attracted by dance, but also drawn by the marketing initiatives of cultural tourism entrepreneurs, and by a curiosity to experience Rwanda’s unique history and culture.

FESPAD is the ideal teaser to remind all tourism stakeholders about our cultural heritage and its hidden potential, which can boost Rwanda’s hopes of becoming the East African Cultural destination.

It is, therefore, not surprising that after three nights and four days in Rwanda during FESPAD, Lauryn Hill, the first woman or hip-hop artist to win five Grammy Awards declared to the press, “The culture is rich, the people are beautiful and I would like to come back.”

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.

10 Amazing Facts About Rwanda

Like its counterpart Uganda, Rwanda is also a landlocked country and has no seaport, it neighbors countries like Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, Tanzania to the East, Uganda to the north, , and Burundi in the south. Rwanda occupy an area of about 26,338 sq km (10,169sqmiles), with a total population of about 13 million (UN estimates 2013 and it’s Africa’s most densely populated country. Rwanda is divided by great peaks of up to 3,000m (9,842ft) which run across the county from north to south. Rwanda is a very beautiful county with a moderate climate. The people of Rwanda majorly speak Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Kiswahili.

Fact 1: Kigali is the Cleanest City in Africa

Rwanda’s capital city is the cleanest city in Africa. It is the largest city is Kigali located within the heart of Rwanda. It is also the ultimate gateway to Rwanda with its airport located just about 7kms from the city centre. It’s a very attractive small city with a fantastic variety of flowering trees and plants from various points on the edge, there are outstanding views over the intensively cultivated and terraced countryside.

The capital Kigali is a center to very many tourist attractions like the genocide memorial center, national museum, cultural sites, international business, market center. It’s really very difficult to come on a safari to Rwanda without going for a Kigali city tour. Rwanda’s national currency is the Rwandan franc (Rwf.)

Fact : Rwanda Attained Its Independence in 1962

Rwanda obtained its independence on July, 1, 1962 from Belgium. It has a presidential system of government and Paul Kagame is currently the president of Rwanda.

Fact 3: Rwanda is Known for Good Climate

The climate of Rwanda is made up of two wet seasons and two dry seasons, the short wet season lasts from October to November, and the main rainy season lasting from mid-march to the end of May. The dry season last from December to mid-march and from June to end of August. Rwanda has deep valleys and steep mountains and sometimes Rwanda is referred to as a country of ‘’a thousand hills’’

Fact 4: Rwanda is one of the only three countries that host Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda is known as one of the three countries in the whole world that houses the few remaining endangered mountain gorillas, about 1060 mountain gorillas that are left in the world.

Rwanda hosts about 400 individuals and its known as the leading mountain gorilla safari destination in the world.  Many visitors whole over the world come to this small African country to spend at least 1-2 hours with these endangered apes in their natural habitat.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is regarded as the most done tourist activity done on earth, over 80% of travelers who go gorilla tracking. Gorilla tracking is done in the Volcanoes national park in Ruhengeri Musanze district 2-3 hours from the capital Kigali.

Fact 5: Rwanda Had One of the Most Dreadful Genocide in the World

Rwanda’s dreadful genocide which took place in 1994 has not been forgotten; over 1 million people were killed within 90 days. The memorial museum in Kigali is a “must-see”. This terrible war took place between two ethnic groups that live in Rwanda, the Hutus and the Tutsis and this happened after the murder of the Presidents of Burundi (Cyprien Ntaryamira) and Rwanda (Juvénal Habyarimana) in a plane crash caused by a rocket attack On 6 April 1994.

The killings started immediately since the Hutu thought that the Tutsi where accountable for the tragic. The killings where herd in each and every town of Rwanda, people used pang, stick, stone and guns to kill each other. As a way of remembering the incidence, memorial sites were built, and there about 7 memorial genocide sites with in Rwanda these include Murambi Genocide Memorial Site, Gisozi Memorial site, Gisenyi, Bisesero, Nyamata, Ntarama Memorial sites. This day is celebrated every year.

Many visitors can’t leave Rwanda without visiting one of these memorial sites; it’s a heartfelt to hear testimonies from the survivors of this horrific war about how they survived these marauding killers. You will see remains of the deceased like rosary, pocket money, swords, cloths among others still laid on the ground

Fact 6: Rwanda is One of the Most Religious Countries

Roman Catholics dominate other religions in Rwanda.  are Roman Catholics while 26% are Protestants, 11% are Adventists and 4.6% are Muslims.

Fact 7: Rwanda is a Great Place to See Primates

Nyungwe Forest National Park hosts 13 species of primates. Nyungwe forest national park has a huge montane forest and it’s located in the south western part of Rwanda just about 5-7 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and largest city.

For primate lovers the park is a home to the close relative of man the chimps which shares almost a half of the 98% of human genes, chimp tracking is the most done tourist activity at the park.

Other primates include baboons, black and white colobus monkey, silver monkeys, civet monkeys, red tailed monkey to mention but a few. It is also a home to over 300 species of birds. It’s also a home to mammal species which include civets, leopards, several cats, and other animals.

Fact 8: Akagera is the Only Savanna National Park in Rwanda

Rwanda has four national parks. Of these, Akagera National Park is the only protected Rwanda national park where game drives are done to meet the big five species. Wildlife species expected to see includes elephants, hippos, lion, buffaloes, crocodiles, warthog, and antelopes among others.

Fact 9: Rwanda is Rich With Natural Resources

Rwanda’s natural resources are gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite, (tungsten ore) methane, hydropower and arable land. The industries include cement, agricultural products, soap, small-scale beverages, furniture, plastic goods, textiles, shoes and cigarettes, all these generates the country a lot of revenue that in turn used to improve people’s standards of living.

Fact 10: Rwanda is a Mountainous Country

Rwanda highest point is Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m and its lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m and Kagera River is the Longest River in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s freshest water body and the sixth largest lake in Africa, Very good for relaxing and many activities can be carried out at the lake like swimming, beach volleyball, exploring the lake on the boat to the nearby island.

Your safari to Rwanda will be a memorable one as you are privileged to view all these Rwanda facts but interesting attraction, for more information about Rwanda and things to do, contact us we will get back to you swiftly.

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.

How Was Rwanda founded?

Following several waves of migrations to the Central African region that is now known as Rwanda, small kingdoms began to emerge in 1100. By the late 1800s, the Kingdom of Rwanda had reached the height of its territorial expansion.

Germany colonised Rwanda in 1884 as part of German East Africa. After the German Empire’s defeat in World War I, Rwanda was acquired by Belgium. On August 23 1923, the League of Nation officially put Rwanda under Belgian supervision.

Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962, and Gregoire Kayibanda served as the new country’s first President.

How Gorilla Tourism is Saving Rwandans from Poverty

The Volcanoes national park located in northwestern Rwanda is a unique wildlife safari destination with over 300 mountain gorillas and the best place where tourists can mountain in their forested habitats. They are covered with black fur and are the biggest apes species with a fully-grown silverback (male mountain gorilla) weighing over 200 pounds.

Mountain gorillas are vegetarians that predominantly feed on plant leaves, shoots, and wild fruits. They have over 98% DNA similar to humans and therefore they have human-like behavior especially the way the female mountain gorillas look after their young ones. Much as the mountain gorillas have a DNA similar to humans, they are very sensitive animals and can be aggressive if provoked. When angry, they usually standstill as they beat their chest while groaning. This clearly shows the danger and it’s always wise to move a reasonable distance away from them.

Mountain gorillas are endangered primates that were in the 1990s on the verge of extinction but were saved after several conservation programs like securing their natural habitats from human encroachment where the Batwa who were initially forest dwellers were resettled from the forest, by introducing carrying capacity where only 8 tourists are allowed to track one mountain gorilla family which they only spend with an hour, by introducing the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony as a way of closely monitoring the newly born mountain gorillas and by massively sensitizing the local people on the importance of the mountain gorillas and encouraging them to abandon anti-conservation habits like poaching.

Because of all the above and other conservation efforts, mountain gorilla tourism has greatly grown over the years in Rwanda and has also proved to be another way of protecting these endangered species in the following ways;

The revenue generated from gorilla tours in Rwanda is used to fund conservation programs against poaching wildlife. The locals have also changed their attitudes towards protecting wildlife and this has greatly led to the increase in the mountain gorilla population.

The money collected from mountain gorilla safaris is used to pay the guides and rangers some of whom were poachers who just abandoned that anti-conservation act to start a new life as conservation agents. These rangers and guides having a secured source of money discourage them from again going back to poaching which is riskier.

Part of the money collected from the mountain gorilla permits is used for local community development. The popular Rwanda gorilla safaris are very good for both the mountain gorillas and the people and therefore tourists who go to Rwanda to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitats get rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime encounters, contribute to mountain gorilla conservation and also contribute to local community development.

Treks to the forested mountains to track Mountain gorillas start very early in the morning after the tourists have been briefed and allocated to the gorilla families they will be tracking. The takes about 2 to 8 hours depending on the tourists’ luck and the movement of the mountain gorillas since they are mobile animals that usually move from one place to another looking for fresh leaves to feed on. After encountering the mountain gorillas, a time duration of one hour is allocated to the tourists taking photographs and learning more about the mountain gorillas.

Tourists interested in being part of mountain gorilla safaris should ensure to acquire their mountain gorilla tracking permits early enough. Each gorilla permit is sold at $750 and can be directly purchased from the Rwanda development board or acquired through a trusted tour operator. Mountain gorilla safari experiences are best enjoyed during the dry season though tracking is done throughout the year even during the wet season.

What is the Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony?

Gorillas, the largest living primate, are found across a large part of the African rainforest, and the volcanic range which spans across Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the mountain gorillas.

Currently an endangered species, the mountain gorillas are said to be approximately 1,000 strong in the wild, and of that number, 604 are in the Virunga Massif. The troops tend to stick to a preferred area within the forests and are constantly monitored with limited access for visitors of guided tours.

In total, there are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are known as Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda and Muhoza.

Every year during the month of September, there is a gorilla-naming ceremony held within the Volcanoes National Park known as Kwita Izina. This was inspired by the Rwandan tradition of holding a naming ceremony for babies after their birth.

Aside from a conference, workshops, music, dancing and opportunities to speak to staff and conservationists, the highlight of Kwita Izina is when baby gorillas that have been born within the past year are assigned a carefully picked name which reflects their unique personality and disposition. Rwandans believe that this encourages good fortune and help the infants to grow up to their greatest potential.

Kwita Izina is a core part of Rwandan culture because, not only does it promote conservation and help to raise the much-needed funds from the ceremony to continue these efforts, but it also encourages Rwandans to preserve their culture and heritage.

In 2016, naturalist Sir David Attenborough named a baby Inshungu, meaning ‘blessing’ and in 2018, former Arsenal footballer Laureano Bisan Etame-Mayer named a baby Ikipe, meaning ‘team’.