Hiring a car for a Tanzania for holiday is a significant factor that makes traveler’s vacation complete. It can save you a lot from spending on the taxi or unpredictable schedules from public means. However, renting a car can be tedious process whether you are a first-time visitor or even repeat traveler on tour.
You need to keep a few things in mind when considering to rent a car in Tanzania in order to get the best deals around town.
- Choose the car that suits you and not the other way around
Something very common in car rentals is to only look at the price. While price is very important, and with several offers on the table we go for the cheapest one or the one we always dreamed of driving. But either option is a mistake because the vehicle should give you a ride that you feel comfortable in.
In any case, practice responsible tourism and think about your trip, your accommodation, your rental car and everything that makes this planet and ourselves better.
- Destination
Most times, the type of car to hire will be dictated by the place where you are going because particular cars cannot handle terrain of some areas, for example a Rav 4 may not be able to handle the terrain of national parks so if heading to any, land cruiser or safari van are some of the best options.
- Your budget
It is always a wise idea for you to make all your bookings within the range of your budget such that your trip is not messed up because of lack of enough funds. You do not need to end your trip with accumulated debts because you used a luxurious car that was beyond your budget. Only go for it if your budget suits it or else cling to cheaper but efficient car option such that you enjoy your journey without running short of funds.
- Pay special attention to the company’s fuel policy.
We are going to spend fuel during the whole trip, but we cannot know how much, so we have to analyze the company’s policy, whether we will return the tank full or not, whether we will find it full or not, etc.
- When to rent a car
Rental cars are normally located at train stations, airports and other places where passengers arrive. Whenever possible, rent your car in advance. It is important to take the time to read all the conditions, and it is more than likely that you will get a better price.
- Rental and pick-up locations, as well as where to return the vehicle
More important than where you are going to have the holiday of a lifetime, you must think about where you have to pick up the vehicle and where to drop it off. These two points are very important, since the company you have chosen must have delivery and pick-up points at these locations.
- Insurance
Insurance is the eternal companion of travel because bad things do happen, so it is best not to think of it as an enemy or an extra that makes the trip more expensive, but something that makes any hitch in your plans just that, a minor issue, and that the insurance will take care of everything.
- There are extras in the vehicle rental
Yes, some companies include extras that can be an unpleasant surprise that you did not count on when renting a car for your trip. That is why it is necessary to check the contract or the offer closely, to prevent the small print from giving you a surprise.
- Look for rentals with free cancellation
One form of insurance not to lose money is free cancellation, in case some mishap prevents us from renting the vehicle. This is why, although it tends to raise the price a little, it is a good option to avoid future problems when renting a car for your trip. If your trip is a long one, take advantage of the offers for this type of rental
As we have been saying from the start, the car and the company must be adapted to your needs, and there are many companies that offer special prices for those who travel for a long period of time such as going round Europe by car, where a long term option is sure to improve the price.
- Take advantage of special offers
You should always take advantage of special deals, because companies that want to rent all their vehicles offer them to customers at the best prices. After all, their goal is for you to rent their car and to drive a car that suits you at the best price, they simply want you to travel.
- Luggage
The amount of luggage you carry during your trip is a peculiar factor to consider when hiring a car for your trip. All cars have reasonably enough cargo space in the rear but some luggage is exclusively much that it can hardly fit in there, so if you are coming along with the likes of 8 big suitcases and 5 back bags, better opt for a land cruiser instead of a Rav 4 whether you are less than four people or not.
- Payment Options
Ideally, you should hire a car with a Tanzanian company that offers as many payment options as possible. Thankfully, most of them offer a great choice of payment methods, including Bank transfer or online payments using MasterCard and Visa.
- Age Restrictions
It might sound ridiculous, but some Tanzania car hire companies have age restrictions. In fact, nearly half of them don’t allow individuals younger than 25 to hire their cars.
- Cross-Border Policy
Some companies out-and-out don’t allow their vehicles to be driven across borders. Some companies offer that cross border, but you are required to get written permission and additional charges might also apply. Either way, it is crucial to inquire about the company’s policy on crossing borders.
