Renting a car is a big deal for tourists who wish to explore Africa and its natural wonders. Africa’s air transport system is not that vibrant so the only convenient means to get around this beautiful is by ground.
Africa’s ground transport is dominated by buses, commuter vans, boda bodas, and car rentals. Other than car rental, the rest are disorganized and below par, thus not suitable for non-resident tourists.
Tourists have to look at car rental as the only option for visiting national parks and other sites but the drawback is the exorbitant rates attached to the services. A rental car does not come cheap and this is why most tourists want to know what is included in the rate tagged on the websites. Finding out the cost of car rental enables the client to know the actual expenses to meet and thus budget well for the trip.
The cost of car rental in Africa typically includes:
Vehicle rental fee: This is the base cost for renting the car, and it varies depending on the type, size, and features of the car. For instance, the 4×4 SUVs have a higher rental rate than a sedan because they are larger and have more travel-enhancing features.
Insurance: The rental cost typically includes basic insurance coverage, which covers the vehicle and passengers in case of an accident. Rental vehicles are normally covered by comprehensive insurance which safeguards clients from liabilities of theft, third party, and collision damage. Their costs are included in that of the car rental tagged on the website.
Unlimited mileage: Most car rental companies such as Car Rental in Uganda offer unlimited mileage, which means you can drive as much as you want without incurring additional charges.
Roadside assistance: Car rental companies usually offer 24-hour roadside assistance in case of a breakdown or other issues. The repairing and rescue costs are also included in the actual cost of the car rental in Uganda, the tourist does not pay for these expenses in case of a car breakdown or damage when driving it.
Camping gear: car hire agencies provide camping equipment for those who wish to stay outdoors and these are also included in the cost of the car rental. They could hire a 4×4 car with a rooftop tent or provide a vehicle with a ground camping tent and this all depends on the client’s choice. other items included in the camping gear are cooking tools, chairs, tables, lamps sleeping bags, and mattresses.
Taxes: The rental cost usually includes all applicable taxes, such as value-added tax (VAT) and road tax.
Fuel: The rental cost does not include fuel. You are responsible for fueling the car during your rental period. The fuel quote is such a tricky aspect as it is so complex to estimate the distance to be covered on the trip and this is why the responsibility is left to the client.
Driver’s fee: If you opt to hire a driver, the rental cost may include their fee. The driver fees also include their wages, accommodation, and meals.
It’s important to note that the cost may vary depending on the car rental company, the type of car, and the rental period. It’s always advisable to read the rental agreement carefully to understand exactly what is included in the rental cost and what additional fees or charges may apply.
