Auto

Car rental in Nairobi, Kenya: without a driver, with a driver and unlimited mileage

Where I come from, we have a saying that “vehicles don’t go for dowry negotiations.” In other words, dowry negotiations are not a show. Her vehicle may break down and she may be embarrassed in front of her in-laws. Who wants a friend who disappoints you on that special occasion? In any case, life is not simple. As you know and I know, a car is not 100 percent dependent, as it can break down even on the most important occasion. However, breakdowns can be minimized or avoided altogether if the right decision is made from the start. The car to rent will depend on the destination and purpose. Is it for pleasure, family, business, transportation or to do?

Advantages of car rental:

Car rental is also known as car hire or renting a car is the best option if you want to visit various destinations in Kenya. Unlike organized safaris where routes and times are fixed, it allows for a high degree of flexibility and therefore discovery. Also, car rental means a higher degree of privacy, security and independence. Unlike group safaris that bring together people of diverse interests and backgrounds, car hire means your interests are not distracted.

Car rental in Nairobi.

The car to rent will depend on the destination and purpose. Is it for leisure, family, business, transportation, or just want to replace your broken one? If you travel to the interior of the country, a RAV4 will handle most roads. However, if you are thinking of northern Kenya, beyond the archer’s post, and Rumuruti, get a giant – Land-cruiser, not Prado SUV type, but a real one. Make sure you also get some new tires. However, if you are attending a business meeting, you can get an impressive hall. If you are going to take your pet out on a sunny day or at the beach, you can get a convertible. For transportation, there are small and large routes that include cleaning and shipping companies.

What are your car rental options?

In general, there are four rental options available to you. Self driving, chauffeur driven, 4×4, unlimited mileage and one way rental. The option to choose will depend on your preferences and prevailing conditions. If you feel uncomfortable when someone else is behind the wheel, go on your own. Autonomous driving is also recommended when a higher degree of privacy is needed. On the other hand, those who need more time to enjoy the scenery and relax are better off with a driver option. A local driver is also helpful when you are not familiar with local customs, languages, etc. In my opinion, a local driver is not only a valuable source of information, but also your security guard. He is your interpreter of the local arts which adds to the overall experience. A big advantage of using a driver is that, at most, he is only required to refuel the car. Any incidental cost that accumulates in the rented vehicle is the responsibility of the company.

Special car rental:

Security car rental is an item that is entering the market for a select few. Celebrity and valuables transportation is a different category altogether. For these two, you not only need special equipment (armored vehicles), but you may also require security services and qualified drivers. A good example is the elaborate security that is sought after when taking the world cup on a world tour. This category of car rental is available by special arrangement as it requires armed guards in some cases.

How to rent your car:

Purpose, Purpose and again purpose. Why do you need the car? This should always be in your mind. Once you decide on this, the first step is to make a showcase. The car rental market in Kenya is vast. International companies like Herz, Budget, Europcar are represented in Nairobi and Mombasa. Whether you go local or use multinationals is your own choice. But always keep in mind that at the end of the day the elements of budget and continuity will come into play. Do your research and narrow down your options to two or three agencies maximum and send them inquiries. Ask what is included in your rental options. Look at the fuel issue. Who is going to put fuel in the car? There are two options here. A car hire company may leave the responsibility of refueling to the hirer or alternatively they may do it for you. The best option is, of course, that the car rental company brings the car with a full tank and you return it with a full tank. Alternatively, they can bring the car empty and you return it empty too. If you let the car rental company pay for the fuel for you, you will end up paying a lot of premiums. Please note that if you choose to rent an empty car and return it empty, you will not be able to claim fuel on the car at the end of the rental. Refueling the car at car rental points can also be expensive for you. A better option is to buy enough to take you to the public gas station. In addition to the fuel issue, continuity is an important issue. How will the company react in the event of a breakdown?

Adventure and discovery:

In addition to fuel, the mileage option should concern you. Car rental is all about adventure and discovery. Remember that you are renting a car to be free of mobility restrictions. I personally will opt for unlimited mileage at any time. This option does not restrict you to a particular radius. It may seem expensive, but for adventurers, it’s cheap in the long run. Even if you want to stay within a specific radius, just look for unlimited mileage. Nairobi’s city center may seem restrictive, but an hour’s drive brings you to vast expanses of open space and coveted breathing room.

Car rental contracts differ from company to company. The normal procedure is to look for inclusions and exclusions. Take into account the mandatory insurance coverage and the extras or recommended coverage. Some coverages will include the passengers and leave the driver. In this case, you will need personal insurance coverage. Local insurance companies will be happy to offer you monthly travel coverage. AAR will offer travelers evacuation coverage in the event you need emergency medical care.

On the day of the rental, be sure to inspect the car that was delivered to you to avoid paying for major damage repairs before your rental. Some multinational companies have been accused of charging multiple unsuspecting guests for the same damage. Don’t fall for this trick. Check the body for teeth. Any defects must be noted. Check the tire threads and make sure they are not worn. Remember that you are responsible for any tire failure.

Rental Points:

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you can rent a car at the airport. One option is to contact your travel agent to have a car waiting for you.

Those going on safari are better off with a car rental option with insurance, driver allowance, fuel, and park entrance fees. So the guests will sit and enjoy without disturbance. However, if you are familiar with the country, you can go on a self-drive safari. However, it is always good to have company.

Insurance: Most cars will come with mandatory third party insurance. However, some companies will have full coverage. Ask your operator what insurance they are offering you.

driving

In Kenya, the rule of the road is keep left. At the roundabout, people coming from the right have free passage. Nairobi can be a nightmare for even the most experienced driver, but if you stay calm, you’ll arrive at your destination in one piece and in peace. Simply put, give way even when you don’t have to. The public transport driver, also called the Matatu driver, can be very polite and rude at the same time. He will bully you into giving in, but when things are not going his way, he is the first to give in. A small downpour is likely to turn Nairobi into a Jam city. My best advice at such times is to just kick back in his office and wait for the craziness to die down.

Car rental:

If you’re staying for a short time or your business doesn’t need to worry about routine maintenance and disposal, simply opt for leasing. However, be careful about the agreement you enter into. Some companies may sell you a car through the back door in the name of the lease.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *