Can I cross the country with a rented car? Absolutely yes! Opt for cross-border car rental where you hire a car in Rwanda and drop it in Uganda, and either way. There are higher possibilities to embark on the border crossing using a Rwanda car rental to Uganda. However, it requires conscious observation of important steps and other considerations. Crossing borders comes with multiple benefits, especially for visitors who desire to explore different attractions from various destinations on a single road trip.
You can hire a car, say a 4×4 safari vehicle like a 4WD Land Cruiser, and drive across borders from Rwanda to Uganda or vice versa. Here are some of the important travel tips to consider when it comes to border crossing using a rental car from Rwanda to Uganda;
Useful tips/steps to follow for border crossing using a Rwanda car rental into Uganda;
Border crossing fees must be cleared.
When you think about crossing from Rwanda into Uganda for a vacation using a rental car, first, ensure that you have the border crossing fees cleared. First, you must get in touch with the local tour operator or company about your border crossing intentions. Informing the local tour company in advance about your cross-border intentions using a 4×4 self-drive rental car, it helps the team to organize the necessary paperwork.
Crosscheck with the car hire service provider
Before you consider embarking on a road trip to any of the destinations on a self-drive tour, ensure that your local tour operator is aware of your plans to cross the borders. By doing this early, it is possible to be certain if the company doesn’t allow such services or organize the ideal requirements for your border crossing using a 4×4 self-drive vehicle.
Essential requirements
All essential travel documentation must be met early before you set off to Uganda. Among the numerous valid travel documents you require for border crossing include a valid passport, rental car agreement, and driver’s license as well as an international driving permit. You can inquire more details on the essential travel documents you need for border crossing road trips in a Rwanda car rental.
It is also important to know if you require a valid passport or visas to drive cross borders when you are a resident in East Africa. You may also opt for emergency travel documents rather than using a valid passport and identify card.
Letter of authority
A letter of authority is essential and your car hire service provider should be in a position to provide you with one. This is useful for all visitors who desire to embark on border crossing using a 4×4 Rwanda self-drive vehicle.
Car Registration
You must embark on a cross-border in a car that is registered. You can request a certified copy of the car registration. The car registration certified copy is what you will need before you are allowed to proceed with your road trip.
Border formalities
Once you have crossed the borders, expect to clear the customs and immigration procedures. The process is a bit tedious and generally, it requires absolute patience and all the relevant documentation should be ideal.
Safety and Security
Do not feel offended when you are subjected to security checkpoints and roadblocks. It all calls for cooperation with the border authorities or company you are planning for a self-drive tour.
Plan in advance
Conduct adequate research on the self-drive vehicles to use and also be certain about the border crossing terms and conditions to follow. All these can be achieved when you plan or book a self-drive car early.
Hire the right car
Different destinations have their unique landscapes and as a result, it is important to be aware of the kind of border crossing rental car to be used. We have multiple rental cars in Rwanda all suitable for road trips to Rwanda for self-drive tours. The checklist of rental cars to use for border crossing includes a 4×4 Toyota Rav4, a Coaster bus for large groups, a Land Cruiser Prado, a Safari Land Cruiser, and a Drone Rental Car.
The border crossing from Rwanda to Uganda
Access to Uganda from Rwanda involves crossing border lines. You must be aware of the border crossing, especially if you are on a self-drive. Katuna border to Kabale town and Chanika border to Kisoro are the two useful border crossings for anyone who desires to go on a border crossing using a 4×4 Rwanda rental car.
Pack right
Carry with you the right gear. This should be guided by what you plan to do on your self drive in Uganda. But the essentials to have include waterproof walking boots, long trousers, a first aid kit, insect repellents, a daypack, bottled drinking water, a sweater, and a pack of toiletries. Additional gear/items to consider include gardening gloves, anti-malarial tablets, a rain jacket or coat/poncho, a good camera, and should be free from a flashlight.
