Car rental in Nairobi, Kenya: without driver, with chauffeur 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 embarrass you in front of her in-laws. Who wants a friend to disappoint you on that special occasion? In any case, life is not easy. 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 completely avoided 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 rent a car is the best option if you want to visit multiple destinations in Kenya. Unlike organized safaris where routes and times are fixed, it allows for a high degree of flexibility and therefore discovery. Likewise, car rental means a greater degree of privacy, security and independence. Unlike group safaris that bring together people of various interests and backgrounds, car hire means your interests aren’t 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’re traveling in the interior of the country, a RAV4 will handle most roads. However, if you’re thinking about northern Kenya, past the archers post, and Rumuruti, get a behemoth – Land-cruiser, not the 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, chauffeured, 4×4, unlimited mileage, and one-way rental. Which 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 source of valuable 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 fuel the car. Any incidental costs that accrue on the rented vehicle are the responsibility of the company.
Special car rental:
Security car hire is an item that is entering the market for a select few. Celebrity and valuables transport is a different category altogether. For these two, you not only need special equipment (armored vehicles), but may also require security services and qualified drivers. A good example is the elaborate security that is sought when taking the world cup on a world tour. This category of car hire 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 on your mind. Once you decide on this, the first step is to make a window display. The car rental market in Kenya is vast. International companies such as 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 your options down to two or three agencies max and send them inquiries. Ask what is included in your rental options. Look at the fuel issue. Who is going to put fuel to the car? Here are two options. A car rental company can leave the responsibility of refueling to the renter or, alternatively, they can do it for you. The best option is, of course, for the car rental company to bring the car with a full tank and you return it with a full tank. Alternatively, they can take the car empty and you also return it empty. 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 decide to rent a car empty 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 get 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 the adventurous, 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 lands you in vast expanses of open space and coveted breathing space.
Car rental contracts differ from company to company. The normal procedure is to look for inclusions and exclusions. Take into account the compulsory insurance coverage and the extras or recommended coverage. Some coverages will include the passengers and drop off the driver. In this case, you will need personal insurance coverage. Local insurance companies will be happy to offer you monthly travel cover. AAR will offer travelers evacuation coverage in case you need emergency medical attention.
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 flaws must be noted. Check the thread on the tires and make sure they are not worn. Remember that you are responsible for any tire breakage.
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 assignment, 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 the 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 keep your cool, you’ll reach your destination in one piece and in peace. Simply put, give way even when you don’t have to. Public transport driver, also called Matatu driver, can be very polite and rude at the same time. He will bully you into giving in, but when things don’t go his way, he’s 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 relax in his office and wait for the craziness to subside.
Car rental:
If you’re staying for a short time or if your business doesn’t need to worry about routine maintenance and disposal, simply opt for leasing. However, be careful which agreement you enter into. Some companies may sell you a car through the tailgate in the name of leasing.