Renting a 4x4 for the Rainy Season: A Checklist
Six things worth checking before you take a vehicle upcountry between March and May.
Rwanda in the rains is green, quiet and beautiful. It is also the season when the difference between a well-prepared vehicle and a merely adequate one becomes obvious.
- Tyre tread. Look at the depth yourself, not just the sidewall condition.
- Spare and jack. Check both are present and that the spare is inflated.
- Wipers. Perished blades are useless in a downpour.
- Low range. Ask how to engage it, and try it once before you need it.
- Recovery points. Know where they are, in case someone has to pull you out.
- Phone signal. Coverage is good but not universal. Tell someone your route.
Every vehicle we hire out is checked against this list between rentals, but it is worth walking around the car with us at handover so you know where everything is.
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