4×4 Car Hire in Rwanda: Why it’s ideal for Safari Tours

Commonly known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is characterised by a hilly plateau. As soon as you set foot in Rwanda, you are mesmerised by the beauty, the weather and scenery. It is not surprising that tourism is considered a central economic sector in the country benefitting 60% of the population. Here is why 4×4 Car Hire in Rwanda is ideal for Safari Tours.

The most famous tourist attractions are either located in or surrounded by hills  for instance Virunga mountains; home of the endangered mountain gorilla’s species which is the country’s main attraction. In fact, an award winning movie in Hollywood; “Gorillas in the Mist” was released in 1988 by Universal Pictures inspired by the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Other tourist attractions include the Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park among others.

It is important to note that the roads leading to these attractions are unpaved therefore you need to hire a car that is designed to navigate through these types of roads. What better car than a 4×4?

A 4Wheel Drive is designed to send torque to all four wheels, increasing the vehicle’s power. Most 4×4 cars have a part time system that drivers can switch on and off. When the system activates, it locks the front axle to the drive train so that all the four wheels spin simultaneously.  Here are some of the reasons why a 4×4 is ideal for self drive safaris in Rwanda.

4×4 cars have off road capabilities

Self drive tours in Rwanda often involve traveling through rough, unpaved terrain such as muddy or slippery tracks, hills and dense forests. Considering 4×4 Car Hire in Rwanda puts you on an advantage because 4×4 cars are designed specifically to navigate these challenging terrains with greater ease compared to 2-wheel drive cars.

In fact, when driving on a smooth or paved road, you are advised to turn off the 4 wheel Drive because it is of no use here and only consumes more fuel.

Better traction

The four-wheel-drive mechanism allows all four wheels of the car to receive power from the engine simultaneously, providing better traction on muddy or uneven surfaces. Let’s say that your rear wheels get stuck in mud and you have a 2WD; Your wheels will probably spin and spin but if you have a 4×4, power will be transferred to the front wheels where the traction is and you’ll be able to successfully get your car out of a sticky situation.

Customised features

During Rwanda self drive tours, tourists love to capture all the moments and this is where 4×4 cars beat other types of cars. They have pop-up roofs which allow tourists to peep out during a game drive and capture pictures or videos of their adventure. Some of these 4×4 cars have cooler boxes to keep drinks fresh and mounted rooftop tents which are perfect for  camping.

Overcoming obstacles

If yourare driving in areas with steep hills or are off-roading you’ll need increased power to get over obstacles like rocks and pot holes. This also applies to descending steep slopes where a 4×4 car will smoothly go down a hill compared to a 2WD.

Higher ground clearance

Ground clearance simply means how high your vehicle sits off the ground. 4×4 vehicles have a higher ground clearance and can navigate through deep ruts, steep inclines and other challenging off-road road conditions for example driving over large rocks or other trail obstacles like fallen tree logs with out damaging the car’s undercarriage.

A 4×4 car will enable you to navigate the rugged terrain in Rwanda with confidence and ease.

Reliability and safety

While in remote Rwanda safari locations where help may be far away, having a reliable and capable vehicle is essential for safety. 4×4 cars are designed to handle tough conditions, reducing the risk of getting stuck or stranded. Also, most safari cars are fitted with mesh to protect tourists from being attacked by wild animals.

Larger carrying capacity

4×4 cars often have more space and capacity for passengers, luggage, and equipment needed for Rwanda adventuresafaris. This allows for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience. Also, the additional weight provides the 4×4 car with a better grip on the road.

Overall, the ruggedness, off-road capabilities, and reliability of 4×4 cars make them the preferred choice for self drive safaris in Rwanda where the journey itself is a significant part of the adventure.