4×4 Self Drive Cars for Hire is rated 5.0 from 22 reviews on TripAdvisor, and our Google reviews are shown live further down this page. Travelers from Germany, Norway, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have reviewed us, and across their reviews three things come up again and again: a WhatsApp group with the owner and a mechanic from the start of the trip, a vehicle delivered to their hotel or airport, and a thorough handover briefing.
The reviews are not all praise for the vehicles. The complaints are published further down this page, next to what we do about each one.
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“When I told my fiancee that I was going to rent a car and drive ourselves around Kenya, and do two safaris (OlPejeta and Amboseli) she thought I was crazy, and was understandably nervous. They drive opposite of us here in USA… Jeremy added us to a WhatsApp group with his support team, which made everything feel personal. Any question that I had was answered immediately, via text, phone or video… We hit a four-wheel drive hiccup, (might’ve been user error), and a mechanic within their network came out to my location in Nanyuki to help, fixed instantly. That kind of support felt like a safety net.”
Jose V, USA. TripAdvisor, May 2026 (“Kenya African Safaris and More!”)
One traveler’s account, not a service guarantee. What our rental terms say about breakdowns is set out below.
The 30-second version
- Ratings: 5.0 on TripAdvisor (22 reviews, as of October 17, 2026), plus live Google reviews in the widget below.
- What reviewers value most: the support around the vehicle. A WhatsApp group with the owner, a mechanic and a contact person. Delivery to your hotel, Airbnb or the airport. A thorough briefing before you drive away.
- What they criticize: older Land Cruisers, weak AC and dust in the 78 Series, worn interior trim, a fridge that cools poorly and shuts off with the engine, a security deposit paid in cash (we prefer cash, and explain why below), and one report of wobble and a pull to the right above 70 km/h (about 43 mph).
- Where they drove: Kenya, Uganda and northern Tanzania, plus cross-border routes, including one way from Entebbe through Rwanda to Arusha over 21 days.
Ratings you can check yourself
| Where | Rating | Reviews | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| TripAdvisor | 5.0 | 22 | 21 rated Excellent, 1 rated Good. Ranked #98 of 1,295 in Transportation in Nairobi. 126 traveler photos. All as of October 17, 2026. |
| Live | See the widget below | Our Google reviews are shown live in the widget below, so the Google rating and review count you see are always the current ones. |
Twenty-two reviews on TripAdvisor is a modest number, so treat the average as a starting point. Open the TripAdvisor listing and read the individual reviews, including the one that is rated Good rather than Excellent. Our Google reviews are shown in the widget below.
TripAdvisor builds a “popular mentions” list from what reviewers write. For our listing it currently shows: car rental company, rooftop tent, toyota land cruiser, family safari, answered all our questions, special thanks, well taken care, game drives, mechanic, briefing, denis, whatsapp, uganda, deposit, crossing, bush, team, communication, masai, animals.
Read that list as a map of this page. The mechanic, the briefing, WhatsApp and communication are the support story. “Deposit” is the security deposit, and the cash complaint behind it is answered in the criticism section below.
Live Google reviews (embed)
What reviewers are really describing: the support, not just the vehicle
Most car rental reviews are about the car. Ours are mostly about what happens around it. The fear that stops many first-time self-drivers in East Africa is being stranded alone, in a country they do not know, with a vehicle they do not know. Three things recur in nearly every review, and each one answers that fear directly.
1. The WhatsApp group: the owner, a mechanic and a contact person in one chat
What reviewers describe. When the trip starts, a WhatsApp group is created. In it are the owner, the mechanic and a contact person. TripAdvisor’s popular mentions for the listing include “whatsapp”, “mechanic”, “communication” and “team”.
Why that matters if you have never driven in Africa. You do not look up a phone number or explain your situation to a stranger. The people who can make a decision about the vehicle, and the mechanic who can look at it, are already in the chat you have open. A WhatsApp message can carry a photo or a location pin, so you can show the problem instead of describing it.
Mechanics reaching travelers on the road. Two reviewers describe the team reaching them mid-trip. Jose V, quoted at the top of this page, had a mechanic from the team’s network come out to him in Nanyuki. sarahfL6911TT, quoted below, writes that the team tracked them down en route. These are individual accounts. What our terms commit us to is set out under “If you break down” below.
The people reviewers name. Reviewers name Jeremiah, Denis, Hakim and Denrick, and one reviewer writes “Jeremy”. Denis also appears in TripAdvisor’s popular mentions.
“…What we especially appreciated was that at the start of the trip, a WhatsApp group was created with the owner, mechanic, and our contact person. Whenever we had a problem or question, one of them responded almost immediately, which gave us great peace of mind throughout our trip.”
Carien. TripAdvisor, Sep 2026 (“Reliable and professional car rental for a Kenya road trip”)
“I would highly recommend Jeremiah and Denis and the team. We travelled one way from Entebbe to Rwanda to Arusha crossing 2 borders over 21 days. It was an epic road trip and the team worked so hard and went the ‘extra mile’ tracking us down enroute to fix even minor things along the way.”
sarahfL6911TT. TripAdvisor, Aug 2026 (“Epic 4×4 road trip”)
“…With fairly old Land Cruisers, it’s inevitable that there will be some minor mechanical issues. When these occurred, the company reacted instantly, getting us back on the road as quickly as possible.”
Peter L, Palo Alto, CA. TripAdvisor, Jun 2026 (“Good vehicles, impeccable service”)
These are individual accounts of what past travelers experienced. They are not a promised response time.
If you break down: what is actually in place
What reviewers describe.
- A WhatsApp group with the owner, the mechanic and a contact person.
- A mechanic or the team reaching travelers on the road (Jose V in Nanyuki; sarahfL6911TT en route).
What our rental terms say.
- Tell us immediately about any breakdown, mechanical issue or warning light. No repairs may be carried out without our authorization. In a genuine emergency a nearby mechanic may help, but you must contact us before repairs begin.
- Where a genuine breakdown is not caused by negligence or misuse, we make reasonable efforts to arrange repairs or, where operationally feasible, to provide a replacement vehicle. Response times depend on location, accessibility, border restrictions and vehicle availability. We do not publish a response time and we cannot guarantee a replacement vehicle.
- If a confirmed mechanical failure that you did not cause leaves the vehicle unusable for 10 hours or more within a rental day, the rental amount for that day may be refunded. We are not liable for accommodation, missed activities, transport delays or third-party bookings.
- You are responsible for checking engine oil, coolant, tire pressure and dashboard warning lights, and for reporting a warning light or mechanical concern promptly. If you do not, you may be liable for the resulting damage.
- Vehicles carry GPS tracking and driving-behavior monitoring, which the terms ask you to consent to.
2. Delivery: the vehicle comes to your hotel, Airbnb or the airport
What reviewers describe. The vehicle is delivered to you. Reviews describe delivery to hotels, Airbnbs, Nairobi airport, Lake Nakuru and Diani Beach. One traveler drove one way from Entebbe to Arusha, which means the vehicle was collected at one end and returned at the other.
What it costs. Pick-up and drop-off at airports and hotels is available, and a pick-up / drop-off fee is charged, depending on the location. Ask for the exact fee, including any one-way drop-off fee, in your quote.
Where you can start. Our pick-up and drop-off hubs are Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, Arusha in Tanzania, Kampala in Uganda and Kigali in Rwanda. All eight vehicles can be collected at any of them. Availability on your dates is confirmed when you request a quote.
Why that matters after a long-haul flight. Delivery means your trip starts where you already are, at the arrivals hall or at your hotel, rather than somewhere you have to find on your first day in the country.
“The vehicle was delivered right to our hotel in Nairobi and we received a thorough, immediate briefing… The Land Cruiser was collected directly from our house in Diani Beach, which was extremely convenient.”
Joerg J, Cologne, Germany. TripAdvisor, Jul 2026
“We had it delivered to Lake Nakuru and returned it pre flight on Nairobi Airport. The team followed us along the way and had continous contact with us…”
Halvard Midtun, Bergen, Norway. TripAdvisor, May 2026 (“4×4 through the Kenyan bush”)
3. The handover briefing: inventory, rooftop tent demo and your questions answered
What reviewers describe. A thorough briefing before you drive away, an inventory checklist, and a demonstration of how to set up the rooftop tent. “Briefing”, “rooftop tent” and “answered all our questions” all appear in TripAdvisor’s popular mentions.
Why that matters for a first-time self-driver. The briefing is where an unfamiliar vehicle becomes a known one. You see how the rooftop tent goes up, you check the equipment against a list, and you ask what worries you before the first dirt road. The inventory matters: under our terms, loss, theft or damage to camping equipment is charged at full replacement value. Our camping equipment page lists what is available, and every published rental includes free camping gear for two.
Questions worth asking at handover. These come straight from what past reviewers ran into:
- Does the fridge keep running when the engine is off, and how long will it hold temperature?
- How well does the AC work in this particular vehicle?
- When will my security deposit be refunded? It is not refunded on the spot at drop-off. Under our terms the refund process starts after the vehicle inspection, mechanical assessment and checks for fines or damage. Mechanical inspections may take 6 to 14 working days, and after that the timing depends on your bank.
- Who is in the WhatsApp group, and whom should I message first?
- When were the steering and alignment last checked? One reviewer reported a pull to the right above 70 km/h (about 43 mph).
“camper was brought to hotel for take-over, with detailled instruction, briefing, inventory/check-list, on special request hands-on demonstration of set-up/down of roof-top-tent, special thanks to Denrick, not a brandnew, but old/used model, only some small technical issues, but reliable, no problems or breakdown, fully equipped… the team created an individual WhatsApp-Group for contact to and support from back-office during the round-trip.”
johannmaunz, Nabburg, Germany. TripAdvisor, May 2026
“Guys were sound, machine was good, guy called Denis gave us a good lesson on how to build the tent etc., very thorough. Everything worked well…”
Eoghan P. Google, about May 2026 (“Good experience, helpful crew”)
“We rented the 4×4 with roof tent for 5 days. Super satisfied with the communication, punctuality and professionalism of this organization. Extensive briefing in advance so that we could get well prepared… Strong car, very much enjoyed the nights in the roof tent!”
Louise d. TripAdvisor, Jun 2026, translated from Dutch (“Great adventure with the roof tent!”)
Reviews by country: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and cross-border trips
Kenya
The deliveries named in the reviews include hotels, Airbnbs, Nairobi airport, Lake Nakuru and Diani Beach, and Jose V’s mechanic reached him in Nanyuki. Joerg J’s route took him through Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Diani Beach and Shimba Hills. Kenya pick-up hubs are Nairobi and Mombasa. TripAdvisor’s popular mentions also include game drives, bush, masai, animals and family safari. For vehicles and rates, see our page on self-drive 4×4 hire in Kenya.
“Denis picked us up from Nairobi and showed us around the car and told us anything we needed to know. The car was faultless the entire time and we were so glad of it in some of the more remote areas we went. We were kept updated on the WhatsApp group of any problems we may encounter and they were also at the end of the phone should we need anything.”
Dan W. TripAdvisor, Jun 2026 (“Kenya self drive safari”)
“We had a great time in Kenya with our off roader. The communication in the lead up to the trip was great, and we were given plenty of support during the trip. The Toyota Landcruiser we were given had everything necessary to handle the tough tracks in Masai Mara.”
DW, London, UK. TripAdvisor, Apr 2026 (“Great experience”)
Uganda
A Uganda reviewer describes help with gorilla and chimpanzee permits. “Uganda” also appears in TripAdvisor’s popular mentions. The Uganda pick-up hub is Kampala, and all eight vehicles can be collected there, including the 4×4 Camper Cruiser with roof tent ($100 per day, our lowest-priced vehicle). A pick-up / drop-off fee applies by location. See self-drive 4×4 hire in Uganda.
“The WhatsApp support was excellent. The team always responded quickly, answered all our questions, and even helped us arrange our gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, which made planning our trip much easier.”
Anne N. TripAdvisor, Jun 2026
We publish assistance with gorilla and chimpanzee permits and park entry booking as part of what we offer. Permit prices and availability are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), so check current prices and dates with UWA directly.
Tanzania
In the reviews, Tanzania appears as part of longer trips. Peter L, quoted above, opens his review with “26-day rental for Kenya and Northern Tanzania.” sarahfL6911TT wrote “We travelled one way from Entebbe to Rwanda to Arusha crossing 2 borders over 21 days.” Arusha is our Tanzania hub. See self-drive 4×4 hire in Tanzania, or the 5-day self-drive Tanzania itinerary.
Cross-border: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda on one rental
Cross-border hire is possible across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, but only with our prior written approval. Under our rental terms a crossing needs three things: that written approval, a valid COMESA Yellow Card, and payment of the applicable cross-border fees. A crossing without approval ends the rental, voids your insurance and forfeits your security deposit. Tell us before your booking is confirmed that you plan to cross a border, so it is approved in writing and the fees are quoted up front.
The two longest trips in the reviews are both cross-border. One traveler drove one way from Entebbe in Uganda through Rwanda to Arusha in Tanzania, crossing two borders over 21 days. Another took a 26-day rental across Kenya and northern Tanzania. TripAdvisor’s popular mentions include “crossing”.
One thing to know in advance: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania drive on the left, and Rwanda drives on the right. A route like Entebbe to Rwanda to Arusha therefore changes the side of the road twice. Kigali is our Rwanda hub; see self-drive 4×4 hire in Rwanda.
The criticism, and what we do about it
A page with only five-star praise should make you suspicious. Reviewers have raised the problems below. We would rather you read them here than discover them on day one. Quotes are reproduced as the reviewers wrote them, spelling included; an ellipsis marks omitted words.
Older vehicles and worn interior trim
“The vehicle was a bit old and some parts of the interior were starting to fall apart, but this didn’t affect its performance at all…”
Anne N. TripAdvisor, Jun 2026
What it means for you. Our vehicles are older Land Cruisers, and some interior trim shows wear. Expect a working safari vehicle, not a showroom one. Other reviewers who drove older vehicles reached a different verdict: Justinus R (TripAdvisor, Aug 2026) wrote “The 80’s Landcruiser turned out to be a bullet-proof tank.”, and Peter L and johannmaunz, quoted above, both describe minor issues rather than breakdowns.
What we do about it. An older vehicle is only acceptable if the support around it is real. What we can point to is a WhatsApp group that includes the mechanic, an inventory checklist at handover, and, in our terms, reasonable efforts to arrange repairs or a replacement where operationally feasible. Our public reply to this reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “We truly appreciate your comments regarding the fridge and vehicle condition, and we will continue working on improving these areas.” If interior condition matters to you, tell us when you ask for a quote.
Weak AC and dust in the 78 Series
“Note the 78 series is very old and dusty as the aircon doesn’t really work effectively but the team from 4×4 Self Drive did everything they could to ensure we had a fantastic holiday.”
sarahfL6911TT. TripAdvisor, Aug 2026
What it means for you. In the 78 Series, expect a dusty cabin and AC that may not cool well.
What we do about it. This page does not claim the 78 Series AC has been fixed, because the review says it was not working effectively and we cannot show otherwise. Plan on a warm, dusty cabin in a 78 Series. If a cool cabin matters more to you than anything else, ask about the 4×4 Safari Van with pop-up roof ($120 per day, automatic, up to 9 including the driver), which is published with AC. All eight vehicles can be collected at any of our five hubs, so choosing a different vehicle does not change where you start.
A fridge that cools poorly and switches off with the engine
“The fridge, however, didn’t cool very well. It also switched off when the engine was turned off…”
Anne N. TripAdvisor, Jun 2026
What it means for you. In that vehicle the fridge ran only while the engine ran. Do not plan on it keeping food cold overnight or during a long stop. Use it for drinks on driving days.
A different experience in the same month. Peter L (Palo Alto, CA, TripAdvisor, Jun 2026) wrote: “The vehicles are bulletproof and come fully equipped with all essential camping gear, including an ice-cold fridge.” The two reviews describe different outcomes, so fridge performance appears to vary by vehicle, and we cannot promise yours will hold temperature overnight.
What we do about it. A fridge or cool box is listed among the camping add-ons, so ask at booking what you will actually receive and how it is powered, and switch it on and check it with us at handover. Camping equipment, the fridge included, is charged at full replacement value if lost, stolen or damaged, and neither of our insurance products covers it.
A security deposit paid in cash
“The only thing we found a little unusual was that the security deposit had to be paid in cash.”
Anne N. TripAdvisor, Jun 2026
Why we prefer cash. The security deposit is USD 1,000 or EUR 950, paid before you collect the vehicle, and we prefer to take it in cash. That can look unusual, so here is the reason: card fees are heavy on a USD 1,000 deposit, and an international bank transfer is slow and costly to reverse. Paying by card, including through Pesapal, is possible if you ask us, and the card fees then fall to you.
How the refund works. The deposit is refundable, but it is not refunded on the spot at drop-off. The refund process starts after the vehicle inspection, the mechanical assessment and the check for fines or damage. Mechanical inspections may take between 6 and 14 working days, and after that the timing depends on your own bank. Any deduction from the deposit must be backed by evidence such as inspection reports, repair invoices, photographs and, where applicable, police reports. The deposit can be used against your insurance excess (up to USD 1,000), traffic fines, missing equipment, unauthorized use, insurance exclusions and administrative charges.
Wobble over 70 km/h and a pull to the right
“Gets a bit wobbly over 70kmh and had a gull pull to the right, other than that evrrytbing perfect and had a very helpful whatsapp group.”
Eoghan P. Google, about May 2026 (“Good experience, helpful crew”)
What it means for you. One reviewer felt wobble and a pull to the right above 70 km/h (about 43 mph), and was otherwise happy. Our contractual highway speed limit is 80 km/h (about 50 mph), so this matters on paved highways, where you will be driving faster than on safari tracks.
What we do about it. Message the WhatsApp group the day you notice anything like this. The mechanic is already in the chat, and the terms require you to report mechanical concerns promptly.
If any of these is a deal-breaker for your trip, say so when you ask for a quote and we will tell you honestly which vehicle fits.
Who is writing these reviews
TripAdvisor reviewers who show a location include Joerg J (Cologne, Germany), johannmaunz (Nabburg, Germany), Halvard Midtun (Bergen, Norway), Peter L (Palo Alto, California, USA), Jose V (United States), DW (London, UK) and Louise d, whose review was written in Dutch and translated into English. If you are planning from the US or Europe, these are people who started from the same place you are.
Plan your own trip
Tell us your dates, your route and whether you plan to cross a border, and we will suggest a vehicle.
Message us on WhatsApp: +254 703 367441 | info@4x4selfdrivecarsforhire.com
Registered address: Kasuku Center, Nairobi, Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
Are the reviews of 4×4 Self Drive Cars for Hire real, and where can I read them?
Yes, and you can check them without going through us. As of October 17, 2026, TripAdvisor shows 5.0 from 22 reviews (21 Excellent, 1 Good). Our Google reviews are shown live in the widget on this page and on our Google Business Profile. Read the originals on our TripAdvisor listing and on Google. The quotes on this page are excerpts from those reviews, shown with the reviewer’s name, platform and month.
What happens if the 4×4 breaks down in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania or Rwanda?
Tell us immediately by WhatsApp or phone. Our terms require it, and no repairs should be made without our authorization; in a genuine emergency a nearby mechanic may help, but contact us before repairs begin. Reviewers describe a WhatsApp group with the owner, a mechanic and a contact person, and some describe a mechanic or the team reaching them on the road, including in Nanyuki. Under our terms we make reasonable efforts to arrange repairs or, where operationally feasible, provide a replacement vehicle. Response times depend on location, accessibility, border restrictions and vehicle availability, so we do not promise a fixed time or a replacement. If a confirmed mechanical failure that you did not cause leaves the vehicle unusable for 10 hours or more within a rental day, that day’s rental may be refunded. We are not liable for accommodation, missed activities, transport delays or third-party bookings.
How much does it cost to rent a 4×4 for self-drive in East Africa?
Published rates run from $100 to $230 per day in US dollars, depending on the vehicle, and every vehicle includes free camping gear for two. Examples: the 4×4 Safari Van with pop-up roof is $120 per day, the 4×4 Landcruiser VX with roof tent or pop-up roof is $130, and the 5 Seater 78 Series with pop-up roof is $160. The $100 4×4 Camper Cruiser with roof tent is our lowest-priced vehicle, and the $230 7 Seater 78 Series includes a driver. All eight vehicles can be collected at any of our five hubs. See all vehicles and prices at 4×4 Self Drive Cars for Hire.
Costs outside the daily rate, per our rental terms: the security deposit (USD 1,000 or EUR 950, refundable); a pick-up / drop-off fee that depends on location; cross-border fees if we approve a crossing; the Windscreen and Tire Damage Waiver (USD 100) and optional Full Insurance Cover (USD 500 per rental period), both non-refundable; fuel; and any transfer, bank, card or currency-conversion charges on your payments. A 25% deposit confirms a booking (40% where itinerary planning is included), and the balance is due 30 days before departure, or 14 days before departure for late bookings.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made in writing. For the rental, you get 98% back if you cancel 60 or more days before the trip, 75% at 30 to 59 days, 50% at 15 to 29 days, and nothing at 14 days or less. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits follow Uganda Wildlife Authority policy: 70% back at 91 or more days, 50% at 46 to 90 days, 25% at 9 to 45 days, and nothing at 0 to 8 days. There are no refunds for early returns, unused rental days or unused fuel. We strongly advise travel and cancellation insurance.
Is insurance included in the price?
All vehicles carry comprehensive insurance: third-party cover for bodily injury, death and property damage, plus cover for accident, theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters and animal-related incidents. You remain liable for an excess of up to USD 1,000. Not covered, and fully your liability: tires, rims, windshields, undercarriage damage, clutch damage, suspension damage, water damage, incorrect fuel, negligent or reckless driving, driving under the influence, unauthorized drivers, unauthorized night driving, unauthorized border crossings, improper use of the 4×4 system, and failing to report an accident or warning light promptly. Insurance also does not apply where theft results from negligence, such as leaving the keys inside, leaving the vehicle unlocked or abandoning it insecurely. Personal belongings are not insured, and personal medical and travel insurance is your responsibility.
Two extras are available. The Windscreen and Tire Damage Waiver (WTDW) costs USD 100, non-refundable, and covers tire punctures, blowouts and cuts, windshield chips and cracks, and rim damage directly related to a tire incident; it excludes wheel hubs, bearings, suspension, underbody damage, side and rear windows, and mechanical damage caused by continuing to drive. Optional Full Insurance Cover costs USD 500 per rental period, non-refundable, and covers collision, rollovers, theft, fire, vandalism, animal damage and natural disasters; it does not cover tires, rims, windshields, camping equipment, undercarriage, interior, suspension or clutch, and it becomes void on overspeeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence, unauthorized night driving or off-road driving, water damage, unauthorized drivers, unauthorized border crossings or ignoring dashboard warnings. Read the full rental terms and conditions before you pay.
How much is the security deposit, and can I pay it in cash?
The security deposit is USD 1,000 or EUR 950, paid before you collect the vehicle. Cash is our preferred way to pay it. Paying by card, including through Pesapal, is possible on request, and the card fees fall to you. We prefer cash because card fees are heavy on a USD 1,000 deposit, and an international bank transfer is slow and costly to reverse. One reviewer found it unusual that the deposit was paid in cash; the reasons we prefer it are given here. The deposit is refundable, but it is not refunded on the spot at drop-off. The refund process starts after the vehicle inspection, the mechanical assessment and the check for fines or damage. Mechanical inspections may take between 6 and 14 working days, and after that the timing depends on your own bank. Any deduction must be backed by evidence such as inspection reports, repair invoices and photographs.
Can I drive across borders between Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda?
Yes, with our prior written approval. A crossing needs that approval, a valid COMESA Yellow Card and payment of the applicable cross-border fees, and you should tell us before your booking is confirmed that you plan to cross. A crossing without approval ends the rental, voids your insurance and forfeits your security deposit. Reviewers describe a 21-day one-way trip from Entebbe through Rwanda to Arusha, crossing two borders, and a 26-day rental across Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Can you deliver the vehicle to my hotel or the airport?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off at airports and hotels is available, with a pick-up / drop-off fee that depends on location. Reviewers describe deliveries to hotels, Airbnbs, Nairobi airport, Lake Nakuru and Diani Beach. Our hubs are Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, Arusha in Tanzania, Kampala in Uganda and Kigali in Rwanda, and all eight vehicles can be collected at any of them. Ask for the exact fee, including any one-way or cross-border drop-off fee, in your quote.
Do you help with gorilla and chimpanzee permits in Uganda?
We publish assistance with gorilla and chimpanzee permits and park entry booking as part of what we offer, and a Uganda reviewer describes getting that help. Permit prices and availability are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), so check current prices and dates with UWA. This page cannot promise permit availability or specific dates, so include your travel dates when you ask for a quote. Under our terms, additional deposits may be required for gorilla and chimpanzee permits, and permit cancellations follow UWA policy (see the cancellation question above).
Who can drive, and what are the main rules on the road?
The hirer and any additional driver must be at least 23 years old, hold a valid driving license and carry it at all times while driving, and have at least two years of driving experience. Only drivers named in the Rental Agreement may drive. The main rules in our terms: speed limits of 80 km/h (about 50 mph) on highways, 50 km/h (about 31 mph) in towns and 30 to 40 km/h (about 19 to 25 mph) inside national parks, and overspeeding can void your insurance. Night driving between sunset and sunrise is prohibited unless we have approved it in writing. Driving through water deeper than 30 cm (about 12 inches) is prohibited, as is driving on sand dunes, salt pans or restricted off-road terrain unless expressly authorized. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle or the tents. The vehicle is supplied with about a quarter tank of fuel and must be returned at the same level; unused fuel is not refunded, and fuel should be bought only at recognized stations such as Shell, TotalEnergies or Rubis.
What do customers criticize about the vehicles?
Reviewers mention older Land Cruisers with worn interior trim, weak AC and dust in the 78 Series, a fridge that cools poorly and switches off with the engine, a security deposit paid in cash (we prefer cash, and explain why), and, from one reviewer, a wobble and pull to the right above 70 km/h (about 43 mph). Each is quoted, with what we do about it, in the section above.