Democratic Republic of the Congo car hire
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Cheap car hire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Top tips for hiring a car in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Renting a car in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a great way to explore the Central African nation. You can drive to various places with no public transportation options. It’s convenient because you can stop anywhere during your trip. Renting a car is much cheaper compared to the total cost of using a taxi. From the bustling capital of Kinshasa, you can drive to the southwest, approximately 80 miles, and explore Inkisi Falls or head north to the Kivu region to experience the resurgence of Goma and visit popular attractions like Lake Kivu, the Albertine Rift, and Virunga National Park renowned for its mountain gorillas.
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo has multiple car rental locations. If you’re flying into the country, you’ll most likely arrive at N'Djili International Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa, where you’ll find several local and international car rental companies. Other car rental locations in the DRC include downtown Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, and Goma.
- Although the main streets of Kinshasa and key cities like Lubumbashi are well-maintained, roads in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are generally in a poor state. Driving in DRC can be challenging, especially outside the main cities. Roads usually become dangerous and impassable during the rainy season from September to May, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is the best if you plan to drive outside the main cities. When driving in the cities, keep your windows and doors locked.
- From DRC, you can drive to neighboring countries like Rwanda. However, you should be prepared to pay certain fees to your rental company, including a cross-border fee, collision damage waiver, and an additional driver fee if you plan to have one. Car rental providers will also require documentation like a valid passport, visa, and non-resident insurance card. Confirm if your provider offers car rental services with cross-border travel.
- Book your car hire in Democratic Republic of the Congo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Full-size hire cars in Democratic Republic of the Congo are around 40% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
What is the most popular car hire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Full-size (Mitsubishi Montero or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
How can I find car hires near me in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
What is it like driving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
In DRC, people drive on the right-hand side of the road. You’ll likely encounter chaotic traffic in the main cities. Official and unofficial roadblocks are common, so you should carry all the necessary documentation when traveling. The Kinshasa-Matadi highway is the main toll road in the DRC. Drivers are required to stop their cars when driving past a government installation during the lowering or raising of the Congolese flag. This usually happens at 7:30 am and 6 pm. The use of cell phones is prohibited when driving in the DRC. Due to poor road conditions and visibility, avoid traveling after dark. Consider traveling in convoys outside main cities and towns like Goma and Bukavu.
How old should I be to rent a car in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The minimum age to drive or hire a vehicle in the DRC is 18. However, most car rental providers require drivers to be at least 21 or 25 years old. You must provide your local driver’s license, an international driving permit, a valid credit card for payment, and an identification document (passport or ID with a photo) to rent a car in DRC. Drivers under the age of 25 may be required to pay a young driver's premium by some providers.
How are gas prices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The average price of gasoline in the DRC is around 2,995 CDF (1.245 USD) per liter. The price per gallon is around 11,337 CDF (4.713 USD). Consider the fuel consumption of the vehicle you are renting, with the distance and road conditions in mind. Since there are few gas stations in remote locations, carry extra gasoline and fill up when possible.
What are the speed limits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The speed limit in the DRC is 37 mph on urban roads, 56 mph on rural roads, and 75 mph on motorways. Since there are a few well-maintained roads in the DRC, you should always be careful when driving. Most rural roads are narrow, so slow down as you drive along highly-populated areas and watch out for children or farmers crossing the roads.
Car hire directory
Avis car hire locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
2 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
1 Location
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
1 Location
Good to know
Most popular car type | Full-size |
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