Terms & Conditions for self-drive car rentals in Tanzania

Roadtrip Africa BV is gevestigd in Nederland. Echter, niet iedereen in ons team in Nederland en Afrika verstaat de Nederlandse taal. Daarom is de voertaal binnen onze bedrijfsvoering in het engels. We hebben de website vertaald naar het nederlands, maar de algemene voorwaarden en het bookings formulier zijn niet vertaald en communicatie per email verloopt ook in het engels. Bedankt voor je begrip. 

Confirming a booking with Roadtrip Africa in Tanzania confirms that you have read, fully understand and accept the terms and conditions described below. 

Other conditions apply when renting a car with our driver. Check these T&Cs here. 

Terms & Conditions for self-drive car rentals

I. General & use of the Vehicle

1.“RTA”, “Roadtrip Africa in Tanzania” or the “Owner” means Roadtrip Africa;
“You” or the “Hirer” means the person(s) who have signed the Rental Agreement;
The “Rental Agreement” means the rental agreement made between You and the Owner;
“Vehicle” means the vehicle you rented, as described in your online reservation form.  
2. The Vehicle can only be driven by the Hirer who has signed the rental agreement and his authorized travel companions. In case the Hirer wishes to use the services from a driver-guide, then RTU arranges a driver and other terms & conditions apply. The hirer cannot arrange their own driver-guide.The Hirer shall bear any loss or damages arising from  the Vehicle being used by an unauthorized driver.
3. The Hirer shall return the Vehicle on the agreed date, as specified in your online reservation form, before 7:00 PM, unless the Owner has specifically agreed otherwise. No refunds shall be given for early returns.
4. The Hirer shall have a valid driver’s license (of the country of residence and/or an International Driver’s License). It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that he/she carries the driver’s license with him/her whilst driving.
5. The Hirer shall settle any fine or penalty from the traffic police.
6. The Vehicle is rented with a full fuel tank - petrol for the Suzuki and diesel for Toyota Landcruiser - and shall be returned to the Owner with a full tank to prevent refuelling charges.
7. The Hirer must use fuel only at larger gas stations like Shell and Total. In some of the smaller gas stations, fuel can be mixed with other liquids or additives, which may seriously damage the Vehicle’s engine. 

II Speed Limits 

• 80 km/hour on highways. This might seem limited, but a Landcruiser packed with luggage and camp gear is a heavy vehicle. Because of the longer brake distance, the police classify safari vehicles as trucks. 
• 40 km/ hour when driving through towns. Note that the main highways also pass through villages, so significantly reduce your speed.
• 25 - 35/ hour in the National Parks. It varies per park- check the rules at the gate. 

III. Restricted areas & recommendations

The following areas are only allowed with a Toyota Land Cruiser and NOT allowed with a Suzuki:

a. The road from Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Seronera, Serengeti, and roads inside the Serengeti. The main access road to Seronera is challenging due to the rocky surface with washboard ribbons. We cannot stress enough to drive slowly (25km/h) and carefully on this road! 

b. Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Suzuki is only allowed for safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater. The rest of the NCA is off-limits.  

c. Road towards Lake Natron.

d. Nyerere National Park

8. Travel to Lake Tanganyika and Gombe Stream National Park is only allowed with a Land Cruiser and upon prior written confirmation by RTA. Western Tanzania lags behind in terms of economic development and very few tourists make it to the far West. The road network is not well maintained, and it is challenging to follow up adequately in case the car has a mechanical problem.

9. For your safety, the Hirer is not allowed to drive in the dark before sunrise (approx. 6.30 AM) and after sunset (19:00 PM), unless the Hirer has specifically asked for permission and the Owner has agreed otherwise. 
10. The Hirer is not allowed to cross any international borders without prior written approval from the Owner and additional insurance coverage by issuing a valid COMESA yellow card.

IV. Maintenance

11. All Vehicles are checked and serviced before being rented out, and you will receive the Vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition. The Hirer shall return the Vehicle in the same condition as it was provided at the start of the rental.
12. You are responsible for the Vehicle during the rental period, and you will use the Vehicle following good driving practices and in compliance with all laws. This vehicle maintenance includes checking engine oil and other lubricants, coolant water, and tire pressure. The Hirer shall cover the costs of the Vehicle’s maintenance during the rental period. 
13. If any dashboard warning lights illuminate, the Hirer should consult the car symbol checklist and, in case of doubt, contact the office in Arusha. 
14. Please note that we don’t do field repairs or send a replacement vehicle when there are problems with the A/C or your fridge. Wiring and piping are sensitive and suffer from bumpy roads and dust. Sadly, the knowledge and equipment (Frigo gas) to repair A/C or fridges are unavailable in the field. We understand it's unfortunate when your fridge stops working. In the rare case this happens, do let us know, and the office in the Netherlands will issue a refund for the fridge rental. 

V. Mechanical breakdowns & repairs

15. In case of a breakdown, always contact the Roadtrip office in Arusha first. You can reach us 24/7, and our main goal is to get you on the road as fast as possible. Each problem is unique and requires a tailor-made solution. Usually, the best solution is to get the car repaired in the field. We will direct you to the nearest workshop or send a mechanic. Ensure that the office is always contacted for authorization before any repairs to the vehicle. It's not uncommon that mechanics in the field try to give you the wrong impression, stressing that many things need to be worked upon and overcharge as a result. Please do not pay the mechanics or even give them a tip. The Tanzania team handles all payments. 
16. When a problem with your car can’t be solved within 24 hours, a replacement car will be provided from Arusha. Time lost within those 24 hours is at your own expense. Roadtrip Africa cannot be liable for refunding park fees, activities, or hotels.

VI. Accidents


17. In case of an accident, whether it is your fault or those of the third party, the Hirer shall always immediately notify the office in Arusha and take pictures of the damaged Vehicle and the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident, and process and clear a police report. 
18. In case of an incident involving one or more vehicle(s), details of these vehicle(s) and their driver(s) should be identified and reported, such as the driver’s ID, telephone number, number plate and insurance registration number.
19. After an accident, the Hirer should not leave the Vehicle unattended.

VII. Damages, waiver and Insurance

20. Subject to this clause, the Hirer is liable:
a. for the loss of or any damage to the hired Vehicle during the rental period;
b. for all third-party property damage of any person, which is caused or contributed to by the Hirer or an approved driver or which arises from the use of the Vehicle by the Hirer or an authorised driver;
c. for all third-party bodily injury, which is caused or contributed to by the Hirer or an approved driver or which arises from the use of the Vehicle by the Hirer or an authorised driver; 
21. In the event of an unintended collision between the Vehicle and any other object (including another vehicle) during the rental period that results in damage to the Vehicle or to the property of any third party, RTA waives your liability under clause 20, provided: 
a. RTA agrees that you and/or the approved driver were not at fault; 
b. you have complied with the terms of the Rental Agreement; 
22. In the event of theft of the Vehicle during the rental period, RTA waives your liability under clause 20, provided: 
a. the car was parked at a secured, private compound, and there are clear signs of a break-in ( such as a damaged garage door); 
b. you have processed and cleared a police report;
c. You have provided RTA with any details of the incident that RTA requests  
23. RTA will not waive your liability under clause 20, and the damages arising thereof will not be subject to coverage by the Insurance if any of the following events has occurred: 
a. Driving more than speed limits. 
b. Single vehicle incidents or rollovers.
c. Damage to the Vehicle is caused by lack of proper care/maintenance of the vehicle. For example, when you see the overheating symbol on the dashboard, you must stop driving immediately. 
d. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
e. Driving on restricted roads/areas.
f. Water submersion or salt water damage is caused
g. Wrong fuel use  
24. An excess fee of a maximum of USD 250 applies, also known as the “deductible”, which is not covered and is the Hirer’s own risk  
25. The following damages do not fall under the waiver subject to this paragraph and are NOT covered by the Insurance:
a. personal bodily injury and/or belongings of the Hirer or the approved driver. The Hirer is advised to obtain travel and medical insurance;
b. Tires: The vehicle is rented out with good quality tires, but having a flat tire can happen during the road trip, and repair is at the expense of the Hirer. If any of the tires are damaged beyond repair, the Hirer must replace it with a tire of the same dimension, type, and wear characteristics, and the cost is for the Hirer's account. Always call the office in Arusha for advice on which tire type is suitable.
c. Underbody coverage: damage to the underbody of the vehicle is considered a result of careless driving. 
d. Windows.
e. Camp gear: damages to our tents and camp gear set are not covered by the insurance, and repair and/or replacement costs are forwarded to the hirer. 

VIII. Liability

26. RTA shall not be liable for any loss and damage of personal belongings and bodily injury of the Hirer and its travel companions. The Hirer is advised to take out travel and medical insurance. 
27. The Owner cannot accept liability or pay compensation for unforeseen circumstances beyond its control or its staff, including flight delays/cancellations or force majeure such as war or threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist acts, border closure, acts of government or other authorities, strikes, thefts, epidemics, road closures, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, extreme weather conditions, fire, technical and/or mechanical problems to transport and all similar events beyond the Owners control.
28. RTA strives to maintain accurate and current information on its website. However, no claims or rights can be guaranteed or derived from our website's content. It is your responsibility to independently verify any information before relying on it.

IX. Security bond

29. A security bond of € 500 is required through Credit card reservation. When the vehicle and camping equipment are returned in acceptable condition, the Credit card freeze will be released. Any losses or severe damages to the camping gear shall be charged to the Hirer at replacement value.

X. Tours with accommodation - payment terms and cancellation policy

30. Payment terms

After you have confirmed your booking, you receive an invoice with the payment details. a 40% deposit payment is required to confirm your trip so that RTA can pay the required deposit for your accommodations. 

The balance of your invoice - 60% - is due 7 weeks prior to the commencement date of your trip. Bookings made within 7 weeks prior to departure are subject to full payment at the time of confirming the proposal. 

It may be that a proposed accommodation is not available anymore. If this is the case, we'll suggest the most suitable alternative and ask for your approval. Of course, we'll balance any rate differences.

Payments are made to the Roadtrip Africa Euro bank account in the Netherlands. We accept Credit Card, Bank transfers or Ideal (Dutch customers only).

31. Cancellation policy

In the event that you cancel or reschedule your booking, RTA will levy cancellation charges as defined below: 

• Up to 7 weeks before the start of your trip: 40% cancellation fee of the total trip amount
• Between 48 - 21 days before the start of your trip: 70% cancellation fee of the total trip amount
• Less than 21 days before the start of your trip: 100% cancellation fee 

Take out travel or cancellation insurance if you want to be covered.

XI. Car hire only - payment terms and cancellation policy

32. payment terms

After you have confirmed your booking, you recieve an invoice with the payment details. A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total contract amount is required to confirm your car rental booking. Payments are made to the Roadtrip Africa Euro bank account in the Netherlands. We accept credit card, bank transfer, or Ideal.