The East Africa hire vehicle fuel policy — whether the car is collected and returned full (the full-to-full model standard in Europe and North America) or whether a fuel pre-pay option applies — is an important contract term that is more straightforward in East Africa than in Europe: virtually all reputable East Africa hire companies operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning the vehicle is collected with a full tank and returned with a full tank. There is no “pre-pay the fuel now at a premium rate and return it empty” option common in some European budget hire chains. However, the full-to-full policy contains important detail on what constitutes “full” at pickup, what happens if the fuel gauge at pickup is not at 100%, and who bears the cost of unusual fuel consumption if the actual route differs from the planned circuit. This guide covers East Africa hire vehicle fuel policy for 2027/2028.
Full-to-Full Policy: How It Works in Practice
- At vehicle collection: The hire company should provide the vehicle with a full tank — note the fuel gauge reading on the pre-inspection form and on your own video record. If the vehicle is not full at collection, ask the hire company to top it up before you take possession, or negotiate a fuel credit on the invoice.
- During the trip: All fuel consumed during the hire period is paid by the visitor — fill up at commercial fuel stations (Total, Rubis, Vivo/Shell, OiLibya are the main Kenya networks). Keep fuel receipts.
- At vehicle return: Return the vehicle with the fuel gauge as close to full as possible. Fill up at the nearest fuel station to the return depot — do not rely on refuelling at the depot itself (some depots do not have on-site fuel facilities).
- Fuel shortfall charge: If the vehicle is returned below full, the hire company charges for the shortfall at a retail fuel price (some companies apply a slight admin surcharge on top of the retail fuel price). Returning the vehicle with even a quarter tank missing can cost USD 25 to 40 in surcharges on a large Land Cruiser tank.
Fuel Types in East Africa
- Kenya: Petrol (Super/Regular) and Diesel available at all major fuel stations. Confirm fuel type required at vehicle collection — most safari 4×4 Land Cruisers are diesel (diesel V8 engine).
- Uganda: Petrol and Diesel widely available in Kampala and main towns. Remote areas (Kidepo, Ishasha) have limited fuel — fill to maximum capacity before entering remote parks.
- Tanzania: Petrol and Diesel at Arusha, Moshi, Dodoma, and Dar. Serengeti park gate fuel available at Seronera but at a premium to town prices.
- Rwanda: Petrol and Diesel widely available in Kigali and main towns. Akagera park has no fuel inside — fill in Kayonza before entering.
