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What to Look for When Hiring a Car in Uganda

Have you already booked your rental car for your travels in Uganda? Once you have made your reservation with any car rental company, it is very important to follow some of these tips so that you ensure that you minimize additional costs. Knowing these essential things will help you avoid problems once you have rented a vehicle and you will definitely enjoy your travels.

• Ensure you have a driving licence and that it is in date. This may be a photo licence or a paper licence. Drivers from overseas can drive any car as long as they have a valid licence from their home country. You will also need to have a credit card to act as a deposit when you pick up your vehicle.
• Thoroughly check the car hire agreement before signing. You should pay particular attention to any extras such as personal insurance to ensure you are happy to pay for such services as well as the terms and conditions. These may limit you to a specific number of miles per day or may be unlimited mileage. Remember that you can use your own child seats to cut costs in case you have children.
• Before driving away, check for any damage to the car and report this to the rental desk. Familiarise yourself with the controls and how to fill up on fuel. You should also be aware of what the fuel policy is as getting it wrong can be costly – for example if you return it empty when it should have been brought back full. You should be careful with this
• If you are not familiar with Ugandan roads, you can read the Highway Code which includes all the rules a driver needs to know for car hire in Uganda, including speed limits and road signage.
• Ensure you check for tolls on bridges, tunnels and some roads so that you have the appropriate money to pay, and be aware of fees for entering specific destinations and this includes border points, National parks. If you fail to pay these, your car rental company will charge you for them as well as a handling fee.
• Parking in Uganda is heavily regulated and fines are imposed when fees are not paid as appropriate. Check the rules before you park. In the worst cases you could find your Uganda hired car towed away from where you parked it.
• When returning your vehicle, ensure you have it signed back in as complying with your agreement. This prevents later charges for things you were not aware of such as refuelling or damage you did not know was present.

All in all endeavor to read carefully the rental agreement from the rental company to avoid some of the above unintended situation on either your trip or after the trip. We wish you nice travels through Uganda.

Deal of the Day

Looking to renting a car in Uganda? Car Rental Uganda offers the best deals on car hire in Uganda on both chaffeur and self drive options.

Best Safari Cars To Hire on a Road Trip to Uganda

planning to rent a car in Uganda for a self-drive Road trip? Need the best safari car for your honeymoon? A 4×4 car is the best option for all those visiting the remote areas of the country. With our classic 4×4 safari rental cars, self driver’s do not have to worry about how they can get to their dream destinations. We have made everything possible for you to make your dream come into reality. We are a premier provider of 4×4 safari vehicles in Uganda with a fleet of comfortable rental cars right from 4×4 station wagons to safari land cruisers, safari vans, super customs, Rav4 to mention but a few.

4×4 safari vans

We have the best 4×4 safari vans for hire. They have a pop-up roof for you to have a breathtaking view of wildlife with your dear one while on a honeymoon safari in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park.  Our classic Safari van rental cars carry about 5 to 10 people and they come with adequate space for you, your luggage.

Rent one of our safari vans and a driver who is experienced, knowledgeable, and well-versed with routes to the iconic honey destinations and you will be filled with lots of lasting memories.

Customized Super Customs

We also have 4×4 customized super custom cars for safaris with a carrying capacity of 5pax, air conditioning, pop-up roof, clear windows. They are pocket-friendly, comfortable, and can be rented plus a driver.

Toyota Rav4

Embark on a self-drive road trip with our classic 4×4 Toyota Rav4 to any of your dream honeymoon safari destinations. Our Rav4 rental cars have features like air conditioning, FM radio, powerful engine, steering, 3-5 doors, and many others. Toyota Rav4 is an exceptional SUV model rental car ideal for honeymooners on excursions in Uganda.

Land Cruiser V8

Our classic Land Cruiser V8 is exceptional for your self-drive safaris in Uganda. They are perfectly designed with exceptional interior and capable of tackling any kind of terrain in the remote countryside. Our 4×4 Land Cruiser V8 has incredible features like a seating capacity of 4 to 5, air conditioner, CD player, automatic transmission, 5 doors, 4wheel drive, centralized door lock, airbag both for driver and clients.

5 of the Best Mountains to Hike In Uganda

When you think of a safari in Uganda, expect to enjoy not only its big game or mountain gorillas but also challenge yourself in any of this country’s most magical mountains. Uganda features many mountains both block and volcano mountains making it an ideal area for mountaineering adventures. For those of you who are planning to visit this landlocked country this season for gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest & Mgahinga national park, it is important that you also include mountain climbing onto your travel plan and indeed you will have a complete travel experience. Among many mountains you shouldn’t miss to explore while on mountaineering adventure in Uganda include;

Mount Rwenzori

This is also popular as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and features the highest peak in Uganda and the 3^rd in Africa. This magnificent mountain lies in western Uganda just at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This mountain range expands for hundreds of kilometers and features massifs like Speke, Baker, Emin, Luigi di Savoia, Gessi and Stanley. A hike to the Rwenzori Mountain summit requires adequate time and physical wellness in you. For a complete hike, you need at least 8 days or more to get to Margherita peak which is the highest peak. It stands at altitude of about 5109 meters and while on its summit, you will be amazed by the dramatic views of its surrounding areas and the snowcapped part of this magnificent mountain. There are many trails that take hikers to the summit and each trail rewards you with amazing views but require different physical fitness levels. Before your actual hike, make sure you do adequate exercise so that you complete your hike.

Mount Elgon

This mountain suitably lies in the eastern side of Uganda just at the border with Kenya. It is one of a kind mountains you need not to miss to hike through.

Mount Elgon stands at elevation of about 4321 meters and features as the 8^th highest peak in Africa and 4^th tallest in East Africa. Way back, it featured as Uganda’s highest peak but due to continued erosion, its height drastically reduced. The highest peak of this mountain is Wagagai and features the largest caldera in the world. As a national park, it inhabits variety of wildlife species including forest monkeys, birds, buffaloes, small antelope families, elephants a mention but a few. As you go downslopes, you will find caves of various sizes, waterfalls and many water polls.

Mount Muhavura

Photography by Adam Bacher

This is also usually spelt as Muhabura also locally popular to the Bakiga and Bafumbira as the highest volcano on the side of Uganda and second tallest in the 8 Virunga Mountain ranges. It stands at altitude of about 4127 meters and hiking through this volcano is ideal while you are on the Rwanda side and also Uganda. While at the summit, you will have breathtaking views of the surrounding areas especially Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo.

Mount Gahinga

To hike through this volcano, you need about 6 hours for ascent and descent. It stands at elevation of about 3474 meters and features beautiful Crater and giant lobelia. For those of you who may be lucky enough, you can chance to see golden monkeys as they jump around the bamboo forest in this area.

Mount Sabyinyo

This volcano lies at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is best hiked on the Uganda side and due to its rugged terrain as well as many Crater Lakes on the Rwanda and the DR Congo side, it is more challenging for one to hike through this magnificent Virunga Volcano on these two countries. Given the shape of this mountain, it is however known as the old man’s teeth in Kinyarwanda. It derived its name from Kinyarwanda word Iryinyo denoting a tooth and it is notably an extinct volcano in eastern Africa. Around its slopes, there are a number of wildlife including the rare mountain gorillas. You can hike through these three volcanoes while you are on Uganda gorilla safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National park-one of the 4 only national parks in the world where you can find mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.

In conclusion, Uganda is a true adventure paradise not only does it reward you with breathtaking wildlife encounters, primate adventures but also take you through challenging and thrilling mountaineering experiences. If you are adventure enthusiast, the above mountains should be a must for you to hike through and you won’t regret in life.

Best 5 Safari Cars for Self Drive in Uganda

Are you looking to a self drive safari in one of Uganda’s national parks? Are you interested in self drive adventures but you do not know which car is the best for you to drive while on vacation in Murchison Falls National Park? Whereas self drive tours have become one of the most sought after experiences in Uganda, getting the best car for one to use while on vacation is entirely something that requires adequate planning and time for you to search.

With our best car rentals, there is no need to worry about what type of car to get you around Uganda as we have variety that covers all travelers’ interests when it comes to African safaris. Getting to and from Uganda parks requires that excellent 4 by 4 wheel drive car that can help you navigate through the remotest routes in Uganda. We offer variety of car rentals and hiring one will certainly make your safari successful. Our fleet of car rentals for you to grab for self drive in Uganda include;

Toyota Prado

Toyota Prado features as one of the best car rentals that you should consider hiring to make your self drive adventure a success. Toyota Prado is one of the most famous 4 by 4 wheel drive cars in Uganda that are worth renting for your self drive safaris. It comprises of categories like Prado TZ, GX, TX and 3 liter turbo. The Toyota Land Cruiser accommodates about 5 visitors plus driver. You can hire this type even without a driver and it is good when it comes to consumption. It features luxurious space for you to pack your cargo and camping gadgets. It is the best for one to hire while on road trip to any protected area including Murchison Falls National Park.

Toyota Rav4

Toyota Rav4 features as one of the most excellent compact SUVs when it comes to self drive adventures. This comes in both manual and automatic transmission and it has 3 or 5 doors with engine of 1990cc and it does well despite weather pattern. It is the best given its low maintenance costs and come with excellent fuel mileage. The rear can as well be folded down and more room can be created for visitors’ cargo packing. It is best for couples or even if you are planning to travel as five people.

Super custom or Hiace or Minibus

These categories are best to be hired for bigger groups and family safaris and they accommodate up to 14 travelers. It come adequate space for cargo but this depends on the number of travelers and how many days you intend to spend while on vacation at the park. Long safaris require more cargo unlike shorter tours. They also come in manual and automatic transmission with a pop up roof or sun roof, air conditioners and many more.

You may also opt for Nisan Patro and this is a diesel car, 4 wheel drive car and accommodates four visitors with adequate room for cargo packing.

Customized Jeep

This safari car comes with freezer and uses diesel. It accommodates up to 3 travelers and features adequate space for cargo packing.

There is also customized Jeep S which equally uses diesel and has freezer, charging system, accommodates about seven travelers and features adequate room for visitors’ cargo.

Safari Land Cruiser:

Safari Land Cruiser comes as a 4 by 4 wheel drive car and it is commonly used by tourists who are interested in guided safaris and camping experiences in Uganda. It accommodates about 8 (eight) visitors and it comes with a sun roof for you to catch a glimpse of wildlife and surrounding areas.

In conclusion, there are several car rentals that are available for you to hire for your self drive adventures in Murchison Falls National Park. This protected area features as Uganda’s largest national park and it is credited for the big four of the big five game in Uganda, birds and several savanna grassland as well as forest wildlife species. With the above listed cars we believe that you will have the best choice to make and your vacation will have a very memorable.

All About One Way Car Rental in Uganda

Are you planning to travel to Uganda or Rwanda for vacation? Are you at the airport or you are stuck because of the cancelled flight? With variety of one way car hire services that are operating today, there is no need to get stranded at the airport or after the flight has been cancelled. One way rental is money paid to pick up a car rental from one area and drop it to a different site. Most car rentals charge this cost mainly to cover the charge of taking the car rental to its original place. This usually applies when one takes a car hire between towns or rather between airports or even between states. They can be charged between 2 rental places in the similar town areas. Visitors of this category will be required to pay for a one way fee when picking up their car hire. Many of the car rental agencies require visitors to pay the one way fee using the same credit card that they used as a security deposit whereas others will allow you to pay the cost with another card. You can still pay your one way fee using a local currency meaning in case you are renting a car while still in your home country, you can pay for a one way fees using different currency from what you used to pay for your vehicle. In case your one way tour cuts across border countries, you will be required to pay a cost in the currency of that specific state where you will pick up the vehicle.

Getting the best deal of a one way car hire from a tradition car rental agency in most cases is something very challenging in life. There are very many rules attached to pricing and destinations and these regulations differ from brand to brand. Most car rentals may not even allow a one way car rental in Uganda given that it is an expensive mode of travel.

It is usually simpler to get a car rental using a comparison site that lists several results from lots of varying brands all in one area. However, note that some car brands charge huge amount on one way rentals based on the value of cars and this means that you can choose the smaller sized one in case you are a budget traveler. Researching for the best car hire deal with our reputable car rental company will help you have access to that perfect car brands that will meet all your travel interests.

To enjoy better charges out of one way rentals, you have to reserve your trip in advance. In case you know that you are to pick up and return the car to different locations, then it is better that you begin searching for them before. In case you are reserving your car rental using the same pick up and return place and after you change it, you are most likely to incur additional costs. Check for all inclusive deals. Most car hire agencies tend to combine the one way costs in the price you pay online for while reserving a car and this means there will b nothing to pay while picking up your ride for vacation. All the details are included in the terms and conditions in the vehicle that you will chose for your vacations.

In case you reserved direct vacation and you decide to return the car to different place prior your rental commencing, you will most likely to pay a cost a bit higher than for hire itself. Changes in vacation get affected by the current costs and they are most likely to hike. This means that the later the changes, the higher the costs for car rental. The one way fees are charged on top of the car hire costs up on arrival to pick up the vehicle.

In case you choose to return the vehicle in new location after you have picked it up, you will be penalized. These costs can even be higher and it is better to avoid this scenarios.

When you are making reservation for one way car hire, you will get references to the cost in a few different areas. First, you will see the list of available vehicles with locations and dates that you have selected. More details can be spelt out in the terms and conditions of car deal of your interest. A fee will be indicated in paperwork that you will sign at the counter. Once you get a bank statement, you get the fee indicated as cost from the car rental agency. All the fees they have charged will be summed up. You can also see the breakdown of all the costs in the paperwork that you will get while picking up and return car hire. The cost of these car rentals is largely based on the distance and also if your pick up and return is in the same location or not.

In conclusion, one way fees are worth paying for by travelers as car rentals are picking up and returned to different locations all together and at times some visitor disobey the rules and drop the car where it wasn’t agreed and yet it this will turn to be costly to the car hire company.

Common Car Rental Mistakes to Avoid

Many people turn to car rentals as their best ground transportation while on a vacation, business and political engagements. But sometimes they end up having some misunderstandings between them and the car rental agency and also they may have to pay more money for the car hire services since they have violated the agreement. This results to customers cursing car rentals services. Some people make these mistakes ignorantly while others are just careless or reluctant.

These are the commonest mistakes made by travelers on their car rental services.

They forget to check the condition of the car yet this is a must thing to do on car rental services. The traveler has to check the car before taking for his/her vacation. One is supposed to check if there are some damages and dents on the car and also should check the mechanical condition of the car. It is recommendable to take pictures of the car. This helps one to know which damage she/she is liable for in case one happens. But sometimes, travelers make a mistake of not checking the car thoroughly and end up arguing with the car provider about the damages that may happen to the car i.e. everyone denying the liability of the damages.

Some travelers do not read the terms and conditions carefully. This is the commonest mistake people made on car rental services. Some people do not take a keen eye on some clauses of the car hire agreement and of which these can make them pay more for the car hire services like limited mileage clause, early return and return fuel refilling clause. You have to read the agreement so carefully and do not miss out a single clause because if you go against it, you are likely to pay a big premium for compensation.

Do not search on the internet for the best car rental services. Some people just use the car hire services that they come across other than making some research on the internet to get better deals. There are so many car rental companies offering good services at affordable rates on the web. When one does not use the internet is more likely to get cheated on the prices since he/she might not know the standard price of certain car rental and end up paying much more money on low priced Uganda car hire services.

Furthermore some people only use the internet to find car rental services leaving out checking offline. Although internet has the best deals, endeavor to check offline too. It is best to check both online and offline, you never know the car provider might have forgotten to update his/her website yet when you go the offices physically you might land on a better deal.

If the above mistakes are put in the mind and amended, the traveler can have the best car rental deals which are comfortable, reliable and safe and pocket friendly.

Get the Best Out of Car Rental Insurance

Remarkably, Renting a car is not some easy task as it comes with some risks if any damages happen to the car while driving it. Remember a car is a very expensive item to obtain and any of its parts when damaged comes with an expensive price to amend it or replace it. Yet sometimes when enjoying your expedition, you would not want something to disrupt your trip like making unbudgeted expenses like damaging a rental car.

It is absolutely commendable to have car rental insurance before you embark on driving a rental car for a self drive tour. Way back car rental companies would not offer car rental insurance and this was a big problem as it left very many self drive travelers frustrated as they were liable to any damage that would happen to the car which meant they had to pay lots of money for compensation. However, as tourism and travel evolved and developed, there were means devised to make self drive traveling less risky by coming up with services like car rental insurance and road assistance.

In most scenarios, travelers would like to rent a car and traverse across different tourism destinations with a hitch on the tour but sometimes due to unforeseen incidents, a plight can befall on to the car while driving it and worst of it one is requested to pay for the damages caused which accumulates the expenses of car rental services. This normally frustrates the traveler because his/her budget is strained and it can lead to a bad trip. However, in order to avoid such crises it is advisable you get a car rental insurance that can always act as a financial back in case of any damage to repair.

This is what the car rental insurance does for the traveler; it makes the driver or the car renter less liable for any damages that might happen to the car while driving as when the car is insured against any damages. The insurance company is always in contention to compensate for the damages that occur to the car as stipulated in the insurance policy and agreement. The car rental insurance is much cheaper than what you may think as it is included in the car rental pricing package and you cannot feel its real value as it immersed in the final price of the car rental services. Unless otherwise where one is required to pay for excessive insurance fee as this covers for the damages that may happen to the car which are not included in the insurance coverage.

The car rental insurance is usually comprehensive insurance and third party insurance. Comprehensive insurance is where by the rental car is protected against any damage that may occur to it while driving but beyond that the car renter is liable to paying the damages. On the other hand third party insurance is where by the rental car is protected against any damages it may cause to other parties like property and pedestrians along the road while driving. In Uganda there is always a minimum amount of money of the damage that is insured as agreed by the car rental company and you and that is normally US 150 below that the car renter is supposed to pay for the damage.

With car rental insurance, the car renter is less liable of damages that can happen to the car while driving and this gives the traveler the luxury of enjoying his/her trip with less worries of car rental in Uganda becoming a nightmare as it might be with the car rental that is not insured as it puts the car renter on the risk of paying a large chunk of money if the car is damaged while driving it.

Gorillas atop as Uganda’s Biggest Tourism Foreign Exchange Earners, Hints Minister

Gorilla Tourism has once again topped Uganda’s foreign exchange earners. Speaking on Wednesday at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala ahead of the second Congress of the African Primatological Society (APS) to be held September 3-5, the tourism minister Ephraim Kamuntu said that Uganda’s tourism is the top foreign exchange earner bringing in US$1.4 billion ahead of remittances adding that the sector is nature-based which translates that it flourishes on wildlife like Mountain Gorillas.

The minister further commented that Uganda used to thrive on incomes from the three Cs (Coffee, Cotton and Copper). “Not anymore,” according to Kamuntu, adding that tourism employs 8% of Uganda’s labor force which he estimated at one million.

Kamuntu described Uganda as a country gifted by nature because it is where the East African savanna encounters the tropical rain forests which forests are homes to wildlife like gorillas. It also has the rift valleys and lakes as well as the great Nile.

These conditions have all largely contributed to the survival of Mountain gorillas in Uganda. Tourists who come for gorilla tracking in Uganda pay about US$800 each for a gorilla tracking permit. Around 20,000 tourists visit Uganda per annum to track gorillas. This has seen mountain gorillas top the list as the biggest tourism foreign exchange earners.

Uganda is one of the only three countries that host the mountain gorillas. These great apes are endemic to Africa and live in two separate habitats; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Mountains, a trans-boundary protected area that spreads through Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

It is estimated that almost a half of the world Mountain Gorillas population is protected in Uganda’s conservation areas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest. The rest of the gorilla population is found in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The endangered (listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List) and highly protected primates are the biggest foreign exchange earners to the coffers of Uganda Wildlife Authority, contributing up to 60% of the national revenue.

The African Primatological Society (APS) is expecting 200 primatologists from Africa, non-African researchers and conservationist from across Africa and other parts of the world.

How to Stay Secure with a Rental Vehicle

Driving in Uganda comes with a wide range of advantages and is equally impressive for an inspirational journey when you opt for a car rental in Uganda. Driving through the cities and rural towns is exciting bringing out the best results or presentations for a self drive safari in Uganda. However the main concern and consideration is the participant’s safety and life. This is very important than the car which is under comprehensive insurance a practice by many car rental agencies in Uganda. Here below we present you some of the Tips  to stay secure for an impressive and inspirational journey in Uganda with your rented car.

Focus on Driving: Like always advised, the 10 – 2 position of holding the wheels is a great idea and point for focusing while driving. Making use of the side mirrors and keeping sight of the road is another idea for focusing. Avoid doing multiple activities when behind the wheels.

Drive defensively: Driving defensively is another idea. Driving in defence of your road actions would definitely keep you safe on the road.

Practice safety: safety first like Making use of the seat belt and the like is very important in staying secure on a self drive safari in Uganda.

Plan ahead: Planning ahead of time gives you the ample time and extra time to arrive on time or go past any unexpected driving barriers during a self drive safari. Traffic stops, flat tires and simple mechanical problems. There should always be time spared for such scenarios when driving in Uganda.

Make use of the central lock: The central locking system is as important as driving defensively or keeping secure. Avoid unnecessary interruptions of car outbreaks when driving, unintended door openings, and keeping your property safe on the road.

Be Cautious with lifts: Just like most car agreements will stipulate, avoid lifts to strangers and if you must give one, keep cautious all the time as you drive. Robberies always sometimes start with strange pity looking humans.

Opt for A driving partner: Driving in Uganda requires a lot of concentration, readiness and time especially when connecting between two destinations. Travelling with a partner who drives can be helpful especially in exchanging driving responsibilities time after time.

Maintain the speed limits: Speed is dangerous and traffic police is always around the corner. How about avoid negative scenarios of self drive in Uganda by maintaining the stipulated speed limits? This will definitely get you through with a self drive safari in Uganda.

Travel with your documents or licenses: Very important is keeping your documents just next to you, passports and driving licenses which are always asked by traffic when driving.

Don’t drive on shoulders: Not in any circumstances should you drive on shoulders during a self drive trip in Uganda. Pull off to the left and let shoulder driving road users go past.

Listen to the local stations: Most important if there are chances of News about something happening in the next destination you are headed to.

Avoid driving at Night: Just like any country, self driving at night causes a lot of attention from other road users especially thieves if you are a foreigner in a country.  It is also too dark and will need your full attention to see something in a distance.