5 Reasons to Visit Uganda
Uganda is famously known as the Pearl of Africa because of its good climate, ever green vegetation, favorable temperature, the breath taking land scape, the wildlife and man’s closest relatives the gorillas and chimps. A Uganda safari is a treasure trove of opportunities for fun and relaxation. Recreation is not only the name of the game here, but it’s found in so many different places.
- Wildlife
Uganda as many say its gifted by nature and this is so as it’s national parks have a combination of all the Big five wildlife; the lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos and leopards. Not only does it have the big five but it also has the other wildlife like the antelopes and the different bird species. The wildlife can be seen in the national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Lake Mburo, Kidepo national park.
- Primates
These include the chimps which can be seen swimming from tree to tree and the can be found in Kibale forest national park. But man’s closest relative the gorillas can be found in Bwindi impenetrable forest where a glimpse of the sliver back pounding its chest it’s chest will leave you with a memory to treasure for a life time. Taking a gorilla safari into the impenetrable forest to search for the mountain gorillas is one of the most interesting adventures to undertake.
- Scenery
The ever green vegetation and the beautiful rolling hills will leave you breathless as you en route to the national parks of Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls and Kibale national park.
- Islands
Lake Victoria has over 80 islands which are good for relaxation and also provide a conducive environment for honeymooners.
- Culture
The Pearl of Africa has over 60 tribes that speak different languages with this cultural dimension you can easily make out from its festivals and art forms. The local food of Uganda is another specialty that you will enjoy on Uganda safaris through the Pearl of Africa. Feel free to try the local Ugandan dishes including Luwombo, Nyama Choma, Rolex, etc.
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Services Offered by Car Rental Agencies in Uganda
Looking for exceptional car rental services in Uganda? Well, when it comes to car hire, we are the best providers of a world class car rental services to all visitor travel needs on safari in Uganda. We are that one car rental company you have been searching which believes in high quality. We bring to our clients the best car rental deals suitable for all their travel plans on Uganda safari holiday. Our fleet range from budget, mid-range to up-market car hire. There is no better and easier way to get your rental car than us!
Here are some of our car rental services in Uganda
Airport transfers/airport pick ups
Don’t get stranded upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport! Traveling to a new destination in most cases comes with so much stress. The process of finding a car for hire to transfer from the airport to your hotel/destination can be tedious. But, well, we have you covered with our excellent airport transfers or airport pick-ups. Enjoy our best airport transfers and drop off at a pocket-friendly rates while on your next Uganda safari holiday and you won’t regret in life.
Our car rentals are driven by professional driver guides with the best experiences, knowledge on the various routes leading to distinct Uganda safari destinations. Once you land at Entebbe International Airport, you will meet one of our driver guides waiting for you and after, you get a warm greeting.
Our airport transfers or pick-ups cover various places yet at a lower cost! We take clients from Entebbe International Airport to Kampala capital city. To and fro Entebbe Airport to Jinja city, Kisoro, Kabale, Mukono, Mbarara city to mention but a few. You can be part of our 2 airport transfers categories; the private airport transfers or the shared ride shuttle service.
Car hire
Car hire is one of our best car rental services in Uganda. Think of a Uganda road trip and think not beyond our outstanding car rental services. We are your trusted, reliable car rental agency providing the best rental car deals. Our fleet of rental cars range from sedans, SUVs to Safari Land Cruisers. Depending on your interest while on Uganda safari, you can choose from our best Toyota Premio, Land Cruiser Prado TX, TZ; 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Land Cruiser Extended, Safari Van, Prado 3.0 Litre Turbo, 4×4 Land Cruiser Hard Top, Toyota Super Custom, Coaster buses.
Hotel booking
Our car rental services in Uganda don’t concentrate on only renting out the best car rental deals. But we also go further assisting our clients find/book a comfortable accommodation suitable for their stay on safari in Uganda. Finding the right accommodation for overnight stay isn’t an easy task and without you going through the tedious process, we make things easier for you. Get in touch with our reservation team and we shall find exactly the accommodation type you are looking for.
Gorilla/chimpanzee permit booking
Planning to go for primate safari in Uganda and not sure how easily you can obtain a gorilla or chimpanzee permit? At car rental Uganda, we don’t stop at renting to you a comfortable rental car. But we also go an extra mile to reserve for you a gorilla permit, chimpanzee tracking permit without you necessarily undergoing the stressful process.
We believe in making your gorilla safari or chimpanzee tour a complete holiday that is why many have always trusted our services. You can purchase a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda at US Dollar 700. This presents to you opportunity to track mountain gorillas either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Camping gear/equipment
We also provide the best camping gear suitable within all our clients’ camping needs in Uganda. You can choose from our cooking utensils, folding camping chairs, cups, plates. Sleeping bags, tables, gas, tents, car rental with tents.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
For any plans to go on Uganda self-drive tour, issues of locating your destination shouldn’t be a matter to stress you. We provide our solo travelers on Uganda self-drive safaris with a Global Positioning System. This is one significant travel tool you require to help you find direction and plays a vital role more so in places you aren’t familiar with the routes.
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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.
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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.
Read MoreGaruga Country Resort
From the scenic view of Lake Victoria, beautiful green gardens to honeymoon cottages and boat rides, Country Lake Resort, Garuga is a perfect getaway. Before you opt for a holiday destination abroad, look at Country Lake Resort-Garuga. It may be just what you were looking for the perfect holiday.
Often times, when people want to go away for a holiday or vacation, they think of destinations out of Uganda, which is all well and good. However, there are a number of local destinations worth trying around the country and they will surely make a memorable get-away experience.
Country Lake resort-Garuga is one of those places. It boasts of good hospitality, but most especially its natural green. It is a walk into and through a mini jungle of various floras. The neat constructed pathways that lead you to this eye-catching expanse are artistically marked by well-trimmed flowers and green as well as palm trees that run along the footpaths.
And the beauty extends to the spacious and well-combed gardens in which statues stand both in concrete and metal, beautiful fabrications that depict nature in still form- of gorillas, crested cranes, man et cetera.
This hideaway of sorts is located approximately 25km in Garuga from Kampala. There is a 6.5km stretch off the Kampala-Entebbe highway and there is an imposing signpost that directs you to branch off and more signposts to lead you to the place.
If you’re using public means from Kampala, you can use a taxi going to Entebbe from the old taxi park and ask to get off at Kitala stage and then get onto a boda boda to the resort.
Alternatively you can board a taxi from Kampala to Gerenge Landing site and ask to be dropped off at Bulega Trading Centre. There are signposts which lead you to the resort which is 400m from this trading centre.
It is a bumpy ride on the murram from the main road and sometimes dusty especially during the dry season. But it is worth the effort. The resort offers a get-away from nagging road users, hooting cars and generally the hustle and bustle of busy towns and cities.
What makes it even more beautiful is that it is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. At sunset, residents who wish to fish go out to the fisherman’s rock that has a barrier to ensure the careless or little ones don’t end up in the water against their will.
Those who wish to go boat riding can do so at the beach side aptly marked. There is actually a path that leads into the shallower end of Africa’s largest fresh water body.
Lake Victoria’s serenity is more pronounced at night, providing a favorable environment for you to enjoy your drink, muchomo or tea or coffee as you chat with friends or simply relax.
If you prefer a warm evening by the lake then bonfires are lit on request at twilight. Otherwise a loud night out is on offering especially for those on a corporate retreat who might want to shake their bones.
There is also a disco that goes on into the wee hours of the night without necessarily inconveniencing other residents who might prefer a more quiet night.
If you choose to make your get-away a family affair, then the little ones won’t be left out.
There is a children’s play area to keep their adrenaline rushing. For the sports lover or for team building, volleyball and photo shoots will save the day respectively. Otherwise bird watching and taking forest walks can be equally interesting.
Honeymooners are catered for with themed cottages to make their stay worthwhile. They are fully furnished and detached.
On the whole most cottages are self-contained though differently priced depending on amenities and how long one would like to stay. “We do offer 10 per cent discount for those who intend to stay for at least three days and for those who intend to stay for at least five days we offer 20 per cent discount,” Angella Aluoch, Country Lake Resort’s Operations Manager says.
A number of the cottages will allow you to wake up to the beauty of the peaceful lake and an eagle’s view from the resort’s pier. Management can organize for an early morning warm-up session that starts with jogging at around 6a.m. There is a swimming pool too.
There is a good amount of lounging space at Country Lake resort with an ambience suited for recreation and piped music softy filters through at different points of the thatched shelters. it might not matter that you earn less than your dream salary. It is all about pre-planning and setting priorities where you can allow yourself time off and make it worthwhile, say for your annual leave. Go out and explore.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Safety Tips For Self Drive Tours in Uganda
Self drive safaris are famously the most sought after experiences by travelers not only in Uganda but across East Africa. With our 4×4 wheel drives, self drive tours in Uganda are life time experiences that you must not miss out in life. There are countless car rental/hire agencies around Kampala for you to rent self drive car. You can also access the same services from other major towns such as Entebbe, Mbarara, Kabale and Jinja. This is one of the most amazing travel experiences but given challenging part of driving in Uganda roads, travelers need to be careful and that is why we bring to you the highlight of safety tips. We hope this will help you get the most exciting travel experience in life!
Below is a list of safety tips to help you have wonderful self drive safaris in Uganda.
Make sure that you check the car properly:
Before setting off for your safari, it is better for you cross check with the car’s tyres to ascertain if at all they are in better state to hit on Uganda’s roads and above all, have a spare tyre incase of any thing while on your way. Especially for distant journeys, at least 2 spare tyres are best suited for you. As well, you also inspect the cars water level, lights, oil, seats, wiper blades and any leakages. There is service tag that will help you know when the car was serviced.
Never drive at night:
Self drive safaris can be safely done on broad day light in Uganda given the fact that there are few street lights not only in Kampala but also across major towns. Avoid driving at night hours because dark areas you can be risking yourself with the renowned for robbers. At night, you may not also access any help in case of car breakdowns.
Make sure that you have your road map and GPS:
A safari can bore especially when you keep getting lost and that is why you need a road map or GPS to help you navigate through out Uganda’s corners. With your 4×4 car, you can access the road maps and GPS (Global Position System) without incurring any cost. If possible you can rent your GPS or come along with it!
Obey the traffic rules:
Traffic rules are there for you to observe and they are of significant value as they help safe guard you from any risks while on the road. Ensure that you read road signs and most importantly, never drink and drive, put on your seat belts and the other thing is remind the rest of your colleagues to also put on their belts tight.
Make a stop over and have some food or refuel the car:
By taking a break after some distant drive, is one way for you to refresh your mind, and then get some thing to eat and usually we encourage travelers to purchase enough supplies and fuel for the car. Make sure you refuel your tank around major towns otherwise you will be disappointed reaching in places where there are no fueling or gas stations. An example of protected areas in Uganda or any other destinations, it is rare for you to get fuel station, you have to travel when your tank is a bit full to help you navigate up to that time you return.
When you are feeling tired, you are not advised to drive:
While you are around the park or any destination and you are feeling tired, it is advisable to take a rest and where possible give your colleague to drive but that person must have a valid driving license.
Know the weather patterns:
Uganda’s weather patterns including other destinations keep fluctuating and therefore it is important that you try to regulate the speed of your car to suit the weather conditions. Especially if it happens to rain and given the fact that Uganda’s parks are located in remotest areas, the ground can be muddy and you have to drive slowly on potholes and others may not be passable but once you have a 4 by 4, you will be good to go! While driving on a highway, the maximum speed can be 80 kilometers per hour and 50 km while you approach the trading centre.
Mind about other road users:
You should bear in mind that roads in Uganda are narrow and pedestrians, boda-bodas, cyclists, students, and cattle keepers will also be there squeezing themselves along same the roads that you will be using.
Observe the park rules and regulations:
Since our interest is mostly dependent on national parks, you should therefore bear with the set rules and regulations of any conservation area where you take a safari. They are do’s and don’ts that every visitor to the park must follow. Some of these include don’t walk alone while in the national park, be inside the tent and never keep food stuffs in the tent because you can attract wild animals like lions and hyenas. For the rules and regulations that might break, the fine can be put on approximately shs.100000 for over speeding and $150 for off track driving in the national park. Other strict rule in the park is that travelers are not allowed to hoot anyhow since it is against conservation rules.
Mobile network coverage:
Most of Uganda’s destinations are remotely located and this means accessing good network is also hard. You are encouraged to come with satellite phones to help while in the remotest areas with network problems.
In conclusion, self drive safari can only be safe if the above tips are followed appropriately. If you are new in the country it is better that you consult further with your car hire agency to help you get more knowledge about driving in Uganda. Enjoy your self drive experiences. If you want to hire a car in Uganda, here are the car rental agencies the we trust are
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