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10 Tips to Safe Driving in Uganda

A self drive adventure in a new destination like Uganda is ideally interesting and adventurous but requires you to be keen and extra careful while on a road trip. The road conditions in Uganda may not be of European standard. Having adequate knowledge is also essential for visitors who are planning to enjoy a self drive on Uganda’s roads and also observe traffic rules and regulations at all times. While accidents and damages of car hire may be unavoidable, you have to pay attention to some of the tips in which you can reduce the rate at which they happen and that said. One of Uganda’s leading car rentals shares the following tips with visitors who are looking to explore Uganda;

1. Do not over speed on road

Most car rentals in Uganda put emphasis on the speeds that visitors should strictly follow when driving in Uganda. The recommended speed limit for you to drive in Uganda is 80 kilometers per hour while you are on highways, 50 kilometers per hours in urban areas and less while you are in national parks as well as other protected areas where safaris are conducted each day. Make sure that you pay maximum attention to road signs where speed limits are provided. Over speeding isn’t safe and it features as one of the main causes of road accidents Africa and the world at large. When you in a high gear, you won’t be in position to control the car and at the end of it, you will cause road accidents.

2. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs

Alcohol and drugs cause brain impairment and you end up losing sense of judgment especially when it comes to controlling the car. Make sure that you drive when you have not taken any alcohol to allow your brain function well while on road trip. You can bump into a sharp corner abruptly and when you are drunk, you won’t be in position to turn and this may lead into road accidents.

3. Be focused while driving

Try as much as you can not to do anything which takes your attention off the road for instance avoid using gargets such as telephone or computer as well as grooming as commonly done by lovers. This is risking your life on the road and at end, you will bump into another car or road users which may cost you.

4. Do not overtake in a corner

Whereas overtaking is a common practice, it is advisable that you do not do it while in a corner. There are sharp corners and another car might be also coming from ahead of you and you will end up crashing on one another. In most cases, you will come across most of black points marked on the road and if you want to overtake, make sure that you first reach to clear road and alert the car ahead of you that you intend to overtake.

5. Don’t drive for longer hours

Long distant driving is characterized by fatigue and it can lead to loss of focus and in most cases you can sleep off while on steering wheel. It is recommended that you first drive for short distance and have a rest prior proceeding.

As well, we do not recommend you to embark on your trip at night whether you are first time travelers or repeat visitors in Uganda. Given the kind of road conditions in this country, driving at night may not be safe for you.

6. Check the car rental thoroughly

Prior embarking on your actual trip to Uganda’s remotest protected areas for your vacation, make sure that the car that you intend to use is thoroughly checked both its physical and mechanical conditions. Ensure that all the fluids such as oil hydraulics, water and fuel are at their perfect level and also check if the brakes, transmission box and lights. If the car hire is not in its better state, higher chances are, it can break down at anytime when you are still on a road trip and this can spoil all your plans.

In conclusion, there are very many ways that can help you avoid road accidents and damages and with the above listed tips, we believe that you will have the most enjoyable road trip with our self drive cars in Uganda.

Benefits for Traveling as a Group

For many years have been independent travelers-know it all, and I thought it was the best option not until I travelled with my friend. It was the most breathtaking moment, I enjoyed to the maximum and more so I saved some money which I used in shopping, something I couldn’t do when in the times I travelled alone.  Here are some reasons why a group tour is good.

You’ll gain valuable local knowledge

Ounce you travel as a group you will be fortunate to learn many things concerning the local people, including their local language, culture, cuisines, as you will interact with them sometime which may be difficult if you travel as a sole traveler. Ugandans are welcoming people so please feel free to ask them they will respond positively, and in case you are not well knowledgeable with the destination, accommodation, or restaurant, they will help you to direct you. You will hear them calling you ‘’muzungu’’ a local language referring to a foreigners. You will enjoy Laughing up a storm on a group food tour on your safari to Uganda’s top national parks of your choice in a self drive safari.

You can save money

When you travel as a group, you are guaranteed of saving some coins in your pocket, this is due to the fact that you are eligible to share most of the things including transportation, accommodation, guide, and many other items a cross the whole group. many tour companies and car hire companies give a discount to people travelling as a group so you may end up saving some money you may not have saved when traveled as an independent traveler, because here one  incur all the costs as an individual.

You can relax

Navigating a long journey alone can be exhausting especially when you don’t know the language or customs. That’s why joining a group is a right choice, here you can share a lot with your friend even if the journey is long you won’t feel it. Also you can just sit at the back and relax as well also you can do your business on the laptop and live a driver to drive you off, and whole trip will be pleasing. And even if it means crossing from Uganda to Rwanda or vice versa, the tour company can negotiate your visas at transfers at ounce.

You’ll meet different kinds of people

Group tours also have an advantage since you can get to know different kind of people of which you can develop strong relationships. And not only the people you travel with but also you are likely to meet others people at the destination, whom you can interact with, all these can make you tour a striking one.

You can maintain a sense of balance

When time is tight and you’re attempting to check off a long list of activities, having a sound itinerary is vital. Tour groups have the ability to balance engagement in activities and down time to a tee. Though most tours will force in as many experiences as possible, they still retain a degree of flexibility for those who need extra R&R and those who want some solo time.

You’ll share first-time experiences with someone else

Group tour gives you a chance to share your first experience with your friends, seeing a wonder of the world, tasting something new, watching a new culture, reaching your goal are some of the experience you can share with your friend on a safari, but if you travel alone this can’t be reached everything you see or experience you can’t share it to anyone. You spend a lovely but lonely day, stopping strangers to ask them to take a classic and a temple photo, but sharing a special moment with friends and family makes your safari a memorable one

You can find a travel family

If you find that your team is unable to travel with you, organized group travel presents a solution. In case your partner whom you want to travel with is too busy at work and he/she cannot spare time to travel with you, you can resort to a group tour, and you may end up enjoying more. Many families are fortunate enough to travel extensively, so better join a company of individuals with interests similar to her own you will have a memorable safari.

You can make friends for life

You can demonstrate connections that can make you long life friends, for example you can create shared drop box for images, exchanging blog posts and articles, create social network like Facebook, and so the bond created on a group tour can be easily forgotten. Join a group to travel with your expedition won’t be forgotten

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.

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.

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.