CMK Babies Home is Now Open
Mothers who are finishing their maternity leave in Kawempe division and the surrounding areas have all reasons to smile after an innovative lady opened up a professional babies’ home in Kyebando Nsooba.
Diet
CMK babies’ home takes care of babies from those of months up to those of three years. It is professionally run with recommended diet that include, Milk, Eggs, fruits, soy porridge, Weetabix
The Environment
The clean and homely environment equipped with a variety of babies and infants play toys is manned by home mothers trained to take care of children with a maxim of nurses who are obliged to look after patients the same way a mother takes care of her baby.
Working Hours
The home starts receiving babies as early as 6:00am till 6:30pm at reasonably affordable fees. Mothers who do not use private cars are encouraged to bring their children and hand them over to waiting care taker mothers at Nyanzi road off Nsooba- Kanyanya road just after Jericho Church (from Gayaza direction). This means there won’t be necessity of alighting out of a taxi. This means even mothers who come from as far as Kasangati- Gayaza can still take advantage of this home.
Contacts
Nyanzi road, first corner off Nsooba – Kanyanya road, if one is coming from Kanyanya- Gayaza, branch off from Gayaza road on the left at the point the road from Bwayise touches Gayaza road, drive until you reach the last bend as you approach Nsooba – Kanyanya tarmac road.
Watsapp: +256 708 500 640
Phone: +256 786 364 710
Read MoreWorld’s Smallest Church in Uganda
Nested on top of Biku Hill within Nebbi district in North-western Uganda dwells the outstanding wonder like never encountered before in Uganda. This magical attraction is the World’s smallest Church that stands at a height of 8 feet and width of about 2.5 meters. This mind-blowing attraction is not only known for its beauty but its exceptionalism because in normal circumstances, churches accommodate more than 100 people but this wonderful small church accommodates only three people that include two congregation members and a priest. It is widely known by the locals for its healing powers which is why most people always dream and strive to climb the Biku Hill in a lifetime.
It is believed to have existed from 1996 when a Korean Pastor known as “Song” in partnership with the retired Archbishop of Church of Uganda-His Lordship Henry Luke Orombi constructed this jaw-dropping structure which has in the past years drawn several locals and tourists to Nebbi in Northern Uganda. This Church was established with an aim of spiritual healing for the locals and indeed the church allows people to encounter God in a special way. There are currently nine prayer points on Biku Hill that enable the people to praise, pray and meditate on the word of God.
The first prayer point is found on top of the Hill and has a very big cross, the second point is just opposite the first prayer point and is a Lilliputian structure built in honor of the Lord Jesus Christ and has 12 windows in the western and eastern side that depicts the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ and is exactly where the Pilgrims always pray for several things most importantly for the neighboring countries like Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, South Sudan and Rwanda for spiritual and physical peace and revival.
Prayer point number two rewards tourists with the eye-popping panoramic views of the fascinating Namrwodho waterfalls which is known to be a habitat to the elusive shoebill stork that doesn’t miss in the must-see list of birds on a Ugandan Safari.
The third prayer point is established in the Map of Africa and has two magnificent entrances. It also has ten windows that show the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament of the Bible. This Prayer point was dedicated for praying for all the African countries, mostly the African countries
Prayer point four, five and six are positioned with a large serene garden, with prayer point number four crafted in a format of a Heart showing the Love of Jesus Christ with a cross made of thirty three stone showing the 33 years of Jesus Christ. Prayer point five is a shape of an arrow head that shows the energetic youth speed whereas prayer point 6 features 66 windows that signify the 66 books of the Bible, and 39 of the windows are at the back because they show the 39 books of the Old Testament while the 27 windows show the 27 books in the New Testament. The Point features three wonderful doors crafted in a structure of a man standing that shows people who are well equipped with the Word of God. Prayer point six was made in the shape of al alter which depicts the living testimony that the church is a living offering to the mission of Jesus Christ whereas the rough stones on the cross show that Christians are living stones.
Prayer point seven is a round structure that is shaped in form of a globe and is found at the back of the towering rock with an open-ended Cave at its bottom of which one is supposed to crawl from one end to another to have a glimpse at the suffering that Jesus Christ endured and tourists who visit the site have to crawl for five minutes through the dark mysterious cave.
Prayer point number eight is the most spectacular because contains the World’s smallest Church-known as the Bethel Church that has twelve (12) windows at the entrance depicting the 12 stones found on Aaron’s breastplate that is the twelve tribes of all saints. The ceiling of the Church has seven beams that show the seven rainbow colors that demonstrate the covenant of God-never to destroy the World with floods after the time of Noah and the eastern window rewards tourists with the views of the Cross that is positioned on the highest Peak on prayer point one. This view offers the visiting Christians with a chance to always look up to Christ Jesus. Regardless of the detail and beautiful appearance, it took only 79 bags of Cement and was built with an intention of lasting more than five Centuries before the foundation is weakened.
The last remaining opposite point was made in the shape of a womb along with the prime chapel that is large enough to accommodate over 400 pilgrims hence you will relish a breathtaking encounter during a safari in Uganda.
Read MoreSave More on Uganda Car Rental
Many people approach Car Rental as a lowest-price-possible contest rather than to concentrate on the value of the deal they eventually would get, in terms of what type of car, whether it has air conditioning and automatic gear shifting functionalities as well as the type of service they are buying.
The fact is, Car Rental in both developed and developing countries has now become a very competitive activity yet rates differences for comparable quality and services are relatively small, sometimes as small as $10 to $20 in developed countries and $45 to $120 in developing African countries like Uganda where cars are scarce. On our recent travel to Uganda, we tried out our look and looked for the best deals on car rental in Uganda and indeed am now acquainted with more ways on how to get the best and save on your next trip. After contacting various car rental agencies, we zeroed down with CarRentalUganda.com, a well established agency and here are the tips on how to how to save on your next trip;
- Use the internet – It is advisable to book your rental car early enough on most parts of Africa. The quick way to start on your process is by using Google and look out for possible car rental agencies. Though most car rental agencies are offline we had luck and we found out about 10 agencies and they really offered great deals.
- Look out for discount coupons – this is hard! we only found CarHireUganda.com to be with coupons that can be used to save a few dollars from 1 – 5. Remember these are many beers that you can save. You can find the coupons here http://www.carhireuganda.com/specials.html
- Buy Gas from major urban areas – It is is advised to buy plenty of gas in urban areas. The more you travel into remote areas, the more expensive prices you will find at the gas stations.
- Unlimited Mileage – Always ask your agents whether they can get you a car on unlimited mileage. This will help you save more if compared with limited mileage.
- Make sure that you get a fully inclusive price for your rental car. In Uganda most agencies, their rental fees are all inclusive except fuel. Always look out for that deal! Remember your rental price may not include drop charges for remote destinations and gasoline.
- Avoid Late Returns – Like everywhere else, in Africa you should also get ready to pay the late return charges in case you returned the car late after the agreed upon time.
Nobody likes to pay higher prices more than supposed to do, thus you are recommended to first shop around, browse the internet and check the various rates available at different car hire companies, or even Internet at comparison sites can simplify the task. Make sure you compare apples to apples and not apples to pears.
Read MoreMeet the Gorillas & Chimpanzees in Uganda
As far as tourism is concerned, whenever one hears Uganda, what comes in any foreigners mind is the primate excursions that are always carried out in this country. And not only that, but what also rings a bell to them is the gorilla tracking as well as chimpanzee trekking. However, there are distinctive features that separate these two primates in the way they are tracked and how best one can prepare for both to have an ultimate experience.
Where they are both found in Uganda;
Chimpanzees in Uganda are located in different places but habituated chimpanzees only exist in Kibale National Park located in western Uganda, Kyambura Gorge located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu forest located closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park located in Northern Uganda. We also have orphaned chimpanzees in Ngamba Island which is approximately 23 km in Lake Victoria and can be accessed by boats.
On the other hand, habituated gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. According to the 2013 mountain gorilla census, it was discovered that Bwindi Impenetrable National park has almost half the number of mountain gorillas in the whole while the other population of gorillas are in the Virunga Ranges shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo. Today Bwindi is one of the most popular parks for gorilla safaris on the African continent.
Gorilla and chimp trekking experience compared
When compared, gorilla tracking is a more organized activity both in Uganda and Rwanda and chances of seeing gorillas is above 90%. This is because gorillas live in families each headed by a dominant silver back. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the activity is so organized in such a way that early in the morning, there is an advanced team that goes to the forest to look for where the gorillas would have slept and once they find them, then they communicate to the park head quarters to inform the guides where gorillas are. It’s from here that tourists plus their guide will start the trek to look for gorillas starting from where they slept the previous night until they find them. Once they have found them, they are given one hour to observe and take photographs.
Chimpanzee trekking on the other hand is not as organized as gorilla trekking and chances are high in Kibale National Park and Budongo forest to other places such as Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu forest. The same process of having an advanced team applies to chimps but chimpanzees on the other hand live in communities of around 100 individuals or more and during the day, these communities breakup into small parties to reduce on food competition. Each party is therefore tracked by 6 people. Once you have found the chimpanzees, you are allowed only one hour to view and photograph them.
Family composition
A family of habituated gorillas is trekked by a maximum of 8 people in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga while Chimpanzee parties in Kibale National Park is restricted to only 6 people. While a habituated gorilla family can only be seen by a maximum of 8 people PER DAY, chimpanzee parties are trekked twice in a day (morning and afternoon). Taking a close look at chimp trekking in Kibale National Park, a maximum of 18 people do trek chimps both in the morning and in the afternoon. It is arranged in such a way that each chimpanzee party is trekked by 6 people thus 3 parties for 18 people. The fact that chimpanzees keep on breaking into small parties and regrouping, at a given point, you might find yourselves trekking the same party (18 people) they can join together. This tends to cause confusion amongst tourists if not briefed very well. This sometimes leads to congestion and kills the whole Eco- experience as expected by clients. Mountain gorillas tend to be on ground in most cases and depending on the height of the vegetation, they are better seen compared to chimpanzees which are in most cases up in the trees (Not all the time though as so many people have found them on ground).
What to pack for gorilla or chimp trekking
Both gorilla and chimp trekking requires one to have hiking boots, garden gloves, long sleeved trousers and shirts, rain jackets, sun glasses, huts, a hiking stick and some energy giving foods to give you that extra strength when needed. You might not need a porter for chimp trekking in Kibale but we highly recommend one for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your gorilla trek.
Gorilla and Chimp permits
In Uganda, you require a permit to either trek gorillas or chimpanzees. Gorilla tracking permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs USD600.00 which normally goes down from that in low seasons (Feb-may) to the tune of USD350.00. enabling you to save USD150.00. The above includes trekking gorillas, a guide for the trek and park entrance fees. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda vary according to where you will be trekking them. In Kibale, a permit is USD150 while in Kyambura is at USD50.00 per person and includes guide, park entrance and viewing chimps.
Distances compared
Gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi and Mgahinga and they are approximately 8-9 hours from Kampala while driving and it also depends on which side of Bwindi you are going to. If you are flying, then it might take you around about one and half hours to Bwindi or Kisoro. Kibale National Park is about 5-6 hours from Kampala; Kyambura Gorge is approximately 7-8 hours drive from Kampala while Budongo is also approximately 5-6 hours drive to northern Uganda.
Read MoreInside Uganda: Top Things to See & Do
Uganda, sometimes referred to as the Pearl of Africa is a country which is gifted by nature and is a landlocked African country. It occupies about 236,000 square miles which almost the size of Oregon in the United States of America. The Pearl of Africa lies across the equator and by the northwest shores of Lake Victoria. Our neighbors are Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Uganda National Parks
The country is best known for its unique wildlife in national parks and interesting tourism facilities that have continuously attracted thousands of travelers who take adventurous safaris in Uganda– exploring different regions. There are ten national parks in Uganda that protect a wide range of flora and fauna. From the big five animals to rare animals such as mountain gorillas, there are lots of wildlife within the park.
As you get close to the heart of the cattle in the country, Lake Mburo National park is found. It provides a habitat for diversity of browsing animals including the Zebra, Buffalo, and gazelle. In the west of the park, grasses give way to forests as the land rises up the escarpment of the rift valley. Intersecting the cliff; it is a rapid descent to the valley floor below, Uganda’s lowest point in elevation. The Rift Valley’s dry, hot grasslands contain Uganda’s largest populations of lions and elephants. Just east of the Ruwenzori Mountains is Kibale National Park, a forest with Africa’s greatest diversity of primates.
In the North East of the country, there is Murchison falls national park sometimes referred to as Kabalega National park. It the largest protected in Uganda covering about 3840 square kilometers. The name was given to the point which the world’s longest river, the Nile is channeled through a narrow gorge. In the park, you will find all the big five animals including Buffalos, elephants, leopards, Lions and the Rhinos in the Northern part of the park above the Nile river.
Mountain Gorillas
The most fascinating and curious attraction in Uganda are the endangered Mountain gorillas found in Bwindi impenetrable park and Mgahinga gorilla parks.
Mountains
The pearl of Africa is a home of the Rift western rift valley with unique and interesting features. These include Mount Ruwenzori, Kyambura George amongst which are found in Uganda’s biggest savannah national park.
In the far East of the country, sits mount which is an extinct volcano. This gigantic milestone starts the border with neighboring Kenya. It is protected within a national park popular with mountain climbers. Just outside the park, some of the world’s finest coffee is grown.
The River Nile
In the South Western part of Mountain Elgon in Jinja, there are head waters Southwest of Mount Elgon and near the town of Jinja there are headwaters of River Nile. The river originates from Lake Victoria which is Africa’s largest lake. It lies within the proximity of Central region where Uganda’s capital –Kampala is found. The river cuts the pearl of Africa in two flows. One is towards Sudan and the other towards Egypt and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. Along this mighty river, water sports like white water rafting is carried on. As the Nile River gains speed from the source, it discharges over the mighty Murchison falls, which is protected in a national park of the same name.
Lake Victoria
Moving towards the west, away from Kampala city-Uganda’s capital, the land gradually rises from Lake Victoria’s basin. As you move this side, papyrus swamps tend to turn into Savannah grasslands. The Lake Victoria offers thrilling adventures to tourists. There are lots of beaches within Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja where you can enjoy a weekend fun-filled holiday.
Inside the Lake Victoria also lies three notable islands; the Ssesse Island, a wonderful place to enjoy a holiday and Ngamba Island, an island set aside to chimpanzee conservation. Go chimpanzee viewing on the island and interact with our “little cousins”!
Interesting Culture
The pearl of Africa is a home of a number of ethnic groups. The country has a very rich and cultural diversity. Cultural practices and Ethnicity accompany the life style of every ethnic group and act as unique tourism attractions. There has been a history of ethnically- based discrimination promoted by the governments that divert resources to the resolution of the problems.
The population of Uganda is composed of diverse ethnic varying groups with varying customs and norms. They have played a major role in shaping the behaviors and ways of life of the people of Uganda. In most parts of the country, traditional values have changed due to integration of the people as a result of migration and intermarriages. The outstanding cultural groupings in the country include the Baganda, Basoga, Batoro and Itesot. These are predominantly headed by traditional kings and are not politically elected. A number of languages are spoken though the official language is English and Swahili.
Read MoreWeekend Buzz: Gulu Comedy fans embrace UG Pineapple Comedy Tour
Last Saturday was the first of its kind for Uganda Waragi to officially introduce the pineapple variant to Gulu town spirit lovers at Smiling Panda – Gulu’s number one happening joint.
Silvia from Italy, Sophie from America and Nana from Finland enjoy UG Pineapple
The unveil also hosted a Comedy bit to spice up the whole evening featuring the top comedians in Uganda right now as revelers sipped on the pineapple flavor.
Gulu Revelers get a taste of UG Pineapple
The comedy show kicked off at 09:00pm with comedienne Agnes Akite, Patrick Salvador Idringi, Daniel Omara, Teacher Mpamire, Agnes Akite and musicians Mr. Eezzy and Gravity Omutujju who cracked amazing jokes and entertained Gulu residents.
The dancers were a new addition to the comedy night.
Read MoreSelf Driving in Uganda: Important Things to Know
Self driving in Uganda or preferably self drive car hire is on crucial decision to make if you decide to travel to Uganda. A Self drive in Uganda requires you to hire a car from a local car rental agency and drive yourself un-guided. This is a more common practice done by return visitors to Uganda that feel they can do it as well. However there are many first time visitors to Uganda who know and affirm they can do it on their own.
Self drive destinations in Uganda are mainly the top tourist attraction scattered around the country. From tracking mountain gorillas in the southern part of Uganda to wildlife safaris in over 10 national game reserves east-west-north and south.
Self drive car hire requires you to have wide knowledge about Uganda by taking off months and reading each and every spot about Uganda before you decide to travel on a self drive car hire. There are a few things you actually need to know and affirm you can handle for the incredible experience.
The roads
Many of the roads in Uganda at the current situation are in perfect conditions. Most of the main roads heading upcountry are well paved and easily accessed. However the roads that branch off to main attractions are gravy and a little bumpy but absolutely passable. However others are being constructed to meet the requirements of road safety. Driving on the tarmac roads is 80km/hr as maximum speed and 50km/hr as minimum speed in towns and centres. A lot of traffic policemen are stationed on these roads with speed guns pointing at every car that comes their sight. So if you maintain averagely 50km/hr on your self drive car hire, you got a the first step to your self drive in Uganda a success. These traffic policemen/women are sometimes annoying. You really need to handle them so you go past them.
Driving in Kampala
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and being a capital city of developing country, you will always expect a night mare of traffic in the rush hours. Drivers in Kampala are used to the bump-to-bump drive, only the clever survive. The normal basics of driving cars that you learn in driving schools do not apply here in Uganda Kampala drive. You need to apply friendly gesture to have way ahead. Kampala being a small city with many cars, infrastructure is over used calling for potholes in the city. You will bump into a pothole unnoticed. Traffic lights at some points do not work and drivers will not follow them unless there are traffic policemen. It rilly gets messy in the evenings where everyone is rushing home. You really need patience in you if you decide on a self drive car hire in Uganda
Self drive cars and the rental agencies
Different car rental agencies in Uganda offer different cars for self drive. Some other companies restrict on the kind of vehicle they give for a self drive in Uganda. The most common vehicle most companies will offer you for the self drive car hire in Uganda is the SUV Rav4 a full time 4wheel that is perfect for a max of 4 persons with enough luggage space. The Prado land cruisers are also a common offer for self drive car rental in Uganda but a little expensive than the Suv Rav4s. Other vehicles are also available for hire and given out for self drive but are more sophisticated vehicles that are always given out with drivers. With these cars like the safari land cruisers, its more than just start-engage gear-accelerate and direct. Its more than just you behind the wheels reason most car rental agencies in Uganda will provide these cars with drivers and in any cases with breakdown, the drivers always have an immediate solutions.
Insurance
Insurance in Uganda is not mandatory, but insurance in car rental is a must. Many of the car rental agencies in Uganda comprehensively insure their vehicles inclusive of third party. Always make sure you ask about the insurance policy or read the policies on the websites under the terms and conditions page. However the car rental comprehensive insurance does not cover the medical, injuries inflicted on the parties or on you fall under medical insurance from your own company. Please make sure you have medical insurance just before you make up your mind on traveling to Uganda on a self drive car hire in Uganda.
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Visiting Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park lies at 4000 square kilometers and it has the largest volcanic base in the world. It is found in Mbale district (Bududa) in the eastern parts of Uganda, it is a massive solitary volcanic mountain in the eastern boarder of Uganda and western Kenya. It is a UNESCO heritage and it is a home to over 300 bird species, small antelopes, buffaloes, forest monkeys, elephants and many others.
One day I and my cousin we organized ourselves to visit mountain Elgon National Park. We prepared ourselves and we had to rent car in Uganda from our reliable service provider. After getting the car we the next day morning we woke up and cleaned ourselves, we took a morning tea and then we departed from Kampala using the tarmac road that runs from Kampala to Mukono then to Lugazi to Jinja and then to Mbale where the park is situated. We delayed on the way because our car got a problem which needed to be repaired so the journey took us for almost 7 hrs. before reaching.
After reaching to the park we could not participate in anything rather than renting a nearby lodge in Mbale due to the fatigue we had, the next day in the morning we woke up and cleaned ourselves after which we took a coffee of tea each of us before going in the field. Soon after taking tea we arrived at the park where we received a very warm welcome by the park trained guiders. We paid all the bills that were required from us but our first sight was at the very huge mountain Elgon and large calderas that are clearly seen on the top of mountain Elgon.
We saw many visitors climbing mountain Elgon which looked very interesting and soon we also rushed into the same activity and we really enjoyed it. We also practiced mountain biking from Sipi trading centre to Chema hill in Kapchorwa town where we viewed many water falls from there. We found anglers involving in sport fishing and we asked them to teach us which they did though we didn’t catch any fish since we were still learners and yet the task is very challenging due to the very fast running waters.
Excellent birding activities are also done at Kapkwai forest exploration where we had a chance to view various bird species, we viewed many animals and many bird species from Mount Elgon National Park and got involved in many activities including mountain biking, mountain climbing, birding, hiking, sport fishing and nature walks which we practiced it on our own foot and through this activity we had a chance to view the Sipi falls outside the park.
Before leaving the park, we got to know that along the mountain side the local people grow coffee on the mountain side which is best known as the Arabica coffee or Bugisu coffee as it is mainly known by the farmers.
We completed our tour very late so we could not go back to our home on that very day so we had to go back to our lodge which we had rented. We slept there up to the following day where we left Mbale back to Kampala and this time our car did not get any problem so we did not delay on the way for so long.
Therefore, am happy to tell anyone there who is stuck to where he/she should go and chase away stress and boredom plus having fun that the best solution is mountain Elgon National Park.
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Things to Consider When Renting a Car in Uganda
As a tourist to Uganda, you will have your amazing safari well planned. This however can only be successful when you have rented your own car. For you to have a successful car successfully rented, a number of considerations have to be taken into account. First and foremost, you should ensure that your safari has to go on very smoothly. This therefore calls you to rent a car which suits your travel needs. Often, when you are the road, you will want to feel that you cooked through by the time you reach your travel destination.
Always keep a distance from your traveling in mind. In most cases, when you are travelling for an extended amount of time you may want to invest more of your travel budget into the car rental. This is because it is very comfortable and in the case of passengers and the driver, is essential on long trips. Usually, a larger vehicle is a better choice if you are travelling far from home. You will have more space and a better presence on the road which will increase your safety when travelling in the dark. Then on the other hand, when you plan to rent a car to get around once you have reached your destination, a zippy little number may be a better option. For this case, the Toyota Rav 4 is very ideal for shorter travel distances and very the budget is very friendly. Usually, you will get all the comforts of a beefier car, including space for four passengers and a CD player – with the added benefit of easier parking.
During you safari with a rented car, do not let the weather put a damper on your travel. Do not just rent a car in Uganda that will adjust to your travel plans instead of slowing you down. When taking road trip in Uganda’s Upcountry or the built-up cities and towns, always choose a car the has the features you need to stay comfortable. For this case therefore, a 4×4 car in highly advisable for a successful road trip in Uganda.
In order to have a successful safari, you need to note the number of days you are staying on your vacation or safari in most cases, you will need a spot of extra space for luggage, or a few more travel companions. Therefore, choosing a vehicle with a towing feature can improve your experience. Note that not only will you have more space for loads of luggage for an extended stay, but also you will have more room for those you choose to share you travel experiences with. You should avoid car rental Nightmares during your Uganda Vacation, it is achievable if one gets in contact with the most reliable and convenient rental company in the country.
Once you have rented a car and you are doing the driving yourself, it will become economical and you will avoid nightmares. Booking well in advance is one way of avoiding car rental Nightmares. You must ensure that booking is actually done, before commencing for a tour or safari in the country. In most cases car rental prices tend to hike as it is getting closer to the pickup date, not down. Usually, these prices actually work on a simple supply and demand system and they go up as availability goes down.In case you are traveling during the holidays most especially during Christmas season, in this way one will have the best chance of getting a car at a normal and affordable price.
We will be more than delighted to organize for you a rental car of your choice and also your safari and tour in the pearl of Africa.
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9 Ways You Can Save money on Uganda Car Rentals
Wondering about how you can get cheap car hire in Uganda? The ideas below will help you get a good bargain and save you some pennies that you can use on a variety of other expenses. These tips are shared by experts on car hire as well as past travelers who have used car hire while in Uganda.
- Book in advance
When you book online in advance you will almost always get a better deal than at the counter. And it’s easier and quicker. The last thing you want to do after a long flight is deal with rental car companies at the airport and negotiate a deal.
Be sure to take all your documents with you as proof of hire and your rates to avoid any hassles -scan and save in your email account.
- Check prices frequently
Just like when you search for flights it pays to check prices frequently as they do change – different days can have different rates especially in the peak and low seasons.
And compared to flights, the great thing about renting a car is that reservations often times can be cancelled and re-booked without fees, and in most cases your credit card doesn’t get charged until you pick-up the car.
So if you do book early with no cancellation penalties and the price drops before you pick up your car you can always cancel and re-book. Sometimes car companies will drop their prices just before a weekend if they have excess stock.
- Adjust Pick-Up and drop-off times
When searching for cheap rental cars online, the pick-up and drop-off times are typically in half hour increments. Try tweaking these times and see if it affects your rates.
Sometimes tacking on an extra day to that weekly rental, or even adding a couple of hours to extend it over a weekend, can actually lower your rate. This strategy takes advantage of lower prices aimed at leisure travellers who are more likely to travel on weekends. Weekend rates are great, but weekly rates can be the best of all.
- Book the smallest vehicle you’ll need
Think carefully about what type of vehicle you need. Sure it might be tempting to go for the big SUV or the fancy sports car, but always think fuel consumption and the practicalities of your car.
Being comfortable is important so you enjoy your road trip. Don’t go small and cheap if you are crammed in like sardines.
Book the lowest class vehicle you’ll comfortably need, and chances are you might get a free upgrade at the counter, which often happens to us! Just make sure you can afford the increased fuel costs of an upgraded bigger car!
- Avoid the airport
Off-airport locations are typically cheaper than airport locations because they tack on fees. Look in nearby neighbourhood locations to save money. Just make sure the downtown branch is not on the outskirts of the city limits meaning a long and costly taxi ride.
This strategy is best applied in cities that have efficient and affordable public transport to get you to the dealer without hassle.
You can’t beat an ‘on-airport’ pick-up for convenience, but an ‘off-airport’ pick-up with a shuttle bus can be much cheaper!
- Save on a day’s rental
If you don’t need your rental car immediately, take the complimentary shuttle to your accommodation and book a car for the next day. You’ll save a day’s rental and should pay less being an off-airport location. And do the same at the end of your trip.
- Be wary of one-way drop off fees
Obvious I know, but one-way drop off fees can be huge and make it difficult to find cheap rental cars. Where possible plan your trip so that you return your rental car to its original location.
- Check for unlimited mileage options
Make sure your rental includes the unlimited mileage option and you can take your car where you need to go. The last thing you want to worry about is getting stung for any excess miles.
- Check the fuel policy options
Some rental car companies will require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had in the tank at pick-up. Others operate a fuel policy where you, the renter, must purchase the first tank of fuel and may drop the car off empty – in which case, there may be no refund for unused fuel.
Where the car hire company charges for fuel, the cost may be higher than it would be at a local petrol station.
- Age requirements
In most locations, the minimum rental age is 21 years. Additional fees can apply with certain car rental companies for drivers aged under 25 years or over 65 years. They are defined as more at “risk” drivers.
If you’re not yet over 25 years but are travelling with a companion tell them. Have them be the designated driver to save on this cost.
- Additional driver fee
Extra fees typically apply for additional drivers. However in some states and countries spouses are mandated additional drivers by law. But you MUST add the additional driver’s name to the contract to make any necessary insurance claims valid. Again, if you can get by with having only one designated driver you’ll typically save. Of course, NEVER run the risk of driver fatigue, a few extra bucks is nothing when it comes to your safety and that of others on the road!
- Additional state taxes and fees
Be aware of additional state taxes and fees that may apply if you cross state borders or enter another country. And don’t lie about where you are taking the vehicle, because if you have an issue you probably won’t be covered by insurance!
- Decline the GPS (Navigation system)
If the car navigation system is an extra add on, skip it and use the Google maps app on your phone to save per day.
- Save on Insurance
If you use a certain credit card to pay for your rental car, you may not need to pick up the insurance, as the credit card company does that for you. Ask your card carrier before you travel, and you must use that card to book the rental.
Also, check with your current insurance company to see whether a rental car abroad would be covered under your current policy. Again, call your insurance provider to see if extra insurance is even necessary. NEVER just assume you’re covered!
But there’s no reason to pay for coverage that you already have!
- Don’t use your debit card
Book using your credit card. Not only for added consumer protection and rewards points if it’s a rewards card, but rental companies tend to hold a larger deposit for use of debit cards and the hold on your deposit may take days to be returned.
- Bring your own child safety seat
If you’re travelling with a little one, is it practical for you to bring your own child safety seat to save yourself some coin?
- Ask about specials
Do you qualify for senior citizen, discounts or add-on offers? These discounts can all add up and help you with finding cheap rental cars
- Inspect your car before driving away
Do a thorough inspection of your rental car before driving out of the lot. If you find any damage fill in the documentation -get a copy and take pictures with your phone so you have a time & date stamp. You don’t want to be held liable for damage from a previous driver.
- Check your credit card statement
Once you have completed your rental, double check your credit card statement to ensure any extra charges or fees weren’t added that you didn’t ask for or receive. This can and does happen.
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