An unforgettable Uganda road trip is one of the best decisions you ever take for an African safari and for this journey to be possible, you have to rent a car. Most road trips in Uganda take 500 kilometers or more hence there are some useful tips you need when renting a car. First, why should you rent a Car for Uganda safaris? It should be noted that Uganda is a breathtaking treasure trove and the perfect way to explore its natural beauty and numerous attractions is by Rental Car.
The country also boasts of well-maintained road system hence driving is totally safe throughout the country. Booking a self-drive trip offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace as well as seeing tourist destinations that are not easily explored during group safaris or on public transport. Here are the 7 useful tips when you rent a car;
Make bookings for the Rental Car in advance
It is always advisable to make bookings for the Rental Car as early as possible as a way of saving money on your rent costs as well as having the best selection of safari vehicles. There is always high demand for the bigger SUVs and 4WD safari vehicles during the peak season (June to September and December to February), owing to the increase in travellers to Uganda for safaris and tours.
Choose the right Rental Car
Choosing the right Rental Car is another useful tip and for this reason, go with a bigger car that you can afford, especially when travellers for many days. Remember that road trips in Uganda are long and tiring hence a comfortable Rental Car will surely make your trip more exciting. Having got the Car, make sure that it is well inspected-outside for any bumps or scratches and damages I addition to indicator, hazard and headlight. Also make sure that your windscreen wipers are properly functioning.
Right documentation
Another useful tip when you rent a Car in Uganda is having the right documentation that include a valid driver’s license (preferably an International Drivers Permit), passport and/or National Identity Card.
Always keep left when driving in Uganda
Regardless of what you are likely accustomed to, driving in Uganda is on the left side of the road and therefore being on the right hand of the road considered wrong and harmful driving. Drivers from North America are used to this so it isn’t a new thing. In most cases, the steering wheels of the Rental Cars in Uganda are on the right side in addition to the gear shift and parking brake being on the opposite side to you.
Recommended speed limits
Speed limits on Uganda’s roads vary and therefore be prepared to go through zones of 50 kilometers per hour, 80 kilometers per hour and 100 kilometers per hour for urban areas, rural roads and highways respectively. For this reason, most self-drivers follow these rules and you will notice presence of traffic police in most places in the country.
When driving in National Parks and Wildlife Reserves
Uganda has 10 National Parks and 12 Wildlife Reserves and this information is useful for self-drivers who may plan on exploring them to see the numerous wildlife species. Interestingly, driving through these Protected Areas is straightforward and all you need is to follow the available Park rules. The recommended speed limit is 40 kilometers per hour to avoid scaring the animals and causing accidents as they freely cross the roads. Majority of these Parks have good accessible roads that necessarily don’t need 4WD Vehicles to explore them.
Crossing into other countries with a Rental Car
We are one of the few Car Rental Companies that allow cars to be driven into Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Sudan and Tanzania. This is a very useful tip as safari vehicles in Uganda tend to be cheaper than it is in other neighboring countries. However, you will need an Authorization letter from the Car Rental Company allowing you to take the Car out of the country, an International driver’s permit or National driver’s license and many others. Crossing the border without informing the Rental Company isn’t advisable because you limit chances of third party insurance and all the documents needed for easy crossing always contact the rent car when crossing.
