What Documents are Needed to Rent a Car in Uganda?

Renting a car in Uganda is a straightforward process, but it requires specific documents to ensure compliance with local regulations and rental company policies. These documents are essential for verifying your identity, driving eligibility, and agreement to the rental terms. Whether you are a resident or an international visitor, having the proper paperwork in order will make the process smooth and enable you to explore Uganda’s stunning landscapes and attractions with ease.

Renting a Car in Uganda: What Documents You Need

When planning to rent a car in Uganda, knowing which documents you need can make the process easier and avoid any surprises. Whether you are a tourist visiting the stunning national parks or a local needing a temporary vehicle, having the right documents ensures you can rent the car smoothly. Here’s a guide to the essential paperwork you will need to rent a car in Uganda:

1. Driver’s License

The most important document you’ll need is a valid driver’s license. This is a must for anyone who plans to drive the car. Here’s what you need to know about it:

• Local Drivers: If you live in Uganda and are renting a car locally, your Ugandan driver’s license should be enough.
• International Visitors: If you’re visiting Uganda as a tourist, you will need to present your valid driver’s license from your home country. It should be in English or accompanied by an official translation if it’s in another language.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): For extra security, many rental companies recommend or require an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your national driver’s license. The IDP is a translation of your license into multiple languages and is helpful if your original license isn’t in English.

2. Passport

You will need your passport as proof of your identity. The rental company may ask for a copy or a scanned version of your passport to verify your details. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Uganda. This helps ensure that your trip remains stress-free and prevents any issues with local regulations.

3. Credit or Debit Card

A credit or debit card is essential for renting a car in Uganda. Rental companies often require this as a form of security deposit. Here’s what you should know:

• Security Deposit: The rental company will put a hold on a specific amount of money from your card, which will be released when you return the car in good condition.
• Card Type: Make sure you use a card that’s accepted by the rental company. Most major cards like Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express are accepted, but always check in advance.
• No Cash Option: Cash is usually not accepted as a form of payment for the deposit or rental fees.

4. Booking Confirmation

When you book your rental online or through an agent, you should receive a confirmation email or document. This should be shown at the rental office to confirm that you have a reservation. The booking confirmation might include:

• Your name and contact information
• Rental dates and location
• Type of car you’ve reserved and any additional services
• Price and payment details

It’s a good idea to print out or download the confirmation on your phone to show the rental company.

5. Proof of Insurance

Insurance is an important part of renting a car, and the requirements may vary based on the rental company. Some things to know include:

• Additional Coverage: For added protection, you can purchase additional insurance coverage or check if your own travel insurance policy covers car rentals.
• Proof of Coverage: If you already have insurance that covers rental cars, you may need to provide proof of this coverage when you pick up the vehicle. Make sure the insurance details are clear, including the policy number and what it covers.

6. Visa or Entry Permit

If you are a tourist, rental companies might ask to see your visa or entry permit for Uganda. This helps verify that you are legally in the country and are authorized to drive.

7. Rental Agreement

The rental agreement is a contract between you and the rental company that outlines the terms of the rental. You will need to read and sign this document before you can take the car. This agreement usually includes:

• The rental duration
• Total cost and payment method
• Fuel policy (whether you need to return the car with a full tank, for example)
• Mileage limits, if any
• Conditions for damages and breakdowns
• The rental company’s contact details

Be sure to read the agreement carefully and ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand.

8. Contact Information and Emergency Details

It’s also important to have the rental company’s contact details and emergency information on hand. This should include:

• Phone numbers for assistance or breakdowns
• Address and location of the rental office in Uganda
• Alternative contact details in case of emergency

This information will be useful if you face any unexpected problems during your rental period.

9. Driving Record (Optional)

While not always required, some rental companies may ask for a copy of your driving record to ensure you have a clean driving history. This can be helpful, especially if you plan to rent a high-value or premium car. Your driving record provides information about any accidents or violations you may have had.

10. Age Requirements

Most rental companies in Uganda have age requirements that must be met. The typical minimum age to rent a car is 21, but it can vary depending on the company and the type of car. Young drivers between 21 and 25 may need to pay an additional young driver surcharge.

11. Other Considerations

• Reservation vs. Walk-in Rentals: While booking a car in advance is the best option to ensure availability, you can also rent a car without a reservation. However, be prepared for higher costs and limited car choices.
• Fuel Policy: Make sure you understand whether the rental requires you to return the car with a full tank or if there are additional fees for fuel.
• Inspection of the Car: Before accepting the car, check for any pre-existing damage and ensure it’s documented in the rental agreement. This avoids misunderstandings when returning the vehicle.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Uganda is straightforward if you have all the right documents prepared. Ensure you have your driver’s license, passport, and proof of insurance at the ready, along with any additional paperwork that may be required by the rental company. Always read the rental agreement carefully and understand the terms before driving off. By following these guidelines and being prepared, you can enjoy your time driving through Uganda’s beautiful landscapes and bustling cities with peace of mind.

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Top Things to See and Do in Entebbe

Entebbe is the town where we find Uganda’s international airport called Entebbe International Airport. It is the main entry and exit to the country and for the   visitors coming to Uganda for the very first time; you will be welcomed at Entebbe international airport   with the tours and travel company you have booked with. The town is a pleasant in the country where one arrives and departs the country.

What is good about Entebbe

It is a pleasant town where one arrives and departs the country since it is a home of Uganda’s International airport. It is a town where one can explore the only Zoo in the country called Entebbe Zoo or Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) and many Islands. The town has got pleasant climate for the visitors to enjoy and it is strategically located on the Lake Victoria, which is the largest river in the world.  This means that on arrival, you can access a simple boat ride when you are still in Entebbe town. The most interesting things in Entebbe however include;

• Entebbe – Uganda Wildlife Educational Center

Most people prefer calling it Entebbe Zoo. The Uganda Wildlife Education Center is quite a good place for you to go and relax upon your arrival in the country. You can go there, walk around and view most of the wildlife found in Uganda. The Zoo is located along Lake Victoria and while here, you can take an afternoon mini safari while enjoying the vegetation, plants and trees which are found within the country. In case you arrive early, you will view chimpanzees within the center. You will do some birding from this place since there are a number of bird species found in this place.

• The Ngamba – Chimpanzee Island

This is a chimpanzee orphanage Island, this one of the best destinations for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.  Currently, Ngamba Island has become a popular add on and most the tour operators make it as an add on to their safaris and tours. Most clients prefer spending there overnight here when they have visited the place.

• The Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens are good to visit during weekends. This because, it is not always busy and during this time, there are few people. This means that you will enjoy nature while at the gardens. You can also opt to spend a full day or half day in this place and the satisfaction derived is very high.

• The Entebbe Beaches

There are numerous beaches found in Entebbe town. These beaches are considered to be the best places to relax and enjoy you day or evening. There sunsets at these beaches is very good since these beaches are located on Lake Victoria.

• Birding and fishing in Entebbe town

You will participate in birding and fishing when you are in Entebbe town. For birders you can easily spend a full day in places including; beaches, Entebbe botanical gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Center and Ngamba Island. Fishing is done along lake Victoria and you will enjoy the catching the large species of fish including Nile Perch, Tilapia and many other freshwater fish species.

• The Mabamba Swamp

This trip is located a very short distance from Entebbe town. It is considered as one of the places in Uganda where you will find the Shoe bill Stork. Not only will you see the Shoebill bard but also many of the water birds are found here.

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Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Or Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is of the thrilling moments that one shouldn’t miss before living planet earth. Under normal circumstances, gorilla trekking go on differing from country to country and experience differs as well. Some of the rampant questions under the spot light here include; which is the best place to do a gorilla trek Uganda or Rwanda? Which is more viable and cheaper: Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park? Is gorilla tracking in Rwanda better than Uganda? So such questions are some of the many that we are going to digest under this article.

Call it gorilla trekking or tracking or whatever comes in your mind, but it’s one of those really delightful, lifetime experiences you should take time for, before you leave planet earth. But where should you go is it Uganda OR Rwanda for Gorilla tracking! Let’s compare relating on gorilla permits, number of people to track pre-day, major challenge with tracking gorillas.

Gorilla Permits

The animation attached to the first setting eyes on a wild mountain gorilla is difficult to describe. Yet in the same sense, that magical one hour spent with the gorillas is worthy a million experiences in either Uganda or Rwanda. Although the experience is the same, it does not come cheaply considering that a permit goes for US$1500 in Rwanda and US$800 in Uganda – but it is unusual to find someone who regretted the financial outlay.

Number of people to track Gorillas
Only 8 persons can visit a given gorilla family per day. In Uganda, twenty gorilla families have been habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP, and so can host 80 persons tacking the mountain gorillas on any day.
Rwanda can also take 80 persons per day. All else being equal, Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park has a slight edge over the rest because its gorillas are the most wholly habituated, and they are often found in bamboo than the dense forest which makes photographing easier.
The major challenge with tracking gorillas

The price of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is undoubtedly at US$750 compared to Uganda’s US$600 per permit. However, Rwanda’s pride is in the ability for one to do the gorilla trek even in one day and fly back home which is impossible for Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is located 116 km from Kigali and can be driven in just 2 hours.

However Uganda’s Bwindi National Park is located 500 km from Kampala/ Entebbe Airport and a drive can take 8 hours plus. In that sense, you will spend at least 3 days for your gorilla trek tour to – one travelling to Bwindi, another doing the gorilla trekking and the other driving back to Kampala/Entebbe. If a tour operator is making you a tour package, he/she will definitely have to consider this cost and include it in your tour cost.

However, the long drive to Bwindi is quite entrancing with great sceneries all through like the Equator at Kayabwe, Lake Mburo National Park, terraced mountains with flowing rivers, and a lot of rural Africa. This is not so really the case for the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.

Some tourists have also opted for flying over from Entebbe to towns near to Bwindi National Park (Kihihi and Kisoro) to track the gorillas. A round flight ticket costs $300 with AeroLink Uganda. In that case you will need to arrange your transfer from the airstrip to Bwindi, and back as well

You will certainly need to spend more on transport and time to track the mountain gorillas in Uganda than it’s for Rwanda although this cost is compensated for by a cheaper gorilla permit most especially in the low season( April, May and November) where the gorilla permit will go down up to US$350.

At the end of the day – the ultimate jury are those who are looking as to which country to visit in order to track Gorillas – it is not Rwanda, not Uganda but where their pockets and hearts choose. If you precisely want the mountain gorillas and nothing else, go for a one-day gorilla trek especially in Rwanda but if you are a one who wants it and all of it, go for the long drive in Uganda – you won’t regret.

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Planning an Adventurous Uganda Safari

You should really go on a Uganda safari; you will have the time of your life. If you love adventure and love seeing beautiful wild life in its natural habitat you are sure to love the amazing views of Uganda. Here people can enjoy the natural surroundings of savanna vegetation, tropical rain-forests in western Uganda and even semi arid areas especially in northern part of Uganda. This actually provides beautiful scenery be one with the nature to a variety of national parks, games reserves. Such national parks include queen Elizabeth national park which is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination

The natural beauty of Uganda is unmatchable. People enjoy visiting Uganda to have an experience which they do not forget throughout their life.Here one gets to see gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural surroundings.

Their safaris are all very fun to go on and you will be able to experience things that few people can say that they have. Uganda safaris as a Uganda’s aggregate tourist potentials are a source of wholesome entertainment with a good deal of adventure in both its life style in flora and fauna.

Actually in Uganda, people can enjoy the natural surroundings of savanna vegetation, tropical rain-forests in western Uganda and even semi arid areas especially in northern part of Uganda. This actually provides beautiful scenery be one with the nature to a variety of national parks, games reserves. Such national parks include queen Elizabeth national park which is understandably one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destination

You will see such great wild life and gaming views that it will take your breath away. The beautiful mountain gorillas of Uganda are an endangered species and being able to see one of these beautiful creatures is truly breath taking.

Discover the ancient skill of fire making as two villagers compete to create frames and observing how exhaustive the exercise is. One actually learns through music and dance with an interpreter presents each performance, translating the words of the songs and explaining the stories in the drama. Several women in the group are widows as their husbands were poachers. The performances give both married widowed women the chance to uplift their social, cultural and economic status.

One can also have cultural adventures in Uganda for example Amazing community members that are too old or confirm to dance are given wooden puppets so that everyone in the community can join. The spectacular live traditional performances accompanied by the music of traditional drums, a flute and a wooden xylophone called Ndere, which can be played up to four skilled musicians at a time.

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How to Get a Good Deal On Uganda Car Hire

Renting are car to drive your self is one of the best way to explore the goodies of Uganda. The pearl of Africa is one of the best locations/destinations to pay a visit before to end of your life. The country is found on continent Africa in the East. With over ten national parks and many more things, Uganda is worthy a visit. Although many people hire care for their self drives, the end up spending much than what they would have paid on there rental car. Below are some of the tips to bare in mind for cheap, budget or good deals on car hire.

Shop the Internet

Look at multiple independent travel sites (three popular ones are Uganda self drive, Car Rental Uganda and 4×4 Uganda Car Hire) and then review three car rental Web pages. Because of special arrangements, you’ll often find that one of the travel or car company sites will have a better deal. Note these companies will provide you with different prices so you will opt to book with the one with the low prices.

Ask about discounts

Most of the Uganda car rental or any other company, do give discounts to their customers. So it would this would be the best option for hires who want to hire cars at low prices as you bargain with the hirer. This on the offer give to those who book for a week and more days.

Time your reservation

Everything’s a trade off. By reserving early, you lock in your car and your rate. But if you rent your car before you book your airline or hotel, you might miss out on a reciprocal deal. So do a little research and ask a few questions before you book.

If you want to book during peak periods, such as long holiday weekends, reserve six weeks ahead or you’ll be blocked out ending up for last time booking which tend to be hire than the pre bookings since you will have no second option. At other times of the year, the lead time varies with the company, but a couple of weeks is fine.

Consider how long you need the car

Although you need the car for only two days, you might get a better price if you rent it for longer. Don’t be afraid to look at a weekly rate, It’s sometimes cheaper compared to a four- or five-day rental.

Look beyond the big guys

Be willing to investigate lesser-known agencies. There are many secondary brands that deliver a quality car at a competitive rate that are not necessarily household names. These are always on the second and third page of google search. And if you like the staff or cars at one agency and the prices at another, ask your preferred agent to match a competitor’s price. The worst that can happen is a “no” and you lose nothing.

Compare non-airport rates.

In general, prices have gotten more expensive at airports, you must asked for an airport pick up from you preferred car rental company which is free for most of the companies.

Shop the counters

If you show up in the country without a rental reservation don’t be afraid to go counter to counter comparing deals. “You’ll be amazed as the difference can be up to 50 percent at the same location.

Think about where and when you want to return the car

If you want to leave your car in a place other than where you rented it, you need to include drop-off charges in your shopping. It some cases a higher daily rate that offers lower drop-off fees might be cheaper.

Book ahead if you have a special request

Need a child safety seat, camping gears, GPS, or a ski rack? Reserve it at the same time you reserve your car. Ask about extra charges and get it in writing.

Ask about mileage

Except for a few, most companies in Uganda give an offer of Unlimited mileage. Though the price for someone who will be in Kampala will be lower than that of Gulu.

Consider gas and insurance

These two items can add to the cost of your rental car. Unless you know you’re going to be scrambling when you drop off the car, offer to fill the tank yourself. Otherwise, it’s usually a pretty pricey fill-up at the rental office’s pump and you can’t take any left over with you.

As for insurance, talk to your own agent first. “Be sure you know what your own auto coverage are regarding renting a vehicle. Most customers don’t know or understand the rental coverage offered at the counter or how their own insurance will treat a rental car. Cars being provided to you in Uganda have comprehensive insurance but this insurance covers only the car so you are advice to have a travel insurance. Are you planning to hire a car on budget, or relatively cheaper price, just click here.

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7 Best Beach Resorts for Uganda Holidays

Uganda is a perfect place to unwind, enjoying the white sandy beaches, bird watching, spot fishing or enjoying the unrivaled views of the lake. In fact our beaches are a perfect place for honeymoon with romantic walks along secluded beaches and candle lit suppers by the lake shore. Uganda is  Great Lakes region so you can have a beach holiday with a couple of days relaxing or have a spa treatment if you would like a little pampering before returning home. After all that, you might be in need of a little rest and relaxation on a Uganda Safari holiday. Why not spend a couple of days at the fabulous beach hotels relaxing and indeed appreciate nature at its best.

Ssese Island Beach Hotel

Ssese Islands Beach Hotel is a Uganda hotel, offering soothing beach life experience for family gateways, group retreats and honeymooners. It is set on the beach front under a canopy of natural tropical forest. Ssese Islands Beach Hotel is one of the top three star hotels in Bugala Island. This hotel gives guests the room to enjoy the Ssese Islands and the experience of tranquility, golf challenge, amazing island view, Zoo and Paradise Park and several other fun activities. The relaxing and comfortable accommodation at Ssese Islands Beach Hotel is divided into self-contained rooms with a balcony each; Camping site with modern bathrooms as well as hot showers all available but not limited. A variety of attractions for business and pleasure are offered. These include beach and picnic grounds and water sports. For recreation facilities boat riding, canoeing, beach volleyball, pool table, game Fishing, Island Excursion by vehicle, guided Forest Walks, Nine Hole Golf Course, quad biking and Zoo excursion. The accommodation is excellent, the bar, offers an array of liquors and the conference center is equipped with modern facilities making it ideal for corporates.

Imperial resort beach hotel

It lies along Khasim Kiwanuka road in Entebbe Uganda and located on the shores of Lake Victoria 7 minute drive from Entebbe International Airport and a perfect place for couples families and business travelers. It is fringed by beaches and palm trees .It is a luxurious spacious resort fully air conditioned and tastefully furnished rooms are spectacular and have terraces which overlook the lake or the garden. The restaurant is superb with a variety of meals and drinks and offers a range of beauty and relaxation treatments plus a gym center. All other facilities are available like, airport pickups, laundry and babysitting services, a world class business center, security and a taxi service. It is 5 km from Entebbe golf club playground and Uganda wildlife education center.

Garuga resort beach hotel

The Resort is located 10kms off Entebbe Airport road along Garuga road. You can branch off on your left from Kampala at Katabi after the mileage sign post reading 15kms to Entebbe town and then follow the sign posts. Garuga Resort is the perfect location for those who want to experience the tranquility of unspoiled Africa. Garuga Resort is a different destination in a special country, situated at the edge of the peninsula and is a definite holiday destination. The Resort is inspired by the African bush with an indigenous setting bordering Lake Victoria and boasts of its secluded beach. Enjoy the tranquility of real country style cottages all surrounded by nature and with spectacular views of Lake Victoria, sand beach, swimming pool and the numerous species of birds.

Jinja Nile resort hotel

Jinja Nile Resort rests on the banks of this magnificent River Nile and offers magnificent views of the Nile and the rich fauna that it attracts. Jinja Nile Resort offers services for both the business traveler and holiday maker. Activities available from the resort include white water rafting and bungee jumping. The cottages and hotel services are spread over 30 acres of gardens allowing one to appreciate the beauty of the Uganda…the pearl of Africa.

Munyonyo common wealth resort

This is the best hotel in Kampala and is one of the Leading hotels in Uganda with best luxurious accommodation, perfect décor to make any event super special, magnificent vicinity, fine dining restaurant for an authentic experience and state of art conference rooms. The hotel also has a number of presidential suites and if you are planning to have a wedding, seminar or meeting, and relaxing this is a perfect place for you.

Sky beach gardens

Sky Beach Hotel is a 3-star venue set just 23.8 km from Ngamba Island Chimpanzee, it is 10kms away from the centre of Entebbe. It overlooks a botanical garden and a wildlife park which provides quick access to a private beach. The hotel has magnificent rooms with good views over the garden, a good restaurant that serves international dishes at friendly costs.

Anderita beach hotel

Anderita beach Hotel is close to the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe. It is luxurious and is the best blend of access to an airport. The rooms at Anderita Beach Hotel are warmly decorated to complement the breathtaking, spectacular views of the Lake Victoria, the Sunset, and the airport. It’s a perfect place for honeymooners, luxurious holidays, and business trips. It has a distinctive restaurant and a lounge to satisfy every appetite for great dining and entertainment. The views of the beach are spectacular and therefore take away the stress with the quiet Lake Victoria view. Email us at info@terrain-safaris.com

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Ultimate Guide to Driving a Rental Car in Uganda

Our legendary road trip Uganda is one of our favorite trips EVER and renting a car in Uganda was an essential part of our itinerary. After all, four wheels are a must have when you’re planning a road trip through three countries! We had huge plans for our rental car: a 3 week drive from Kampala taking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls, Tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the incredible Ssesse Island beaches in the middle of Lake Victoria. Having driven over 4,000km on Uganda’s roads we wanted to share everything we learned about driving in the country to help you plan your trip. Here are our top tips for driving in Uganda!

Choosing a rental car

Rent the biggest car you can afford if you’re traveling for more than a few days. The vastness of the country means you are going to spend many, many hours in the car and it is more than worth it to spend a little extra for some comfort. We, as three adults, shared a Toyota Land Cruiser customized for safaris with a pop up roof, and it was perfect for a longer haul Gorilla trip. The tinted windows meant our luggage wasn’t too visible in the trunk and we had plenty of leg room during the trip.

Consider a 4×4 if you are tempted to go off-road. We ended up taking some hilly terrains, something which was only possible with a 4×4. We also encountered a number of roads which would likely be uncomfortable in a regular car due to their very poor condition.

Uganda Driving Etiquette

Driving is on the left hand side in Uganda and almost all vehicles are left hand. This is because the country was once a British protectorate.

Almost on the entire trip we generally found Uganda drivers to be very courteous and everyone we met on the way was very considerate when over taking and changing lanes.

When driving on a single lane road move to the left into the hard shoulder to let cars past. This can be quite counter-intuitive as a foreign driver but it was a common occurrence and caused us to sweat profusely when it happened on the brow of a hill!

If you wish to pass a slower moving vehicle indicate to the right and the car in front will typically move in when possible.

Climbing lanes are often available as the Uganda roads are quite hilly especially in the southern part of the country and there are lots of large trucks and Lorries. Use them to pass trucks and slow-moving vehicles when going uphill. If you are moving slowly than the traffic, move into the left lane to let traffic overtake.

Once you pass another driver a flash of the hazard lights suffices as a thank you. You’ll usually be greeted by a friendly flash of their headlights. It’s a friendly gesture so don’t be alarmed when it first happens!

Honking the horn is strictly prohibited in any national park and fined if you do it except in an emergency. We only heard a horn twice and definitely not in the park on both occasions the drivers were almost in an accident situation.

Watch out for the stop signs! Being used to driving in the US and Europe the stop signs on the main roads through the towns took us by surprise. Be sure to come to a complete halt at the stop sign and give way to cars along the main road onto the main road.

Driving Directions

A GPS is essential. We used an offline GPS app which we have on our cellphones and, on occasion, used the data on the local phone lines we purchased at the beginning of our trip. Our GPS was equipped with speed limits which although sometimes out of date, was useful for the ever-changing speed limits we met.

Double check your route before you start and have a general idea of the route before you set out each day. This is important especially when using the country roads. Sometimes the GPS suggested off-road conditions because the distance was shorter but don’t be tempted by the shorter predicted times as the roads can be horrific!

Driving at night

The number one rule is to avoid driving after dark whenever possible! Our car rental company advised us of this a number of times when we picked up our car. There are a number of reasons for this:

Outside of Kampala there were lots of people walking and running on the hard shoulder after dark and it was almost impossible to see them with the head lamps as they didn’t typically wear any reflective gear. It is especially common to see walkers in and around the townships.

Lots of animals come out at night and it is a huge driving hazard. We came across so many herds of goats and cows wandering on the road and it would not have been pleasant to hit them!

Many of the roads, including the main highways, did not have fluorescent line markings or cats-eyes. This makes driving after dark particularly difficult as it can be difficult to see the road!

Despite these warnings we actually ended up doing quite a lot of night driving as our itinerary was so jam-packed and we underestimated some of the driving distances. We encountered all of the above as well as an incredibly foggy mountain pass and it made for very stressful evenings!

Speed Limits in Uganda

Watch your speed! We noticed that the Uganda drivers rarely, if ever, broke the speed limit.

The police presence was very heavy in most areas of our trip, particularly on the Garden Route portion of the drive. This meant there were mobile speed cameras setup everywhere and we found cruise control invaluable for staying within the speed limit. Fixed speed cameras were prevalent in Cape Town and we saw a number of them during our time there.

The speed limit varies frequently and it was common to go through zones of 50, 80 and 100 km/h interchangeably. Driving through most of trading centers and towns strictly keep 50km/h follow the sign posts on the highways

Road Conditions in Uganda

Generally speaking the roads were very good throughout all of Uganda, especially the western routes to the African standard. The roads in Rwanda from the Katuna Pass to Kigali were, somewhat surprisingly, excellent due to the new road upgrade. The Northern roads were fine but we did encounter some patches poorly maintained roads. There are of course a number of caveats to these:

The Katuna pass road has a fantastic new surface on the Rwanda border side; however the road is still 4×4 only between the Kyanika border and the Uganda entry point. Only 4×4’s will be allowed to enter, you have been warned!

There were occasional long stretches of road works. Outside of Kampala we passed at least 10 instances where roads or lanes were closed because of temporary and road works. This can drastically increase your drive time!

On many occasions we came across roads in quite bad condition in the rural areas. Potholes, dust roads and roads without line markings were relatively common on our road trip through the country.

Gas Station stops

Fuel/Petrol stations were available frequently during our drives throughout the country. The only exception to this was up-country in the northern part of the country where we didn’t pass a single major fuel/petrol station on our drive. We had read this before we travelled and planned accordingly. The stations were less frequent on the Northern side of Uganda but were not sparse enough for us to be concerned about the distances.

Don’t fill your own car. There are petrol attendants at all the fuel stops who will fill you up, bring the credit card machine and wash your windows as you wait. If you need it any way, they can check your oil, water and tyre pressure. As a tourist, it’s customary to tip a small amount such as $5 for the service.

Parking Security

We loved the parking attendants who were present in the car parks at all the popular spots. A small tip e.g. 2000shs was sufficient and we felt very secure leaving our car. In Kampala there were official parking attendants on most streets, charging a standard price for parking and monitoring.

Use common sense when a parking attendant isn’t around. Do not leave anything visible in the car. We were warned on multiple occasions by locals about this. We didn’t have any bad experiences; however they warned that even leaving a charging cable visible was enough to increase the risk of a break in.

Driving in other African Countries

Most of the major rental companies allow their cars to be driven into Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Southern Sudan, Burundi and D.R. Congo. For Rwanda you drive on the right and for most of the highways keep the speed at 40km/h

If you are considering driving outside of Uganda be sure to mention it to your rental company when you pick up your car. We rented our self-drive Safari Car from Rent a Car in Uganda and received a letter (free of charge) which gave us permission to enter Rwanda and Tanzania with the rental car. These letters were required at the borders. We were still liable for the vehicle border crossing fees.

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Luxury Car Hire in Uganda: Things to Know

What every traveler ought to ruminate is the worthiness of the services to the huge mount. Luxury car hire in Uganda always reflect on the huge amount for a super comfortable. Besides the comfort, renting a luxurious car rental fleet bargains for privacy and freedom of ones travel plan. When opting to drive throughout a country with such uncompromising style considering to rent a car for a freewill is an echoing decision.

Hoping for the luxury car hire in Uganda, there’re varied comparisons to select from whenever one opt for a super and comfortable luxury trip. Renting a car for either a self-drive or with a driver has taken another course with the 21^st century, as well in Uganda there’re number of car rental companies that have tended to propose wider range of car hire selections. A posh self-drive in Uganda is now made possible with variety of 4×4 car rental considerations for a remarkable pearl of Africa.

A luxurious car rental adventure comprises of various services used and among the considerations include transportation, accommodations as well there are luxurious adventure undertaking which also vary with tourist destinations. Renting a luxurious car rental is a shift which makes a classification in travelers among which are the Luxury travelers, Mid-range travelers and budget travelers. So, all classifications can be catered in respective to one drawn inquiry. In this write-up we have drawn below some of the things to consider when opting for a luxury car rental services in Uganda.

What to note with a luxury car hire in Uganda?

Would one like to rent a car for a self-drive or renting a car with a driver? Right all are possible with car rental in Uganda. Why go for a luxury car hire? It to cruising around like a boss, with this consideration one comfortably enjoys the behind seat, only be like a boss, and rent a car with a driver. There’re possibilities of a luxury car hire in Uganda on either a self-drive or rent a car with the driver. Though most of travelers think of renting a 4×4 for self-drive but luxury car rental services in Uganda mainly comes with a driver to ensure that uncompromised freedom of traveling like a boss. However, one’s motive is for a self-drive in Uganda then should possess a valid driving license to drive comfortably on Uganda roads. But it’s also important to note that mainly car hire in Uganda a number of car rental agencies is available only with a driver.

However, this depends on which kind of car rental is taken for a self-drive. There’re odds of having a luxury car hire to drive your way, but should note that these vehicles are have tracker locaters but this doesn’t interfere with one freedom of cruising around.

Vehicles available for luxury car hire in Uganda

As well in Uganda there’re wider range of fleets to reflect to make a superfluity trip. With any purpose of renting a car let it be wedding, honey moon, educational, volunteering, charity or an adventure trip. What brands a luxury trip is mode of comfort one receives and the having a touch of comfort with car rentals matches with the mode of the vehicle offered. The considerate Luxury car hire fleets include Mercedes Benz cross country, Land cruiser TX, V8, and range rovers these can be accommodative for solo and groups of about 4 travelers. And for group travelers of 5 plus can consider taking a 4×4 Land cruiser pop up, super custom or Toyota Haice (drone) and luxurious coasters for a bigger groups.

How to get a Luxury car hire in Uganda?

Wider ranges of car rental agencies avails in Uganda stretch service accessibility of luxury car hire. The best way to rent vehicles is basing at you comfort office, home in your residing country and browsing through endless list of car rental for the convenient online.  Whenever making an inquiry on car rental make let all your request be made for full. To ensure that luxurious car rental it’s advisable to make installment payments in advance.

It’s not guaranteed that all car rental agencies can offer that superfluid luxurious car rental, however, a wider range of car hire in Uganda they have that offer. When the purpose is an African adventure on the land of the pearl of Africa then it’s advisable to reflect on hiring a 4×4 car rental which camouflage the holly, muddy and stony roads of the upcountry remotest places and the fitting fleets are the 4×4 Land cruiser V8, land cruiser hard top, Land Rover, Rang rover, Benz cross country.

Inclusive on a luxury car hire in Uganda?

Whenever renting car for either a self-drive adventure or with a driver comes with extras and other extras comes with client’s request of which some attract an extra charge. On receiving a car deal expect a guide map, and a driver which is sometimes included on the rental rates for Luxury hire in Uganda. As well, other inclusive come by client’s request and these are GPS, Camping gears among many as maybe requested for.

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