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.
Read MoreCheap Things to Do on Self Drive in Uganda
Are you longing for the open road in Uganda? From the extensive outback adventures to the magical winding hillside routes as well as verdant green landscapes, there is no better place to discover on wheel than the Pearl of Africa (as Uganda is described). Go for a specific type of road trip, location as well as duration that well suits you, your self-drive journey begins here. While you are on your self-drive trip in Uganda, there are a whole lot of things you can actually do and these include;
Go on a wildlife viewing Safari
Uganda is one of the best places for game viewing, offering a small slice of everything Africa offers. Thanks to the rich savannah plains, woodlands and semi-arid arid areas, it is possible to come across lots of wildlife species. Discover the untamed wilderness at its best through these morning, afternoon or evening game drives. This experience is possible with a self-drive trips to/through Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth and Semliki National Parks where views of African bush elephants, lions, Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, Impalas, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, Topis, Klipspringers, Roan antelopes, duikers, Olive baboons, Hippos, giant elands and others are seen depending on the destination.
For comfort and the opportunity of capturing the best views during your self-drive trip, it is advisable to ride a 4WD like Land Cruiser TX, Safari Van, Toyota RAV 4and Safari Land Cruiser.
Birding tour
Your self-drive trip in Uganda can also lead you to any of the 33 Important Bird Areas in the country that include Queen Elizabeth National Park for its 600 bird species, Murchison falls National Park in North-western Uganda for its 500 bird species, Mabamba Bay Swamp which is home to over 200 bird species that include the elusive shoebill storks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for its 350 bird species, Kibale Forest National Park for its 370 bird species, Kidepo Valley National Park for its 475 bird species that include the Ostriches, Semliki National Park for its 440 bird species and so much more. Besides shoebill storks, other must-see bird species during self-drive tours in Uganda include Green-breasted pitta, Bar-tailed Trogon, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, African green broadbill, Great blue Turaco, Black-breasted Barbet, to mention but a few.
Kampala City excursion
City tours are the commonest and one of the cheapest things to do on self-drive in Uganda and these bring visitors closer to the cultural and historical attractions in the Cities. For Kampala City tours, your self-drive trip will lead you to Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Kabaka’s Palace in Bulange (Mengo), Kabaka’s Lake, St. Balikudembe (Owino) and Nakasero Markets, Gadhafi Mosque, Bahai Temple, Art and Craft Markets along Buganda Road, to mention but a few.
Tour of Entebbe Town
Discover the beauty of Entebbe Town (home to Entebbe International Airport, gateway into Uganda) for its remarkable tourist attractions that include Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Entebbe Botanical Gardens (a renowned birding Paradise), the numerous Art and Craft Markets, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the white sand beaches, Uganda Reptiles Village, Mabamba Bay Swamp and many others.
Tours of Fort Portal Tourism City
Fort Portal is found in the western side of Uganda and about 320 kilometers from the Capital. This Tourism City is surprisingly the gateway into Kibale Forest National Park but also home to the Toro Kingdom Palace as well as numerous Crater Lakes. This Town offers travellers with the views of snow-capped peaks of Rwenzori Mountains although other magnificent attractions include the “Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru” Caves and waterfalls, numerous Crater Lakes and so much more.
Read MoreWhat to Do for First Time Uganda Car Rental Booking?
When you are going to hire a car in Uganda from a rental company, there are very many factors and steps you have to take before getting into the deal. Many people make a huge mistake of committing to a car rental provider at first sight because of the attractive services and pricing provided. All you need to do is relax and take your time and put into consideration of every factor and step stipulated to you below.
First thing is to find out whether the car will suit your needs of traveling. If you are traveling with a group of 5-8 a minibus commonly known as the safari van will be the perfect match. And for a lone or two travelers a compact vehicle is sufficing. This normally helps you to minimize expenses since it would be irrational for a traveler to rent minibus if they are going to travel only two people.
Another thing to do is take your time looking for the best car provider. It would be suicide if you decide to make business with the first provider you land on at the internet. There are always other providers that may have better and cheap car hire services in Uganda. go shopping on the internet, you never know you might land on the best car rental deal ever.
Inquire about what the car rental package really comprises of, in particular the price quotation. Some car rental companies offer attractive pricing for their rentals but they are flat in such a way that they don’t include other extra charges that you may have to pay aside from the usual quotation.
You should always make an effort and book in advance. Rush hour booking is always expensive as car rental companies take advantage of your desperation of wanting to rent a car urgently. When you book in advance, there is always room to negotiate on the pricing of the services. Also some companies give some discounts to their clients who book earlier. Sometimes even the car you may need at that time may not be available when you do booking at the last hour and may end up settling for another offer which you may actually not want.
Always look for discounts from the car providers. Most of the rates displayed on the websites are not the reserved prices henceforth put in a shift to solicit for a reduction in price as you inquire from the reservation. In addition, there are always promotion seasons in the tours and travel industry take advantage to book in that time and embrace yourself with a discounted car rental rate. This makes you save some money that can be used on other things on the trip.
You should also ask the car rental company to explain to you their insurance policy and the road assistance. Find out if the company has a comprehensive insurance that covers all the damages that may happen to the car while traveling. This makes you get an insight which damages you are liable to you. It also renders you a peace of mind while on the road as you know that you’re safe and protected from liabilities.
Lastly confirm your booking before you travel. This will minimize the risk of confusion of the dates and time you are going to take up the car hire services.
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How to Find Affordable Car Rental in Uganda
If you are looking for quality and cheap car rental in Uganda, you have found the very right contact. We are a car rental company based in Uganda offering preferably the lowest costs for hire, we are very reliable, whether you need self-drive or chauffeur driven car hire service in Uganda.
We are flexible either you need us to get you the car at the airport (Entebbe international airport) we can pick you from there, or Kampala, Jinja or direct from our offices in Kampala. We can drop off your booked car at nearly all town locations in Uganda. So its better you advise us in advance about your convenience place where we can drop the car or pick-up the car from.
We are not only operating in Uganda, but we do also extend our services to Kigali in Rwanda, Nairobi in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. However if you are to cross boarders its better you advise us in time so that we can write you a letter that allow crossing the car at any boarder point. We have a good and sounding car hire fleets that are well maintained ranging from saloon car, min vans, min bus, and all our cars are 4wheel drives and all our safari cars are customized for safaris just waiting for you choose, we have a solution to every one’s interest and budget.
We have been in the field of serving our clients with our unequaled services for quite a big number of years offering supreme personal customer service and unbeatable prices on car hire in Uganda. Our friendly and qualified staff plus our new and well maintained fleets at affordable price put us in the number one list of car rental service in Uganda. You can reach us by sending us an email for the best deal, our team is readily available to get back to you before 3 hours immediately after sending us an inquiry.
You are advised to include whatever you want to be included in your car rental fleet wither you need a either you need a car on self-drive or you need a driver, include also the number of days you will be using then car and the type of you are interested in. you can also advise if you need us to book for you accommodations or gorilla/chimpanzee permits or any other extras you will be helped accordingly and we will do it at no other extra costs We charge what we promise and agreed upon. This among many others makes us exceptional compared to other companies that ask for extra costs for other services needed.
You can as we advise the type of fleet you need we will provide, however our team will advise you accordingly with the best fleet in store at affordable price that best suits you in order to have your dreams comes to reality. We don’t charge any cancellation fees until up to 24 hours before pick-up of the vehicle.
We have no problem if you advise us that you need a car hire upgrade, notify us in time about your preferred upgrade of the vehicle we can give you the car of your choice to come your experience come true while in Uganda either for safari or conference. We Offer regional car hire deals for everyone interested, Trustworthy and best price guaranteed any time. We also cater for those who prefer hiring on weekends and we have special rate for those categories of people, hence allowing you to make the best of your weekend away with friends and family.
We valve our clients’ money and over 98% of our clients save if they trust and book with us at 4×4 Uganda Car Rentals. Don’t look no further, just contact us you have your dreams come true.
Read MoreHiring a Car for Corporate Meeting in Uganda
Very many people all over the world travel for different reasons, some come for adventure, honeymoon, and cultural safaris while others travel for business meetings. Whichever reasons why you’re traveling, but the most important is on how best you have planned your safari. For those traveling for a cooperate meeting, remember you are going to meet corporate people so you must be very clear and systematic. You must book your car in time from a Uganda car rental company so that they can reserve it for you. Car hire agency will also advise you accordingly on which car to use for such an executive meeting and the people you are going to meet. Don’t rely on public means like taxis if you want to keep your schedule, they have their own trials like delays and they are considered unsafe compared to the private hired cars from the car rental companies. Last minute booking is always devastating and you may hire a car which do not draws a good picture of your status and you may end up being cheated on the service being offered since you are on time.
Remember you are going to meet executive people, the dressing code too should be considered, the way you dress gives a firsthand impression to the people you are going to deal with. If you book with a car hire company you are assured of the best and safety. You can choose to hire an executive car on a self-drive or with a driver. Hiring an executive car with a driver has its own advantage in that, you will have the chance to prepare well and you will be driven as you do your work on the laptop, all our drivers are professionals, they will drive you in an executive manner. They know most of the places in Uganda and the routes or destinations in and around the city including major commercial buildings & attractions so you will avoid getting lost in town. However driving yourself also has its advantages in that driving yourself to the venue will give you an added advantage and absolutely it will show your class and you will impress your clients you are going to meet.
We have a variety of cars on which you will have to choose one including SUVs like Toyota Rav4, land cruiser TX, Prado, range Rove and so many others depending on your choice, budget and interest. All our prices are negotiable and pocket friendly. For quick search about which company to offer you the service just write to us direct on info@carhireinuganda.com we will get back to you shortly or call us directly on +256705559853
Read MoreHow to Find a Cheap Car Rental in Uganda
Is Uganda where you have always wished to spend your holiday and you do not how best you can get to that dream destination? To make your safari holiday a successful one, you need that special car to hire to help you get to that particular tourist site of your dreams. By finding that dream car hire in Uganda, you have opportunity to discover different parts of Uganda whether on a self-drive or guided tour. While there are many car hire companies in most major towns in Uganda, on the other hand, you have to be very keen on which company you wish to deal with. Most importantly, you need to deal with a trust worthy, recognized, reliable Car Hire Company. That said, we are that one recognized Car Rental Company you can choose to deal with and we have a wide range of car hire options for you to realize your dreams in this magical country this coming season. For any need to embark on a road trip in Uganda and you are looking for that relatively cheaper car to hire, below are some of the best tips that you need to put into consideration while choosing for one;
The rates
The fact that there are many car rental companies that offer nearly the same services, one needs to take note that every company has its own price tag. Before you think of hiring a car in any car rental agency, you need to first look at the prices. Most importantly, you need to look at different companies and see what their prices then make comparisons to see which one offers competitive rates with best offers.
This becomes one major critical factor to consider when searching for that best car for your road trip. Take your time and make the best and sound decisions, first we advise you to carry out a search on most of the car rental companies and this is just to help you make comparisons on their prices and see which one offers the best competitive prices within your travel means and needs. You really need to be very careful on this factor. Others can be cheaper or expensive but consider which offers do they have. Most of the car rental companies have web sites that you visit to see which one has the best prices with other offers. The one with the best price and offers can be the best for you to book with.
Do not be on rush
Uganda and Rwanda have several car rental companies distributed throughout the country and have any kind of car at different cost and it is for this reason that we encourage you to look at different choices available prior confirming with that company you intend to deal with. A recognized car rental company has a web site and perhaps reviews and contacts that once you visit, you are able to go through them or simply contact them directly. It is important that look through different companies and see which one has the best rates and offers.
Choose the right car
Prior making any inquiry, know how many people are traveling with depending on which safari you intend to embark on. If it is a large group trip then a small car rental may not of any use or if you are two there is no need for you to get a coaster and yet there are good sizes that can accommodate small groups. Note that each car comes with its price and your choice matters! For those of you who are planning to go as a couple or a group of 4 people, a salon car can be the best option and for larger groups, a coast or minivan can be ideal.
Opt for a self-drive
While most people go for guided tours, you can do it otherwise by opting for self-drive. With self-drives, you have a chance to have your privacy and it is very flexible and pocket friendly. Most importantly, self-drive cars come with GPS-Global Positioning System to help you when it comes to directions.
Cross check for any discounts and other special offers
Most car hire companies provide car at discount rates depending on the season and the length of your trip thus making it relatively cheaper than if you hired it at a normal cost. The low season usually occurs in March, April or May and you can get that dream car at the cheapest rate.
Read MoreExplore Uganda at Your Own Pace On Self Drive
Are you tired of being restricted to visiting a few places? Uganda would be the most ideal destination due to the existence of Self drive safaris that are up for grabs. These amazing expeditions make one travel at his/her own pace without being guided or timetabled. Self drive car rentals ensure that the traveler maximizes the travel time in Uganda while exploring different tourism destinations like national parks, cultural sites and unique natural resources. These services are also extended to other travelers other than explorers for instance people on business trip, visiting family and friends and also political meetings. What gives travelers an added advantage while driving in Uganda is that the road network is well developed and makes the tourism destinations easily accessible.
For the vacationers enjoying the wildlife, sand and sun of Uganda be assured of limitless mobility to different tourism destinations. Self drive expedition gives a traveler the freedom to move at his/her schedule to explore whatever attraction he/she may encounter while on the vacation in Uganda. These kinds of tour engagements are very adventure as one discovers new things and also moves out of the comfort zone to explore the foreign world of Uganda on his/her own. It deprives a traveler from laziness and being dull as he/she does everything for his/herself without any guide from a third party. After the self drive trip around the natural world of Uganda, the traveler gets that self contentment of discovering and also encountering something out of his/her zone by him/herself. How lovely and awesome that is! A Uganda self drive tour is this kind of experience an adventurous tourist would not miss in his/her illustrious travel life.
Self drive rentals are also used for business trip. The trip becomes so much more productive when you can set your schedule based on being able to drive from one appointment to appointment. Truth to be told, a business trip in Uganda is best conducted by renting a car which leads a businessman to the meeting time in a time to effectively kill off the deal. Car rentals are convenient and reliable as a businessman can easily access at anytime of the time since they do not have a timetable to travel and these lead you to each and every part of Uganda as long as it is accessible by road. The car rental companies in Uganda have different exquisite vehicle to offer to its business traveler and the business traveler is guaranteed of impressing his/her client due to the car he/she comes out when meeting them. These cars are very nice but come an affordable price for example a Toyota land cruiser v8 for business class is at US$ 200 per day. It is really a very offer to a person who is going to use this kind of vehicle to cut a deal and save some dollars.
No matter what your travel situation, 4×4 Uganda is likely to have the option that you need for personal transportation needs while in the pearl of Africa for safari vacations or business trip. With available options like the GPS and the child seats, you and the whole family can be comfortable in your rental car as you enjoy the boundless beauty of Uganda.
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Choosing the Right Car for Hire in Uganda
So you’ve decided to do a self drive in Uganda for your next holiday – congrats! You’ve got the trip of a lifetime ahead of you. The next question, of course, is what kind of car you should hire. The answer to that will depend on a few key things. Where exactly are you going to self drive Uganda? How many people are coming along for the ride? What’s your budget?
We’ve put together some important points to consider when deciding what type of car you need to hire for yourself drive in Uganda.
Think about the kind of terrain you’ll be driving through
The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you need a 4×4 or any other kind of car as long as it is in good condition. This will depend on where yourself drive in Uganda or East Africa is going to take you.
For the most part, Uganda’s main roads are in very good condition apart from those leading to the major national parks and other tourist attractions of importance. Most of the time, it’s entirely advisable to self drive yourself in Uganda in a 4×4 vehicle. If you plan on sticking to main motorways and visiting relatively built-up areas, you’ll be fine with just any other vehicle like sedan. If you’re unsure, ask campsites, guesthouses and adventure activity operators what the roads are like in the area when you’re making reservations but your car renting company can as well provide such important information to you. Remember, local people on the ground can give you the most accurate and up to date info.
If you plan on going off the beaten track, however, you should consider getting a 4×4. There’s nothing worse than being unable to do a little exploring because your car can’t handle the roads. If you’re planning on visiting areas like Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Queen Elizabeth or Murchison falls national park, hiring a 4×4 is advisable. If you’re planning to self drive Uganda in summer, make sure that your hired car comes with air conditioning.
The Ugandan sun is a glorious thing. In fact, it’s probably one of the reasons you’ve chosen to holiday here in the first place. However, during long drives on hot summer’s days, you’ll be infinitely more comfortable if your car has air conditioning.
Opt for the most fuel-efficient car
On a self drive in Uganda, fuel costs are going to be one of your biggest expenses. Keep this in mind when picking a hire car; a fuel-efficient vehicle can save you a chunk of cash. Your car rental company will be able to give you an estimate of each car’s fuel consumption per kilometer, which you can then use to work out how much you need to budget for fuel.
How many people are traveling?
Obviously, the number of people traveling will affect what kind of car you need. Don’t forget to think about everyone’s luggage, too. If the whole family’s coming along, you’ll need something with a sizeable trunk. It’s unsafe – not to mention uncomfortable – to squash both kids and bags on the backseat.
Consider hiring a camping-equipped vehicle.
If you’re after adventure and planning on camping on yourself drive in Uganda, consider hiring a camping-equipped 4×4. Camping-equipped vehicles come complete with rooftop tents, a fridge, bedding, kitchenware, chairs, a gas cooker and all the other bits and bobs you need to make your vehicle your ‘home on wheels’. All such vehicles are readily available for giving out at Uganda car rental at relatively cheap prices.
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Safari Planning Tips For Busy Moms Touring Uganda
Ahhh, celebrating or partying during your holidays!…… The Thanksgiving turkey comes out of the oven golden brown, with an enticing aroma that fills the entire house. All the party members are in their best moods, relaxing in pristine condition and not a single piece in the set is missing on your Uganda Safari! The family is gathered for holiday pictures, the children are poised perfectly; hands to themselves, not a hair out of place and their smiles are shining brightly for the camera. Then just as the photographer is about to capture the shot… you wake up!
Let’s be realistic ladies
Without proper planning, the holidays are anything but a holiday. Just look at the list of things that need to be done: Shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, sending holiday mail, the list goes on and on.
Let me clue you all in on a few key questions that you should ask yourself in order to have a holiday season free of stress and worry, and instead filled with fun and laughter:
What types of holiday celebrations do you want?
For example: Do you want to have an immediate family vacation only holiday affair or an extravaganza including immediate and extended family plus a few friends? Once you’ve thought everything through and decided on the type of holiday gathering you would like, you can then start making your plans.
In Uganda, there are various holiday types that include gorilla safaris, game viewing trips – best adventures for young children, cultural tours, chimpanzee watching and zoo tours at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe, one of the best towns to stay in Uganda duding your holiday!
If you are ready to get a head start on organizing yourself, your family and your holiday check lists, then keep reading:
Holiday Cards:
Start early! I use a holiday card list that I derive from saving names and addresses from holiday cards my family has received in past years. I created a simple, computerized list that is easy to edit and print onto address labels. Be sure to stock up on stamps so that when you have your cards signed, stuffed and addressed you can affix a stamp to them and make one, simple trip to the Post Office.
Holiday Gifts:
There’s nothing like getting a HUGE credit card bill in the mail at the start of the New Year. Many of us tend to want to be generous when shopping for holiday gifts. While your generosity will be appreciated at gift giving time, keep in mind that it is very easy to succumb to “impulse buying” and go all out on your holiday shopping. While your intentions may be good, your pocketbook may be singing a different song. Set a budget and stick to it – your bank account will thank you for it after the start of the New Year.
Wrap it up:
Wrap your gifts and place nametags on them immediately after you bring them home, then store the gifts in a secure spot. This will cut down on those late night wrapping sessions that I am sure we ALL have experienced a few times, if not every year.
Baking & cooking:
If you will be cooking during the holidays, it is important to plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to stock up ahead of time on all the necessary non-perishable baking ingredients such as flour, sugar and spices. Create a list of your holiday menus and a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare each of those meals. Also, try to think of a few dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then frozen as an extra timesaving measure
Delegate:
This is one of my favorite tips. Be sure to enlist the help of your family or friends. Sit down and discuss what needs to be done then ask for volunteers. If no hands are raised, simply assign small tasks to each of them. Whether it is arranging for a babysitter so that you can escape for a child free day of shopping, passing the shopping list onto another family member or friend so that they can pick up the items for you, or letting the children decorate your home. Be sure to get the whole family involved in the holiday preparations so that you will not be overwhelmed.
Enjoy:
Whatever you decide to do, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. You and your family will have much fonder memories of this holiday season if you are not spending it pulling your hair out.
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