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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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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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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5 Best Rwenzori Hiking Trails

Uganda is a country endowed with nature and it has a lot to over especially in the hiking adventure. Uganda offers many sites for both the veteran hikers and the day hikers. It is also a great haven for family hiking where you can bring your children and younger members of the family without having to worry about the dangers that might await you in other more rugged terrains.

There is so much with hiking tours in Uganda that it is fairly difficult to begin mentioning a great spot. So we have narrowed down your search into the best day hiking trails in the popular Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda. Here are brief descriptions of what you might see in each site:

Rwenzori Hike.Rwenzori is the third highest mountain in Africa just after Mount Kenya which is the second and Kilimanjaro which is the highest.Rwenzori hiking is not for starters and it needs one with a formidable level of fitness since it is the hardest to climb among all the above mountains that are higher than it.  It is a good introduction to old-growth forests with its display of cedar and fir layers. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets as you enter the Bamboo Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow but not so bad if you are fit Baby Hot Springs Hot tubs out of slabs of logs are welcome treats even for veteran hikers especially during midwinter. It is also great during early spring and late fall. There are several hot and cold springs that adults and children will both like. Clothing depends on the choice of the visitors and people not accustomed to public nudity are advised to choose other spots.The hike to this mountain takes you through various trails that include the following.

Kalalama camp trail -This trail happens on the first day as you are heading to trhe first camp of this hike especially if one is making it to the summit.During this trail,there  are rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and are protected by the virtue of the King or Omusinga or you may hear wild chimpanzee in the distance. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets as you enter the Bamboo Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow but not so bad if you are fit. However the atmosphere and the forest is fantastic as you climb to Kalalama Camp.

Mutinda Trail -This trail meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again and in doing so crosses several small streams and pass close to moss covered waterfalls. You then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river which tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man’s beards hanging from the branches. The trail twists and turns as you climb up the deep valley, which has an enormous variety of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere often shrouded in mist. The trail here is boggy particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We have put several boardwalks across the worst of the bogs and continuing to build more to make it a little bit easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks.

Bamwanjara pass trail -This trail majorly  Pass high above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks. This area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers and Giant lobelia.This trail offers evacuation pad for a helicopter if one hits a snag. This trail passes down the valley and around the edge of some bogs and thick ever green vegetation, moss. giant groundsel and lobelia.

Kitandara Trail

This trails goes around Lake Kitandara and thus the originality of the name of this trail. This trail begins from the 4^th camp of Hunwick’s down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara which is very stunning with deep water and beautiful vegetation. From here you climb up Scott Elliott’s pass then up the ridge to Margherita Camp which is situated between some huge rocks and offering some shelter from the strong winds. This is the very spot where the Duke of Abruzzi camped when making his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.

Nyamwamba Trail

This trail goes down the Nyamwamba Valley which is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This valley was too impassable and it took over six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough to be used. In 1937 the explorer and geologist McConnell tried to find a way up this valley but failed and have to turn back and search for another route up the mountain but now you can experience this truly beautiful valley.

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What Is An Out Of Hour Fee In Car Rental?

When you return the car beyond the agreed time, this may mean additional cost on you. Most importantly, you need to find out how to arrange an out-of-hours service and the amount it may cost you. Ideally, you may require a car rental very late at night or early in the morning but depending on the location, the car hire companies are not open 27/7. However, some car hire agencies do open early enough and for any need for car pick up outside normal hours, you may incur additional charge.

So what is the an out-hours fee-this is a cost one has to pay with most car rental companies, in case you decide to pick a car up or drop it off outside the normal opening hours. However, not all car rental companies do have this option available at the time of you booking a vehicle. The cost usually covers charges of having an employee at the counter outside normal working hours. This fee differs from one company to another and country to country that you will be hiring the car. But an out-of-hours fee normally costs between 15 pounds and 45 pound. While booking for a car rental in Uganda, make sure that you check through the terms and conditions of a particular car rental company you intend to deal with.

If you want to pick up a car rental outside the normal opening times then you can enter the precise time you intend to pick a car that is if you are booking online. This will also help you find out what is available and what additional fees you may need to pay. The car hire company’s website should let you know if you will be in position to pick up a car when the counter is closed. Usually, it is better for you to request an out of hours pick up at a time of booking a vehicle online. It is important that you find more information on the terms and conditions that do apply for this case.

There are many car hire centers like airports and train stations have many car parks which are open at least 24/7 and key box where one can drop the car key securely. This denotes that you will not have to arrange out-of-hours drop off or pay a fee. Take note that that you are responsible of the car till the counter opens and staff checks it. In case the car hire agency does not have a car park which is 24/7 open for car drop off then you need to know the possible way or rather pay extra charge.

In most cases, an out-of-hours fee is charged at the car rental counter upon arrival to pick up a car unless it is included in the cost you pay when booking for it. The counter staff takes the money directly from the credit card you provide for the deposit.

In case you do not want to be part of this charge then do pick up a car when the counter is open. Alternatively, if you get late for pick up car then better you take a taxi to a hotel and ask for a hire company staff and if they can deliver it to your area of stay better or go at the counter the next day.

In conclusion, depending on the car Rental Company you deal with, policies on returning the car rental late may differ from one company to the other. However, it is a common rule that when you return a car late or beyond the agreed time, you will be charged a fee.

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