Of lately in Uganda very many tourists who come to visit the various tourism destinations have embarked on self guided tours where they just rent a car and then travel own their own without a safari guide. These are commonly known as Uganda self drive expedition and many people have enjoyed them since they offer independence, adventure and privacy. Though these kinds of expeditions are so amazing to take, there has to be safety precautions or measure put in place to have a successful one.
The car rental safety measures taken before setting off for your Uganda self drive expedition
Although, you might be in a rush to get to your trip, try to get sometime and get familiar with the rental car by asking the delivery personnel where the essential tools are and also go for a road test.
Check the rental car if it does have some damages
Find out if the lighting, wipers, mirrors, indicators, and the car controls are in good condition so that you do not get any system breakdown problem while driving.
Set the mirror and the seat in your comfortable position before setting off.
You should also ask for the most convenient route on your travel itinerary and in addition get to know how to use the gps or travel maps that are given to you by the rental company.
The most important safety precaution while renting a car is the insurance. Normally in Uganda all rental cars given out for self drive expedition have comprehensive insurance which covers for the damages that may happen on the car while driving it. The insurance makes the client less liable of the costs of the damages that may have happened on the rental car during the expedition.
You should also solicit for road assistance that can rescue you in case of a car breakdown while on a Uganda self drive. You never what might happen on the road, the car can stop operating and you need to have immediate help from the rental company so that you can get back to the road right away in order to complete your trip. Road assistance can be getting you an emergency car in case the other has broken down or getting a mechanic on board to amend the problem as soon as possible.
It is best for you to also but personal travel insurance as the car rental insurance does not cater for the damages that might happen to you and belongings while driving in Uganda. So before you leave your home get yourself personal travel insurance.
Car rental safety while on a Uganda self drive expedition
Try as much as possible not to drive at night especially in strange place. Most of the people who take up self drive expeditions in Uganda are foreign to the country so at night it becomes so difficult for one who is not well conversant with the roads to drive without making errors.
Always follow the road signs as per put on the road side. These will always help you to drive safely without causing any offense or accident on the road.
Try to lock up all the doors while leaving the rental car and keep all your belongings in a safe and out of sight from the public while on an expedition.
Always park the rental in a public place or in place where you can easily keep sight of it.
It may sound mean but it is for your own safety. Do not give out lifts to strangers you meet by the road side.
Therefore if you take up the above car rental safety tip while on a Uganda self drive expedition, you are likely to have a very sound trip with no security problems.