blog

Why Tourists have Turned to Self Drive Safaris Uganda?

admin blog ,

Hiring a car for self drive safaris in Uganda is one of the trending, magical and inspirational ways of discovering the pearl of Africa and there are also many other ways of enjoying a vacation in Africa.

This could be by touring one of the numerous and diverse national parks to see the wide plethora of Flora and Fauna or through the interaction with the natives spread across the country.

One can also decide to do both of the above, but are hindered by hectic schedules and guides. the self derive Uganda holidays involve renting a car to drive around the country or hiring a car with quality camping gears to enjoy a self drive Uganda safari in the great country.

The self drive safaris are convenient; these are so convenient no matter who you are or where you are going. Unlike the guided tours, where your destination is chosen for you and many other people. With the self drive, you get to make your own choices on where to visit and more so with whoever you choose to, this is completely a personal decision.

When traveling with family, the convenience of stopping as you please to soak in a beautiful scenic view, take a few pictures and having stop at whatever destination all depends on you. You actually move at your own pace without being rushed by a guide or driver.

There is also the appreciated leisure time; one of the main reasons people take holidays with self drive Uganda options is to escape the hectic work schedules and relax while enjoying everything at their leisure.

Self drive Uganda also enhances your holiday so that you can do whatever you wish; go wherever you want without having to follow a time table or being directed to do something.

You could decide to take an alternative route such that you can see more of Uganda’s beautiful landscape or make a stop to interact with some locals and learn about their culture which I believe drivers can do for you, but normally it is scheduled. Either way, you get to be your own boss which should put you at ease thus giving you peace of mind.

You can easily access the destinations; Uganda has many different types of attractions scattered all over the country which increases the number of tourist destinations. Most of these tourist destinations for example the mountain gorilla habitat in Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park and Murchison Falls national Park are located in rural areas far from the city.

The public means of transport to and from these places is scarce and usually costly. But in case you hire a car for self drive travels, you could even visit places that are seldom toured as long as you find them interesting.

The importance of Privacy; This might be the greatest advantage of driving yourself around the pearl of Africa. Many people value their privacy even as they travel and a self drive in Uganda is just the perfect way to do so when traveling in Uganda.

Uganda has many places of interest which are so rich in culture and history that it’s vital to adventure it all within a short visit. However, one might need to stay longer or desire to experience a place in solitude to appreciate its values fully.

Also renting a car with quality camping gears to enable you make camp whenever you feel like stopping a little longer is one of the ways you are allowed to enjoy your privacy while on holiday.

More so, hiring a car for self drive in Uganda has been appreciated by many travelers and has been a developing means of travel and yes, especially for returning clients.

However, it’s very important to know that you can handle driving on African roads, because it needs more than just the basic driving skills to pass through the bumpy roads, needs a lot of concentration, carefulness, persistence, driving along crazy drivers some mechanical skills.

Self driving gives you a large platform to view many animal species in the national parks that using a driver. Imagine seeing the elephants, lions, and many more, get to see these up close from your vehicle. There is no need to hire an expensive safari vehicle and driver or book a tour either way.

5 Main Things to Avoid on Uganda Self Drive Safari

admin blog

The main things the travelers should know and avoid for a great Uganda self drive safari. Car hire companies have been arranging self drive holiday trips in Uganda for over 10 years; this means that we are keen when it comes to self drive in Uganda. But you can get too much of a good thing. Below are the tips about what to avoid on a self drive safari in Uganda.

Always avoid too much driving; frequently people plan to drive way too far in one day. Sometime they plan a hectic trip which has them driving too far and way too often. This doesn’t mean that it’s not possible, this becomes more tiring and you should avoid it when on a self drive safari in Uganda. Always have more stops in the towns so as to know the region you are in and relax since it’s a vacation.

Choosing an unsuitable rental car because it’s cheaper; there is a standard entry car which is a sedan. This is a Toyota Corolla or similar. It’s good for tar roads and easy trips. however in case you are planning to do a self drive safari vacation in Uganda, you are advised to hire a 4×4 safari vehicle like the Toyota Rav 4, Toyota land cruiser, and safari land cruiser best for all kinds of terrain. Mostly in the rainfall months, we recommend a 4×4 for extra peace of mind.

Being more adventurous than you should be, or are happy with; Most of Ugandan roads are now tarmac but we there are also gravel back roads, most especially in the safari areas. The gravel roads vary from being pretty good, but still much more tiring to drive than the tarmac roads. In case you haven’t had much experience of driving on gravel roads, don’t be too ambitious but they offer an excellent African massage as you drive through these bumpy roads. In case you break down in a remote area, assistance may not be able to get to you right away. They will need to bring a replacement vehicle from the nearest depot which could take a few hours. You also need to be comfortable changing a wheel. You also need to travel with food or water in case you get stranded for a few hours.

Not knowing where you are going; in case you are planning more adventures self drive holiday or safari in Uganda, you need to be more prepared. The GPS coverage on your rental car might not work in remote areas, or it may be distinctly suspect. You therefore need to have good roads atlas or directions and know exactly where you are going. We would argue, of course, that having the assistance of a tour operator is invaluable here. They can assist you with driving distances and specific directions to your overnight stay. They can also give you tips about the journey. Also don’t over rely on the GPS, always ask the locals for the right directions.

Driving after dark time; this means that we plan our self drive safaris in Uganda so that you get to your overnight stop by late afternoon. Driving after dark is not only risky but also takes more time on the road, this leads to longer driving times as you drive much more slowly on the unfamiliar roads at night. Sometimes you find it harder to find the hotel as road signs or land marks are not so clearly visible. in case you realize that you will be arriving late, it’s always a good idea to ring. Inform the hotel on what time to expect you and where you are now.

Tips For Using Car Rentals In Uganda

admin blog

In Uganda you drive on the left, you get stopped by the traffic officers and you can buy lots of fresh fruits and roasted meat along the road. A self drive holiday in Uganda is a truly beautiful and unique adventure. Car hiring in Uganda is not a scary or complicated adventure but it does require some foresight and there are some things you should take into account when planning a safari.

The unreliable public transport is something that is part of the course in Uganda, Car hiring in Uganda is a good way to ensure that your holiday is smooth and to guarantee that you get to see the sights that you want to see when you want to see. There are a few basic tips, some universal, when choosing to take part in a holiday involving car hire in Uganda.

From the beginning and before you start to believe that the roads have been taken over by policemen; the police officers are just everywhere and in places you least expect them that where they lay their ambush. Car hire companies are represented in most of the towns in Uganda whereby you can pick your rental car up at one center or airport and then drop it off at a different location.

The Ugandan authorities will accept the valid driver’s license as long as it includes a photo and is printed in English. Car hire in Uganda may require you to produce an international driver’s license before they allow you to rent a car in Uganda. It’s important that you check with your travel agent or car hire agent before you depart.

The petrol stations are not self service and the attendant will normally offer to check your oil and water plus cleaning your wind screen but our rental cars are fully serviced, no need for checking oil, these can be offered some commission of 1 to 5 dollars.

The speed limits and distances are also signs posted in kilometers are the speedometers in the car hire are well known for the well maintaining of road network. Distances between the towns can be vast though so plan your trip carefully, keep an eye on your petrol gauge and don’t pass up an opportunity to fill up.

The self drive safaris in Uganda are incredibly rewarding and with some foresight and planning it will create amazing memories. It’s vital that you speak to your travel agent and carefully your car hire.

 

 

Main Tips For The Right Choice of Self Drive Rental in Uganda

admin blog ,

There is nothing that beats the pleasure of hiring a self drive rental in Uganda. This travel option has incentives like unlimited mileage, the well serviced cars, and everything about it seems to be fantastic, most especially when it’s a 4×4 safari vehicle, you get to go through all the terrain unrivaled. On the other hand, planning a Uganda self drive safari is always demanding and just like the other arrangements, the rental cars in Uganda will also need quite an effort to decide on. No matter what your location to discover, these tips are surely going to help you with getting the most out of your Uganda self drive safari.

Your particular safari route; always know your route before selecting a vehicle, it’s necessary to determine what route you are going to take in yourself drive safari. Depending on the terrain, the vehicle will be able to pass through all kinds of terrains. For example, for the safari land cruiser or the Toyota RAV4 rental car will act the best in up country safaris. With Uganda car rental providers, the options are endless and you just need to get the best.

The size of the vehicle; it’s also vital to hire a car that will give you comfort that you deserve. We also advise you on the number of passengers that suits a particular vehicle. The safari rent car should have enough space for the luggage of the travelers and other facilities like the camping gears for those interested in camping safaris.

Timing and convenience; it’s good to keep time and avoid driving at night, you should be aware of the travel distances to different areas in Uganda so that you travel safely. The rental cars are provided on unlimited mileage, so drive at your own pace and do not over speed because you might cause an accident and also miss out on the wonderful scenery.

The type of vehicle to pick; self drive companies have been offering wide range of vehicles such as hatch backs, sedans, suvs etc. From different brands, you can also take luxury machines and sports cars categories, for driving enthusiasts willing to adventure the trill and experience driving in big fast cars. But for the middle class clients, the smarter way to decide is based on the number of traveler’s luggage and the comfort level.

Always don’t ignore the other costs; when you are getting yourself a self drive vehicle, you are not paying for the rent, the car companies also ask for other charges as the refundable security deposit, cost of damage, and other penalties. The security deposit usually ranges between shs 50000 to 300,000, with the damage costs deducted from the deposit

Always check the network at your chosen destination; before you opt for a self drive car to head to any destination, make sure to check the network coverage of that area, while you are roaming around in that particular city, you would need to stay constantly online to keep a tab on the nearby places and stay connected during emergency situations.

5 Tips of Uganda Self Drive Safaris to Sole Travelers

admin blog, Uncategorized ,

The concept of solo traveling has become so popular among tourists who come to Uganda. The benefits of solo traveling are crystal clear since it gives the tourist the freedom to do whatever he/she wants. In addition solo travelers have an opportunity to cover a wide range of tourist places and also to interact with the locals and also make new friends on your travel. Most of these solo travelers engage in self-drive safaris since they do not want to put up with anyone while traveling even though it is a driver guide. They always want to travel on their own without any guidance or tutelage of anyone. They always say they want to enjoy the ultimate adventure in an adventurous country like Uganda.

Though it is fun to go for a Uganda self-drive safari for sole travelers there are some challenges that one might face along the way which in the end might make the trip one hell of an experience. There has to be some guidelines to follow in order to make your Uganda self-drive safari easy.

We bring to you tips of Uganda self-drive safaris to sole travelers;

Pack all the necessary safari equipment

While traveling to the national parks of Uganda, there are specific travel items one has to carry for instance the safari boots, insect repellents, sun jelly, sun glasses, hat or cap, travel map and also pain killers and antibiotics. The aforementioned items are very essential while traveling in Uganda as they will help one to have a very convenient travel procession in Uganda. So as a sole traveler going on a Uganda self-drive safari ensure that you pack these equipment.

Get a 4×4 vehicle

Uganda is a country with a very challenging terrain to drive on and furthermore most of the roads are marram and raged. Therefore a traveler is advised to get a four wheel driver which is made to maneuver through such roads like the ones in Uganda. So when you inquire from a car operator make sure you request for a 4×4 vehicle. For a sole traveler a Toyota rav4 would be condonable since it is economical both the rental price and fuel consumption.

Use highways while driving

When traveling in Uganda always use the main roads and fortunately enough all the national parks in Uganda have main roads that lead to them.  When a sole traveler uses the main roads he/she is likely to get to the destinations without losing his/her bearing. The main roads are also safer as there is enough security for the travelers. More to that in case of a car breakdown while using the main road it is easy to rescue the traveler.

Do not drive at night

Driving in the dark in unfamiliar places is very dangerous. Some roads of Uganda have potholes and also death spots if you are not familiar with them, you can easily land into trouble especially at night. It is best for a sole traveler to drive during day where he/she can visibly see whatever is on the road.

Be friendly

When traveling alone in Uganda, it is be friendly to the local people. This can be done by greeting them whoever you come across. Ugandans are very welcoming people especially when you greet them.  It is best for the traveler to be friendly in that if he/she gets a problem the locals always try to help out.

 

 

4 Tips to Choose Uganda Car Rental Services From Many

admin blog

Car rental services have become so popular in the transport industry of Uganda. Many people who travel around Uganda both the locals and foreigners have turned to car rental services as a better transport option. Car rental services give travelers comfort, convenience, safety, value for money and also reliance. Most of these car rental services operate on the internet and there are over a thousand in Uganda as of now. Like in any business venture, there are good services and fake services and the onus is always on the customer to find the good services so that he/she can have a wonderful travel experience in Uganda.

The dilemma is that they are so many and sometimes the clients get confused on which particular car rental services to use. So in this post we try to bring out the keys tips of one can at least get close to choosing good car rental services in Uganda from many

Look at the establishment and reputation of the car rental company

This is one of the very first tip to look at while choosing car rental services from many. To find out the company’s establishment and reputation, you need to read at their about us to know the year they came into business and also look at the comments/reviews that are written about the company by their former clients. A company with a firm establishment and reputation have enough experience to meet their customer needs.

Comprehensive insurance

Insurance is one of most key things travelers look at while hiring rental cars. They always want that protection for themselves in case of any damage that may happen while driving the car. The comprehensive insurance covers for third party policy and collision damage waiver which makes the client or driver less liable of any damage that may happen to the car. However, the comprehensive insurance does not cover for persons traveling in the car so as a traveler one has to get his own personal travel insurance.

Competitive price

Every customer is a rational being so it is every customer’s priority to choose car rental services that have friendly prices to his budget.  When you look at the many car rental services make sure that you choose from those with prices that will not restrain you.

Complementary services

There has to be something always extra to entice client to go with some service. There are some car rental additional services that are offered to travelers. As a client looking for  Uganda car rental services choose a car rental company with complementary services like the gps, traveler’s map, baby seat and also travel book. The aforementioned services enhance the traveling experience of the client.

4 Useful Driving Tips for Short Persons

admin blog ,

Driving in Uganda is a very challenging experience due to a number of factors like ragged and pothole narrow roads and reckless road users.  Driving becomes harder for short people since it goes beyond the fore mentioned factors to even the driving technical factors as vehicles are made for people with moderate height.

Therefore short people are at a very high risk of getting problems while driving in Uganda and for that reason, here are some of the useful driving tips for short persons.

Adjust the driver seat

When short in stature, you have to find the right position for the driver seat. The seats are adjustable so you can move them from one position to another to get the best position for you to drive the car.

Sit high with cushion

When one puts a cushion in the driver seat in particular a short person, he/she will have a better position to drive the car as he/she is in the best position to hold the steering and also look around what is coming at the front and also behind through the mirrors. Always choose the perfect cushion size for your height as these may differ from size to size. Buying the wedged cushion is always the perfect thing to do as it is firm and does not move while seated on it.

Find your blind area

This is a very important tip. When short is commendable for you to discover where your vision of object stops while in the driver seat. This is done by making a friend move around the car as you look through the mirror to try to find where your vision stops. If you find any of your blind spots, try to mark them as they will help to ascertain where you will place the cushion in the driver seat.

Pedal extenders

Reaching the pedal areas is hard for persons of short stature. So if you cannot properly reach the brakes and the accelerator of the car. It is best for to inform the car rental company about your problem so that they can buy a pedal extender so that your foot can steadily have a firm stamp on the pedals. The extenders are very cheap and helpful but these vary in size so as person renting a car you have to contact the car rental company to get your size in advance. With that tip you can full control of the pedals which are one of the controllers used in driving.

As a car rental company Self Drive in Uganda tries to help its esteemed customers and would be customers to bring the best driving tips in Uganda so that a traveler can have a best experience in Uganda.

3 Remedies of How To Avoid Car Sickness while Driving

admin blog ,

Long distance driving comes with lots of challenges like car sickness that can really make your driving in Uganda a bad experience. Car sickness is associated with signs of dizziness, exhaustion, and nausea and sometimes sweating. Car sickness does not occur to a certain group of people, it cross cuts among all people of different ages.

Car sickness is a very dangerous thing to happen to the driver as this can make him/her get an accident due to the discomfort and dizziness that can lead to him/her lose consciousness. In the end running over something like a car or getting off the road which eventually leading to an accident.

Therefore a driver has to find redeems of hot to avoid car sickness on a Uganda self-drive expedition in order to have a serene voyage hence having a wonderful travel experience in Uganda.

Here are the tips of how to avoid car sickness on a Uganda self drive experience;

Proper Ventilation is paramount

If the driver and passengers have a cool and an aerated environment, car sickness comes nowhere close to happening. It is always recommendable to open the windows of the car while traveling or at times turn on the air conditioner so that the people inside the car can have enough air to respire.   The best idea here is to point the direction of air conditioners towards you.

Good ventilation of the car makes the passengers and the driver to have fresh air in the car and also let out the bad odors that at times make breathing very hard as they intervene with the oxygen in the car environment.

Nap on Your Seat

Fatigue comes with lots discomfort in the body. So if you do not get enough rest and then get on the wheel, you are likely to accumulate fatigue which can lead to car sickness. Therefore it is commendable that you take enough rest before you get on a long distance journey or you should have an additional driver so that you can interchange while driving so that one can get a nap to get rid of the fatigue or tire.

Take the Front Seat

Car sickness occurs when the ear and the eyes have a mismatch of opinions. Going into the details, when a person is riding in the car, his eyes perceive that he is still in his position and nothing is moving whereas the inner ear feels the motion and thus a signal conflict occurs, which, in turn, leads to car sickness. But when you prefer sitting in the front seat, your eyes see that the road ahead of you is moving and so is your body feeling the motion.

This leads to a harmony between the eye and the ear signals, thus better chances of not developing on car sickness. An important fact to note here is that if you prefer driving your car, you would increase your chances of staying away from car sickness. It is recommended to look for driving tips to consider if you are vulnerable to car sickness.

Car sickness is very dangerous since it can lead to car accidents. Therefore it is of the traveler’s best interest to get to know the above three remedies of avoiding car sickness while on a Uganda self drive expedition.

Top 5 defensive driving tips for uganda self drive safaris

admin blog

Defensive driving skills are some traits that every driver should learn in particular for people traveling long distances that lead to the national parks in Uganda.  there are very many defensive driving tips that a traveler can follow to have a safe self drive safari Uganda.  Defensive driving requires one to be alert behind the wheel and also keep a keen eye on the other road users as he/she traverses on the raged roads of Uganda.

Defensive driving is no shame since it helps to minimize the risk of getting accident and save a life too. The tips of defensive driving are no brainier as they are common applications to safe driving.

Below are the top 5 defensive driving tips for a Uganda Self drive safari;

Avoid all the distractions

Many divers have a tendency of focusing on their things while driving yet driving is very fragile engagement which requires one to focus all the time. Many people enjoy using their phones, listening to very loud music or at times eat while driving yet these can easily distract them and get off the road or run over an object since they have removed their sight off the road and do not know what is taking place. It is best to focus on driving and forget about other things that can lead to distraction.

Don’t ignore the traffic signs

This is the main defensive driving tip. Obeying the traffic signs is a very good gesture since it helps the driver follow the right guidelines of the road as he/she keeps in the right speed, avoid wrong turns and follow the traffic lights. Following the road signs minimizes road offences and thus decreasing road accidents.

Keep your distance from other vehicles

There should be a 5 meter distance between vehicles while driving. The gap helps the driver not to run over another vehicle when there is an instant stop of the car or when the turning or parking.

Be familiar with all weather conditions

When driving in unfamiliar territories like the national parks of Uganda, try as much as possible to avoid travelling on the marram roads when it has rained. On a rainy day it becomes so hard for the vehicles to move so well.  It is commendable to drive on a sunny day or try to look for better roads when the season is wet.

Have enough rest before taking a long distance

This tip of taking enough rest when going for a long distance should be known by every driver. Sometimes driving requires lots of energy especially when travelling for a long distance so the driver has to take enough rest to recharge the batteries in that he/she can stay awake for quiet some good time.

4 Ideal 4×4 Vehicles For A Road Trip in Uganda

admin blog ,

Not all vehicles travel long distance. Different vehicles serve different purposes. For a road trip Uganda 4×4 vehicles are the best option. The road trips in Uganda are carried out in a self drive expedition experience.

The self drive safaris are becoming so popular in Uganda due to the presence of a wide variety of tourist attractions that include over ten national parks and wildlife reserves, which makes Uganda one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Even though some of the travellers choose the guided safaris through travel agencies, and others choose to drive their own adventures by hiring a 4×4 car in Kampala. This has led to the organisation of many self drive car rental agencies in the city. Below are the top 4 popular rentals for self-drive safaris in Uganda.

Toyota Prado; this is the most common 4×4 vehicle hired in Uganda for self-drive safaris. This category also includes cars like prado TX, TZ, GX AND 3 litre Turbo. The Toyota Prado carries about 5 people including the driver. You can hire a Toyota Pardo in Uganda from as low as $60 per day without a driver and fuel, and large discounts are present for long period rental and during the low season. This car is so spacious for the luggage and camping gear.

It’s also perfect for driving on the poor road conditions often met on the way of some national parks like Kidepo valley. Some of these cars have got a pop up roof that will reward you with excellent game viewing as well as photographing opportunities.

The Toyota RAV 4; this is one of the bestselling compact SUVs in a self-drive rental business with in Kampala. It usually available in manual and automatic transmission, and either three or five doors. It has an engine of 1990cc which performs excellently regardless of the weather.

The car has got low maintenance costs and gets great fuel mileage. When its rear seats are folded down, it can offer a cargo volume for the vehicles twice its size.  This type of car is recommended for 2 people and can go as low as $35 per day.

Super custom. Mini bus: this car is suitable and comfortable for large groups and family vacations. However, the space for the luggage largely depends on the number of people as well as the number of days you are to spend on the safari.

In case you are having a long safari, you will definitely carry more luggage as compared to when going on a shorter safari. The cars are available in both automatic and manual transmission, some of these cars come with a pop up roof or sun roof.

4×4 safari Land Cruiser; these include short and extended land cruisers that are suitable for both rentals and wildlife game drives during the safari. These are highly recommended for the off the beaten path drive.

These services ranges from beyond renting a car on self-drive, we also provide you with the perfect safari vacations. We also offer cross border rentals, long term rentals, experienced drivers, airport transfer, Kampala city guides, and much more. We can help clients buy their gorilla and chimpanzee permits and also rent camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking utensils, gas cooker, and cutlery).

Need help? Our team is just a message away