Exploring Uganda on a self drive road trip is probably the best way to experience the true beauty the Pearl of Africa has to offer. Blessed a huge number of fascinating tourist places to visit combined with a stable communication and transport network though some of the roads are still poor condition ,there is no denying that driving in Uganda is an awesome experience most especially for first-time visitors.
We at Rent Car Uganda offer a wide range of rental cars for self drive in Uganda and understand how daunting it can be to drive in a foreign country, that’s why we have put up some tips to help you have a safe & money-saving road trip across Uganda.
9 Useful Uganda Self Drive Tips To Follow
Inspect rental car – Before you even think of driving off, you should always make a thorough check of the car. Check both exterior and interior with important items being the tires, battery condition, oil & water levels, air conditioner, fuel gauge, lights, dents, door lock condition to mention but a few other items. This will help you avoid any extra charges if you report it to the staff before you begin the self drive adventure.
Travel with your documents – It’s advisable to carry original valid copies of your driver and identification documents to avoid getting penalized by the traffic officers. All foreigners are allowed to drive on Ugandan roads as long as they have a valid International Driver License, Passport and or country ID and authorization documents from the car rental company well stamped & signed.
Travel with a GPS / Road Map – Like we said earlier on, driving in a foreign country is no easy task with high chances of getting lost or falling prey of fraudsters. If you are looking for a stress-free self drive trip, then you shall need the services of GPS (Global Positioning System) or an updated road map. The GPS is by far the best guide no disrespect to the road map, with this gadget, you will get accurate routing including distance and time plus you can as well see places of interest close by including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, hospital, tourist attractions to mention but a few.
Choose a spacious 4×4 car – There are a variety of 4×4 cars in Uganda ideal for self drive road trips, ready to handle the tough terrain and unpredictable weather conditions but you have to be careful and choose a car that can accommodate your cargo and still give you enough legroom. It makes no sense squeezing yourself yet you will on the road for long hours. We strongly recommend you get a car with a trunk in the back where you can store your cargo separately from the passengers.
Obey traffic laws – This is by far the most essential tip to put in mind, you have to obey the Uganda traffic regulations and respect road signs if you don’t want to fall on the wrong side of the law. Most cars are right-hand drive cars and you have to drive on the left side of the road when driving in Uganda. Dont over speed, overtake, drive while drunk, dodge a traffic light signal, park anywhere are some of the many traffic rules you should look out for.
Avoid driving at night – One of the best ways to keep safe when driving in a foreign country is to avoid night time travels. You are exposed to a lot of dangers during the night including highway robbers and in case you get a mechanical problem late in the night, the chances of getting it fixed are very low depending on the locations of the breakdown. So do all the travelling during the day and if you see that you won’t make it to your destinations, book a room at the guest house or hotel nearby to spend the night.
Have breaks – The best way to refresh your mind and body during a Uganda self drive trip is to take some breaks. Visit a local restaurant for lunch or hop out to fuel the car and buy some snacks at the supermarket. You will enjoy your adventure, even more, when you are always recharged plus it’s risky to drive when you are tired, so give yourself a break and drive comfortably.
Mind about other road users – Public & private means plus pedestrians are all part of the road and so that means you have to respect all of them. Most of the roads in Uganda are narrow but the users are many meaning you have to drive carefully otherwise you may end up colliding with a pedestrian, boda-boda rider or another car.
Obey park regulations – If you planning to do self drive safari in Uganda, then you should be ready to go by each park’s rules otherwise you risk getting fined by the UWA officials that monitor the parks. Some of the most important rules to follow when driving through a park including driving at a speed not exceeding 40 km/hr, no hooting, no littering, no feeding the wildlife, no going off the main track, and definitely no walking alone without a guide.
So if you plan on embarking on self drive trip in Uganda this season, then you should strongly take heed of the above tips for safe and convenient road trip. To rent a car online, simply send us an email to info@rentcaruganda.com or call us now on +256-779232316 to speak with our
Bryan Muhoozi – Self Drive Expert