Important Tips for Driving a Car Rental in Uganda (Advice)
If you are thinking of renting a car in Uganda, you are going to have a wonderful time and memorable experience. Driving a car in this country feels amazing and offers some sort of ultimate freedom, and there is so much to discover and do in Uganda. All you need to explore its ultimate beauty is time and freedom.
Renting a car in Uganda is a wonderful, more affordable, and flexible option for getting around, as long you are fine with driving on the left side of the road. Your self-drive safari will lead you to the 10 magnificent National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, and urban Centers with outstanding tourist sites. Here are some of the important tips for driving a rental car in Uganda that you need to know before visiting;
Renting a car in Uganda is easier and affordable
Every time you think about traveling to Uganda and particularly undertaking a self-drive tour, be informed of how easy and affordable it is to rent a car. A number of Car rental agencies in the main cities of Kampala, Entebbe, and Mbarara offer wonderful deals for their comfortable cars. Depending on the time of the year and car model/type, it is surprisingly possible to get a car for as low as $30 a day.
First, inspect your rental car
Most times, Car rental agencies will ask whether you would like to check the car yourself or on your behalf before taking it. Whichever option you choose, it is important to inspect your rental car, although it sometimes feels ridiculous. Check the exterior of the vehicle while pointing out any scratches or bumps to ascertain the existing ones, interior including how to operate hazard lights, headlights, make sure windscreen wipes and horns are functional, set up GPS, know how to adjust the position of driver’s seat and how parking brakes function (whether electronic or traditional manual).
Check for any restricted Mileage
Another important tip is to ascertain whether the Car Rental Company offers unlimited or restricted mileage before signing the car Rental Agreement. You might be planning to drive long distances and if mileage is restricted, it might cost you an arm and a leg if you go beyond the mileage.
Check for any restricted Mileage
Another important tip is to ascertain whether the Car Rental Company offers unlimited or restricted mileage before signing the car Rental Agreement. You might be planning to drive long distances and if mileage is restricted, it might cost you an arm and a leg if you go beyond the mileage.
Never let your Guard Down
You may feel too comfortable traveling around a safe country like Uganda, but it is far-reaching never to let your guard down. Just like any part of the World, cases of car plate theft, carjackings, and others exist, although on rare occasions. Always keep car doors locked and also avoid flashing your valuables when driving around crowded/busy places.
Thoroughly check fuel gauge before undertaking trips
It is recommended to first check the fuel gauge before traveling, especially if you have plans of driving long distances to remote areas and National Parks, where fuel stations are hard to find. Therefore, fill up your tank and make sure to carry some extra fuel (in a jerrycan) before embarking on your trip.
Avoid driving at night
Travelers are cautioned against driving at night in Uganda because it is when robberies, carjackings, and other unpleasant things happen. Avoid crowded places, always lock doors, always pay extra attention to your surrounding and be worried when stopped at stoplights after dark.
Always watch out for the animals
When moving around Uganda, look out for the animals, especially pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle that sometimes roam along roadsides or even crossroads when you least expect them. Be more careful when traveling in rural areas at night.
Crossing borders
Most Car rental Agencies in Uganda will allow you to drive the car across the border if you wish to. With this option, we open up the entire World of exploration to Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, it is important to first make your plans known to the Travel agency or Car rental Company as you will need a letter of authorization from the Company or Rental Agency.
Always keep left when driving in Uganda
Depending on the country you are traveling from, you could be driving on the wrong or right side of the road in Uganda. Therefore, always keep left of the road than the right like it is in most European countries, the United States of America, and Latin American Countries. Therefore, you will notice that the steering wheel will be on the opposite side of the car, contrary to what you are familiar with.