Renting a car is worthwhile in Uganda for a safari holiday where most destinations are remotely located with public transport limited to only main towns/cities. Hiring a car in Uganda becomes the best option to get to your preferred destination to start enjoying a Uganda safari.
Rental cars in Uganda offer a safe way of reaching a destination, unlike public means of transportation. Renting a car in Uganda guarantees visitors ultimate privacy which every traveler wishes to have on any road trip.
Road conditions in Uganda
Uganda is still a developing country and you will notice that the main roads and highways aren’t of international standards but to East Africa status, they are in a better state. Good roads exist mostly in the urban areas and for cases where you require to go off-road, public transport won’t be of great use and this is why renting a car in Uganda is really worthwhile on Uganda safari.
The majority of the safaris in Uganda are carried out in rural areas and which means, you will go off-road and a 4×4 safari vehicle is worth renting for all your road trips. The leading tourist destinations in Uganda are all located in the remotest side of the country including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where mountain gorillas live are accessible 8-9 hours’ drive from Kampala.
Even for wildlife safari travelers, accessing Uganda safari destinations to see big game requires you to travel from Kampala for long hours for instance 12 hours to Kidepo Valley National Park, 6 hours’ drive to Murchison Falls National Park/Queen Elizabeth National Park, or 4 hours’ drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Accessing these parks is easier using a rental car in Uganda, unlike public transportation. The buses and taxis operate along the main routes and proceed to the next town.
Safety
Renting a car in Uganda is worthwhile on Uganda safari. Firstly, you are guaranteed of a safe road trip, and while at the National Park or Reserve, you spend most of your time in a 4×4 safari vehicle rather than walking which may put you at the risk of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, etc.
Renting a car in Uganda also guarantees the safety of your valuables. Public transport accommodates all categories of travelers unlike rental cars where you travel with your family or colleagues and cases of theft are limited. But, ensure that all your valuables are kept safe- avoid displaying them in public.
Rental cars in Uganda
There are several rental cars in Uganda all ideal for getting around the country. They include a 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Safari Land Cruiser, Safari Van, Super Custom, Coaster Bus, Land Cruiser Prado, Nissan Patrol, etc. All our rental cars in Uganda are available for hire at pocket-friendly rates and you can rent both a car and a professional driver/guide.
Driving requirements
To avoid any trouble with the Uganda traffic police, ensure that you have a valid driving license. Apply for an international driver’s permit in advance in case your driving license isn’t written in English. Also, carry a passport with you for those of you whose driving licenses don’t have photos. You should be at least 25 years to be allowed to drive a rental car in Uganda- though this may vary depending on the car rental company.
Driving rules in Uganda
Driving on Ugandan roads is a unique experience from the ones you have been used to while back home.
- While driving in Uganda, you must keep left and prior to embarking on a road to any part, better if you do some practice to familiarize yourself.
- Drive within the speed limits as stipulated in the signposts.
- Drinking and driving in Uganda is highly prohibited.
- Drive carefully- be mindful of other road users and this is especially for solo travelers on self-drive tours in Uganda.
What are the advantages of hiring a car in Uganda?
- No need to stress about insurance or car maintenance.
- Opportunity to drive a luxurious vehicle without buying it.
- Flexible road trip.
- Ultimate privacy guaranteed.
