Safety tips for self-drive in Uganda

Uganda is ranked the safest county to travel and one among the many countries to offer self-drive. You shouldn’t worry on how to travel from one destination to another while in Uganda. Everyone’s dream is to have a safe and successful travel but much as to be put into consideration. The pearl of Africa has many tour companies willing to offer their cars for self drive but a few are authentic. These cars are for safaris to different tourist destinations, visiting family and friends hang outs and also those travelling urban and upcountry on your own. Self-drive offers the greatest opportunity for one to travel at own pace, privacy and a pleasant way to enjoy your travel. Below are the tips for self drive in Uganda. 

Rent a 4×4 wheel drive car

Travelling in comfort is all what one pays for when hiring a car, but the best advisable car type is a 4 wheel drive car which is safe, convenient and offers a 100% successful safari. Roads in Uganda are under good conditions which favor safe driving from Kampala to the four corners of the country. The upcountry tarmac roads tend to get extremely bumpy and ditch which we refer to real adventure but stay alert to avoid getting stuck. 2 wheel drive cars, the salon cars such as premo are advised to be used in the city centres. Rav 4 cars shouldn’t be taken to rugged terrain areas like the north eastern in Kidepo. Opt for a land cruiser, van, super custom and top tented car to reduce costs of camping.

Opt for an authentic car hire agency

Uganda has many car hire agencies situated in every part of the country mostly in the urbancenters. Due to high levels of advertisement, each company brands its self the best and this has created stiff competition in the travel industry. I guess if you hit your search button you will fail to choose the best authentic agency. Apiece of advice is to scroll down and check out the reviews, make inquiries asking about the terms and conditions and negotiate the prices to avoid being scammed. They the reviews are positive get to know they are worth of trust.

Follow the rules and sighs

Any one possessing a driving permit qualifies for driving and that means he or she knows very well the rules governing driving. Different rules are a must follow during self drive in Uganda and if not a penalty awaits. Authentic car hire companies offers road rules which are advised to be read before stepping into the car. Some of the rules include a void over speeding and drive100km on high way, 80km – 50km in urban centres and 30km on tarmac roads. Every sign post on the road as its meaning and some include Zebra crossing, no parking, and bridge among others.

A valid driver’s permit

A driver permit which is up-to-date is among the requirements for one to obtain a car from any car hire company. Remember if caught driving any car without a permit you get to be penalized heavily. Foreign driving permits or a valid document allowing you to travel is accepted.

The type of fuel

You should be considerate on the type of car you are to be given on hire and always ask first the type of fuel it uses. A petrol car is more expensive in terms of fuelling but the best choice to use with less road problems compared to a diesel car.

Don’t drink and drive

Drinking and driving is among the most penalized road rule in Uganda because people’s lives arein your hands. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a great offence in Uganda and it’s prohibited since it causes harm to yourself and other road users. The traffic police are on duty if caught drunk on the car steering. A quick reminder is that the car will be impounded and you will be taken to custody.

Sim card purchase 

Communication is a must for one to travel successful. I would advise you to buy a Uganda Sim card for mobile networking and also for internet use from any network providers. This will ease you communication in case you need any kind of help. The most popular network is MTN and airtel lines at 4G coverage. MTN is mostly and widely used network in rural areas. It is not 100% sure that you will have all time network. Some places are remote and distant for some network coverage.

Navigation apps

Most of travel vehicles are equipped with navigation materials such as the latest Brandt travel guide and a Uganda travel map to enable you navigate through your Journey without off track disturbances. Am of a view you down load a Uganda map and follow the right route on GPS. For meals look out for nearest hotels and restaurants and always avoid using the shortest routes offered because they tend to be bumpy, dusty and full of pot holes which can cause mechanical breakdown leading to delays on your itinerary.

Well insured car

Always take caution that the car handled over for self drive has an up- to-date insurance to avoid disturbances from traffic personnel. The car should also be under insurance for example comprehensive insurance to recover damages in case of any.

Left hand driving

All Ugandan cars are driven on the left hand side of the road. Please take note of that most especially foreigners. This tip intends to avoid collision into other car and other people.

Rent a car Uganda an authentic car hire agency offers great car hire deals for self drive to its esteemed clients at affordable prices. It’s the client to comply with the terms and condition for a successful business. Don’t look any further, visit our website www.rentacarentebbe.com.