Self Driving in Kampala is stressful at the same time adventurous to those under self drive and driving on the streets for the first time. Kampala is Uganda’s capital and of course the busiest city with commercial economic activities taking place. It is the starting point for the major routes connecting to different corners of various destinations. The roads in Kampala are in good conditions offering a great reason for a successful drive. If you have a faint heart then driving in Kampala shouldn’t be your call.

The roads are well paved for smooth driving and the few unpaved ones are primarily fit for car drives hence a memorable road experience. Kampala city receives thousands of people especially those that come to operate their businesses, Buyers coming to buy from traders and those heading to taxi park stations located in the city centres travelling to various rural destinations. There are many people in Kampala and innumerable car models, old and latest, small and big in size appearing everywhere and the overtaking taxi and bus drivers along road lanes ruin moods of driving.

Almost half of the population own public and private vehicles and this has increased levels of traffic jam but always work hard on keeping on the right truck and avoid using wrong lanes while in Kampala. If caught doing so you will be punished or penalized in form of payment or imprisonment. It’s a tag of war to keep safe on the streets with many motor cyclists, tuk tuk and bicycles guys who have the same rights like other road users. The Boda Boda guys appear from anywhere and are the noisiest people in case of rare certainties. Work on dodging them for some peace of mind and a successful drive.

Kampala roads are used by many people and kindly take note of pedestrians who can cross at any time they feel like. Take use of your vehicle side mirrors, focus on the front and ensure that all your car windows are up with just a small space for your air circulation. Some people most especially foreign travellers face challenges with self driving in Kampala but at the end of the Safari the road chaotic experience gained will forever be cherished and the skills gained will be used while on a self-drive to any other East African country and Africa continent.

Always Google out roads with common traffic jam issues and avoid them. The down town part of Kampala City is over congested comprising of buildings, close to narrow roads causing competition with the pedestrians, street vendors and other road users. If you are not certain with the routes please make thorough research or hire a local to take you through or direct you the right and convenient routes to use. The streets in down town are confusing and to avoid falling victim of traffic law please park in a safe place and walk to your desired destination it’s a rewarding experience.

There are reserved parking space offered at a cost which will be determined by your time of stay and are usually charged in hours and a full day. Always check at the front mirror because it’s where the ticket charged is placed indicating the amount to pay. Do not live your special belongs in the car such as smart phones, laptops, bags, money and other precious gadgets because thieves are always ready and alert to grab what their eyes see and their hands can pick. Keep your car doors closed and fold your car side mirrors because they can easily be plucked out. These are rare cases so you don’t have to drive under tension.

Driving is Kampala is an adventurous activity which involves exploring the unique attraction as well get to embrace what nature in surrounding has to offer. The act of driving in the streets of Kampala is not for the weak hearted but rather requires those that are determined to compete with other road users.

The nature of roads in Uganda is in good conditions comprising of smooth Asphalt. Not all roads are made of asphalt but some are unpaved and made of gravel, dirt and rocks. On unpaved roads expect a lot of speed bumps and occasional potholes brought about by the heavy rains eroding off the unsealed road surface forming a hollow.

Note

All cars in Uganda are driven on the right hand side but should always keep left. And most of the cars offered for self drive are under Automatic transmission.