Essential Tips for a Successful Self-drive holiday in Uganda
Self-driving is one of the options that travelers choose as there are exploring Uganda the pearl of Africa. You hire a 4×4 vehicle and drive yourself to several places. Car rental companies provide the various types of cars at different rates. The list of available cars includes Toyota Rav 4, Land cruiser TX/TZ, GX, and VX, V8, Safari van and coaster bus. You have to choose one of them based on the activities you will perform, your budget, and number of passengers.
For a tight budget, you can get something cheap and this is a Toyota Rav 4. It accommodates four people including the driver. The Rav 4 is less expensive but not perfect for game driving. If you prefer a cost friendly but spacious car, the Land cruiser TZ is for you. It is highly raised and has a pop up roof that is perfect for game viewing. Travelers who are more than five, don’t hesitate to take a Safari van. The seating capacity is 8-9 people. Besides that, if you crave for a successful road trip, follow these tips below.
Reserve in advance
Take a step and do everything in time. For travel, it usually starts at deciding the dates or month and booking flight tickets. After that, go on and inquire about the rental car. With interest, you cannot fail to agree on the vehicle and rental rate per day. Confirm in advance such that the car is reserved for you.
Get a great Car
A well-conditioned vehicle usually makes a perfect trip. A car that is breaking every time is very irritating. Choose one that has a four wheel drive. It will pass all rough roads without hustle. Two wheel vehicles are only good on tarmac roads. Avoid a 2WD because all roads are not in good conditions especially deep in the villages.
Be with necessary documents
Be sure to come with all necessary documents needed such as a tourist Visa, Passport and health documents. Without these documents, they cannot issue you entry permission to Uganda. Moreover, a valid driving license s important for you to drive n Uganda. Whether you have a license issued by your home country or an international one, you all allowed to drive.
Pack your personal needs
Don’t forget to pack your essential needs such as clothes, shoes, underwear, snacks, and leisure time gadgets like personal computer, mobile phone and tablets. Also include the insect repellents, sunglasses, and capes, head shock, some medication recommended by your doctor and more.
Follow the road rules
Uganda has its rules that govern the motorists. These include having a valid license, right age, and following the road signs. You are also not allowed to over speed, over load, no driving while speaking on phone, don’t drink and drive. Follow the traffic lights while in cites. On most roads and highways, there are traffic officers who arrest and give penalties to those who disobey the rules.
Draft a travel plan
Have a route plan to follow. This will make it easy for you to enjoy the trip. know the locations of all the allures you want to see. After draft a route that flows from one place to the last spot without rebounding. The starting point s usually Entebbe or Kampala. From here, you go to the western, Eastern, or Northern Uganda.
All these regions have something for you to see. So you may find yourself required to combine the three region basing on your interests. For a round trip, start from central to Eastern – Northern and connect to Western – from western you return back to central (Kampala).
Follow the Car rental terms and conditions
Car rental companies have the rental terms and conditions. To be offered a vehicle. You must follow these terms. The representative provide a hard copy of these rules for you to read through and sign on it. Any breach of contract calls for a mandatory penalty. Be sure to read and understand everything before you sign.
Choose the preferred travel option.
There are two ways to go. You either rent a car and sleep at the lodges or take a 4×4 Uganda rooftop tent car and go camping at various campsites. For self-contained rooms at different lodges you have to reserve in advance. For a tent car, you move to every place with your accommodation at the roof of the car. You only stop at your next location and setup the tent for a night stay. Then in the morning, fold and zip it perfectly to continue with the journey.
Be friendly with the locals
Try to be friendly with the local people you find along the way or town centers. In case of any problem. There are the first to respond and give support when you need it. Ugandans are too friendly and welcoming. When you get lost don’t delay to ask a local for the right directions.
Communicate with the operator
Please communicate first to the operator when there’s a problem such as car break down. Don’t make any repairs on the car before you notify them. Be sure to have a local Sim card such that you can call direct or use it to access internet. Buy one at the Airport or a shopping mall in Entebbe.
