There can be few more good experiences than driving through Ugandan wilderness and there is no better place to do this than in the national parks of Uganda. Many parts of Uganda’s game parks are accessible in 4 x 4 vehicles. If you are planning on doing a 4×4 self-drive in Uganda, we recommend hiring a proper vehicle that comes with everything you need on your journey. Below is a quick checklist of advice that could help you when on a self-drive safari
- Make sure the vehicle you are travelling in has been serviced before the trip
- All vehicles are right-hand drive – drive on the left-hand side of the road in Uganda.
- Watch out for animals – many of the roads are unfenced and animals such as donkeys often wander across the road, in national parks, it could well be an elephant!
- Stick to the speed limit, especially in the national parks – it is for your safety and allows you to see many more animals that you may have just whizzed past.
- Take extra petrol with you in Jerry cans – even if you have a backup tank. Most of the petrol stations are only located in the major cities and you can use a lot of fuel when driving through, so you may often use more than you think.
- Take enough water with you. The water in the rivers needs to be boiled before drinking it. So take clean water with you. Also, you may need it to fill radiators or for basic washing etc.
- Carry a phone. When you run into trouble, it will be in the middle of nowhere and you will have no idea when the next vehicle might come by. You need to have some way to ask for help in an emergency.
- Take a GPS and maps. The roads are often not sign-posted so a map is a definite necessity.
- You should carry extra spare tires, and a high lift jack as well as an ordinary jack.
- Take a medical aid kit. In the heat and humidity, even small cuts can get infected quickly, so it is a good idea to carry a basic medical aid kit with you.