Self-drive Ugandan holidays are extremely popular thanks to the relatively good roads and good road signage throughout the most of the country. The lure of the open road, wide open spaces beneath a blue bowl of sky and often minimal traffic (once you’re out of the cities and suburbs) encourage many thousands of visitors to explore Uganda by car each year. Even the gravel and unpaved roads are usually in good condition.
By the way – parking in Uganda is always only legal if you park in the same direction as the traffic and where there is proper signage allowing you to park on the roadside. In some countries it is legal to park on the opposite side of the road but here we follow mainly UK rules. You have been warned!
Fueling Your Car
Ugandan Petrol Stations
Most foreigners often find our petrol (gas) prices compare favorably with what they are used to back home. As a first time visitor to this country you may be pleasantly surprised at the level of service offered at Uganda petrol stations (known locally as fuel stations). Friendly petrol station attendants handle all required services – from filling your fuel tank and monitoring oil and water levels to checking tyre pressure and often cleaning your windscreen.
International fuel stations like Shell and Total accept cash, credit and debit cards as well as Uganda fuel Cards as payment. It is customary to pay a tip of around $2 to the attendant.
Camping Gears
Rent a car in Uganda limited does provide and rent out latest camping gears to travellers interested in camping safaris both in Uganda and Rwanda, you can order for your camping gears at the time booking your self-drive car. These include a double or single tent, gas cylinder, BBQ, Cooler box, mattress(s) cutlery, cutting board among others.
Important Things to Know
While it is every ones wish to have self drive safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, there is need to look into terms and conditions that will help you to obtain the most remarkable travel experiences thereafter. Terms and conditions for self drive car hire may differ from company to company but we would like to give some guidance to help you plan for your trip in Uganda or Rwanda without any problem as it is below.
Vehicle and drop off locations
Car Rental agencies can deliver rental cars anywhere in Uganda and Rwanda based on terms and conditions. We can deliver a car to the airport and any hotel of your choice at no cost. Renters may return car to our office or a hotel/airport where it can be picked after.
Driving License
You need a valid driving license from the country of residence. Alternatively, international driving permit is a must to have if you are to be allowed to go on self drive safaris with 4 by 4 safari vehicles in Uganda and Rwanda. The renter must be more than 20 to 70 years and should have a valid driving license of at least 2 years. He must also have other means of identification other than a driving license. The company has right to not rent out a car to any traveler who may not have basic requirements.
Deposit
With most car rental agencies, once you confirm the car you will need to make sure that you pay some money a set deposit either using visa/master card/directly at the office. The balance can be completed the day when you will be picking the car for your safari.
Insurance cover
Most agencies offer rental cars are that are fully insured. Loss or damage of tyres, tools and windscreens or glasses may not be covered under insurance.
Authorized additional drivers
Intending travelers who may wish to drive the car must be authorized by the company and recorded on the rental agreement. Qualification requirements for additional driver are similar to the ones for the renter. In case the vehicle is got being driven by an unauthorized driver, all protections and insurance offered under the agreement are voided
Care Hire Agreement
Cars rented for self drive safaris are subjected to the company’s standard form agreement. The company has a right to reject a hire at any time without assigning any reasons.
Repossession of car
The company at its discretion will repossess the car at any time if the car is left abandoned, agreed return date and time has elapsed, hirer fails to pay for rental or charges, car is discovered to be driven in a reckless manner/used for other purposes not allowed under the agreement, car is driven by an unauthorized person, agreement is breached, hirer was involved in the accident, car was obtained using fictitious information.
Opting to go for self-drive holiday in Uganda gives you even more than you ever thought of like the popular honey moon holiday on one of the beautiful Islands in the world, Ssesse Islands in the middle of Lake Victoria the largest fresh water lake in the world. Beautiful Sand beaches to relax your mind, swimming, canoeing and quad biking are among the variety of activities to enjoy on the Island making a self- drive holiday in Uganda a memorable one.