We rented a 4×4 car Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TZ with rooftop tent and all camping gear for 5 weeks (December 2021 and January 2022) for our road trip in Uganda. We would highly recommend 4×4 Car Hire Uganda, many thanks to Moses for his support all the time. His back up and break down service was immediate and excellent. The car was more than 20 years old, but this is Africa, you need a tough and reliable vehicle, preferably one, where minor mechanical issues can be fixed by self.
We are especially grateful to him for the 30L refrigerator for food and cold beer. Enjoy the journey, we certainly did and can recommend a self-drive with a car from 4×4 Car Hire Uganda. The rental price was also the best among more than 10 different providers.
I was lucky enough to spend nearly the 5 weeks in Uganda late exploring this incredibly beautiful country. We hadn’t done a huge amount of research as we had originally planned to go to Rwanda, but had a last minute change of mind. The 4×4 Car Hire Uganda made the trip possible and put together a brilliant program that helped us see a lot in a shorter space of time (if you can spend longer than 1 week there, please do!).
Uganda is easily one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited – incredibly green, everywhere, the scenery really has to be seen. From the terraces on many of the hills which make for a stunning effect, to the mountainous regions of Bwindi and the people who call this place home.
We were able to trek to visit a wonderful family of gorillas. The trek to them took about 2 hours and I would recommend gloves, thick socks into which your trousers can be tucked, waterproof jacket and walking boots shoes. You must wear a face mask with the gorillas. You get an hour with the gorillas and it was truly beautiful watching them. I was a bit nervous beforehand, not knowing what to expect, but the ground team are very professional, organized and helpful – and we were very happy that the gorillas were the priority, along with – of course – safety. This is an experience I will take with me through life.
We went in rainy season and the floor in places is very wet and muddy – I would recommend a porter, mine was brilliant and really helped us (I’m pretty athletic but did need some help in places). The porter was $15USD each but I gave $20USD and also tipped other members of the trekking and advanced search team (they go out very early to locate the various families) as they do a great job.
we went on two boat rides, organized by 4×4 Car Hire Uganda as part of the program – one after the gorilla trekking – very interesting as you’re told lots of stories about many of the islands. Pack a waterproof jacked and warm jumper in case of rain. The boat took us to our lodge – Bird nest. Such beautiful views and a lovely place to relax post-trekking.
We also went to Queen Elizabeth National Park and stayed in an amazing bush camp there. We stayed in tent 13 (with outdoor bathroom) and had a bull elephant walk right past the tent more than once. I could also see elephants on the other side of the riverbank. After dark you do need to be brought to and from your tent – on the last evening there were a couple of hippos wandering through camp. This is an amazing experience and what I wanted/requested from the 4×4 Car Hire Uganda team. If it’s not your cup of team you can request to stay in a lodge. The one we originally to stay in looked great and overlooked the park.
We did another boat trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park which gives you a brilliant perspective of the park, from the water. Saw lots of hippos, a few small crocs, lots of beautiful birds including king fishers and fish eagles, buffalo, others also had brilliant viewings of elephants. We were dropped off at the bush camp too.
The food at all of the lodges was lovely. I particularly enjoyed the lamb chops on the last night at the bush camp. Vegetarian options were also available. Expect quite a bit of driving in places – but this allows you to see a lot of Uganda and it’s people as you’ll go through many small towns and villages. When I wasn’t asking LOTS of questions and chatting to Emma, I was just absorbing this beautiful country quietly.
And finally – my wonderful guide Emma. He was a fountain of knowledge and very patient with all my Qs. He loves his country and his job – she told me he loves learning new things from his guests. Great driving – including up some challenging roads in the mountains – and a comfy ride. We traveled 2 females and felt entirely comfortable throughout.
A big thank you to 4×4 Car Hire Uganda who patiently dealt with my last minute change of plans from Rwanda to Uganda then both then finally deciding on Uganda. I really appreciate you making this trip possible and look forward to traveling back soon.