Self-driving in Uganda can be a fun-filled adventure, offering the opportunity to explore this beautiful pearl of Africa, enjoy the scenery and culture while living a lifetime opportunity to encounter unique wildlife in their Natural Habitat.
Self-driving in Uganda offers a unique opportunity to explore this diverse and captivating country at your own pace with 4×4 rooftop tent cars and camping gears. By following these to essential tips for self-drive in Uganda, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventure while discovering the natural wonders, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Uganda;
Know the Driving Rules. Every country has its own driving rules. Some nations keep left and others right. For Uganda, you always keep left. Uganda’s driving regulations require you not to drive while talking on the phone, have a valid driving license, control your speed and don’t drink and drive.
Raise the door mirrors. This is especially is necessary when driving in the city center, there are many opportunists in the city just looking at your laziness size and chop you. Keeping the window doors helps in hiding away some of the simple but basics that you have in your vehicle.
Check the car condition. It is vital always to first check the car’s condition before you start it. Check on the water levels, oil brake fluid, battery, and other essential parts. In case of anything, you don’t understand endeavor to contact a mechanic.
Ensure Defensive Driving. The road is used by different types of car operators including experts and novice drivers. Don’t hesitate to ensure defensive driving. Control speed, keep distance, be alert, and expect the unexpected.
Don’t forget the Backup Mechanical Tools. You cannot really predict when your car will break down. Therefore, it is always good to ever be ready for it. Endeavor to put some important tools like car jack and wheel spanner in the boot or trunk. And sometimes it better to keep in touch with mechanics.
Don’t drive at Night. It’s not advisable to drive at night and if there is some how you can avoid it, please do. Always time yourself because driving at night can cause some problems. The recommendable time to drive is starting at 6am to 7pm. This helps you to avoid the potentials of being attacked by night robbers who can be found anywhere across the country and also you will save on the chances of dozing while on steering.
Choose the right car for your road trip and book it in advance. It is paramount to note that not every car fits your safari destinations, however we advise all travelers to think of renting a 4×4 vehicle that can manage all road conditions including the poor road networks in remote areas. This is never disappointing regardless of the weather conditions especially during the rainy season when roads are muddy, wet and slippery. Do not hesitate to consult from travel experts from 4×4 rooftop tent about which type of car you need for your safari destination and they will advise you accordingly at an affordable rate.
Follow the road signs. In Uganda, there are different signs on the road which you have to follow for a safe drive in the country. Do not miss or undermine any sign because its costs you time and money. For instance, if a traffic officer stops you for over speeding, you will be charged about UGX200.000 (US$60) and it’s paid to the bank.
In such a situation, you can lose over 2 hours thus disorganizing your self-drive holiday so plan your safari well and do not rush if the signpost is showing 50km/h it’s better to follow it and reach safely.
Should check the vehicle before driving. When receiving your car rental for self-drive should ensure that it’s in a good mechanical condition. And when on a safari should always ensure to first confirm if the vehicle stature in the right mechanical situation. As a routine before seating behind the wheels of your car rental, one should always check the vehicle before driving. The water level I the radiator, oil, fuel, pressure among many things which can be checked before setting off.
Use of GPS, Cell with Local SIM and Road map. Most car rental companies in the country offer travel road maps and sometimes GPS navigation. Since you will not have a guide on your safari these two will act as your route guide when you on the self-drive safari. But still, you have to note that some tourist destinations may be missing on the GPS but the map travel map will be of importance there.
What you don’t have to forget when going for a self-drive safari is to buy a local sim-card and also load on some data and talk time this will help you to stay connected with your friends and relatives at home and even help you call the lodge for reservation and even it helps you when calling the car rental agency in case of any problem with the car or when you need any assistance from them.
Comprehensive Insurance cover. When looking for a safari vehicle to use on a self-drive safari in Uganda, at least make sure that you request a vehicle that is comprehensively insured so that in case of an accident or damage of the car the insurance company will have to come in and pay for the damages.