Getting around with your car rental in Uganda
The roads in Uganda
Once you have picked your car rental, you will be ready to head out for your Ugandan self-drive safari. Depending on the destination you are going to, driving can be an adventure in itself. Major highway and roads to are paved and well maintained. However roads also cover various terrain and stretches of remote areas such as in Kidepoin karamoja and between Bwindi gorilla trekking sectors. 4WD vehicles are recommended for dirt roads especially during rainy season (April to May and October to November).
If you’re not used to driving in Uganda, it’s better to follow the speed limit (80 km/hr) and slow down always.
Bwindi national park has steep terrain and roads have very sharp corners so take it steady when driving there. The moment you trip off the road, you roll down the cliff to death.
In north eastern Uganda in karamoja region to kidepo valley national park, the temperatures are quite high (32 and above degrees Celsius)during day. Always check the water levels after a few kilometers so that the car doesn’t run out of water which can damage the engine.
It’s also important to note that most of the roads around Uganda national parks don’t have names and few signposts can be found along the ways. You need tools such as GPS navigation system or Uganda tourist maps which are provided by car rental companies. If you find yourself lost, stop and ask local people for help and get the right directions.
Rules to be aware while on the road
If you are self-driving in Uganda, you must be aware of a few rules on the road to avoid getting fined by traffic police offers on the highways. Along Kampala-Maska highway there are several points where officers use radar guns to catch those who overspeeding, driving talking on the phone or minus fitting seatbelts. Thus the driver and all passengers must fit their seatbelts and obey road traffic signs. The maximum speed limit on the road is 120 km/hr.While inside theUganda wildlife national parks its40 km/hr.In Uganda vehicles are right handed and you must keep left side of the road while driving.
To be safe, hire a 4 wheel drive car
Don’t drive at night
Avoid driving at night after 7 p.m. no matter which destination you’re at. Uganda is very safe and so it can be tempting not to drive at night if time gets you between destinations. It’sobvious, but the car rental companies don’t allow driving at night.
Plan your self-drive to Uganda in advance
To start your Uganda self-drive, you have to first arrive in Uganda. International flights arrive at Entebbe international airport. Make sure to book and confirm your car rental as well as accommodation in advance before departure. Uganda has a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from high end safari lodges, through mid-range, budget to homestays and campsites. If you’re looking for where to stay, it’s better to book through the car rental company.
Use travel guide books
Look for travel guide books published by Lonely Planet, the world’s best travel guide books you can trust. Read one before arriving or while you are traveling around. In addition, you also need to have Uganda tourist maps for some of the national parks where you will be going.
