Everything to Know about Renting & Driving a Car in Uganda
Uganda is a small landlocked country in East Africa, with a wide range of attractions to explore. From the National Parks to lush tea plantations of western Uganda to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the landscapes of this country are spectacular and ever-changing. Given the long driving distances between safari destinations in Uganda and scarcity of organized public transport means, the most amazing way to get around the country and exploring these destinations is renting a car and finally embarking on a self-drive trip.
Whether you are yearning for a road trip along the rolling hills of south-western Uganda or an easy way to get from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, Mount Elgon, Mgahinga, Kibale Forest, and Semliki National Parks, there are some important things you need to know about renting and driving a car in Uganda. These include;
Is it safe to drive in Uganda?
Uganda is generally one of the safest places to drive in Africa but precaution has to be taken to avoid any unpleasant occurrences. One of the important things to do to stay safe while driving in Uganda is not driving at night especially within Cities where carjackings sometimes happen when you are stopped at traffic lights.
But if you ever find yourself driving at night, make sure that your car doors and windows are properly closed. Another precaution is not leaving valuables in the car but if you do, your bags must be locked in the trunk. Also, avoid offering free lifts to strangers on the side of the roads as some of them are wrong elements.
Is an International Drivers’ License needed for driving in Uganda?
Uganda is one of the incredible destinations that allow travelers to drive with a foreign license hence not possessing the International License will not deter you from driving in Uganda. Therefore any English license especially US, Australian, Canadian and British can be accepted as long as you have possessed it for over a year and you are 18 years and above. Drivers with permits that are not in English are highly recommended to get an International Drivers’ License when driving in Uganda (at only $49).
Uganda’s Road Conditions
It is sometimes surprising to discover that Uganda has fairly good road conditions, with the majority of the highways paved and tarred hence making it easy to travel around with your ordinary 2WD Vehicle. However, some roads within the National Parks and remote destinations in Uganda are not in good condition hence only 4WD vehicles are recommended. The main challenge in Ugandan roads is stray animals especially cattle, goats, pigs, and dogs that unexpectedly crossroads and people walking by the roadsides especially in rural areas hence caution has to be used when driving at night.
Important Rules and Regulations on the Road
Driving in Uganda will probably be different (or similar) from your home country, as far as rules and regulations in the road are concerned. The following are the important driving rules and regulations in Uganda; Driving is on the left side of the road. The speed limit on Uganda roads is 100km/hour on highways, 80km/hour on rural roads, and 50 km/hour in Urban Centers. It is also mandatory for drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts at all times and talking or using a cellphone while driving in Uganda is totally prohibited and make sure that headlights are fully functional when driving at night.
Toll Roads in Uganda
There is only one toll Road in Uganda-the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway with 3 main toll Plazas comprising of 16 toll gates. Fees are currently cheap and collected by Egis Road Operation French Company) for maintenance of the roads and their infrastructure, bridges, and tunnels among others. It is always important to travel prepared to ensure that your fees are paid each time you get to the toll booth.
Buying Fuel in Uganda
There are many Fuel stations across the country, especially along major highways and Urban Centers, and are open 24/7. Besides fuel, pump attendants are skilled and experienced to pump gas, check the pressure of car tyres as well as the oil level of your vehicle. All these are at affordable rates and make sure to always tip them (although it is not mandatory).
Car rental companies in Uganda
There are numerous Car Rental Companies in Uganda offering a wide range of cars, although their prices, deals, and availability change from time to time. As Maranatha Tours and Travel, we are not only a credible travel Agency but also boast of a wide range of vehicles at affordable rates. With our many years of experience, renting a car to undertake self-drives in Uganda is pretty easy and our car rental costs begin from as low as $30 per day (depending on the type of vehicle).
Insurance
It is important that Car Rental includes fire and 3rd Party Liability Insurance in the total cost of hiring the car. However, extras sometimes include personal accident insurance, Collision Damage Waiver, and theft protection hence it is your choice on which extra to choose.
Crossing the Border
Using your Rental Car across the border to Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo is very possible as long as the necessary paperwork and additional fees are sorted.