Having a private car provides a lot of freedom and convenience when traveling through Uganda. You can travel at your own pace, stop frequently to take in the view, and get to some places that are difficult to reach with public transportation. However, there are some things to know about renting a car in Uganda. Knowing these differences in advance can save you some money and maybe even a big travel headache. These include;
Choosing a Car Rental Company
One of the most ideal car rental companies in Uganda offering self drive in Uganda include 4X4 Car Hire Uganda and travelers are always emphasized to book the car in advance. During the planning phase of the trip, you can check the rates for the major companies and choose the one with the best price.
It takes extra time however to price out all the companies, but prices can vary widely depending on promotions and supply and demand, and it has been worth it to do this extra work in order to save money.
Surely there is no preference for one particular company since people have different needs, but we just want the best deal. If you don’t like the idea of pricing out the costs for multiple companies, you can decide to consult from your friends who have ever used a particular company and he/she lets you know how best it worked for him, hence finding you the best rates for your trip.
Factors that Affect Rental Car Price
There are the obvious factors that determine price, such as duration of the rental period and the size of the vehicle. Therefore, let your car rental company know when you are traveling (in advance), how many days will your trip last and also which car you will need to use. For more convenience, you can also order for an experienced driver-guide to avoid penalties which may result from the untimely injuries caused on your hired private car.
It is to take note that Uganda is a third world country, hence it can’t be with good infrastructures, such as, roads, like those in Europe, and America, therefore consider ordering for an experienced driver-guide who knows well on how to drive safely on the poor roads of Uganda, especially those in her national parks, or you are then emphasized to drive very carefully whenever you see that the roads are not in the best condition.
Sure, it may be convenient to pick up a rental car at the company’s headquarters, airport, and any lodge or hotel, of which bringing for you your hired car at any of a place of your choice is at a free of charge. With that being said, renting at an airport does have several advantages.
It is very convenient to get off the plane, pick up your car, and drive to your hotel. Secondly, the car rental facilities are much larger at airport. They have a higher volume of cars, so you are less likely to be stuck waiting for a car or stuck with a car class you did not reserve.
Make Sure You Have a Valid Drivers’ Permit
When you go to pick up your car, they will ask to see your confirmation number, driver’s license, passport, and credit card. The driver license/permit should be valid and at least be in use for about 12 months and above. This will show that you at least got some great experience in driving and you can therefore drive the car with a lot of care.
Driving on the Left in Uganda
If you are accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, making that switch to the left can be intimidating. At first, it takes a lot of concentration. Roundabouts, busy city streets, and entrance ramps onto highways can be nerve wracking. All of a sudden you feel like a newbie driver again.
Give it some time and it does get easier, and rather quickly. Just remind yourself which side of the road to stay on as you make a turn and as you enter a roundabout. It can be helpful for the passenger to remind the driver as well. The other thing to know about driving on the opposite side of the road is that the driver’s seat will also be on the opposite side of the vehicle, forcing you to shift gears with your opposite hand.
If shifting gears with your opposite hand concerns you then make sure you select an automatic car when you make your reservation. However, if you see that all that is not comfortable for you, you can then order for a driver-guide at an affordable price.
What you should know about car hire in Uganda
The small beautiful and varied Uganda is the ultimate place to take a road trip in 2019. Whether you are winding along its beautiful capital city (Kampala), cruising down to the amazing Jinja town or chilling out on the fantastic sandy beaches of Entebbe town, exploring by car is a pleasure and offers a lot of flexibility. Getting a rental car in Uganda could be easier when a better car rental company like 4X4 Car Hire Uganda is contacted in advance, and expect best deals.
Whenever you are flying to Uganda, expect to find many car rental companies but always choose to book with only the better companies such that you get successful trips. If you only want to drive for part of your trip, it is possible to get a good rental deal in most Ugandan cities and towns.
You may also find that some companies will deliver cars to your hotel or accommodation if you book in advance. For point-to-point road trips, you can usually hire a car in one city and drop it off in another, but bear it in mind that this often incurs a hefty extra fee (surcharge).
