Everything you need to know before renting a car in Uganda.
Booking a trip to Uganda involves a lot of planning because there is so much to see and so many things to do. It is almost impossible to exhaust everything on your itinerary if you do not plan accordingly.
In other words, part of this planning involves renting a car to get around. The best way to explore all the hidden gems in this beautiful country is by renting a car either for self drive or with a chauffeur.
Renting a car enables you to move around at your own pace and convenience which is not the case with public transport that has fixed schedules. A rental car is also a cheaper way of travelling in a way that you can split costs amongst your friends or family making it affordable in the long run.
By hiring a car, be sure to explore remote places where public vehicles my not reach and if you encounter road closures or unexpected changes in your itinerary, having a hired car gives you freedom to change your plans.
The challenge however is that different countries have different car rental and traffic guidelines and even when you’ve rented a car multiple times in multiple countries, your experience in Uganda may be different so let us take a look at everything you need to know before you decide on hiring a car in this beautiful country.
Choosing a reputable company: There are so many companies that offer car rental services and choosing a company to hire a car from may be complicated. So what do you do?
Shop around! We live in a digital era where everything is available online and all legit businesses have a reputable online presence. Visit websites, social media, travel sites like booking.com or TripAdvisor and read reviews from the previous customers. You could also ask friends that have hired cars in Uganda before for recommendations. This should give you an insight of what company you’ll choose. Moreover, there are so many scammers in this business so these precautions help you choose a legitimate company.
choosing the right car: This is also another important yet difficult detail . Uganda in general has a very good road network but some places may have rugged roads with lots of potholes and rocks.
Before choosing a car to hire for your trip, research about your desired destinations. 4×4 cars have always been considered the ideal cars for hire especially for a safari trip. This is because they have good traction and ground clearance which makes them able to navigate even the roughest of roads.
If you have the Kampala city tour on your itinerary, a 4×4 vehicle may not be needed for that day because the largest section of the roads is paved. Always choose a car according to your travel needs and group size.
At Go Further 4×4 Car rental, we have a variety of vehicle fleets to choose from ranging from budget to luxury and your choice largely depends on your budget and travel needs. All of our cars are 4×4, very reliable on the road and in good mechanical condition.
Traffic guidelines: The Uganda Road Sector Support Initiative(URSSI) with help from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the World Bank, Crossroads, the Uganda Road Fund and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) have over the years worked tirelessly to improve the road network with visible significant changes especially in urban centres and highways. As you head deeper into the rural areas, you’ll encounter earth roads that are characterised by dust during dry seasons and mud during the wet seasons.
Also important to note is that the speed limits are 80kmph on highways, 50kmph in urban centres, 40kmph in national parks and 30kmph in school zones and residential areas. Driving in Uganda is on the left side of the road so you may need to familiarize yourself with this before heading out on a long safari trip.
To drive in Uganda, you must be above 18years old and must have a valid driver’s licence. For foreign visitors, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) which has to be issued by your home country before you travel. You can drive in Uganda for up to three months using your home driving permit or IDP after which you’ll be required to get a Ugandan Driver’s licence.
Along your way, you’ll meet traffic police very often and may encounter road blocks on certain points of the road. Be prepared with your required documents to avoid getting into trouble.
Be reminded that Uganda is currently implementing speed cameras especially in Kampala on the express/bypass routes so remember to drive within the required speed limits.
You may encounter road maintenance and renovation works on major highways for instance in Mabira on Jinja Highway and Karuma Dam and may be required to use alternative routes. Inquire from your car rental provider about the road conditions before you head out.
Another important reminder is that the traffic jam especially in Kampala can be crazy at specific times of the day especially during the morning and evening rush hours. If you’re unfortunate to be on the same road the president will use at that particular moment, be ready to sit in traffic jam for about 2hours. Consider driving outside the rush hours for a smooth ride.
Lastly, look out for motorists (boda bodas) who are mostly reckless on the roads and are the leading causes of motor accidents.
Insurance coverage: Insurance is one of the most important aspects in hiring a car. Motor insurance is mandatory in Uganda and there are two types available.
The third party insurance which covers damages to other people’s property or injuries to others in case of an accident.
Another one is comprehensive insurance which offers a wider coverage including damages to your own vehicle, theft, fire and natural Disasters. It also covers medical expenses for you and your passenger in case of an accident. This type of insurance is the most desired by most car renters.
Different car rental companies have different insurance policies and plans so endeavour to read and understand these before you go ahead and make a reservation.
Car rental agreement: Before you hire a car, the rental agency gives you a rental agreement/contract which is legally binding in the courts of law. This agreement mostly entails the rental price, period, pickup and drop-off terms, fuelling policies, cross border policies, payment methods, among others. Make sure you read, understand and do not violate the company’s terms and conditions because you could get slapped with fines and in the worst cases, a law suit.
Self drive or chauffer driven: When renting a car, you need to specify if you want a driver or if you’re going to self drive. Having a driver is always the best option because drivers may act as local guides. You’re also not liable for any traffic violations and it provides an added layer of safety and convenience.
Rental costs and requirements: No car rental company will give you their cars if you don’t provide them with a valid driver’s licence, a valid passport and credit card details.
At Go Further 4×4 Car rentals, expect to pay anywhere between $45-$150 depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration. Also note that you stand higher chances of discounts of you rent our cars on long term basis and if you rent them outside the peak season of June to September.
Always remember to follow traffic guidelines, be polite to the locals and have all your required documents to enjoy a smooth car rental experience in Uganda.
