Road trips have become the norm in Uganda’s travel industry. 7 out of 10 travelers who wish to explore the beautiful parks of Uganda, book a self-drive safari. Here in the pearl of Africa, a road trip is considered the same as a self-guided tour.
This kind of trip involves driving on your own from Kampala to the remote areas where the nature-based tourist sites are situated. The road trip is such an exciting and adventurous experience but the journey is not totally smooth, there are challenges faced. Some of these hurdles are mild and easy to fix while others are severe that they can completely ruin the whole experience.
The good news is that no road tripper has ever aborted their expedition, they always maneuver till the end with the help of their rental operator. The car rental companies have a supporting team that works in hand with the traveler throughout their self-drive safari to ensure all obstacles are overcome that are encountered on the road and in the wilderness.
For those who wish to partake in a road trip in Uganda on their next vacation, below are the likely challenges to face.
Bad Road Users
Although Uganda has stringent traffic rules and regulations, motorists care less about them. Some of them drive as they wish especially boda boda riders, commuter taxis, and heavy vehicle drivers. The boda boda (motorbikes) come from all angles, they want to pass through even the smallest space left on the road. It is easy for someone not familiar with driving in Uganda to bash them. Commuter taxis (passenger vans) are the most reckless road users, they get off the road and park in any area of the road. The heavy vehicles always bully small car drivers, they normally squeeze them on the edge of the road and bother them with a loud hoot to give way. The three categories of motorists can really be an enigma for a first-time driver in Uganda but as time goes by you get familiar with the situation.
Poorly Maintained Roads
Most roads in the country are not developed or poorly maintained. The ones that are developed and paved, you cannot drive 2 kilometers on them without bumping into a pothole. These potholes are so dangerous, especially the ones on the highways where cars are moving at some speed. The car can easily lose control when you try to dodge it or get damaged if you decide to hit one. Most gravel roads leading to the national parks and found within are in a sorry state. They are bumpy and get muddy and slippery on a wet day. This is why road trippers are advised to hire a 4×4 car in Uganda. On top of having potholes and being in a poor state, most roads are narrow making driving so hard for first-timers and foreigners.
Nagging Traffic Officers
On each corner of the road in Uganda, there is a traffic officer. It is not a bad idea because they curb down road offenders however sometimes they tend to be nagging. They seem to stop vehicles at their own will even without having identified any issue. They are all about scooping money from the motorists since it is the norm.
Car Breakdown Issues
A car is like any machine, it can stop operating or get a problem at any time in usage even if it has just been repaired or serviced. Rental vehicles normally get issues while on a road trip such as a tire puncture, the rod getting off the battery, any fluid getting used up, any car part getting damaged, and the worst expected, occurrence of an accident. Such car issues can hinder a road trip because they cause panic, tension, fear, and also loss of time. The car is not fixed immediately, it takes time to get the mechanic and also to repair the vehicle and get back on the road. Some car issues such as an accident are life-threatening. Car breakdowns and accidents may be severe challenges on a road trip but they are amicably solved by the car hire company. Normally the company has a road assistance team which comprises the hotline support personnel and a host of mechanics allocated in different areas. A car problem is usually solved within 24 hours.
Harsh Climate
Uganda is a relatively hot area averagely experiencing a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius annually. The sunshine that rises every day brings heat which is averse to some travelers especially those from cold countries. This heat really makes it hell when driving. This challenge can be solved easily by ensuring that the rental vehicle hired has a functioning air conditioning system. Sun jelly must be packed for the road trip.
Language Barrier
The pearl of Africa is a heterogenous nation with lots of ethnic groups that speak different dialects. It is hard for a traveler to communicate with locals who cannot speak English. This is a challenge road trippers face when they visit the countryside of Uganda where most of the population is illiterate, it cannot speak English. The tourist may want to ask for directions or to buy a useful commodity but they can hardly pass the message to the locals.
Unfamiliar Foods
Visiting unfamiliar territories exposes you to many foods you may want to try. It is a bit of fun and adventure for most travelers but some individuals are strict on their diet because of culture or health reasons. Such kinds of travelers find it so hard to enjoy a meal on their road trips. Special meals are prepared for individuals with diet issues at the safari lodge, the challenge is faced while on the road. Most on-road restaurants prepare local foods which may be out of the traveler’s diet thus finding it hard to eat something when hungry. To solve such a problem, ensure to pack food whenever you are going to hit the road.
Animal Encroaching The Road Area
Sometimes domestic animals such as cows, goats, dogs, cats, and chicken are let loose and move as far as the road area. These are a hindrance to the drivers because they can be knocked down. They are not smart enough to know when to cross the road or wait.
To wrap up, challenges are likely to be faced on a road trip in Uganda as discussed above but they can all be scaled through. The solution is to request a briefing from the rental operator about driving in Uganda, to get equipped with the right road trip items, and be mentally and physically prepared for any challenge.
