Are you planning to drive yourself on your next holiday to Uganda, Car Rental in Uganda is here to help you with the guide that comprises tips for driving in the cities, countryside, national parks, off-roads, traffic laws, and cars recommended to drive.
Driving on the roads of Uganda is a one-way ticket to adventure but it calls for strong and experienced drivers that can withstand the risks and entertainment.
Driving in Uganda is similar to driving in most commonwealth countries where you have to keep the left side. Most cars are right-hand. to explain more about the navigation or steering system on the right side of the car.
Uganda is one of the countries in Africa that does not restrict people from driving when they possess the necessary driving requirements. Have you ever been to Uganda or are you planning a visit to Uganda for a self-drive safari but are hesitant or with a phobia of driving in a foreign place? Fear no more.
Uganda roads are standard, adventurous, and can easily be accessed. The road networks in Uganda are supportive with the primary road networks of Kampala and other roads connecting to distant travel destinations well-tarmacked.
Driving in The Cities of Uganda
The only nightmare faced by travelers in Uganda is driving in the cities. The challenge is not all about driving, even the best drivers with many years of driving experience can collide with one another along the way.
Cities most especially Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Mbarara, Masaka, and Gulu are busy with commercial activities taking place and are also used by other road users. Travelers tend to ignore attractions in cities because of the chaotic and crowded roads forgetting that they miss out a great deal.
Driving in cities of Uganda, particularly Kampala involves some complex situations which you have to plan for before starting your journey. If you are new in the country and not sure of which routes to use download Google Maps and always ignore roads with many traffic jams.
Busy streets will lead to slow pace driving which will cause a frustrating experience for drivers and travelers that have limited time on their self-drive trip in Uganda.
Cities are a pain of their own, especially during rush hours when you encounter traffic congestion, herds of pedestrians, and a lot of motorists who appear from every corner. This situation will lead to delays in reaching your destination and also increase the chances of colliding with other drivers.
Look out for pedestrians crossing most especially in city centers, remember they are obliged to use the road. Always keep on the left lane to avoid accidents and facing wrath from other road users. Take help from the road signposts along express highways to avoid taking the wrong directions and routes.
Driving in The Countryside/ highway of Uganda
This is an amazing road trip experience in Uganda that involves many adventurous sights of different sceneries close and far distant features.
It’s a free-will driving experience with limited bumping into other road users like cyclists but be cautious about the roaming wildlife and farm animals that can appear from no way, close plantations and farms. Everything in Uganda reflects a story of its own making it a magical and beautiful country worth all the praises.
The views at the destinations are overwhelming from the lashing vegetation, rolling magnificent mountains, lakes, and rivers, the hospitable cultural people, favorable climate, local cuisines, Uganda’s local currency, wildlife, and many others.
The beauty of Uganda can be sighted while on your drive in the countryside. Some of the roads in the countryside/ national parks of Uganda branching off from the main roads are unpaved with a lot of dirt, gravel, and rocks.
This does not stop you from traveling I mean you have no choice since most of Uganda’s hidden gems are found in such places. During dry seasons driving is easier since roads are dry and penetrable but the hustle comes in during the wet season when the dirt roads get soggy and tricky for travelers.
The problem of soggy and unpaved roads is solved with the use of 4-wheel drive cars. Driving in the countryside becomes magical depending on the car model used and the purpose of your journey.
Always hire cars such as Toyota Land Cruiser, Rav 4, Toyota Hiace, Toyota Extended, Safari Van, Toyota Hilux DC for those who need a bigger carrier, Prado, and many vehicles affordable, comfortable, reliable, and of course available in the fleet.
Travel to the countryside for relentless adventure, and peace of mind as well as an escape from the noisy urban area.
Driving Off-road And in The National Parks
Driving off-road is an act that involves driving on dusty, unpaved roads, gravel, rocky, or off-beaten tracks. This is done by use of a modified type of car which is a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle strong and reliable to fulfill the task.
The number one rule of off-road driving is not to cause harm to the Ecosystem or damage to other lifeless features. Off-road driving is not accepted by car rental companies because, at the end of the safari, the car is in a poor mechanical state and needs to visit the garage.
Always tell the car hirers that you’re going off-road and if you don’t they will get to know through their tracking system installed in all cars to monitor the client’s movements.
Most national parks do not allow off-road driving because of its negative outcomes of getting stuck, and loss of contact with the park authorities while others arrange them with the help of a guide.
Anxiety has caused many travelers to land in trouble for example when a signpost says the road is off-limit but then travelers want to find out the reason.
Driving in national parks requires steadiness since all roads are unpaved. This is intended to reduce the speed limit for drivers. The advised speed limit within national parks should not exceed 40km/hr and if disobeyed a penalty of a heavy fine is charged.
Traffic Laws in Uganda
Like any other country, Uganda has its own set of rules governing road users and other means of transport users while on Uganda roads.
Are you planning a visit to Uganda with the idea of self-drive? Do not fear but rather expect positive results throughout the days of your stay. The pearl of Africa has its own set of traffic laws to follow without failure for the safety of your life, passengers, and other road users.
Below are the insights to follow when driving in Uganda;
Follow Road Signs
All signs on the road have significant roles they play in the safety of every road user. Kindly obey every sign along the road starting from the traffic lights to poster signs which include zebra crossing, speed limits, no blowing trumpets, no parking, stop, men at work, and traffic lights.
This will save innocent souls as well save you money and other related penalties like imprisonment and impounding of your car by traffic authorities.
Driver’s License
It’s a punishable crime by traffic law if caught driving without legal documents that allow you to sit behind the steering wheel while on any road in Uganda.
A driving permit is all that it takes to drive and for the case of foreigners, a valid international driver’s license or any authorization document is required to be allowed to drive on Uganda roads.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only dangerous to your life and health. It is also against the laws of driving and if caught the driver is charged and made to make a payment or even faces imprisonment.
Alcohol is a great risk to yourself and the rest of other road users when you get tipsy. I would advise getting a driver to pick you up if you feel high after having some bottles of alcohol.
Don’t Over Speed
Reaching late but safely is the best thing every driver should prioritize for the safety of everyone in the surroundings. Look out and obey the speed limits indicated on the signposts alongside the road.
Remember most road accidents in Uganda are caused by overspeeding and overtaking. Please don’t fall victim to the traffic road law enforcement staff because they are always alert.
Tighten your Seat Belts
The seat belt in the car plays a significant role for the driver and other passengers. It works wonders in case of a major accident. Always remind other passengers to tighten their seat belts before starting the car. It’s a lifesaver car equipment and by doing so you won’t fall prey to the traffic law.
Don’t Drive While on The Phone
One of the mind diversions that cause road accidents is talking on the phone while driving. The phone calls cause distraction and I would advise the use of earphones or Bluetooth devices if the call is urgent.
Note
If you happen to be stopped by a traffic officer during your travel, act calm and don’t argue with them. Most of these guys are gentle and understanding. Just behave and apologize if caught in the wrong.
The traffic officers sometimes stop you to chit-chat. If caught in the wrong admit and follow the protocols. You can be asked to buy a soda (layman’s language) to forget the incident but don’t term it as bribery.
Self-driving Tips
The new talk in every traveler’s mouth is self-driving which involves hiring a car in Uganda, drafting your safari itinerary which can be changed any time you feel like as well drive yourself to your desired destination.
This kind of travel is replacing driver-guided tours where a chauffeur is provided at a cost to take you to places of interest. Self-driving in Uganda is not easy and drivers should be cautious. With these tips don’t worry about falling victim to road offenses or engaging in any form of accident.
The choice of a rental car will create wonders depending on the purpose of your travel. Always opt for 4×4 wheel drive customized high vehicle recorded to beat rugged terrain destinations.
The vehicles are strong, reliable, comfortable, and spacious, and suit the tastes and standards of every traveler on a self-drive Uganda. Minimize your driving speed on the road during self-driving for both your safety and other passengers.
The speed limit along busy city centers is 30km/hr, along highways 100km/hr on paved roads, and in national parks a speed limit of 40km/hr.
Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol because it’s one cause of innumerable Uganda road accidents. It makes a driver get tipsy, and lose focus and steadiness. Also, void driving in late hours to escape unexpected rare Incidents such as robbery.
Avoid driving in bad weather or when it’s raining. The roads tend to get slippery, soft, and muddy, and at times like this please drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
If the roads get muddy beyond your driving experience in countryside destinations kindly hire a driver in Uganda.
Recommended Cars to Drive in Uganda
The nature of the roads in Uganda is favorable but the best choice of the rental car to use will create a lifetime story. The purpose of your travel, your travel destination as well as travel budget will determine a suitable car to use. Look out for outstanding car choices below to enjoy every bit of your ride while in Uganda.
Toyota Land Cruiser (Extended)
This is one of the most expensive and popular cars for hire and driving within Kampala and other distant places in Uganda. It is suitable for a luxurious group of people on a Uganda safari and offers luxurious comfort to those who opt to make use of it.
This Toyota land cruiser can accommodate 5-6 people and is fit for off-beaten tracks in the countryside and national parks. Toyota Land Cruiser is famous for its pre-eminent mechanical ability to maneuver unpaved roads without difficulties.
Toyota Cruiser Hard Top
It is a Toyota car model that suits two classes which are luxury and midrange. This adventurous type of car can reach unpredictable destinations including the off-beaten tracks in the countryside.
Toyota hard cruiser hard top is a group and family vehicle that can accommodate up to 8 passengers. This kind of car offers the best viewing platform for clients in the wilderness while on a game drive. Most car rental companies put off this car for hire with a driver.
Toyota Rav 4
This is the most sought car model for almost every budget traveler in Uganda especially those on self-drive safaris. It is a 4×4 WD comfortable compact crossover SUV with low fuel consumption and this explains why it is loved most by budget travelers. It is suitable for both countryside and urban area drives accommodating up to 5 people with immense space for luggage.
Toyota land cruiser
This is categorized into different Toyota 4×4 WD car models rented on a luxurious basis. These Toyota land cruiser vehicles include Toyota Prado, TX, V8, GX, and many others. These are designed to handle every situation the nature of the road puts forward.
The inside of the car is comfortable, spacious, and supportive with enough space for luggage. They are designed to manage safari roads accommodating 5 occupants with a driver inclusive.