Self-Driving in Uganda
Self-driving is the ultimate way of exploring what Uganda (also called the Pearl of Africa) has to offer. The experience of having a car rental and take a self-drive without worrying about the local chauffeurs, rather focusing on the experience to challenge.
Beside Uganda’s beauty, there are various reasons why one should rent a car to drive through Uganda. However, the self-driving business has boomed greatly for matters of safari explorations.
So, we bring you this self-drive guide to help as you get into full control of your trip. Weather you’re visiting for safaris, business, charity among others, it very possible to control your trip with a self-drive position.
Actually, before embarking on any drive through Uganda, there are certain things to note and understand about. These are; road conditions, best vehicles for self-drive, and Safety and Security.
Uganda Road Status
Road status describes largely on the road conditions and network, this is to guide you understand the best vehicle to use on a certain road. Uganda has one of the largest road transportation in East Africa which continues through to neighboring countries.
Over years, Uganda has experienced a significant advancement on the road network expanding and upgrading the road infrastructure. However, road conditions and network still vary across beside all the advancements.
Uganda Road Network and Condition
Uganda road network is structured into categories of national roads, district roads, urban roads, and community access roads.
National Roads; Uganda’s national roads are majorly well paved highways which connect Kampala capital to major cities across the country, connect to border points, and several tourist destinations. Most of the highway roads are well paved and connecting was made easier mostly from region to region.
A self-drive making a round circuit trip is mainly is an easy deal which doesn’t even call for 4wd vehicle, but only have a well maintained and serviced car and seat behind the wheels.
District Roads; these roads connect rural districts to national highways. Most of the district roads are gravel and murram roads, and they are facing a challenge of maintenance. Some of the roads are become muddy, and slippery during rainy season and the best advise for travelers on a self-drive through most of these roads is using a 4wd vehicle.
Urban roads; These are roads within cities and municipalities, they are experience a huge maintenance and most of the are paved. The most known challenges with urban roads is traffic congestion, and their only challenges are potholes, flooding during rainy hours.
Community Access Roads; The most useful roads which connect to most of the wanted destinations like healthcare, tourist destinations, hotels and lodges among others. Driving in most of the community access roads means that you have a stronger vehicle and mainly a 4wd car which can maneuver through all terrains.
Best Vehicle for Self-Drive
The kind of the journey to drive mainly dictates the type of the vehicle to use. Travelers going for a self-drive need to have a well maintained and serviced vehicle.
Toyota Land Prado; the all-around self-drive car widely used for longer distance driving. The vehicle come with an automated transmission, and has a high ground clearance making it perfect for all-roads drive.
Land Cruiser V8; it’s considered one of the most luxurious vehicle to use and a great recommendation for long journeys, safari drives and cross border safaris through the East African region. The Land Cruiser V8 is a full-time 4wd car, comes along with automatic transmission and availed for travelers on a self-drive trip.
Toyota Land Cruiser; The king of African safaris among the recommended vehicles. The vehicle was designed to survive harsh conditions and difficult off-road-terrains. The most excellent 4wd performance, hardest body for harsh weather and tiny roads. It’s most feared for consumption but hiring the car is more worthy than any other thing. For safari encounters, the vehicle is designed with a roof pop-up for perfect game viewing mainly in the Savannah parks.
Safety and Security on a self-drive
Safety and Security is one of the top things to prioritize before renting a car for self-drive. It’s a general matter to ever consider especially when planning a visit. Uganda is generally safe, driving throughout the country has no threats that would hinder any man.
However, for safety and security there are a lot of things to consider beyond the political atmosphere, but the vehicle to use, the company to handle your car rental service needs.
Need to look out for the safety of your money by using a certified rental agency, and using recommended service providers especially for on-road services when driving.
Should choose the right car fitting for the purpose, and always take a well mechanically maintained vehicle and serviced vehicle. Should always check the vehicle before seating behind the wheels for your next destination.
Look out for warning from the rental agencies, security agencies and local if possible.
