How to enjoy Luxury Uganda Trips at low prices
When most people envision traveling, they picture something easy and relaxing with cocktails and picture perfect scenery. Yet, before you envision all this, there has to be a plan and a budget. Although you have to remember that you do not need a big budget to go for luxurious trips, here is how.
Cheap destinations
Yes, it is a thing. You can actually find so many travel destinations that will not drain your savings. When you go through Google, a number of countries in Africa and islands on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans have lodgings that can go for as low as $50.
Discounted packages
Before you jump on everything, try scouting the internet for discounted packages that are always popping on travel websites. These packages usually have lower rates that cater to transportation, food, accommodation, and activities — meaning you will pay once and relax your way through the holiday.
To fly or not to
It is not a must that when you are travelling across borders you should take a flight. Did you know that instead of spending over $300 on flight to and from one of the neighbouring countries, you could just take a bus that will cost you as low as $60? Mind you, lately, bus companies have luxurious coaches with enough leg room, WiFi, and charging pots.
Peak season
It might seem like everyone is travelling during this season but it is the best time to travel since almost every hotel has a huge campaign they are pushing to fill up rooms. You will find good hotels with a 50% discount for a room you could barely afford before that.
Drive yourself
It can be quite tiring when you have to drive from Kampala to Mbale on your own; but if you plan to switch with a passenger, it can be a fun road trip. Driving your own car saves you money used to hire a driver or even a van when moving with a big group. Use this money to book a spa day because you deserve it.
Travel campaigns
Since 2015, there have been more than five major travel campaigns initiated online by companies and individuals. An example would be Experience Africa, Ug Travel Month, and Intimania where you pay a minimal amount of Sh250,000 and spend a weekend away. The trips always involve a big group of people headed to places like national parks for a weekend and most of them sleep in tents. The amount paid usually caters for everything — music, food, accommodation and alcohol.
Bed & Breakfast
You do not have to sleep in an expensive hotel to get a feel of luxury. Thanks to technology, you can now stay in a beautiful and less costly place called a B&B. They are usually rooms in someone’s home that are rented out and you can search online for many of them in your travel destination.
Budget airlines
A number of airlines offer cheap flights across the African continent that can go as low as $200. You can look through travel advisors and booking websites to compare and contrast some of the prices before you rush to book.
How is Gorilla Trekking Done in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is the top tourist activity in Uganda. In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit goes up to US$700 per permit making it the most expensive activity in Uganda. Gorilla trekking is a daily activity in Uganda and it’s done in two destinations namely; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The two gorilla parks are found far south western Uganda and its recommended to spend the night near or in the park to be able to encounter Mountain Gorillas, the next day.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can choose to go on a gorilla safari trek in Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector, Rushaga sector or Nkuringo sector. Basing on which Gorilla permit the client purchased, he or she Must spend the previous night in that particular location to be able to trek Gorillas, the next day.
In Mgahinga national Park, there is only one gorilla family so, you must buy a gorilla permit to trek Nyakagezi Gorilla Family.
Note: Currently, Uganda protects over 18 habituated gorilla families –the number of un habituated Gorilla groups is not yet known.
In the morning, clients are supposed to report to the park headquarters for briefing at around 7:30am. Briefing is done by the rangers of the park from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The 30 minutes briefing aims at equipping tourists with the rules and regulations governing Gorilla trekking exercise.
Below are some of the Dos and Don’ts for Gorilla trekking in Uganda
- Guests are supposed to maintain a distance of 7metres between them and Gorillas. It minimizes the spread of infectious diseases like cough, Tuberculosis and so on.
- Visitors are supposed to keep low voices when with or near Gorillas.
- When taking photos/ Films- remove flash. Flashing cameras may upset Gorillas hence disorganizing Gorilla trekking process.
- Do not litter in the park.
- Do not carry pet animals with you.
- A maximum of one hour is given to the guests to stay with Mountain Gorillas.
- Dig a hole and after easing yourself, please cover.
- When Gorillas charge or exhibits signs of upset, please leave them.
- Keep in tight group when with or near gorillas
- Do not eat, smoke or eat when near Gorillas
After briefing, the guests are grouped into a maximum of eight people to visit each gorilla family. Two or more rangers guide each group and among them is an armed ranger who follow the group from behind to offer maximum security. Another ranger leads the group to the colonies of Mountain Gorillas. The time spend while searching for Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat is unpredictable but sometimes range between 2-6hours and on a bad day, it can take a full day.
In order to minimize speculations, some ranger do advance surveillance and inform groups of guests where Gorillas are, basing on where they were spotted the previous day.
- While in the forest, rangers keep on communicating via radio calls to facilitate team work. Rangers ensures informative and memorable Gorilla trek by answering all questions raised by the guests, teaching guests about other attractions found on the way and alerts guests about dangers which can arise as a result of violating Gorilla trekking Rules and Regulations.
- When about to meet a gorilla group, rangers alert guests to prepare for the amazing experience of meeting Gorillas Face- to – Face!
When with Mountain Gorillas – take photos/ Films – stay with them for an hour and leave them. Its advisable to keep low voices until you are 200 meters a way from mountain gorillas.
Read MoreBest Lodges for Honeymoon Holiday in Uganda
Are you planning to go for your honeymoon trip to Uganda but you have no idea of which place to visit? When it comes to honey moon safaris, you need that seclusion and quietness atmosphere with your dear one. There is no need to be with the crowds or the usual areas, choosing one of Uganda’s luxury lodges will certainly meet needs. They include;
Mweya Safari Lodge
Located within the Mweya peninsula of Queen Elizabeth National Park and provides about 49 stunning rooms specifically the suites, queen cottages, presidential cottages, standard rooms and ravishing tented camps which offer that romantic and honeymoon moments of lifetime. It offers you a chance to catch a glimpse of the spectacular views of the Kazinga channel and also the extra privacy. The presidential and Queen Cottages a side from tented camps provide visitors with breathtaking wildlife views and birdlife. This lodge is a luxury facility just like Sheraton hotel but straddles within the lush wilderness Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. It comes with luxurious tented camps and cottages with bathrooms and exceptional views of its surrounding. A trip to this lodge is referred as a dream come true!
The Sanctuary gorilla forest camp
If you are looking for luxurious facilities to spend your special day with your love ones, consider this camp your best choice. The camp is situated within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and comes with unbeatable honeymoon experiences. Just imagine spending your special moments within Bwindi where the critically endangered mountain gorillas are inhabited.
The Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge is situated within Murchison Falls National Park, northwestern Uganda. It offers the most comfortable accommodation and nature which come with excellent views of the area and the Nile River. It consists of about 60 exquisite rooms and suites and not to forget the state of art facilities as well as services that will entirely make your experience unforgettable. The lodge comes with luxurious swimming pool, restaurants overlooking the Nile with mouth watering food. a gift shop, bar and many more.
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Situated in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Chameleon Lodge is one of the most stunning safari lodges that are worth visiting while on honeymoon safari in Uganda. The lodge lies around the shores of Lake Mutanda and this provides the most exceptional views of its surrounding areas and its design alone is something not to be forgotten. Spending your honeymoon trip in this lodge gives you a chance to also trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park and not to forget Lake Mutanda.
Mihingo Safari Lodge
There is as amazing compared to spending a honeymoon vacation in the wilderness while wildlife surround you. This kind of remarkable experience can only be found in Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park. It has many tented cottages which are separated from one another, meaning a visitor enjoys the total privacy he or she needs, and it also features the best bathrooms. Do not miss to enjoy the spectacular views of African wilderness in Uganda.
Pineapple Bay Resort
Pineapple resort is situated on Bulago Island and is beautiful place to consider for honeymoon vacation in Uganda. It has honeymoon cottage whose design provides the romantic moment to visitors. It offers another version of Zanzibar Island. You can choose to relax around its beachside cottage which overlooks Lake Victoria. You can also opt for fishing, nature walks or swimming.
Wildwaters Lodge
If you want to be off the usual environment, consider Wildwaters Lodge your best choice for honeymoon holiday in Uganda and East Africa. It straddles within the lush island just at the center of River Nile and provides ultimate experiences to honeymooners. Try visiting this lodge and prove the romantic and stunning setting of the area as you chill and relax while catching up with the tropical sun along the might River Nile.
Equator Snow Lodge
The lodge is located on the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains and thus offers visitors the incredible views of the mountain ranges and number of exciting activities for honeymooners. The lodge features about 4 cottages, established around the River rocks, and built within the tropical trees around River Mubuku and provides luxurious en-suite, private deck for chilling and enjoying the drinks, bathrooms and many more.
In conclusion, Uganda offers amazing places for you to spend your secrete moments with your dear one. Apart from the above others include the Papaya Lake Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Chobe Safari lodge, Kyaninga Lodge and many more.
Read MoreJinja, the Cradle of All Thrills
There is always a great place in Uganda; a place where people travel to from far away just to experience what it has to offer.
There are places in Uganda that are full of magnificent natural wonders that you are bound to fall in love with at first sight. Jinja and the great Nile river can be the highlights of Uganda, but certainly they are not the only natural wonders you come across when you visit this country.
Located in eastern Uganda, Jinja is a stopover for commuters heading to the border between Uganda and Kenya or just travelling back to the other districts in the region.
Origin of Jinja
The name Jinja originates from the tribes that live around the region. The word Jinja means “rock” in both Luganda and Lusoga languages. The place is named after the rocks that surround Ripon Falls.
Jinja is largely home to one of the biggest tribes in Uganda: the Basoga. Being of the Bantu ethnic group, their language, Lusoga, is very similar to Luganda and in dialect can be mistaken for Lugisu or Lunyole, the other Bantu languages spoken in Eastern Uganda.
It is hard to believe that a century ago Jinja was just a small fishing village that was in the middle of the trade routes in Uganda. After the completion of the Owen Falls Dam, Jinja became a bustling little town with several immigrants, especially Indian and Chinese, who stayed behind opening up businesses that invited other investors, resulting into economic growth in the region.
The town was the base for British operations in Busoga, which also contributed to its rapid growth during the colonial era.
Tea estates, sugarcane farms and cotton estates slowly sprouted up in the long run all over the plains and hills of Jinja, especially near the Nile. The untapped opportunities attracted several new investors who engaged in the production of sugar and tea.
Over the years, Jinja has become one of the most visited locations in Uganda with large number of tourists coming from the rest of Africa and the world. The area around the district is bursting to the seams with touristic potential that is slowly being harnessed to grow tourism and hospitality in Jinja and eastern Uganda.
If you find yourself in Jinja, try out some of these fun activities:
Bungee jumping over the Nile
There is nothing more nerve-wracking than throwing yourself into the mercy of a rope and the strong winds of the Nalubaale, yet the moment you take the plunge your mind frees up and you feel the freedom to fly with the many birds buzzing next to you. Bungee jumping has become one of the best things to do when in Jinja, it can cost an average of Shs100,000 per person. The people who handle it are professionals who take you through every step as you plunge over the Nile.
White water rafting
Being home to one of the most popular water rafting locations in the world, Jinja is definitely the best place to be excited and thrilled at the same time on the Nile. Bujagali, known to the Basoga as Budhagali, is one of the best white water rafting locations Uganda has to offer. Right on the White Nile with refreshing rapids, you will want to do this over and over again.
Quad biking
After a little plunge over the Nile, there is more to do. Jump into the wildlife and explore it with a lot of speed at your side. The quad bike experience is a very enjoyable adventure especially if you have several other people doing it with you.
Kayaking
Just like white water rafting, you will have professional guides taking you through this world famous sport on the Nile; it is an experience you do not want to miss while in Jinja.
Nature walks
You need to take time away from the thrills and commune with nature. Enjoy what Mother Earth has to offer by trekking through the Mabira just right on the fringes of Jinja on your way back to Kampala to complete your experience.
Source of the Nile
Track the Nile’s journey right from where it all starts and bring your school geography to life by visiting the source of the Nile with guides explaining to you how it was formed and why it flows upwards.
Bird watching
Right within what used to be the largest forest in Uganda, the Mabira is home to an array of bird species that attract bird watchers from all over the world. Take some time and learn about the many beautiful species that Uganda is known for.
Honeymoon
Jinja is very remarkable and romantic. The sceneries over the Nile right to its source at Lake Victoria will live you entranced, adding exciting memory to your honeymoon. It is also enclosed with over 50 hotel properties, including the Jinja Nile Resort, Black Lantern and the Jinja Nile Village, to accommodate you as you take your love to the next level.
Benefits of Booking Online a Self-Drive Car in Uganda
Booking online is one of the most used methods of hiring a car not only in Uganda but also in the entire world. To many, booking direct through an office is a bit very difficult and it requires getting direct to the office, that’s why many resort booking online which is a very convenient method of reservation. Traveling with big sums of money is considered unsafe and booking on arrival is a bit perilous. You may end up booking a wrong car which will not work for you. But remember since you have no option you may get a wrong deal hence over charged. Once you book your Uganda car rental online, you get the best deal and you find the car already booked for you and well serviced and paying online is regarded as the best method to use. Below are some of the benefits of booking online.
Selecting from a variety:
You should know that there are very many car hire companies offering the same service, a number of them have websites on which they can put their car hire fleet and other services they offer. so on the website you are free to select the type of the car which they can reserve for you. You are advised to select the type of the car that can fit your budget, the number of people you are travelling with and your budget plan. Once you select the car hire company to book the car with among the many, you can go ahead and write to them after confirming they will book the car for you.
Saves time:
Booking online saves time, in that there is no need of visiting the offices direct everything is done through online. After choosing the car hire company to reserve the car for you, they will go ahead with the arrangement. They will send you the bank account details for the money wire transfers. You either pay a half of the money and the rest you can pay on arrival or you can pay full amount, the car will be reserved for you. You can still pay through credit cards, master card, pespal so all these methods saves you from travelling with big sums of money since everything is finished online, you send the money before arrival and once you arrive at the airport the car will be met at any agreed upon point. it’s a bit costly in terms of time spent looking for a car hire agency in a strange country, choosing the best car and also making payment in office all these can consume you a lot of time.
Bargaining power:
Booking online gives you chance to bargain with different car hire companies until when you get the best price possible. There are very many car hire companies offering the same services but on different price rate. So online booking gives a chance to bargain until when you get a fair price, so this can help you to avoid over charged hence you may end up saving a lot of money you would have not saved if used another method. Many car rental companies’ offers discounts on their charges which you would miss if you book on arrival or on last minute booking. if you hire a car for many days, you are entitled to receive a discount, and remember during low season months many car rental companies offers a low price compared to high season. However, all this information can best be got when communicating with the travel agency direct through online, so getting a car at a cheaper price can help you to use the reserved money on anything else.
Getting enough information:
Online booking gives you more chance to get enough information on each car hire company until you choose the one most suitable for you. You can get to know their location, the car types, through online and you can also get more testimonies from earlier travelers on trip advisors so all these sources can give you confidence about the car you are making the reservation with. In case you want to know more about the company and their services, you can just write to them directly the staff will get back to you swiftly in accordance to what you want to know. For example any questions regarding to the car, routes, safety or an itinerary, they can help. So this will built trust about the company you are to book with.
Liberty to inquire from very many car rental companies:
Online booking offers an opportunity to inquire from very many car hire companies about the same service at the same time since you have the authority to send the same massage to more than 20 companies. From here you will get the best company offering you the best service at a lower price possible. You have the chance to choose from a variety of car rental companies for the best service; this will help you to choose the car that will work for you. Otherwise it’s very difficult to do it on arrival. Online booking is the best way for securing your car and getting the best choice so, we are always at your disposal to give you the best service. For quick search you can contact us on info@carhireinuganda.com
Read MoreUganda Camping Equipment and How to Find Them
Uganda Camping Equipment and How to Find Them
If you plan to have an outdoor camping next season, then try finding the best of Uganda camping equipment to carry with for the utmost comfortable camping experience.
Outdoor camping in Uganda has gained much popularity over years so as to change from your day to day busy life.
Some days out away from hectic schedules provide much excitement and recreation options than any other holiday plan.
The Uganda camping equipment, required will depend on the location you have chosen to camp in. Since the camping places chosen are varied so are the camping accessories that are required for particular needs.
Most outdoor camping equipment accessories come in the shape of camping tents, camping stoves, camping clothing, hiking boots, utensils,chairs, tables etc. Some people like to camp in the plains, some in the mountain areas, some in fields and some in woods.
So as to enjoy the fun and excitement completely, it’s important to carry camping stuff that you will require during your camp stay. There are some hikers and campers who love to camp and discover the most extreme parts of the world. Therefore, the camping requirements differ from one person to another.
Before starting for any camping outdoor, you must buy the things that you will require.
So was to find the best camping equipment, it is better to find a cheap camping equipment dealer and order the stuff you want to carry along.
The light weight tents, portable camping stoves, handy weightless chairs, disposable utensils, sleeping bags,hiking boots, light fabric weightless clothes and other camping accessories can be bought online at the most discount rates.
It is good to carry camping equipment that is too light to so as to give you much freedom while trekking and hiking.
Many types of camping equipment are not cheap to buy and can be afforded only when you have a large budget. On the other hand, if you have a small budget, you can opt to renting. The activity of out door camping has been growing along side with car hire in Uganda. So for all those who would like to hire camping equipment on the road trips, the best is ti hire for the car rental companies.
Renting camping equipment is a good option depending upon how often you go for camping. Otherwise if you are a camping freak then, having a stock of your own camping gear is worth. For those who want rooftop tent camping, the best option is renting.
Have a great camping experience this season by keeping all your camping requirements toned up.
Read MoreTips to Help You Save on Uganda Car Rental
Car rental in Uganda is an impressive and considerably Budget friendly option for traveling through Uganda especially for independent travelers with personal interests like a safari vacation, business tour and a family trip.
However, it can come to be very expensive if you aren’t careful enough with the basics and tips or things to avoid when hiring a car for either self drive safaris or guided trips through the beautiful lands. Much recommended taking precaution of the extra charges and try avoiding them as much as possible. Make sure you pay what you were quoted in the price catalogue.
One of the mistakes people do is taking up extra insurance. Most car rental companies in Uganda provide comprehensive insurance for the car however, some people want extra insurance to also keep their belongings and themselves at no risk. This is hefty expensive for you. It is commendable to first check from your insurance company whether your personal insurance can be carried onto your car rental travel. This makes one compensate for the extra insurance you are supposed to pay for your own safety. Most car rental companies if not all extend their insurance only to their rental cars and if you prefer zero pay for risk or zero deductible, then this will be a little expensive for you.
Avoid returning the rental car without fuel. In most case car rental agencies Uganda provide cars to their customers with half or quarter a tank or a full fuel tank so that one can start his/her journey easily without first going to the fuel station. However, some customers return the car with no fuel or less fuel after their expedition in Uganda and this is violation on one of the common terms in the car rental agreement considering; violation of contracted terms comes with a penalty of a paying a premium fine that is more costly than refueling the car.
Minimize paying for extra services. For instance, car rental companies in Uganda charge for extra baby seats and GPS and yet these can be acquired on a personal basis. So make sure when you need any of these facilities acquire them from your home country; buy a baby seat and also download or update Google maps on your smart phones which can act as a gps for your navigation on trip so that you can save the money meant for these extra services. However if you do not want to pack a lot, consider saving enough more for the extra services provided.
Consider checking the car before your expedition. Most recommended to do a thorough inspection of the car with main enfaces on looking for any damages that are physical and mechanical. Also go an extra mile and take photos of the car before driving it. This is done to avoid the car rental agency apportioning the blame for the damages that may have already been on the car even before driving it. Put in mind that any damage caused on the car when you are driving it, the cost for amendments is on your bill.
Avoid returning the rental car later than the date or Time proposed. There is always a premium fine on any un-communicated late car returns for travelers who return rental cars later than the due date. This is usually because the rental car is a commercial car that any day not paid for is a loss and the car rental agency cannot bare with you in that regard. So you have to make sure you have to make sure that you have confirmed the drop off point so that you can deliver the car on time.
Read MoreGetting Up close and personal with Uganda chimpanzees
From the spectacular mountains to the rivers, lakes, wildlife, lash wilderness, thick misty forests, and to the friendly faces, Uganda truly deserves to be referred to as the pearl of Africa. Sure, the country is endowed with every bit of Africa’s tourist resources.
Uganda is home to many things: the rare mountain gorillas, Africa’s longest river, and now also prides in being home to about 5,000 chimpanzees scattered in different parts of the country.
These dramatic primates are the closest to humans, sharing with DNA of about 98 per cent. This means that they pretty much act and reason like humans, with their intelligence equated to a five-year-old child. Chimpanzees are social animals and live in communities headed by an alpha male.
Sadly, chimpanzees are top on the world’s list of endangered species, their threat to survival being typically from humans, their very own cousins. They are captivated, especially the babies for pets, poached for their meat, and the deadliest of all being the destruction of their natural habitat through deforestation, which has left a number of chimps homeless and vulnerable.
Where to find them
Chimpanzees are found in focus tourist areas of Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Kibale Forest. Kibale forest alone has the highest concentration of about 1,500 individuals and it’s the best place to meet the chimps. Other places include the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Ngamba Island takes care of the orphaned, abandoned and rescued chimps until a certain point in time, when they are reintroduced to the wild. All these places are open to tourists who wish to spend time with the chimpanzees.
How to spend time with the Chimpanzees
One can spend time with these dramatic apes through the following activities; Chimpanzee trekking, Chimpanzee habituation, care giving, and viewing of the feeding. Meeting with nature is always an incredible experience but spending time with man’s cousins is certainly an out of the world experience.
Chimp trekking
Chimp trekking is an exercise that involves trekkers walking through the rainforest searching for the chimps in their natural wild. The trekkers are always escorted by a trained rangers from Uganda Wildlife Authority who are usually knowledgeable about the location of the families. Trekkers get a chance to watch the already habituated families up-close for one hour though the entire exercise takes about two-six hours.
Kibale Forest National Park is the most prime of all, consisting of many families. One cannot certainly miss to see the chimps. Other places include Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest and Semliki National Park.
Chimp habituation
Habituation is a process where wild animals are tamed to harmoniously co-exist with humans. In this case the extremely wild and aggressive families of chimps are slowly and technically made to get familiar to humans. It usually takes about two years for the chimps to fully adapt although it is important to note that wild animals are just that — wild. Thus they need their space. With this, the Uganda Wildlife Authority established a set of rules and regulations that trekkers must strictly observe while with the chimps.
Chimp habituation gives visitors a chance to spend more hours or even a whole day with these primates right from the time they awake to the time they retire to their nests. This activity is only done in Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
Care giving
This is done at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary where visitors participate in care taking of the chimps, from preparing the food, to serving, and carrying out medical routines, and updating the chimp diaries. This is by far emotional and interesting.
Feeding the chimps
Still done at Ngamba Island but this time visitors don’t get hands on but rather, they watch from the visitor’s platform as the chimps are being served with food, mainly fruits. There are lots of performances from the chimps too, as they display different survival skills as each member struggles to grab the fruits first and the most aggressive gets the lion’s share.
Have you been to the Reptile Village?
There is a little place hidden straight off the Kampala-Entebbe highway that only the brave dare go to, a place filled with things that the brave love frolicking with.
With lush green gardens, you will not expect to be jumped at by something that has been supposedly man’s enemy for generations.
It is the Uganda Reptile Village, a place that you would not expect to go to for a holiday in Uganda, yet one of the most thrilling places to spend a whole day learning about these misunderstood creatures that usually stay hidden or when seen they incite terror in most human beings. The founders of the village state that their main objective was to educate people about reptiles and at the same time have a habitat where they can learn about the many different species that can be found in the country.
The village was established in 2002 by Yasin Kazibwe, a reptile expert who is also reported to have rescued close to 38 different species of snakes that he relocated to the habitat between 2003 and 2008. Mr Kazibwe also wrote a “Snake bite” guide book and made a number of reptile documentaries.
At the village you will be sure to find a number of reptiles indigenous to Uganda such as snakes, chameleon, tortoises, monitor lizards and of course crocodiles. They are all kept in their respective cages with the crocodile enclosed in a huge pond.
Like in most African countries, whenever snakes or crocodiles are found they are either captured or killed but this village provides a safe haven for this poor creature.
Most of the reptiles found on the ground are mostly rescued from near death and brought to the village to be taken care of. It is even more interesting when you see the several chameleon species in a cage changing colours as they crawl around their home, such a beautiful sight to behold.
Most visitors to this place rush to the snake section. Even those with a phobia for reptiles would want to see them out of curiosity and there is a big chance of petting a python and the peaceful tortoises that are children’s favourites at the village.
The village will kill your fear of reptiles, especially snakes, with educational tidbits given by caretakers during the visits about what the animals are and about their nature. The best part about this tour is that it is something you do not expect to do, but you will find yourself enjoying every little information that you did not know about some of the species of reptiles that we have in Uganda. You will be shocked to know that not all snakes are killer snakes. For instance, there is one called the egg eating snake that is non-venomous and solely eats eggs and at the same time you will find the beautiful three horned chameleon.
The village can be found 3km from the main road.
Read MoreCan Someone Else Drive My Rental Car?
Can another person drive my rental car? If you have a plan to hire a car in Uganda for self-drive and probably need an additional driver, there are so many things to be put into consideration. However, it is also important to ask yourself the outcome in case someone else drives your rental car and it collides with another one.
On the other hand, it is good alternating especially on long trips for you to have some rest. Usually, it is only one of you to be considered as the main driver and adding another driver is equally easy when renting a car with us. It is possible to have 3 additional drivers in a rental car and even more however, this may come at a daily fee for every additional driver. But luckily it is possible for you to also bump into a special deal online for 1 or 2 drivers at a free cost-incredibly a good deal that is why we advise our clients to always double check with various car hire agencies as well.
Generally, the main driver is a person who is legally in charge of the car and also who signs the contract (car hire agreement). He or she is the one who reserved a rental car. Although the extra driver usually depends on the car rental company, the guidelines, minimum age and driving license are similar to those of the main driver. That said, eligible driver should be about 21 years and he or she should have a valid driving license valid for 2 years. In the same manner, there are guidelines to be observed by young driver and senior driver fees.
How to add an extra driver
There are various ways to add an extra driver on self-drive tour in Uganda or guided Uganda safari and this normally varies depending on the car rental agency you choose to deal with. However, it is possible to add an extra driver when you reserve a rental car online or while at the car hire agency’s desk. Payment will be made on the date you will be picking up your rental car. To pick up an additional driver, you will be required to visit the company offices on date you will be picking up your rental car for a road trip.
Requirements for car rental pick up
On actual date of picking up a rental car, you will be required to have a valid passport and driving license. Note, the main driver will be the only one to sign the car hire agreement and details of an additional driver shall be added as well. The fee for an additional driver shall be made per day!
Where need to add an extra driver, make sure that your car hire company knows about it and ensure you have inquired if there is possibility for you to do so. If there is room to do so then the main driver plus additional driver should go to the counter to present a valid driving license, passport and also meet fees where need be.
Please take note of 2 potential issues; firstly, breach of contract/agreement and this may make the car hire operator go to court in case of damages. Your insurance policy should also cover damages whether it is the main driver is with or someone else is on road trip with it.
Read More