Primates Tracking In Uganda
Unlike other East African countries, Uganda is a primate capital. It is surely the best country to see the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons and many other primate species. It is one country where no one can fail to spot a primate.
Uganda’s cool climate and dense rainforests have attracted several species that dwell here. Uganda is a home to about 300 mammal species and almost 20 of them are primates, making it a popular safari destination in Africa.
When it comes to primate safaris in Uganda, you have a wide array of where you can go, what you can see and what you can do with these mighty primates. And if found anywhere in or around Uganda, you better be sure of spotting these apes depending on your itinerary.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda. These are the prime attractions in the country, big numbers of tourists come to the pearl of Africa just to trek the gorillas in their natural habitats and have up close encounters with the mighty silverbacks. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda head to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park, homes to almost three quarters of the world’s total population of the mountain gorillas. A journey to see these great giants of the forests might also expose one to the tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park, the Batwa pygmies, Lake Bunyonyi and other different attractions that are simply beautiful to behold.
Chimpanzees in Uganda. These are our closest cousins in the forest with almost an equal DNA to humans. More than 5000 chimps live in Uganda, it being with vast rain forests that are important homes to these primates. The prime home to Uganda’s chimps in Kibale forest national park also referred to as the primate capital of the world with almost 1500 chimps. Most travelers to this park have trekked or habituated them and had lifetime experiences with these bright primates. Other chimps in Uganda can also be found in Kalinzu Forest reserve, Kyambura gorge and Budongo forest reserve.
The Golden Monkeys. These are only found in Mgahinga national park, the only place where silver meets with gold. Travelers to this park can trek both the gorillas and the golden monkeys. Walk through the bamboo trees of the forest, on the lower slopes of Mgahinga volcano, with a hand stick as the only support, and finally meet the beautiful golden monkeys, watch them play with each other, jumping from one tree branch to the other and also taking many pictures of these impressive creatures.
Olive baboons. These live in savannas, forests and steppes, so they can be spotted in any park of forest reserve in Uganda except the montane region parks like Mgahinga national park, Rwenzori Mountains and Mountain Elgon national park. They usually live in groups and the commonest destination to spot them is Kibale forest national park, though you can still find them in Murchison Falls national park, Kidepo valley national park and many other places.
Still you can find different monkey species anywhere and anytime, as long as it’s a natural place. In Uganda every day can be a primate day. Black and White Colobus and colobus guereza are probably the commonest and widespread forest monkeys in Uganda, on every safari in Uganda, you can never fail to spot one. Whether in Entebbe Botanical gardens, Lake Mburo national park or even Rwenzori mountains, you can meet these monkeys anywhere in Uganda.
Read MoreSafety Tips for 4×4 Car Hire in Uganda
The 4×4 Uganda car hire services have grown remarkably around the country in the last few years. Many travelers turn to the services for different travel purpose for example airport transfers, wildlife safaris, business tours and other transport oriented activities. The 4×4 car hire services are very yielding when you use them, you have to follow some of the tips when choosing a 4×4 vehicle to use.
4X4 vehicles are the most commonly hired cars in Uganda due to the fact that most of the clients that use these cars are tourists who travel to the different tourism destinations across the country. Most tourism destinations are found in the remote areas where the roads are ragged and rough that need combative cars that can maneuver on these tough roads. The 4×4 vehicles are made to travel on such roads and on top of that they are so comfortable for a self-drive trip in Uganda. Though these 4×4 cars are made for ragged and tough roads, there has to be some safety tips that are supposed to be put into consideration to have a successful car hire experience in Uganda.
Here are some of the safety tips for 4×4 car hire in Uganda;
When you are preparing your 4×4 rental car for a self-drive trip, make sure that you load the car with the moderate weight of the luggage. In context do not over load the car. The main causes of accidents and vehicles overturning are over weighting and the poor weight distribution. The top heavy vehicles are likely to roll, and are not easy to control in case you need to suddenly veer your vehicle. Your heaviest baggage and the equipment should sit low in the vehicle, with as little weight as possible on your roof.
The speed compounds problems, any possibility you meet on the road becomes so easy to deal with the slower you are traveling. You have got more time to react and your momentum is easier to manage. In Uganda, it is commendable for the driver to drive at a speed of 50km/hr in places where there are settlement and 80km/hr on highways. It is also advisable to look at the speed limit indicated on the road signs.
The dirt and gravel roads in Uganda can have sloping shoulders, swerving on to these uneven planes increase the possibility of overturning the vehicle. In the process of wildlife blocking your path it’s often safer to maintain your course than to swerve onto a slopping shoulder. More so the low speeds can prevent this becoming a decision you have to make.
Always be aware of the vehicle’s fuel capacity, fuel consumption as well as the distance between fuel stops. The terrain, speed, tire pressure and load all influence your consumption. Carry spare fuel in a gas can to be on a safe side. If you don’t have a gas can, it is best you identify the nearby gas station in the tourism destination you would be leading to. For instance when going to the national park for a game drive, make sure that you refill the fuel to full tank and then get to the park.
This tip is under looked by very many travelers but an established and reputable company guarantees the traveler safety as it has the experience to deal with any situation that make arouse. Therefore it is advisable for clients to look at the reputation of the rental company before making any booking of the 4×4 vehicle. The clients must make sure he/she first keeps track of their past records that are by either looking at their customer reviews and the duration of time they have been in the car rental business. What the past clients say about the rental company is what the company offer in terms of services. With these reviews, you will have certainty that car operators are experienced and have much skills that can give you good service delivery and also can bail you out in case of any problem while driving.
Safety precautions; always check the safety measures that are put in place while choosing a 4×4 Uganda car hire service. The rental car should always have comprehensive insurance that carters for the damages that might occur to the car while on the road. There should be road assistance that is immediate in case of a car breakdown. There must be emergency equipment in the car like first aid box to treat the causalities, fire extinguisher to stop the fire in case of a fire outbreak, jake, inflator and wheel spanner for tyre fixing in case of a flat tyre. The clients must also be given emergency numbers of social amenities like the police and health centers. This is because they might need help from these social authorities in case of any problems like body damages and robbery.
The overall car rental service quality; each and every person likes to be associated with something of good quality because it gives a peace of mind and creates a good impression. So while choosing a 4×4 Uganda car hire services, you should look for a rental company with very beautiful vehicles that are well maintained. The company should have balancing services like GPS, extra baby seats, camping gears and travel maps or the guide books that make the trip more enjoyable and classy one. This means that you shouldn’t just choose car hire services in Uganda by the prices you have to look for the attributes to hit the right services that will make your road trip a successful one.
Read More7 Simple Car Rental Tips for Uganda Visitors
Planning to travel to Uganda? Wondering about how you can easily get around the country? You may need to a good car rental in Uganda to make your travels around the country easy. Once you visit Uganda and you are interested in traveling independently, here are some travel tips where to begin from. Please read through some of these simple car hire tips to answer your some of your car hire questions;
1. Choosing a Vehicle
Before renting a vehicle you should consider not only how many people you will be transporting but also how much luggage you may have. If you have a lot of gear than perhaps an SUV / 4WD may be the best option. Alternatively, if you’re looking to save money on rates, gas / petrol then you are probably better off with a smaller vehicle.
You should also know that sometimes smaller cars aren’t necessarily cheaper, for example, if smaller cars are in demand it may be worthwhile to check vehicles the next size up, which may be better value if there is more of them available.
2. Booking Your Vehicle
Always try and book your car as far in advance as possible. This not only gives you a better chance that your vehicle will be available, but also may give you better rates. If you’re travelling from overseas, try booking your vehicle at the same time as your flights, and always confirm your car rental booking before making the flight out.
Car Rental Uganda will give you the best choice of availability and also the best rates per season.
3. Personal Belongings
While on holidays, it’s often easy to forget about small items like wallets, phones, keys, cards or other personal belongings. Always make sure you check the car thoroughly before you drop it off because at times vehicles tend to be re-rented straight away, and if you accidently leave something then you may find it difficult to retrieve it.
It’s a good idea to keep a small checklist of your items and quickly go through it whenever you leave a place, for example, leaving the airport, or a shuttle bus, a hotel, and your car rental.
4. Driving in Uganda
In all parts of Uganda, vehicles must travel on the left hand side of the road. In many other locations around the world this is the opposite and some drivers find it difficult to adjust.
If you rent a vehicle and are not used to driving on the left hand side, then perhaps first drive in a low traffic area and get accustomed to the different road position. This will help you to adjust and minimise the risk of having an accident. Ensuring that you are comfortable with driving on the left hand side is a must before you take any vehicle on the road, otherwise you could cause an accident. Alternatively inform your rental company that you can drive on the right to get you a solution.
5. Driver Age Limits
Before renting a vehicle it’s important to know that many rental companies in Uganda will not allow you to drive the car if you are too young or too old. These restrictions are mostly imposed by insurance companies who evaluate the risk involved in having a young or old driver behind the wheel.
Some companies may allow a driver as young as 20 to hire a vehicle, but only if they purchase extra insurance and liability cover. However, if you are thinking of hiring a commercial vehicle, for example a truck, then you may not be allowed to do so unless you are at least 25-45 years old.
On the other hand, if you are over 70 you may also find it difficult to hire a car. If you do fall into the too young or too old category, then you may like to travel with a younger or older friend, and they can act as your personal chauffeur while you sit back and relax on your trip. Although, you will probably have to shout them a few drinks with the money you save on any insurance cover.
6. Automatic or Manual Transmission
In Uganda, the majority of cars have an automatic transmission, with manuals being the cheaper option to both buy and rent. Car rental companies who purchase manual vehicles will often rent them out at a much lower rate. However, if you’re after an automatic you may find that it’s not always available on the smaller and cheaper cars.
If you only hold an automatic transmission licence then be sure to always check the type of transmission before making a booking. Also, if you’re hiring a car and plan to drive around town or during peak hour traffic then an automatic option may be easier, more relaxing and worth that little bit extra.
7. Know the Mileage Limits
Many travelers hire a car without asking whether the car is on unlimited mileage. Always ask the mileage terms before confirming your reservation. Every car rental company has a different policy when it comes to mileage limitations. Always select Uganda car rental deals with unlimited miles if available. Those rentals often come at the same price and will reduce a ton of stress.
Car Rental Uganda is a Ugandan owned company designed to provide you the opportunity to compare affordable car rental options. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
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Uganda to be rebranded
Uganda needs to be rebranded! Says Lilly Ajarova the new Executive Director of the Uganda Tourism Board. The country is to be rebranded with a particular identity to make it easy to market the country by the end of the year.
Ajarova said that Uganda needed to get a brand identity for its tourism sector with the aim of making it unique and attractive to the tourists. She was speaking in Kampala on Wednesday during a half-day conference under the theme: “More than Gorillas: Tourism Development at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park”. The meeting was opened by the British High Commissioner, Peter West. Tour operators, as well as representatives of the community enterprises, also attended.
The UTB chief said that the board is also working with the different clusters across the country in order to engage everyone in tourism. “We are identifying various iconic products in each of the clusters which will help in representing the biodiversity of Uganda like culture, landscape, diversity among others,” Ajarova said.
Ajarova added that changing the nature of tourism into quality standards would help produce a coordinated and well-managed identity of tourism in the country.
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7 Top Things To Do In Uganda
Whether you are a backpacker or luxury travelers, Uganda welcomes everyone with open arms on safari Africa. Uganda is that one African state that rewards travel endeavors with variety of exciting adventures, rare experiences that leave lasting memories at the end of the day. Is it hiking/mountaineering, wildlife safari, cultural encounters, nature walks, primate adventures that you need to engage in or city tour? Well, for any plans to visit Africa this coming season, consider this magical country a must on your bucket list. With a lot more that awaits for you to enjoy while safari in Africa, below are the seven amazing things you must do on a tour in Uganda.
Game/wildlife viewing
When you think of a safari in Africa, it is one of the main notable experiences most tourists get involved and Uganda is that one magical country that rewards travelers with excellent views of wildlife while on game drive. It has some most remarkable national parks that are ideal for wildlife safaris and they include among others Murchison Falls National Park in the northwestern side of the country, Kidepo Valley National Park-northeastern Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park in the west, Lake Mburo National Park and others. While on game drive in Uganda, you get a chance to encounter the big game-African elephants, lions including the tree climbing lions, leopards, cape buffaloes as well as numerous savanna grassland dwellers.
Mountain gorilla trekking
With fewer than 1004 mountain gorillas that are left on earth today, a trek to see these forest dwellers in the jungles of Uganda rewards travel endeavors with life changing experiences. About 500 individuals of these world’s critically endangered creatures call this magical country their home and they can be tracked only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park which are suitably located in the extreme southwestern side. To be part of this lifetime experience in Uganda, you need $600 to secure a permit that offers you opportunity to have magical encounters with these dramatic creatures for only an hour after winding through the tropical rainforest and steep slopes for 2-8 or more hours.
Chimpanzee trekking
This is another most amazing primate adventure you need not to miss while on Uganda safari. About 5000 chimpanzees call Uganda their home and they are distributed in various parts of the country including Kibale Forest National Park-a renowned primate capital of the world that consists of over 13 distinct primate species of which chimpanzees are part comprising of over 1500 individuals, Budongo forest, Kalinzu forest, Semuliki national park a mention but a few.
Cultural encounters
Culture is that one unique tourism product Uganda boasts of and still remains untapped hence guaranteeing you authentic African experiences. This wonderful country boasts of its diverse cultures that make it a true melting pot of cultures. While on cultural safari in Uganda, you get a chance to engage in different aspects right from cultural dances, music performances, have a taste of traditional dishes and many others. Most interestingly, you can cultural encounters on your bucket list while on safari in any of the parks. In Kidepo Valley National Park, make sure that you pay a visit to the Karamojong community and explore the manyattas, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park-consider visiting the Batwa and Bakiga community a must and many adjacent communities in other protected areas of your choice.
Explore the mighty River Nile
If you love exploring then Uganda is that place you need to visit. Visiting the mighty River Nile is one thing you need not to miss out while on safari in this renowned pearl of Africa. While on your vacation in Uganda, head to Jinja just a few kilometers from Kampala city center. Jinja is a source of the mighty Nile and while here, there are variety of adrenaline adventures you have to be part of and they include bungee jumping, kayaking, white water rafting, jet boating, horseback riding in nearby communities, boat cruise a mention but a few.
Birding
With over 1080 distinct species of birds that await to excite you, Uganda is undoubtedly a birder’s paradise. These incredible creatures are amazing, inspiring and widely distributed in various parts of the country. They can be spotted in most of parts of the national parks where most of the safaris in Uganda are conducted and they include Murchison Falls National Park with over 450 bird species, Kidepo Valley National Park with more than 470 avifaunal species, Kibale National Park consisting of 350 bird species including the rare green breasted pitta, Queen Elizabeth National Park with over 620 bird species, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountain National Park; forests, wetlands, swamps, Lakes and others.
Hiking
Uganda isn’t only ideal for game viewing but also for you to embark on thrilling hiking experiences. The main areas that reward with incredible hiking experiences include the Sipi falls in eastern Uganda, the Rwenzori mountain range which may require you to spend at least 7 days or more to have a complete hike, Mount Elgon, Gahinga Volcano, Muhabura volcano and many others.
In conclusion, there are many distinct safari activities in Uganda that you can engage in while on African safari and each of them rewards you with rare experiences.
Read MoreSecrets to Finding a Rental Car Upgrade in Uganda
With the ever new car models that feature nearly every year, it is of no doubt that almost everyone desires an upgrade the fact that hitting the road in a fancy car is one way to make your safari a memorable one. Perhaps you are planning to spend your holiday in Uganda this coming season and you wish to find a rental car upgrade and you do not know how best you can do it. Well, check out some of the tips below and you will certainly get your dream car;
Request for a better one
Try to be open as much as possible and ask for something you need. By asking for what you desire won’t have any harm to you. Imagine you keep quiet higher chances are that you will not find that dream vehicle for car rental in Uganda! Probably, you need something bigger than the one you have been provided or would like fancier features then the best to find it is by asking what else they have available and how much that may cost. This may land you into that dream car even at no additional charges.
Haggle on an upgrade offer
Try not to go with the first offer, just in case you are told that a better vehicle is available but comes with extra charge per day then why not put your haggling skills to the test to see if you can find a price down little. In case you like the vehicle offered, but not its high price, then don’t fear to haggle, the fact that every counter staffs have room for negotiation.
Make sure that you are a frequent visitor
Return visitors are always on better position. If you do frequent to your favorite holiday spot higher chances are this may land you a great upgrade. Frequent visitors or clients are always favored and it is good manners if you even reminded them that you once hired a car with them.
Be relaxed on the details
Once you find a bigger or better car, you may have a higher deposit to pay and use more fuel. Alternatively, perhaps you have purchased additional insurance meaning, this should cover any car rental you need to drive.
Time it right
With car rental services, it is normally about supply and demand. Once you bump into rental desk late higher chances are you may not find that dream car. This means that you have try to get there as early as possible so that you get someone at the counter and you will have opportunity to ask for upgrade.
Try to be nice at the desk
Car rental staffs are humans and they are likely to provide a treat to friendly clients. Car hire is more like flights and hotels-a smile at a desk may earn you something better at the end of the day. What earns some people something better in most cases may not necessarily that they have that huge sum of money but how nice they can be at the encounter does. This means you should know how best you can conduct or interact with staff members.
Be aware of car groups you want
Car rentals do come in different groups and so on the other hand different people as well as have different car preferences. Depending on what your travel needs are in Uganda, it is important that you know which kind of car is the best for your road trip. Car rentals cover family trips, executive, self-drive tours, group tours among others and our fleet range from Toyota Rav4 to Coaster buses. Your choice may depend on travel needs in your dream destination but we have you covered. Simply get connected to one of our staff and we shall you sorted and you live to realize your dream this coming holiday in this magical country.
In summary, with everyone today desiring that classic car to hit the road to their dream destination, find the latest or upgrade car rental may seem very challenging but just few secretes can land you into that dream car. Consider the above tips and you won’t be left in regrets.
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Discover Uganda’s Beauty on the Mighty River Nile
White water rafting is one of the best things to do on a Uganda safari holiday! Taken along the Nile in Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda, rafting is an outdoor adventure that will help you discover the country’s unspeakable beauty. Reaching Adrift, a person books at their Kampala office at 14 York Terrace, Kololo in Kampala. The wide range of accommodation includes chalets, dorms and camping overlooking the Nile, to suit all budgets, ages and tastes. Additionally, rafters can purchase souvenir pictures of their Nile Adventures from professional photographers at the site.
With Uganda continuing to win more accolades for being a major tourism destination, more great wonders possibly not known to local tourists continue to emerge, astounding people who visit the Pearl of Africa.
A recent visit at Adrift that is little known to Ugandan tourists showed stunning scenery most especially at the Wild Waters lodge, the magnificent birdlife at the site and professional gracious guides and waitresses who all add an appeal of the Adrift rafting trip. Being the only adventure company having a one stop centre offering white water rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating and river surfing on the Victorian source of the Nile near Bujagali Falls in Jinja, Adrift has managed to attract attention of majority adventurers.
With a daily free shuttle from Kampala to Jinja, after booking at their Kampala offices with a modest fee of $125 (about 325,000) for a day and $115 (299,000) for half day rafting respectively, guides are always ready to offer you breakfast upon arrival and take you through the drills of white water rafting.
“You shouldn’t carry any valuable save for the consortium you are going to raft in,” Yasin Magembe, a guide said at a recent visit of Adrift.
Equipped with paddles, life jackets and helmets, guests are treated to an exciting paddling of the inflatable boat/rafting boat as you navigate through Africa’s longest river, the Nile.
Minutes after the paddling, leads you to a great challenging but exciting experience as you are advised to hold on to the inflatable boat as the waves lead you to the rapid falls that force you down with the high water pressure.
With kayak operators and other rescuers waiting down the falls, one is most amused by the cheers from fellow rafters who have already completed the challenge giving an occurrence you can’t find anywhere in Uganda.
As one is marveling the rafting challenge, Captain Gav Fahey comes in with his wild jetting battle racing up and down the Nile rapids. At about 90kilometer per hour, the boat that comes with propulsion directed from side-to side gives another experience as it spins up to 360 degrees similar to
driving a car in a muddy surface.
The challenge that goes for $75 (about Shs 19500) per person also gives an experience you will long to forget.
As one marvels the country’s great wonders on the Nile, guides then take you to another exciting Nile High Bungee Jumping at a modest pay of Shs $115 (about Shs 299,000). Here, one is taken to a Nile High Tower of about 44meters and left to jump to the bottom with the first bounce near the water before rebounding high above the river and back.
Mr Fahey says the challenge is 100 percent safe and is built and operated to high specifications. “Because our tower has been built and operated to such high specifications, jumpers are much more likely to get injured on the road travel from or back to Kampala,” he says.
After the jet race, bungee jumping and water rafting, a guest is treated to spacious meals at the magnificent wild waters lodges. The beautiful scenery at the lodges and rare setting provides another experience that no guest will leave before paying $250 (about Shs 650,000) to spend a night.
The 1km raised wooden walkways connecting the rooms with the restaurant, bar and swimming pool in a forest naturalistic setting with rear birds squawks and a beautiful River Nile falls view leave lasting memories to a guest.
Although various prices have been tagged on different adventures, a person can take on one challenge or do them once for one day to five leaving Jinja concurring that ‘Uganda is a Perl of Africa’.
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An Unforgettable Gorilla Expedition in Bwindi
I don’t say it lightly when I say that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the most beautiful place I have ever visited. The jungle, the misty mountains, the people, and the gorillas make it an amazing place to be.
We stayed in the town of Buhoma, which is just about 10 meters outside of the Bwindi National Park. We spend a lovely few days there hanging out with the locals and buying cheap but very well-carved, souvenirs, visiting orphanages and watching them sing, dance, and drum, and of course the mountain gorillas was an experience unmatched in nature for me. I treasured every second that I was there.
This is a good experience with the mountain gorillas. I have visited the mountain gorillas myself; you must visit them as stated here. If you need to compare prices and costs and make a decision as to which country to visit the gorillas (Rwanda or Uganda), read this comprehensive article on organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Africa.
Tracking Gorillas in Bwindi’s Oruzogo Gorilla Family
Gorilla Trekking remains one of the most magical and rewarding wildlife experiences in the natural world, one that I know is high on the wish list of Uganda’s tourists. An estimated 800 mountain gorillas are remaining on earth, approximately 480 of which reside in Bwindi National Park.
Oruzogo gorilla group is located in Ruhija together with Bitukura, and Kitaguriro (which is the gorilla family dedicated purely for research). This gorilla family can be trekked from Buhoma or Ruhija. The group consists of 16 individuals including 1 dominant silverback (named Tibirikwata) and two babies that were recently born. Although the sex of the two babies is yet to be established, the proud mothers are the cute adult females Birungi and Mutesi. The new babies join the posse of other infants Buchura and Kanywani who is Kakobe’s baby.
Naming all the 16 individuals save for the three infants who are currently known by their mothers’ identities like Mutesi baby or Birungi baby was completed before it was availed for tracking in 2012.
Other individuals in the group include Busungu(Meaning short tampered), Kashundwe, Nyakiina, Kaganga (the giant one), Otaka, Bwoba (the coward) Karimi (tongue) Kiromba, Katooto (the small one) Kanywani(meaning friendly, Kakobe who looks like a monkey and Buchura referring to the youngest or last born before the two newest babies came forth.
Read MoreComprehensive Car Rental Insurance and Its Importance
If you’ve ever rented a car, you’ve probably been warned by salespeople at the counter about the possible consequences of walking away without buying their company’s rental car insurance. Put on the spot, you might not feel confident about exactly what your current auto insurance covers. And that’s what rental companies are counting on along with their commissions for selling you the coverage.
Want to be prepared next time you’re renting a car in Uganda? We can help you understand whether you need rental car insurance and how to get it before you get to the rental counter.
Rental car insurance or your own auto insurance?
Here are the typical insurance options from rental car companies, along with how to determine if you already have coverage within your own auto insurance policy. Coverage from your own policy applies when you are using a rental car for personal, no business purposes. The rules may be different for business use of a rental car. Check with your insurer or employer for details about coverage when using a rental car for business.
Crashes and car theft
At the counter: A loss-damage waiver (LDW), also called a collision damage waiver (CDW), gets you off the hook for any damage to the rental vehicle or theft of the car. It’s technically not insurance but rather a waiver that says the rental car company won’t come after you.
Your policy: If you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own policy, it generally will extend to a rental car. However, you will still be on the hook for your deductible.
Damage you do to others
At the counter: Supplemental liability protection will pay for damage you do to others’ vehicles or property. A typical limit is $1 million. If you have no auto insurance (for example, if you don’t own a car), you should buy this.
Your own policy: Your own liability insurance will cover you when you’re driving rental cars. If you have really minimal liability coverage on your auto policy, you could buy the supplemental protection to boost your coverage. But if that’s your situation, you’d be smarter to increase your own liability coverage anyway.
Injuries to you
At the counter: Personal accident insurance covers medical costs for you and your passengers if you’re involved in an accident. This includes ambulance, medical care and death benefits.
Your own policy: If you have health insurance, this coverage would largely be redundant. Similarly, if you are interested in death benefits, you should have a life insurance policy. Personal accident insurance also is not needed if you have personal injury protection or Med Pay through your auto policy.
Your stolen stuff
At the counter: Personal effects coverage pays for your belongings if they’re stolen from the rental car, up to a set dollar amount.
Your own policy: Your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your possessions if they are stolen, even away from home. To make a theft claim, you’ll need to file a police report, and your deductible amount will apply.
The credit card safety net
Credit cards often provide coverage for rental cars, assuming you have used the card to pay for the rental and the rental is in your name. You’ll automatically have this coverage if it’s included with your credit card — no need to call or sign forms. But it is secondary coverage, meaning your own auto insurance policy will pay out first. If you don’t have auto insurance and are going to count on credit card coverage, call your credit card issuer to confirm the details.
Buying rental car insurance on your own
There are companies that sell standalone policies for rental cars if you don’t want to buy insurance at the counter. You generally need to decline the rental company’s coverage to use these.
Is car rental insurance really necessary?
That’s the first question people ask. The short answer is “yes.” But that doesn’t mean that you need the expensive stuff that your rental car agency is trying to push. There are some important things you need to think about before you waive the right to car rental insurance on your rental car agreement, however.
First, we’ll talk about what car rental insurance purchased through the rental agency can cover:
- Car rental insurance carries a waiver called a loss/damage waiver that releases renters from liability should their rental car be stolen, vandalized or damaged in a collision.
- Car rental insurance policies can also include personal accident insurance, which covers medical costs for you and any passengers due to injuries sustained in an accident with your rental car.
- Most car rental insurance policies carry personal effects coverage, which covers any personal items damaged in a collision or stolen from the rental car.
- Car rental insurance policies also usually include liability insurance that covers third party costs for both medical care and property damage if another vehicle is involved in an accident and the fault for the accident lies with the rental car driver.
Visit Ngamba Island for Chimpanzee Trip in Uganda
Uganda has remained to be on top of other African countries in tourism, this is so because of the various tourism sights and bio-diversities. Despite of the fact that the country is a land locked one, many tourists regard it has being their first priority while in Africa due to the fascinating features and abundant wildlife. Uganda is bordered by Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, DR. Congo to the west and South Sudan to the North and therefore the country is a member of the East African Community.
Visiting Ngamba Island while on your tours in Uganda is one of the best choice since it gives a nice discovery memory, Ngamba Island is located in Lake Victoria and visitors depart from Entebbe, this is a 45 minutes cruise on a private boat. This tour should be organized for you by Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Limited since they have got expertise in transporting tourists to Ngamba Island. This island was gazzeted to protect the endangered and orphaned Chimpanzees including those that are rescued from poachers in the different places.
Visitors to Ngamba Island enjoy a variety of activities and once you are at Ngamba, you become engaged always due to the amazing jokes performed by the different chimps in their cages and trees. Feeding the chimps most especially the baby chimps can be done from this place as visitors witness and participate in milk feeding and banana feeding.
This is another place to hide from stress since visitors have got an option of camping at the island, the conducive air and the environment makes you forget other problems, this island is only for chimpanzees and its one of the best places to be since it unique. While on the Island, there are different chimpanzees that can be entertained since they were all given names. Playing places are available for these chimps to do exercise every day and every time they feel like playing around.
Visitors will witness them slapping each other as a way of dominating the group, getting to this island is easy but leaving will be hard since it was endowed with everything a tourist may wish to see while on the safari. This is where history will become the truth to everyone who is enthusiastic with visiting Uganda for an amazing tour with Nature Adventure Africa Safaris limited.
From there visitors can embark to Kampala and take a visit at Uganda museum and take a look at the different cultural exhibitions representing the different cultures from the different regions of Uganda. Art crafts and sculptures are categorized in the different stalls that enable visitors to have a nice understand of the findings in the museum. Another interesting center is the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo; this is where the martyrs were assassinated from on 3rd/06/1886.
This led to the construction of the shrines for annual cerebration and remembrance the solidarity exhibited by the young people while dying for their religion and this is where pilgrimages converge to remember them every 3rd of June but visitors can tour the place throughout the year and this is one of the most cerebrated events in Uganda.
Kabaka’s Lake found in Ndeeba is another place suitable for a holiday tour, this is the largest man made lake in Uganda and it was dug by the king of Buganda as he wanted to relax on water, this lake has got his seat that was placed at one of the islands found within the lake. The conducive environment including the availability of different social amenities around the lake makes it to be one of the resting places and nice to see place in Uganda.
Another place to be visited while on your holiday is Kasubi tombs where the Buganda kings are/were buried; this is also found in Kampala, while on this tour visitors will get a chance to see the Kabaka’s tombs and the different huts of the Kabaka’s wives surrounding the palace. Here you will be taken through all the activities including giving you the information regarding the tombs and the kings that were buried within.