The self-driving is not so common in Uganda, but adventurous travelers always opt for self-driving to really be comfortable, flexible and enjoy the adventures in Uganda. However, it is not very easy to drive in a country you are not familiar with because roads can be different and put you at risk position of getting lost. The following tips can help you get on that Uganda self-drive with confidence and enjoy the whole road trip.
How are the road conditions for driving in Uganda?
By African standards, the road conditions in Uganda are very good. The primary roads radiating from Kampala to all four corners of the country are covered in smooth asphalt. You can expect a lot of speed bumps and the occasional potholes though.
Although the asphalt roads are in good condition, you generally don’t reach more than 50 km/hour, due to the many speed bumps, the need to reduce your speed when passing through villages, and because you will probably want to take many pictures! Even the scenery from the highway is stunning. Avoid the common traveler’s mistake of trying to cover too much ground in one trip. Forget google maps, but closely study our driving times and distances table at this page instead.
The last stretch of your daily trip requires some driving on gravel roads to get to your lodge or park entrance gate. Inside the parks, it’s off-road driving on dirt roads. The conditions of these roads tend to vary from one season to the next and are most difficult during the rainy season. Off-road driving in Uganda is usually not technical or difficult, and compared to our other destinations in Africa, off-road driving in Uganda is the easiest.
What side of the road do I drive on in Uganda?
Up to 15 African countries drive on the left side and Uganda is one of them. If you have been used to driving on the right-hand side, then you will need to concentrate a lot or hire a Ugandan driver to avoid any traffic problems.
Do I need an international driving license in Uganda?
No, you don’t need an international driver’s license in Uganda. Your valid license from your home country is enough. Make sure to always carry your driver’s license with you when driving. However, if you are crossing to Kenya or Tanzania with your rental car, an international driver’s license will be required.
What happens if the car breaks down?
In the event of breakdowns or accidents, Self Drive Uganda assures on-the-spot assistance where we usually send our mechanic in your location to access and then fix the car for you and the bill is given to our company. In the case where a car cannot be fixed, a replacement car within 24 hours depending on your location. Cooperation, flexibility, and patience are vital during road support. If you’re that nervous person in case of unexpected challenges we recommend considering booking a guided safari since self-drive might not be the most suitable option for you.
Are there restricted areas for self-drive?
There are no off-limit areas when driving in Uganda. However, hiring a Landcruiser V8, Landcruiser GX or Landcruiser 76 or 78 series is required for travel to Kidepo Valley national park and the Karamoja region. The rav4 is not geared for the road conditions in these areas.
Can I cross the border with my rental car in Uganda?
It’s possible to cross Uganda’s borders to Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and some Uganda car rental companies allow cars to go beyond East Africa. You will require your passport, international driver’s license or local driver’s license plus a COMESA sticker that permits a foregin car to be driven in other East African countries. The company will also give you signed and stamped vehicle registration documents to show that you a driving the car legally.
Which telecom provider do I use in Uganda?
Uganda has several mobile network providers. Airtel and Mtn have the best coverage around Uganda. Both providers support the 4G network.
Before you start your self-driving safari, make sure you get a sim card and load it with sufficient data for internet and phone calls. You can easily obtain a sim card by bringing your passport to the telecom company’s service centre of your choice.
How does it work with navigation in Uganda?
Besides google maps, we strongly recommend that you also install maps.me on your smartphone before you travel to Uganda. It’s a free app. Download the Uganda maps, and enjoy driving on gps offline.
When using navigation apps like google maps or maps.me, increase the suggested travel time by roughly 30%.
Is comprehensive insurance covered in my car rental deal?
All our rental cars are comprehensively insured against accident or fire damages and cover injury to a person or property caused by a car. However, injury or damage caused by oneself is not covered in the car hire insurance policy as well as tires, windows and under-body. The car hirer will be liable to pay damages if he/she is over speeding, improper care or maintenance of the car, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and using restricted roads.
What is the speed limit in Uganda?
Adhere to speed limits (80 km/hour on the highways, 50 km/hour in towns, and 30-40 km/hour in the national parks). Drive defensively, watch for unmarked speed bumps, and be cautious of unexpected potholes. Lock your car, park in secure areas, and avoid night driving. It can get very dark here! Carry cash in Ugandan shillings, water, and a charged phone for emergencies.
How to deal with traffic police in Uganda?
There is a lot of traffic police in Uganda. You can recognize them from far away by their bright white uniform. So, the advice that comes in handy when dealing with any kind of government official in Uganda is to be respectful, remain patient, and stay friendly.
If you’ve committed an offence (speeding, dangerous overtaking, etc.), you will receive a fine that needs to be paid via a bank deposit. You can always call our team at the self-drive Uganda office in Uganda for assistance.
Are there charges for extra drivers?
In Uganda, most of the car rental agencies do not charge any extra fees for the second and third driver. However, they will require all the people who intend to drive to sign the contract and also leave behind copies of their driving licenses.
Is there a security deposit when renting a car in Uganda?
Most of the cars that are hired out below 100USD per day do not require security deposits. However, some car rental agencies often charge a security deposit for cross-border rentals. If you consider crossing the border to Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania; many car rental agencies often charge a security deposit.
Security deposits range from as low as 100USD to 800USD depending on the type of car and your itinerary.
Have an emergency safety kit
An emergency safety kit prepares you for any unforeseen circumstances that inconvenience travel, for example, flat tyre among others. Before you set off for your road trip, ensure your rental car has a safety kit with items such as the jake, jumper cable, batteries, road flares, spare tyre, and flashlights. A safety kit is essential for all drivers, whether first-time or repeat drivers.
Do not drive at night
One of the restrictions we give as a car rental company is not to drive at night. Since most parts of the country do not have street lights, driving at night puts you at risk of accidents due to some bad drivers on the road and people crossing plus a risk of robbery. Make sure to start your journey or activities early so that you arrive at your destination by 19hrs. The only activities allowed at night are night game drives where you must go with a ranger guide from the park.
Check your blind spot
Thoroughly check your blind spot before changing lanes and turning. This is highly advisable because mirrors do not show you everything in your marginal vision. Also, avoid anything that might distract you while changing lanes or turning.
Expect the unexpected
Always keep a safe distance from taxis / Matatus (shared Mini bus) and expect the unexpected. Taxis stop anywhere regardless of where they are driving. Don’t be frazzled if taxis start tooting their horns, they are indicating that they have room for another passenger.
In conclusion
Uganda is the pearl of Africa with plenty of tourist sites to experience on road trips so leave no stone unturned with all the amazing wonders of life, you’re the country’s greatest ambassador so create memories. It is also advised to let your hotel or resort know if you are travelling to a remote location so someone knows where to look for you.