travel - Uganda Self Drives

Top cars to rent in Uganda on a self drive and why they’re perfect

Whether you are visiting Uganda for a honeymoon, family trip or solo adventure, a self drive to the country’s top and leading destinations where you will get to enjoy the beautiful scenic views and the various wildlife species found in National Parks.

In order to have a memorable and rewarding experience while on and off road, you will need a reliable car that will give you a hassle free experience while on a trip to Uganda.

As Uganda self drives, we have the best fleet of cars you can hire at very unbeatable and pocket friendly rates. Some of the best cars to rent in Uganda on a self drive include;

Toyota RAV4

If you are looking for a budget car for hire on self drive in Uganda, then a RAV4 is the best option you need to look out for. This is a 4×4 rental vehicle and perfect to get you to hard to reach and remote areas within Uganda.

If you are also looking for a budget car to use on a game drive in any of the national Park, we recommend this spacious car. It comes with features like a modern entertainment system, air conditioner (AC), comfortable seats, a first aid kit, a spare tyre and so much more.

When it comes to fuel consumption, this spacious ride doesn’t consume a lot like the other 4×4 cars making it the best choice for individuals who are on a budget safari in Uganda.

Land Cruiser TX

Another spacious vehicle that you need to look out for as you plan for a safari to Uganda especially on a self drive, is our 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser TX. This is best for either a business trip or safari because of its strength and low fuel consumption compared to other larger SUVs. You can either rent a Land Cruiser TX with a pop roof or a sun roof especially for those planning to do a game drive (s) to see so much that these destinations have within their boundaries.

Features you can expect to find when you hire this vehicle include a working a AC, a fully equipped modern entertainment system with USB ports to charge your phones, Bluetooth enabled speakers, first aid kit, comfortable leather and non-leather seats, a spare tyre among others.

This Land Cruiser TX can be occupied by 5-6 people and still remain with enough space for luggage. Whether you are on a solo or family trip, this is the car that would work for you if you want to stay within your budget.

Land Cruiser V8

If You are looking for a more comfortable ride with a powerful engine to navigate the different rugged terrains in different parts of the country, then our 4×4 Land Cruiser V8 is what you will need while in Uganda. This comes equipped with awesome features to give you the best and memorable experience.

When it comes to fuel consumption, this is quite high compared to a Land Cruiser TX because of how powerful its engine is. When you rent from us this spacious vehicle, be rest assured of the comfort it offers and its reliability both on and off road.

If you are coming into Uganda on a business trip and would prefer a luxury rental car, our Land Cruiser V8 is the perfect option. Talk to us today to book this car.

Land Cruiser GX

Navigate the different terrains within the country with our Land Cruiser GX that enables you switch the different gears as you go through these terrains. Our Land Cruiser GX is of manual transmission and will take you to any destination of your choice hassle free.

This car is available to anyone booking and going for a family safari or group safaris within Uganda and beyond. It also does come with other features like the AC, a modern entertainment system, a first aid kit and more others.

Saloon cars

Are you looking for a car to use while on a self drive through the city center and towns in Uganda? We have saloon cars available for hire at very unbeatable and pocket friendly rates. These cars are designed to give you the best experience on-road however if you are planning to visit the remote places in the different parts of the country, you will need a 4×4 rental car as this car isn’t strong enough to navigate through the rugged terrains found within there.

How to rent a car for self drive in Uganda

To rent a car for self drive in Uganda, you will need to fill our request form with your details indicating the number of days, the pickup and drop off locations, the number of people and any other specifications like the car you would prefer to rent.

Upon receiving your email, our team will take you through the booking process and make sure your preferred rental car is reserved.

Alternatively, you can reach out to us directly on +256 704538374 available on WhatsApp and calls. Once you get through, our customer care team will take you through the booking process and make sure you preferred car is reserved.

Traffic Laws In Uganda

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Traffic Laws In Uganda

Like as it is when visiting other countries, it’s very crucial to know Uganda’s traffic laws before you embark on that memorable road trip to different parts of the country. This guides and keeps you and other road users safe from accident whether on a self drive in Uganda or car rental with a driver.

Uganda is among the most popular tourist hubs around the world hence it does attract a huge number of international travelers who visit the country to discover so much that is found within her boundaries.

Some of the activities that tourists usually engage in include gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Murchison falls National Park where you can find the world’s most powerful waterfall and wildlife species as they roam in the park, chimpanzees in Kibale, tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, cultural, heritage sites and so much.

To get to these places and more, you will need a rental car and as you drive on the road you are expected to abide and adhere to traffic rules put in place.

There a number of traffic regulations that you are required to follow and going against these regulations may subject you to a penalty of a fine or imprisonment. These traffic laws include;

As it is in other commonwealth countries, while driving in Uganda you are expected to drive from the right side of the lane and only overtake from the right only when it’s safe for you to do so. For travelers coming from countries that drive from the left side of the road like France, Netherlands and more, this is something you will need to take very careful.

At the zebra crossing: You are also expected to stop at the zebra crossing points that are designated at different points in the country especially if there’s a group of people that want to cross.

Don’t drink and drive: Driving under the influence is a heavy crime in Uganda that can even lead to imprisonment for some years. You are fully advised not to drink if you plan on driving yourself as this puts you and other road users in danger. If you feel you want to drink, please make sure you have a friend, family member who’s not drinking and knows how to drive to take you to your final destination.

Don’t drive a DMC: This stands for dangerous mechanical condition. A DMC is a faulty car that does pollute the environment or has mechanical issues that limit it from working so well.

In case a traffic officer stops you: Traffic officers in Uganda are friendly and once they ask you to stop, you will be required to do so. These will ask you to stop especially if they want to check whether you have the right documentation like a driving license, passport and more. They also check the conditions of the car you are driving and assess it to determine whether its suitable to be on the road.

Once the car is found to have committed no offence, you will be set free and allowed to proceed with your trip.

Speed limit: While driving on either a highway or towns there’s a set speed limit that once you go beyond it, there’s a set penalty you will be subjected to. For example, as you drive on a highway to some of the destinations in the country, you are advised not exceed 80KM/hr and in towns like Kampala, not to go beyond 50KM/hr. These speeds were designated to keep you and other road users safe.

Don’t drive while using your phone: using a phone as you drive tends to distract you from minding about other road users or even the objects surrounding which can lead to a collision.

Remember a seatbelt is a must: Like other countries, driving in Uganda especially for those on a self drive are required to wear their seat belts for the safety of the occupants in case of an accident.

Do not overlap: This habit is common among drivers in cities especially when they are stuck in traffic jam. No matter how long the traffic jam is, you are not allowed at any point to switch lanes and use the opposite lanes as this could lead to an accident and once found, you will be penalized.

Park in line with the traffic: Another basic rule when driving in Uganda is to park in line with traffic. Generally, you should only park with the car facing forward on the left side of the road. That means the passenger door (on the left of the car) will be the closest door of the curb.

On some one-way streets you can park on either side of the road, but you still need to face the direction of traffic. In that case, you can park with the driver’s door nearest the curb.

Here’s a rule of thumb. If you can’t park in a space without illegally driving on the wrong side of the road, against the traffic, you shouldn’t park there.

Read the signs: Uganda’s parking signs are similar to those in other English speaking countries. Speed limits, parking zones, and turning restrictions are all signposted. The closer you are to the centre of the city (the Central Business District, or CBD) the more restricted parking will be, and the lower the speed limit.

Other traffic laws you ought to abide to include making sure you have a valid driving license, international driving permit as these prove that indeed you know how to drive and went through licensed institutions, learnt the important road signs and more. You ar e as well expected to respect pedestrians and other road users.

Best Cars To Hire on a Self Drive

» Rent a Toyota RAV4 for only $40 per day.

» Rent Land Cruiser TX/TZ for only $60 per day.

» Rent a Land Cruiser V8 at only $80 per day

How to Rent a Car For Self Drive In Uganda

To rent a car for self drive in Uganda, you will need to fill our request form with your details indicating the number of days, the pickup and drop off locations, the number of people and any other specifications like the car you would prefer to rent.

Upon receiving your email, our team will take you through the booking process and make sure your preferred rental car is reserved.

Alternatively, you can reach out to us directly on +256 704538374 or +256 759498123 available on WhatsApp and calls. Once you get through, our customer care team will take you through the booking process and make sure you preferred car is reserved.

Top cars for rent on self drive in uganda and why they are perfect

Top Cars to Rent on a Self Drive in Uganda and why they are perfect

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Top cars to rent in Uganda on a self drive and why they’re perfect

Whether you are visiting Uganda for a honeymoon, family trip or solo adventure, a self drive to the country’s top and leading destinations where you will get to enjoy the beautiful scenic views and the various wildlife species found in National Parks.

In order to have a memorable and rewarding experience while on and off road, you will need a reliable car that will give you a hassle free experience while on a trip to Uganda. As Uganda self drives, we have the best fleet of cars you can hire at very unbeatable and pocket friendly rates. Some of the best cars to rent in Uganda on a self drive include;

Toyota RAV4

If you are looking for a budget car for hire on self drive in Uganda, then a RAV4 is the best option you need to look out for. This is a 4×4 rental vehicle and perfect to get you to hard to reach and remote areas within Uganda.

When it comes to fuel consumption, this spacious ride doesn’t consume a lot like the other 4×4 cars making it the best choice for individuals who are on a budget safari in Uganda.

Land Cruiser TX

Land Cruiser V8

When it comes to fuel consumption, this is quite high compared to a Land Cruiser TX because of how powerful its engine is. When you rent from us this spacious vehicle, be rest assured of the comfort it offers and its reliability both on and off road.

If you are coming into Uganda on a business trip and would prefer a luxury rental car, our Land Cruiser V8 is the perfect option. Talk to us today to book this car.

Land Cruiser GX

Navigate the different terrains within the country with our Land Cruiser GX that enables you switch the different gears as you go through these terrains. Our Land Cruiser GX is of manual transmission and will take you to any destination of your choice hassle free.

Saloon cars

How to rent a car for self drive in Uganda

Upon receiving your email, our team will take you through the booking process and make sure your preferred rental car is reserved.

Alternatively, you can reach out to us directly on +256 704538374 available on WhatsApp and calls. Once you get through, our customer care team will take you through the booking process and make sure you preferred car is reserved.

Where to go on a game drives in Uganda

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Where to do game drives on self drive in Uganda

Looking for the best places you can do game drives on a self drive in Uganda? Worry not because in this article we will cover that relevant information you are looking for so that you get a memorable and unforgettable time while in the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda is a rich tourism country gaining its popularity from attractions that include unique landscapes and diverse wildlife species that a lot of travelers from outside countries come to visit. The country has a variety of National parks which makes Game drives so popular and rewarding to the visitors – a reason as to why as to why it was recently listed among the top destinations by CNN to visit in 2023

Game Drives in Uganda

Game drives are a special highlight everyone should consider while on a Uganda safari. These drives normally include driving with safari vehicles through National parks and game reserves in search for wild life. Game drives always give a rewarding experience as many animals are spotted as they roam around the specific locations or their habitat.

While on a game drive in Uganda, you should expect to spot a lot of wild life depending on the specific destination you have visited. Some of the wild life you are to spot during a game drive in Uganda’s national parks and game reserves include; leopards, elephants, giraffes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, hippos, buffaloes , elands, cheetahs , kudus, oribi, Bohor reedbucks, zebras, Jackson’s hartebeest, lions, hyena and many more.

Best Destinations to do game drives on self drive Uganda

Uganda has about 10 National Parks and 12 game reserves. With all these, Uganda becomes one of the best tourism destinations specifically for game drives. Among all these destinations, there are those which offer the best experience when you talk of game drives on a self drive Uganda and they include;

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park that’s situated in the western part of the country is among the most visited national park in Uganda. The park is home to almost 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. While game driving on self drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you should count it on your plan to spot various animals such as, tree climbing lions in the ishasha sector off the park, elephants, leopards, spotted hyenas, Ugandan kobs, Buffaloes, topis, bush bucks, side-stripped jackals, hippos, bush pigs etc. Birds to be spotted such as, Shoebill, Haerkopm, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, and great White Pelicans among others.

The best time to enjoy game drives on a self drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park is during early morning hours and late evenings when the animals are always looking for what to eat. The dry season which takes place during the months of June to September and December to February will obviously give you a rewarding experience as the animals usually gather on water bodies to drink water and relax.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park is the oldest and largest of all national parks in Uganda. It is located in the North western part of Uganda and game drives in this park mostly takes place within the delta region which is situated next to lake Albert although the entire park is good for a game drive.

While on a game driving on a self drive in Murchison falls National Park, you should expect spotting various animals such as lions, elephants, leopards, oribis, bush bucks, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs among others. Some of the birds to spot include; shoebill, giant king fisher, African darter, long toed plover, osprey and many others. The park has safe routes to use while driving through.

During morning and late evening hours, it is guaranteed that you are likely to spot most of the animals and birds due to the fact that they are always active during that period. On sunny days, you will indeed get the best viewing experience because a lot of animals gather on water bodies to drink water and refresh themselves.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest National Park of Uganda, the closest park to Kampala and it is located in the Western part of Uganda in Kiruhura district. Game driving in Lake Mburo National Park involves spotting various animals in their habitats such as, Zebra, bush bark, buffaloes, jackals, elands, hyenas, warthogs, leopards and there are a unique and special species of animals called the Impalas which make the park unique from other national parks of Uganda.

Lake Mburo is also one of the national parks in Uganda where night game drives can be conducted. During night game drive, visitors get an opportunity of spotting nocturnal animals such as hyenas and hippos getting ready for the night and hence offering a memorable and rewarding experience to the visitors.

The best time to conduct game drives on a self drive in Lake Mburo National Park is during the early morning hours and late evenings where animals and birds are more active.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo National Park is located in the north eastern corner of Uganda in Kaabong district near Karenga. It is one of the best national parks in Uganda to go for a game drive on self drive Uganda that will give you that real African experience you need. Game driving in Kidepo National park involve driving through the park’s trails looking for animals, birds and other wildlife nature as you capture the different scenic views.

While on a game drive in Kidepo National Park, look forward to seeing wildlife species like cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, eland, cape buffaloes, kangoni, lions, elephant, leopards, birds (about 475 species) and beautiful features such as savannahs, Kanangorok Hot springs, River Kidepo and The Narus Valley.

Why you shouldn’t miss game drives while on your Uganda self drive safari

Game driving is a must do activity or call it an essential activity you must include on your list when planning for a self drive Uganda safari or be it a guided Uganda safari.

Game driving is one of the most interesting Uganda safaris as it helps you to get closer to the nature and finding the animals in their habitats.

While on game drives in Uganda’s national parks, there s no doubt that you will have a chance of spotting 4 of the big five animals especially when you go to Murchison Falls National Park Or Kidepo Valley National Park.

Still about game drives in Ugandan National Parks, you will get beautiful scenic views of the savannah grasslands which also harbor most of the animals and birds.

During morning hours, you will have an opportunity of listening to the singing birds and seeing beautiful morning sunrise.

Frequently asked questions about game drives on self drive Uganda

Where can I go on game drive in Uganda?

Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo National Park.

What is the biggest game park in Uganda?

The biggest game park in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park

What is the smallest game park in Uganda?

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest game park in Uganda

Which game park is nearest to Kampala?

Lake Mburo National Park

Why you need to hire a car for self drive in Uganda

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Why you need to hire a car for Self drive in Uganda?

When visiting Uganda for whether a business trip or safari you may need a reliable means of transport to get you from one point to another? And one of the available options is renting a car for self drive in Uganda.

With a rental car, you can drive to any destination without worry of being delayed by anything which isn’t the case when you are using public means.

Uganda is endowed with so much from the beautiful scenic views, rare wildlife species like the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks, the tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park where you will be able to see the world’s most powerful waterfall – Murchison Falls to Lake Mburo National Park to see Elands and Zebras and more other places.

You can as well visit the source of the Nile River in Jinja where you will be able to participate in a number of exciting and rewarding activities along the river like the white water rafting, bungee jumping and more.

We have a fleet of well-maintained and serviced cars that range from budget to Luxury designed to give you a hassle free experience while on and off road in Uganda. These cars do include a Toyota RAV4s, Land Cruiser TX/TZ, Saloon cars, Safari Van, Land Cruiser V8, Land Cruiser GX, Land Cruiser VX among others.

Reasons why you would rent a car for self drive in Uganda

There various advantages that come with renting a car for self drive in Uganda and these range from comfort, safety and financial issues.

Renting a car is the cheapest transport option.

If you are looking for the cheapest means of transport two or more people can use whether on a business trip or safari in Uganda, then car rental is something you must consider if you want to save money and still get to enjoy the comfort and privacy that comes with it.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to drive to any location, anytime without worry of being left out especially for individuals who would use public means. Public transport in Uganda has designated points where it stops and after that point, you will need to get another means of transport to get you to your final point which wastes a lot of time compared to when you rent a car to take you at once to your destination.

Offers you the privacy you need?

Imagine being traveling by a public means and someone is looking into your phone or even playing their music on a high volume? There’s nothing as irritating as this and that’s why you need a rental car to do anything you want at your own pace, giving you the privacy you need and peace of mind.

Safety

Many accidents that happen on various roads in Uganda are attributed to a slight human error therefore, various travelers usually prefer to drive themselves to their final destination to eliminate errors made by a third party that could end their lives.

What do I need to rent a car in Uganda?

Like any other country, to rent a car in Uganda you will need to avail a few crucial documents for identification and these do include a valid copy of your driving license or International driving permit and a valid copy of your passport.

Upon verifying these, we will be able to arrange you your car rental option, reserve and give it to you once you arrive in the country.

Cost of renting a car for self drive in Uganda?

The cost of renting a car for self drive in Uganda is mainly determined by a few factors and these do include the type of car you are renting, the number of people, and the destination.

The cost of cars usually varies given that different cars vary in terms of comfort and strength. For example renting a RAV4 on self drive in Uganda is less costly compared to renting a Land Cruiser V8. The cost of the above cars is $40 per day and $80 per day respectively. A Land Cruiser V8 is expensive because it has a stronger engine and more comfortable compared to a RAV4.

If the number of people is beyond 4, this means the cost of car rental will likely increase so that we avail a car that they can fully occupy.

The beauty about renting a car from Uganda Self Drives is that we have no hidden car rental costs. This implies that what we give you is always the final cost and we don’t have other costs that we will top up after you have rented a car from us. Our cost also comes with unlimited mileage – as long as you get to inform us of your destination and whether you will be crossing the border so that we get to arrange the required the documents for you to cross

Is it safe to rent a car for self drive in Uganda?

It’s absolutely safe to rent a car for self drive in Uganda as long as you have the right documents and follow the set traffic rules. For about two decades, Uganda hasn’t recorded any case against international travelers rendering it to be among the safest countries anyone can travel to anytime of the year. The country was recently listed by CNN among the top destinations to visit in 2023 and this is attributed to its security and abundant activities you can do while in the country.

Guide to Driving in Uganda as a tourist

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Get up close with Uganda’s hidden unique features while driving in Uganda as a tourist. In this article we have detailed what you need to know:

Uganda was recently ranked among the top destinations anyone can visit in 2023 by CNN and this is attributed to the fact that the country has a lot it can offer that’s within her boundaries and all this can be explored while on a self-drive as a tourist in the country.

Whether you are planning on visiting the south western part of Uganda to see the mountain gorillas, Queen Elizabeth National Park to see the tree climbing lions, Murchison Falls National Park to see the world’s most powerful waterfall and more, we have detailed all the necessary information you need to know while you are driving in Uganda as a tourist.

In Uganda we drive from the left side of the road unlike for example France or Netherlands where they drive from the right side of the road. If you are not used of driving from the left side of the road, we highly recommend that you take extra caution and pay so much attention so that you don’t make any mistakes. Usually mistakes are done by drivers who are from countries that drive from the right side of the road on junctions and roundabouts.

What you need to have to driving in Uganda as a tourist

Before a rental car is availed to you for self drive in Uganda, you will need to have availed important documents like a valid copy of your driving permit, international driving permit and a valid copy of your passport. Driving in Uganda as a tourist is absolutely for free expect along the Entebbe expressway where there’s a toll gate that you will need to pay where you can pay to access the road. This road is used by tourists who intend to avoid traffic jam in Kampala city and would want to get to the airport or any destination on time.

To drive a car in Uganda you have to be aged above 18 years and posses the above documents.

Quality of the roads in Uganda

The roads in Uganda are greatly improving with now so many roads within the city centre and towns tarmacked. If you’re planning to travel to any national park or remote areas in the country, The roads there aren’t as good as you can expect them to be and we heavily recommend hiring a 4×4 rental car like a Land Cruiser TX/TZ/ Land Cruiser V8 and if you prefer a budget option, we have a Toyota RAV4.

Traffic rules and signs

As you drive in Uganda, there traffic rules and regulations you are expected to respect and adhere to. Once you commit an offense against these, there’s a penalty that will be issued that you will be able to pay. Or even imprisonment.

Some of these include respecting the road signs put at different points on various roads within the country. These include warnings, animal crossing signs and more. Some of the signs are always telling

You are also expected to stop once a traffic officer asks you to do so. Traffic officers in Uganda are friendly and they will stop you to confirm whether you have the right documents to be on the road and the conditions of the car you are driving.

Driving with a seatbelt on a legal requirement in Uganda. Once you found without this on, you will be penalized.

The speed limit on Ugandan roads

Are you planning on driving in Uganda as a tourist? It’s important to know the speed limit for your own safety and other road users. While driving in towns, you are expected not to exceed 50KM/hr and 80KM/hr while driving on a highway.

Some of the roads in Uganda have these speed limits indicated on sign posts to guide you.

Road behavior

Generally, driving on Ugandan roads is easy but like any other country, there will be that annoying driver who will either overtake when they are not supposed to do so, honk so much to distract you. We advise you to fully be pay attention to the car you are driving and the road as well.

If you happen to meet cars on the road that are labeled “L” on the road, this implies that the person in the car is being guided by an instructor and learning how to drive.

FAQs

Is it safe to self drive in Uganda?

The road network in Uganda has been improving and getting to any of the destinations is now quite easy than centuries ago. In terms of security, Uganda is one of the safest countries in Africa and has no record against international travelers for more than two years. Therefore, driving in the country is safe and we assure you a hassle free experience.

How much is driving in Uganda as a tourist?

The cost of self drive in Uganda depends on the rental car you prefer to use, the number of days and the number of people. Having put these in mind, we will be able to provide you with a quote. If you are renting for more than a month, you will automatically qualify for a discount on car rental in Uganda.

Our prices include unlimited mileage meaning we don’t limit you on when or where you can stop or even charge you an extra fee for exceeding a given point. We also don’t have hidden costs, what we give you is always the final amount and we always give you that figure before you proceed with renting a car with us.