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 MoreA Trip to Kibale National Park, the Primate Capital
Once a forest threatened by human encroachment, today Kibale National Park dazzles with sky-hugging trees and 13 primate species including chimpanzees that have even earned it the title of the “primate capital”. The concentration of primates in Kibale is matched by none in Africa and the park’s 1450 chimps represent Uganda’s largest population of the endangered species which carries up to 99 human-like DNA.
My three-day expedition to this 795 square kilometer jungle was nothing less of amazement as I bush-bashed to see how man’s closest cousin survives in this land of extremes. It all started like any other Uganda safari but ended in the most amazing way possible. From the city centre to Mityana Road through the Northern
Bypass sounds like a common story by a common resident of Bulenga. But the whole picture starts taking shape when you arrive in Mubende town although the feeling gets even stronger as you embark on a 26 kilometer dusty drive, southeast of Fort Portal.
Baboons line up by the roadside to receive guests at the forest gate. If you haven’t seen baboons steal then you are yet to see natural-born thieves and so it is discouraged to fling food at these cunning gangs while in the park because it tempts them into ‘bad manners.’ For me, the six-hour drive had sniffed the heck out of me and I couldn’t wait to reach the lodge and take a nap. I simply wasn’t in the mood to play a buffoon with baboons.
By the time I reached Kibale Primate Lodge – my home throughout my stay – I was very exhausted but if you are a nature enthusiast expect no time to rest because here nature never goes to sleep and wonder starts right at the doorstep of your room. Birds sing while monkeys, as if dancing to the tune, acrobatically leap from one tree branch to another – in your eyesight and earshot. Simply irresistible!
However, the best of the action comes the following day when you hit the road for chimpanzee tracking. Boredom is not an option here because there is more to awe you beyond the amazing chimps of Kibale. It all starts with the 351 trees’ species some rising up to 55 meters tall and growing up to 200 years of age. President Museveni once said that all medicine can be found in Kibale and it cannot pass without saying that actually Kibale is one of Africa’s foremost research sites thanks to the wide range of tree species and the primates.
With this kind of jungle you are always assured of something special– trees that send impotent men to a whole new world; those that heal diabetes, a tree that resembles a nude man and those that take animals to wonderland. The cathedral like trees provide shed to a collection of animals whose mountains of dung return the favour to the trees in the shape of manure.
Meanwhile, several species of monkeys share the rooftops of the thick forest. My guide, one of the most senior rangers here, Mr Silver Byamukama made it a memorable experience taking me to all corners he expected to find the best wildlife. He first took me to the Tree House which is just a couple of metres from the lodge. Here we met a Dutch couple who had spent three days secluded from the rest and they told us they couldn’t exchange their experience at the Tree House with anything.
The previous night they had watched a family of elephants march through an oasis that is just adjacent to the wooden structure – a playground for monsters. Through the house’s window you can watch animals eat, drink and play in the open grassland. In fact, we found fresh footprints of elephants that somewhat made our stroll a little complicated because we had to analyse every other footprint on the way and listen to every sound in the jungle. There is no worse nightmare than falling in an elephant ambush although it is not really hard to maneuver while in thick trees because elephants are not designed for zig-zag chases.
But Kibale still has a couple of other surprises under its sleeves. We also stumbled upon a green mamba which raced off on seeing us. The park also houses buffalos, leopards, warthogs, golden cats and duikers although I didn’t see any of the above because they are hard to see in dense forests. Most animals see you before you spot them and they always try to stay undercover. But nothing could stop our walk because the prize on the other side of the forest was a group of primates who are not far different from humans in behaviour; the animals whose reflection represents man’s behaviour some million years ago – indeed well worth the stroll through the deep jungle.
The legendary chimpanzees!
We were alerted by another ranger attending to a group of about 10 expatriates who called Byamukama saying they had stumbled upon a family of eight chimps. We rushed there and found the eight divided into four groups; a mother and a baby, four females grooming each other, one resting male and a juvenile who concentrated on trying to impress us by hanging in trees on threaded leaves.
When the bigger group of tourists left the chimps also descended down the trees to move somewhere else. This is when we got a chance to follow them on the ground. And it immediately turned into a ‘hide and seek’ game. They peeped at us and moved deeper and deeper into the jungle and the more we followed them the more it became obsessive and the more they felt comfortable with us. These great apes have been persecuted by man for thousands of years
but with Uganda Wildlife Authority curbing poaching and spreading the conservation gospel, human-beings have gained the trust of the chimpanzees once again.
But then something went wrong during our tracking – a disagreement between a male and a female chimp. The male brutally hit the female and the thud surged through the trees at rocket speed into our ears – a full grown male is stronger than five strong humans (think of five Golola Moses).
And what started as a one on one altercation ended with the entire forest engulfed into deafening whoops as the rest of the jungle residents reacted to the violence news. Byamukama told us that a few weeks back a group of tourists were left in tears after a huge alfa male chimp attacked and killed a stray juvenile in their eyesight.
One of the starnest jungle rules dictates that humans have to let nature take its course even when you see one animal killing another. The best thing about these animals is that they have learnt to respect an imaginary line between them and tourists. When their comfort zone is breached though, they will attack. But we held behind that ‘line’ tightly and I can tell you that the experience and knowledge I left the Kibale National Park with is something you don’t find every day.
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Planning a Gorilla Trek: All Your Questions Answered
It should be noted that gorilla tracking safaris are unique to other safaris- nothing is compared to gorilla trekking experience. The most interesting thing is that gorilla trekking is done on foot through the African vegetation, forests- moving up and down- crossing rivers- valleys and climb hills, indeed interesting even. The search for gorillas is some how strenuous but the thrill of encountering gorillas in their natural environment erases the hardship memories went through in trying to find them.
Do I have to be fit to take part in tracking the gorillas?
Some times gorilla trekking is done in higher altitude that offers diversified vegetation and landscape- thus requires high level of fitness as well as the interest to climb the slippery slopes through the dense undergrowth.
When is the best time to track Gorillas?
Gorilla trekking is done all year round but due to the rain forest climate, it may rain any day in the year, therefore, there isn’t a particular time that you should not trek
Is Gorilla tracking guaranteed?
It is not 100% guaranteed seeing them but also important to say is that we have not had cases where visitors do not see the gorillas during their trek. To make sure that you see them trackers leaving at day break to establish their location and then they radio the gorilla’s GPS co-ordinates to the park head offices such that by the time you set off the guide has an idea of where the gorillas are. These trackers follow the gorillas even as they move.
How do I suppose to dress while trekking the gorillas?
On a gorilla tour, expect rain at any time since it is done through the rain forest- therefore, carry rain coats. Bring layered clothes to keep you warm, wear long trousers to protect your legs from insect bites as well as long sleeved tops/ t-shirts.
Have a water-proof back pack to carry your camera, snacks plus drinking water. For a small price, you can hire porters to carry your backpack and assist you on the sheer slopes.
Can 14 year old person be allowed to trek Gorillas?
No, 14 year old person can’t be allowed to trek mountain gorillas – the minimum of 16 years old persons are allowed to meet gorillas in their natural environment. Young persons are not allowed to track gorillas because since they can make alarm amidst Gorillas- causing upset of gorillas.
How can Gorilla Tracking Permit obtained?
In order to track gorillas, you must be having an authorized document (gorilla permit), a maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek each gorilla group.
A tour agent will secure a permit for you in advance at least 4 months to your intended day of trekking. Currently, the Rwanda Gorilla permit goes for US$1500 each, Uganda gorilla permits cost US$800. Rwanda gorilla permits can be obtained from Rwanda Development board (RDB) in Kigali while Uganda permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala.
The proceeds obtained are used in the conservation of the gorilla sanctuary, fight poaching as well as educate the surrounding local communities there.
Is this going to be covered by my travel insurance?
Certainly you need to check with your insurance company to make sure that you are well covered although they might ask for an extra premium payment.
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Is self-drive safe for Uganda Visitors?
Yes, self-drive tours in Uganda are very safe and secure! Self-drive safaris in Uganda or Rwanda have become the most sought-after safari experience by most visitors on African tour today. It is by far a new way for one to discover Uganda or Rwanda on his or her way unlike guided tours. With self-drive safaris, they are exceptionally adventurous in nature and worth embarking on whether you are a first time or repeat traveler on Uganda safari.
Whereas self-drive tours in Uganda come with lots of excitements on the other hand, we recommend our clients to always spare sometime to research in depth about the destinations they wise to explore whether it is safe or not prior embarking on actual trip.
However, Uganda and Rwanda are among a few destinations/countries in Africa that are safe and secure to travel. They have enjoyed the prevailing peace and security for that long which makes them safe and secure for one to embark on self-drive or even guided safaris. Besides the hospital people, Uganda ranks among a few safest countries across the sub-Saharan Africa.
Usually, safety and security begin all the way from Entebbe International Airport or if you are from Kigali at Kigali International Airport. At the airport, you will under go thorough check up on arrival and even departure. This is not to cause discomfort but rather to ensure that you and others are very safe and have the best of your self-drive trip in the pearl of Africa. It should also be noted that safety also begins with you first and that is why you need to be security conscious while in a new destination and do not take things for granted.
Once you are done with check-up process, now you will meet your driver guide who will give you a warm welcome and a quick briefing about what your safari is about. After, you will be driven to your destination or at your respective hotel. En-route, there is possibility of you meeting security/traffic officers but they shouldn’t scare you because their work is simply to monitor how people drive and ensure that there is smooth movement by all road users.
Cases of tourist getting lost have not been on record. Prior embarking on your self-drive trip to any part of Uganda, you will need a road map. While on the road, make sure that you drive defensively but within minimal speed. The car windows should be closed and do not drive at night or when you are drunk. Also, do not be tempted to leave your valuables in the car.
Keep left when driving in Uganda and avoid driving while drinking or at high speed. Be focused on your road trip and get the best of your self-drive trip with our 4×4 drive car rentals.
In summary, self-drive tours in Uganda are safe and secure. Get on the road trip using one our classic and comfortable 4×4 self-drive rental cars and experience the pearl of Africa.
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4 Tips to Choosing An Airport Transfer Service in Uganda
Are you traveling to Uganda for the first time and you require someone to guide you on your trip, You need the services of a reliable Uganda car hire company for a safe and comfortable road trip to your residence. Moving around Kampala city can be hard especially with the traffic jam that holds for a few hours and the passengers crowded will not do you good especially when you are a visitor. You can decide to use public transportation since it’s cheap but it’s not safe and so uncomfortable and arriving at your final destination takes time. However, when you use an airport transfer service car, you will be assured of trusted and very reliable service hence value for money.
Below are the 4 main tips to follow when searching for the best airport transfer services in Uganda.
Book with the right agency
Once you make up your mind about hiring a car for airport transfer, go online and look through the search engines and review websites of different companies to determine which company offers you an affordable airport transfer service. Visit the website and check out the prices, read past reviews from the customers and find out the latest discounts and offers. The best source of information include; yahoo, trip advisor, safari guides, as well as Google.
Book in advance;
Once you have made a decision on which agency who will be offering you their services, you are free to proceed and book online as early as possible. When you are making your travel plans about when and where to travel, you need to include transportation from Entebbe Airport to your hotel. Proceed online and search for a reputable company to book with and once the reservation is well confirmed, you are required to make a deposit or pay full payment.
Remember to indicate the flight details
When sending the inquiry, remember to include your full flight details like the airline name, passenger names, arrival and departure dates. This is so important as it allows the company to pick you up and drop you off on time hence great customer care.
Always include the type of rental car and the price
The type of rental car to use depends on the number of people that will need to be transported to and from Entebbe Airport. A coaster is good for large groups while the sedan cars and land cruisers are okay for the small groups of people from 1 to 4 persons. All the companies offer prices based one way transfer up and drop off with a driver and fuel.
In conclusion, always have the contacts and address of the company that is to operate your airport transfer.
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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 the dense rain forests have attracted several species dwelling in 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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