Visitors to Uganda often book a rental car as part of their trip. Having a car on your holiday is not essential, but it is a good idea. An informal public transportation system is in place, but tourists do not often use it and there is learning curve to how much it works and what it costs to get where you want to go. But all in all, if you are a visitor to Uganda, it is advised to rent a car.
Tourists often have the same question about rental cars and things to consider when choosing a safari car in Uganda.
Know the type of vehicle and choose the right vehicle for safari
In Uganda, one of the most recommended cars for a safari is the Toyota Land Cruiser. They are strong cars that can easily handle rough terrains and swampy areas. They are powerful, durable, and reliable and offer exceptional performance.
You can select an open seating or closed cabin vehicle
When searching on a safari vehicle to select, you may have seen different designs of vehicles. Some are fully open and others are partially open forcing you to stand and see the wildlife views.
Know your Route
Major roads in Uganda are paved and in good condition bit some routes outside of the major cities like nationals are unpaved and cave smaller mountain ranges. So in planning your rental car choice, it is essential to consider the routes you will be driving and on the single day excursions. Countless visitors have found themselves in vehicles with little clearance or 4WD on Uganda’s minor roads.
Long stay rentals
Some rental companies offer better rental deals if you book for minimum of 30 days. The daily rates are significantly cheaper than the regular daily rates and cater very well to the long term visitor. There can be limitations on the daily usage vehicle but most visitors who are not driving across the country find the 100km per limit acceptable.
Automatic vs Manual
In Uganda, driving is done on the left side of the road and this can be a challenge to some countries. While the setup of the vehicle is the same, the biggest problem is changing gears with the left hand and this can cause unnecessary complications for drivers.
Your level of comfort
Another thing to consider is the amount of space for the vehicle which is enough guests and their cargo. The amount of head space, leg space and the luggage space affects your level of comfort.