An ultimate guide to driving in Uganda – Uganda Safari News
The dry season is yet to come and this means
Uganda safari time for all kinds of travelers. Many travelers will hopefully want to undertake
self-drive safari car hire in Uganda for their trips because how its pocket friendly. However, many travelers could not be aware of what driving on a self-drive
safari in Uganda means or how it must be therefore; here is an ultimate guide to driving in Uganda for a safe ride through the country;
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Choose the right car to suit your travel group
When planning to choose
self-drive cars for hire in Uganda, always remember to choose the right cars for your group. Always choose
4x4 cars for hire in Uganda since they are very convenient for driving up country. Most of the
Uganda tour parks are in remote areas and if it’s not a 4x4 land cruiser especially if it rains, you could get stuck on the road. For instance, if you are driving to
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or
Kidepo Valley National Park, look no further than a 4x4 safari vehicle. Choose a safari vehicle that is large enough and will keep you comfortable enough for the long drives.
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Follow the driving etiquette of Uganda
Uganda just like any other destination has driving rules and guidelines. To make sure you have smooth self-drive
safaris in Uganda, ensure to always follow the driving etiquette and some of these include;
- Driving is on the left hand side in Uganda
- In Uganda, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle or safari vehicle without a valid driver license.
- The minimum age for driving is 18 years. This is the legal age of consent in the country. For non-residents on Uganda wildlife safari tours or any other trip, the driver must be at least 23 years of age and should have held a valid driver license for a period of not less than 2 years.
- All throughout the country, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.08%.
- The speed limit on highways is 100 km/h (62 mph), outside built up areas-80 km/h (50 mph) and 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban built up areas.
- The driver and all passengers are required to wear protective seat belts at all times during a drive.
- Drivers must give way to traffic from the right-hand side at intersections
- All motorcycle riders and passengers must wear protective helmets, before you seat on a motorcycle make sure you have a passenger helmet.
- Valid third-party insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles. If hiring a car, make sure you check for this before you set off with the vehicle.
- At intersections, drivers must give way to traffic from his/her right-hand side.
- Use of a mobile phone at the same time as driving is illegal and can lead to penalty by the traffic police officers.
- A rear-facing baby seat must not be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag.
- In case of an accident during the drive, in not less than 24 hours, the driver must report the accident in person to a police station. You should give to the police officer, your name and address, name and address of the owner of the car and the number of the registration plates of the vehicle.
- Any police officer in uniform may remove any vehicle from a metered parking place if it is not less than two hours from the time at which the vehicle first appeared to have been parked in contravention of the regulation.
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Have some driving directions
If you are a first time driver in Uganda and not aware of where exactly you are driving to, it is important to have some driving directions. A GPS, road maps and help of Google maps can be useful. However, even with all of these you could still lose your way since some roads are not yet mapped by Google and in some places the locals have set up short cut routes that could confuse you. In such cases, just be polite enough and ask from the locals, they will always help.
Uganda is one less restricted country when it comes to driving, people drive throughout the night however it is not recommendable. As a traveler to any part of the country, it is advisable to drive and connect to your destinations during the day. Driving at night is risky and could land you to thieves and lose of property.
Outside Kampala, there are lots of people walking and running on hard shoulders after dark, and it is almost impossible to see them with head lamps as they typically don’t wear any reflective gear.
Even for the traveler, since you are driving long distances resting in the night is good to ensure you rest and are ready to drive the next day.
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Fill Up your fuel tank in the major towns
Safari car hire in Uganda always comes with the cost of fueling the car on the traveler. Gas stations are available frequently on major highways throughout the country though scarce in rural areas. It’s advisable to always fill up your tank in each major town where you pay in cash and then after continue with your drive. If it’s a long drive, carry some fuel in a jerry can to avoid getting stuck and spending more.
Car hire rentals Uganda Kampala has all the types 4x4 safari vehicles for hire therefore contact and choose any that suits your
tour in Uganda.
Recommendable safari tours in Uganda for self-drive tourists
For any kind of traveler whether luxury, Mid-range or basic planning to come in for
Uganda tours, these packages offer the best safari memories;
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