What to know while planning a self drive safari in Uganda

The pearl of Africa is among the unique lands that offer many breath-taking landscapes, diverse wildlife and also its vibrant cultures. Uganda is filled with several   attractions such as its large population of gorillas, the river Nile, which is the longest river in the world, chimpanzees and many more. Different people choose to visit Uganda on a self drive because they usually need to enjoy their privacy while on their safari.

WHO IS A SELF DRIVER TRVELLER?

A self-drive traveler is a person who selects to travel driving their own rented vehicle with out a guide as they explore different destinations on a safari.

THINGS TO KNOW WHILE ON A SELF DRIVE IN UGANDA

There are number of things that a self-drive traveler needs to know while his exploring the pearl of Africa in order to ensure that he /she gets a smooth journey they include,

Selecting the appropriate vehicle to use

You need to know the type, the model and the mileage of vehicle you are going to use while exploring Uganda’s national parks. Uganda’s national parks are mainly located in the remote areas so you need a good vehicle that will manage these conditions.  Some of the recommended vehicle is a comfortable 4×4 vehicle or a car with a roof top tent.

Choose a reputable rental company

A self-drive travelers should be able to make vast research about a trustworthy and reputable rental company to get a vehicle.

This can be done by researching on google and also reading reviews on trip advisors. There are many reputable rental companies in Uganda for example 4×4 adventures Uganda.  These companies can still provide you with various services such as hotel bookings, airport pick ups and many more.

Some of the other things to mind about include.

Checking insurance coverage

Make sure that the car you have rented attains an insurance for both theft and accidents. This is majorly done to keep you from various eventualities that many happen.

Read the terms and conditions

You need to properly understand the terms and conditions that are associated with the renting a car for example the mileage limits, the fuel policies, the driving hours, the insurance policies and many more.

Uganda’s Transport system

In Uganda, infrastructure development varies from place to place, and attention need to be paid to know which region you are visiting. The roads in Kampala and different high ways are some how in good working conditions. However, in rural and remote areas where these national parks are found some roads tend to be rough, muddy and unpaved which can be challenging to drivers.

Driving policy in Uganda

As you are planning to have your self-drive safari into the pearl of Africa one of the main things to know about includes the driving g policy. There are many factors to consider while you are driving in Uganda and they include.

Always follow the traffic rules and regulations for example the speed limits.

Always read properly the road signs on different roads.

Avoid driving in the night in order to avoid in eventualities.

Safety

The fact that you are travelling on a self-drive safety is among the main key factors to consider. Some of the safety measures include.

• Please keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid driving in the night as you are less familiar with roads and rescue at night might not be possible.
• Make sure you note your contacts in a small book in case your phone is stolen, or it crashes you have where to begin from.
• Always move with your first aid kit in your vehicle and also some tablets to swallow when you are not feeling well.

Uganda’s weather and climate

Please self-drive travellers are usually advised to first know the weather patterns in Uganda in order to organise an exceptional trip. This helps tourists to know when to visit and not, depending on the activities you need to take part in for example gorilla trekking, game drives are more ideal in the dry season.

The dry season in Uganda (June to September, January to February) and wet season covers (March to May). This helps travellers on a self drive to plan very well.

Language

Always mind about the exact language to use while on your safari. English is the official language in Uganda and many locals understand it in case you are stranded on the way feel free to interact with them for assistance.

Communication

Its very ideal that tourists should buy a local sim card upon their arrival in Uganda in order to keep communication between them and their rental companies and your relatives. This helps to ease your work in case of any confusion you just constant your rental company for help.

BENEFITS OF TRAVELLING ON A SELF DRIVE IN UGANDA?

Different people have various reasons why they select to travel on a self drive in Uganda. Self drive travelling in Uganda comes with a number of benefits and they include.

Freedom and flexibility

This is one of the main reasons why different people select travelling on a self drive in Uganda.  Different people always enjoy the freedom they create for there own itinerary.

Self drive travellers have a chance to go where they want as long as they like with out being restricted by any one. Furthermore, they have an opportunity to make many stop overs as many as they need.

Cost effectiveness

Many people select self driving safaris because they tend to be a bit cheap compared to guided tours. When you travel on self drive, you do not pay guide fees thus lowering on your cost.

Still, you can select budget accommodations or even sleep up in your roof tent since you are the overall massive decision maker for yourself.

Independence

Self drive safaris offer you with an opportunity of being dependent since you are the overall decision maker compared to guided tours. Different people who visit on a self drive enjoy a lot of things for example they have enough time to see the attractions, do what ever they want with no one’s complaints.

Privacy and comfort

Different people select travelling on a self drive generally to enjoy privacy and comfort. With out a guide in your car, you are able to enjoy your privacy whether undress your shirt or do any thing you want. You can make stop overs at you own pace compared to when you are with your guide.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A SELF-DRIVE SAFARI?

As a self driver traveller there are many important things that you need to carry while on your safari such as.

Travel documents

Make sure you carry your travel documents in your bag for example your passport, vehicle rental agreements, insurance documents, international driving permit and any permits for various activities you are participating in the specific national parks.

Clothing

Park the necessary Clothing depending on the season you have visited in Uganda. The pearl if Africa has two seasons that is the dry and wet season so in the dry carry light weight clothes while in the wet season carry your rain gears and heavy clothes. Please Park clothes that have dull colours not those with bright colours.

Cameras and binoculars

Do not forget to carry your camera and a pair of binoculars that you will you use in photography as you create your unforgettable memories. The binoculars help to see far away animals.

Health essentials

Please carry on the necessary health essentials such as the first aid kit and any personal medications, insect repellents to protect you from insect bites, sun screens to protect your body from direct sunlight. These help you to have a very successful trip.

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