How much is car hire per day in Uganda?
How much is car hire per day in Uganda: Discover how much car hire costs per day in Uganda, including rates for 4x4s, SUVs, and safari vehicles. Compare prices and choose the best rental option for your travel needs.
Renting a car in Uganda is an excellent way to explore the “Pearl of Africa,” offering flexibility to visit national parks, cultural sites, and remote destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking or Murchison Falls for Big Five safaris.
Car hire prices in Uganda vary based on vehicle type, rental duration, season, and whether you choose self-drive or a driver-guided option.
Most rentals involve 4×4 vehicles due to Uganda’s rugged rural roads, though saloon cars are suitable for urban areas like Kampala or Entebbe.
Prices typically range from $20-$200 per day, depending on the vehicle, rental terms, and inclusions like a driver, fuel, and insurance. Key factors influencing car rental costs in Uganda include:
- Vehicle Type: Saloon cars are cheapest ($20-$50/day), while 4×4 SUVs ($45-$100/day) and safari Land Cruisers ($70-$200/day) are pricier but ideal for parks.
- Self-Drive vs. Driver-Guided: Self-drive is cheaper, but hiring a driver adds $30-$60/day for expertise and safety.
- Rental Duration: Longer rentals, 7+ days, often secure discounts, reducing daily rates by $5-$20.
- Season: Dry seasons (June-August, December-February) see higher demand and rates; wet seasons (March-May, October-November) offer savings.
- Extras: These include Rooftop tents costing about $10-$25/day, camping gear $5-$50/day, or cross-border permits forexample taking you from Rwanda to Kenya also increase costs.
General Car Hire Prices Per Day in Uganda
Car rental prices in Uganda cater to various budgets, with options for solo travelers, families, or groups. Below is an overview of typical daily rates based on vehicle categories:
- Saloon Cars: Ideal for city travel like in Kampala or Entebbe, e.g, Toyota Premio, Corolla. $20-$50/day self-drive; $40-$70/day with driver. Fuel-efficient but unsuitable for rural roads.
- Compact SUVs: Budget-friendly for light off-road, e.g., Toyota RAV4. $35-$50/day self-drive; $60-$80/day with driver. Suitable for parks like Lake Mburo.
- Mid-Size SUVs: Versatile for safaris, e.g., Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser TX/TZ. $60-$100/day self-drive; $80-$120/day with driver. Features air-conditioning, good clearance.
- Safari Land Cruisers: Premium for rugged terrain, e.g., Land Cruiser V8, GX, Hardtop with pop-up roof. $90-$200/day self-drive; $120-$250/day with driver. Ideal for Bwindi or Kidepo.
- Safari Vans/Minibuses: For groups (7-28 passengers), e.g., Toyota HiAce, Coaster. $70-$190/day with driver; rarely available for self-drive.
- Vehicles with Rooftop Tents: Land Cruisers or Hilux with tents for camping safaris. $70-$130/day self-drive; $90-$180/day with driver, plus $10-$25/day for camping gear.
Additional Costs:
- Driver Fees: $30-$60/day, covering meals and accommodation.
- Fuel: $1.36/liter (5,000 UGX), with 4x4s consuming 8-12 km/liter. Budget $20-$50/day for safaris.
- Insurance: Included in most rentals, covering third-party liability and comprehensive damage.
- Cross-Border Fees: $50-$200 for travel to Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania, plus permits.
- Airport Pickup/Drop-Off: Free in Kampala/Entebbe; $20-$100 for other locations like Gulu, Kigali.
2025 General Car Hire Prices Per Day in Uganda
| Vehicle Type | Self-Drive ($/day) | With Driver ($/day) |
| Saloon Car (e.g., Premio) | $20-$50 | $40-$70 |
| Compact SUV (e.g., RAV4) | $35-$50 | $60-$80 |
| Mid-Size SUV (e.g., Prado) | $60-$100 | $80-$120 |
| Safari Land Cruiser | $90-$200 | $120-$250 |
| Safari Van/Minibus | N/A | $70-$190 |
| Rooftop Tent Vehicle | $70-$130 | $90-$180 |
Note: Excludes fuel, cross-border fees, or extras like camping gear. Discounts apply for 7+ days.
Car Hire Uganda Limited: Daily Rental Prices
Car Hire Uganda Limited is a reputable agency with over 11 years of experience, offering a diverse fleet for self-drive and driver-guided safaris. Based in Kampala, we provide reliable 4×4 vehicles, safari vans, and SUVs, with free airport pickup/drop-off in Kampala/Entebbe and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Our pricing is competitive, with discounts for rentals exceeding 7 days or monthly terms. Below are our daily rental rates:
- Rooftop Tent Land Cruiser (4 passengers): $120/day with driver, not typically available for self-drive. Includes double tents for camping, suitable for groups or families. Requires powerful vehicles like Land Cruiser tX or V8.
- 4×4 Safari Van/Minibus (10-28 passengers): Pricing varies by capacity and itinerary (city vs. upcountry). Estimated $100-$150/day with driver, rarely offered for self-drive. Ideal for group safaris.
- Driver Fees: $30-$50/day, depending on route and trip length. Covers driver’s meals and accommodation.
- Other Vehicles: While specific rates for saloon cars, RAV4s, or standard Land Cruisers are not listed, their fleet includes these options. Based on market standards, expect:
- Saloon Cars: $30-$50/day self-drive; $50-$70/day with driver.
- Toyota RAV4: $40-$50/day self-drive; $65-$80/day with driver.
- Land Cruiser TX/TZ: $70-$100/day self-drive; $90-$120/day with driver.
Car Hire Uganda Limited Daily Rates
| Vehicle Type | Self-Drive ($/day) | With Driver ($/day) |
| Saloon Car (e.g., Premio) | $30-$50 | $50-$70 |
| Toyota RAV4 (4 passengers) | $40-$50 | $65-$80 |
| Land Cruiser TX/TZ (5 passengers) | $70-$100 | $90-$120 |
| Rooftop Tent Land Cruiser (4 passengers) | N/A | $120 |
| Safari Van/Minibus (10-28 passengers) | N/A | $100-$150 |
| Driver Fees (Add-On) | N/A | $30-$50 |
Notes:
- Prices exclude fuel, cross-border fees, or extras like camping gear ($10-$25/day).
- Discounts: $5-$10/day for 7+ days; monthly rates negotiable.
- Free airport pickup/drop-off in Kampala/Entebbe; fees apply for other distant locations
Planning Tips for Car Hire in Uganda
Choosing a Vehicle;
- Urban Travel: Saloon cars or RAV4s are cost-effective for Kampala/Entebbe.
- Safaris: 4×4 Land Cruisers or vans with pop-up roofs are essential for parks like Bwindi or Kidepo.
- Camping: Rooftop tent vehicles (e.g., Land Cruiser) offer budget-friendly accommodation.
Booking and Logistics;
- Book Early: Reserve 1-3 months in advance, especially in dry seasons (June-August, December-February), to secure vehicles and discounts.
- Requirements: Valid driver’s license, passport copy, minimum age 21 (some agencies require 25). International Driving Permit recommended.
- Compare Quotes: Check multiple agencies for best rates.
- Insurance: Ensure comprehensive coverage is included. Third-party liability is mandatory in Uganda.
Budget-Saving Tips
- Rent for 7+ days to unlock discounts ($5-$20/day off).
- Choose self-drive to save $30-$60/day on driver fees, but ensure driving experience for rural roads.
- Travel in wet seasons (March-May, October-November) for lower rates.
- Share rentals with groups to split costs (e.g., safari vans for 10+ people).
Safety and Regulations
- Road Conditions: Rural roads are unpredictable; 4x4s are safer. Avoid night driving due to poor lighting and humps.
- Speed Limits: 100 kph (highways), 50 kph (urban), 80 kph (open roads). Fines apply for violations.
- Fuel: Gas stations are common along major roads but scarce in remote areas. Carry extra fuel for safaris.
Why Choose Car Hire Uganda Limited?
At Car Hire Uganda Limited, we stand out for our reliability, diverse fleet, and competitive pricing. With over a decade of experience, we offer:
- Variety: From saloon cars to rooftop tent Land Cruisers and group vans, catering to all travelers.
- Affordability: Rates like $40-$120/day for 4x4s and $100-$150/day for vans are budget-friendly for safaris.
- Support: 24/7 roadside assistance, free airport transfers, and permit booking services (e.g., gorilla trekking).
- Flexibility: Cross-border rentals to Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania with necessary permits.