Rent a Car in Uganda | Hire a Car in Kampala at the Cheapest
Still wondering what it takes to Rent a Car in Uganda for both self drive or driver guided tour in Uganda! Read our Rent a Car in Uganda guide for tips on how to rent/hire a car in Kampala, Uganda.
Uganda is known for its jaw-dropping scenery, wide array of bird species, phenomenal wildlife species and heritage-rich Urban Centers but also takes pride in its wonderful road network, especially within major Towns/or Cities.
For travelers yearning for the freedom and exhilaration of a self-drive trip, then renting a car in Uganda is the apparent option but there are a number of things that you need to understand before taking the step towards achieving this plan.
What you Need to know Before you Rent a Car in Uganda?
Rules on Ugandan Roads
For Uganda, driving is on the left side of the road and before you even think of taking on main highways, do some practice to properly adjust to driving on the left-hand side of the road.
The speed limits for driving in Uganda varies according to the location, 100 kilometers per hour for highways, 80 kilometers per hour for areas around rural areas and 50 kilometers per hour around Urban Centers.
There is only one toll road in Uganda-the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway and therefore you have to pay attention to this to avoid being taken unaware.
Conditions of Ugandan Roads;
Most of Uganda’s highways and main roads are tarred and in good condition, although you are most likely to find some roads where off-road vehicles will be required especially when driving through rural areas.
Not only that, domestic animals especially cattle will be seen crossing right in front of you thus always drive carefully.
Safety while driving in Uganda;
Uganda is one of the safest safari destinations although staying safe is your personal responsibility.
For this case, you are cautioned against leaving valuables in the car and always pack in well-lit places with security personnel. Always keep car doors and windows when at traffic stops and always be aware of hitchhikers.
Also read; Traffic Laws In Uganda.
Driving Requirements;
Always try your best to stay out of trouble with Uganda traffic police by making sure that your driver’s license is up-to-date in addition to following traffic rules.
Is it worth to Rent a Car in Uganda?
Yes, it is worth renting a car in Uganda because the public transport system is only limited to big Towns and surprisingly not operational in Rural/remote areas yet most of the country’s safari destinations are found in the remote places.
Therefore the best way to get to these places is by renting a car.
Is it really safe to Rent a car in Uganda?
Besides being one of the safest safari destinations in Africa, Uganda is also a self-drive friendly destination thus renting a car to explore the country’s gem is the way to go.
Even if it is considered safe, make sure that you maintain personal safety by keeping your car windows/doors locked while driving through busy places, keeping valuables in your Hotel room and not in the car, driving at night in Uganda should be avoided at all costs and drunk-driving should be avoided to avoid accidents.
You may also like; Tips For Self Drive Tour In Uganda
What do I need to drive a Rental car in Uganda?
Whether rental car or personal car, drivers are required to have valid driver’s license, issued from country of residence. However if the license isn’t printed in English, an International Driver’s License is recommended to avoid getting into the wrong side of the law.
Other key requirements are passport/or National Identity Card, Credit Card and sometimes an additional driver who should also possess a valid driver’s license plus passport or ID.
Worthy to Note; How Early Should I Book Rental Car?
Is it possible to rent a car in Uganda and cross the border to neighboring countries?
Yes, it is possible to rent a car in Uganda to cross the border to neighboring countries of Rwanda, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Most Car Rental Companies in Uganda allow their vehicles to cross the border, as long as drivers make it known to them in advance. Also, necessary documents will be provided for the cross-country road trip to become possible.
When is the best time to rent a car in Uganda?
The number one principle to hiring or rent a car in Uganda is doing it in advance, especially during the peak Holiday seasons such as Easter, Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s days when shortage of cars are experienced.
To avoid last minute disappointments, it is recommended to make bookings at least 4-6 months before the date-of-using the car.