The Rise Of Self Drive Option In Uganda

Uganda is currently ranked among the top safari destinations in Africa and this can be attributed to its climate, wide variety of wildlife species, spectacular landscapes, enormous water bodies as well the rich culture and history of the country. From gorilla tracking, game viewing, city tours to adventure hikes and cultural trips, you will definitely want to explore every inch to discover and experience for yourself. Many travel companies in Uganda offer guided tours to tourists offering along a professional guide with a comfortable safari car to ensure you can visit any park or popular destination comfortably, safely and also reach there in time.  But over the past few years, travelers have abandoned guides and started preferring the self drive option which allows a client to drive themselves offering them all the freedom and itinerary flexibility they want. 

Renting a car for self drive in Uganda offers you chance to reduce on travel expenditure since you wont require the services of a driver/ chauffeur or guide hence making a more pocket friendly option. Travellers have now replaced guides with the GPS (Global Positioning System) ; a user friendly and mobile device that shows routes and directions taken to get a specific destination in any part of the world , you just have insert in your current location plus final destination and the GPS will map out routes also indicating short-cuts you can use to get there. In case you get lost , you could always call back at the office or ask the locals around, Ugandans are generally very friendly and lways ready to the Muzungu. 

All you need to rent a car for self-drive is a valid driving permit and passport and you are good to go. Prices range between US$ 40 to 60 per day depending on number of days and type of car. Almost all companies will offer you the car based on unlimited mileage along with comprehensive insurance. Another thing to note is that park entrance fees are at US$ 40 per person, US$ 10 for vehicle entrance  and park guide will cost US$ 20 per day incase you don’t know the tracks well .   

Bryan