Best Things to Do On Self Drive Safari to Uganda

If you just want to hire a car from us, here are a variety of safari options you will have to watch on your self drive safari, if you don’t care we can hire you a car as well as organizing the whole safari for you, because we do both car hire as well as organizing safaris to various destination including Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Burundi. Since it’s not easy to drive in a strange nation some ask for drivers, we have well and experience drivers who as well can work as guides, they are very knowledgeable in the field and know each and every corner of the country. However you can still go for a self-drive if you’re a careful driver and you can drive in Uganda using a foreign driving license for up to 3 three months after which you will need to get a Uganda driving license from the Uganda revenue authority or an international driving permit. Since Uganda is one of the gifted nations in the world with very many interesting things waiting for you to discover when on a Uganda safari, perhaps in a self-drive vehicle. national parks and games with abundant wildlife, plants and various species of birds, mountain hiking activities, lakes and rivers which provide memorable activities like fishing and rafting on the longest river Nile indeed the self drive safari in Uganda is worth it. Explore the pearl of Africa as it’s sometimes referred to you won’t regret. If you need a self-drive car only, we can do offer it to you at a very friendly price that will fit your budget and in fact you won’t fail to have a breathtaking safari. Considering many activities that you may enjoy on your self drive safari /car rental the following below is the list among others.

Entebbe has very many interesting places to visit like beaches over 15 beaches are located only at Entebbe , visit also the botanical gardens for refreshment /relaxing, you can also take a nature walk and here you have a chance to spot various species of primates, birds among others. When you continue to Kampala which is about 40kms around an hour drive to Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city, however you should not that Entebbe highway is a very busy road with very many traffic jams so some patience is needed.

When you arrive in Kampala there very many things to enjoy like you can visit the Uganda Museum here you are equipped with more information about the history of Uganda, visit the Ba’hai temple, Kasubi Tombs where over 4 kings of Buganda where buried, it’s a respectful place most especially to the Baganda tribe who contributes the highest percentage of the Ugandan population over. You can also decide to visit the Makerere art Gallery, the Uganda martyrs shrine at Namugongo where over 22 Uganda martyrs where burnt arrive for failure to renounce their religion on the orders of Kabaka (king) Mwanga , other places include craft village and local markets. With a self-drive car you can’t fail to visit all these places and all of these places are within 15 kilometers drive from the capital city Kampala.

To the south western part of Uganda is where most of the tourist attractions are located and it’s not congested with traffic jam like in Kampala, many attractions are located to this area like the equator crossing, Uganda national parks like Lake Mburo national park with spectacular wildlife, Queen Elizabeth national park a famous park for its tree climbing lions, Bwindi impenetrable national park known for housing the rare mountain gorillas, kibale forest national park a home for chimpanzee and other primate species, Semuliki national park known for birding spot, lake Bunyoyi the deepest lake in the world is located to the southern part of the country, Mgahinga National Park also for mountain gorillas. So with our good and comfortable cars reaching all these areas is just a walkover, thrust your hands into equatorial snow on mount Rwenzori, the highest and most remarkable of the Nile’s many sources.

To the north eastern part of Uganda is the Murchison falls national park Uganda’s largest national park see hear and feel the Nile explode through a chasm just 6m wide at Murchison falls. The park is also reach with a variety of animal species including the big five mammal except rhinos which can only be tracked at ziwa rhino sanctuary just on your way to this wonderful park. The park houses the big herds of elephant, buffaloes, lion, leopard, different species of antelope’s giraffe the list is endless, and all these can be spotted during a game drive to the northern part of the park.

The northern part of the country is the Kidepo Valley National Park housing, many untouched attractions just waiting for you to explore. Shake off the dust and relax on the slopes of Mount Elgon around Sipi Falls to the eastern side of the country. This is just a few on what you can do on a Uganda safari this is just a sample, with our 4×4 vehicle a combination of these places can be reached in just days.

Best 5 Uganda Safaris You Can Actually Afford

There is nothing good like heading out on an African safari holiday overseas in a place you have never visited but just read about like Uganda. Mornings and evening are too beautiful with the sun rise and sun set, diverse culture, wildlife, primates, landscape and peaceful environment. A lot is experience by tourists who happen to visit Uganda for tours and safaris.

Trip costs for Uganda Safaris range from $200 per person-$1000 per person for a duration of 1-3 days. The country might be small but excellent for holidays. It’s possible to do a safari in Uganda in your budget after finding cheap trip deals to the places of your interest.

A Lifetime Trip of Uganda

Visit Uganda on a life time trip to the famous land of gorillas in south western Uganda in the wildlife conservation areas of Bwindi Impenetrable national Park and Mgahinga national park. Spend 2nights in the wilderness known as one of the top gorilla trekking destination in the world. Get a close opportunity to be with gorillas and spend a full hour admiring there amazing life in the jungle. Juveniles play with elders; mothers comfort the little ones as the silver back protects every family member.

African Wildlife safari

Uganda has many wildlife parks best for Africa wildlife safaris but Queen Elizabeth national park offers exciting wildlife adventures for both budget and luxury with style of elegance expected of in any Africa safari. Travelers always continue from Bwindi forest for either 1-2 nights in the park enjoying the main park highlights if tree climbing lions of Ishasha, boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, game drives in Kasenyi and ishasha, chimpanzee treks in Kyambura and Kalinzu among others. Queen Elizabeth isn’t far from Bwindi forest if you do want to explore at least two parks on your safari in Uganda.

Big five Safari in Murchison falls

Explore the special park of Uganda and a home to the roaring might falls combined with wonderful wildlife and primates. I think Murchison falls is seriously the finest wildlife safari park with many incredible adventures that need no level of fitness and particular age bucket. On the drive to the park make it appoint to stop at the Rhino sanctuary and meet the first big five before exploring the vast land of wildlife for either family holidays, sole or group depending on your travel arrangement. The park offers great comfort for all kinds of visitors and its one of the top unforgettable safari in Uganda.

5 Places Not to Miss on A Kampala Self Drive Tour

Kampala the great capital city of Uganda is straddled with 7 mighty Hills. It is the leading urban ditrict of the country and the centre of political life. Being the capital of Uganda, Kampala comes with variety of local attractions that pull visitors to this mighty city. They range from cultural encounters and historical sites, entertainment, religious places, local craft shop to business activities among others. Getting into these exciting places is safe and comfortable while on holiday with your rental car in Kampala. It is possible for you rent a car together with a driver or alternatively hit Kampala’s streets on a self drive to explore its incredible attractions. Our fleet of cars for you to rent on safari in Uganda range from 4 by 4 self drive car hires, Toyota Rav4, 4 by 4 Land Cruiser Prados, Safari Land Cruisers, Safari Mini Van, Super custom Van, Coaster Bus and Nissan Patrol among others.

Below is a list of places in Kampala that you can visit with a rental car in Uganda. Most interestingly, these attractions are all situated next to each other in the city meaning there is no need to be worried about for refueling the car.

The Kasubi Hill

Kasubi hill is also popular as Nabulagala, a home to one of the tremendous Buganda cultural sites, Kasubi Tombs. A safari into Kasubi hill means exploring the remarkable cultural and traditional practices of Buganda in depth, encounter exciting cultural dances as the Baganda twist their wrests. It is also a place where the Buganda Kings are buried and about 4 of them have been buried within this area. The Kasubi Tombs are recognized world wide and most importantly, they are among World Heritage Sites in Uganda.

Mengo Hill

A trip to Mengo gives visitors opportunity to explore Buganda Kingdom’s abundant culture and history. It further takes visitors down to the Kabaka’s place, Buganda parliament and Kabaka’s Lake. It takes visitors nearly 20 minutes to drive to Mengo while in the city centre but due to traffic jam, visitors can spend more minutes. As well, you can also pay a visit to Mengo hospital one of the oldest hospitals that was constructed by the catholic missionaries in the 1800’s

Namirembe and Rubaga Hills

Do you love religious tourism? When it comes to tourism, visitors need not to worry about what to do in Uganda. A trip to Namirembe and Rubaga in your car rental or self drive is an opportunity to explore more on the incredible religious background of Uganda. These Anglican churches are all situated near each other, one is in Namirembe and the other is in Rubaga. The exterior and interior architecture of these mighty cathedrals are worth exploring while in safari in Uganda.

Central city

Despite the traffic jam, this mighty city is one of the best places that you should not miss to visit in life. There are numerous things to catch a glimpse at while in your car rental/hire or self drive including local markets, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, night clubs, craft shops and national theatre that will all make your memorable experience in Uganda. With limited marked signs on Kampala streets and given the fact that traffic jam has always delayed people’s schedules, there is no need to worry how to get into your area of interest at your expected time. Hiring a car for safari in Kampala and Uganda at large with our company as well as a driver is the most incredible and non regrettable thing that you should not miss out in life.

Therefore, with our fleet of cars that are available for renting, visitors are offered a wide range of options to choose the best car for their safaris in Uganda. Hitting the Kampala streets on a self drive tour is the most adventorous, remarkable and unforgettable experience that comes once in a life time. Come and experience Uganda’s cultural sites and religious sites and you won’t regret in life! Hiring a car and driver for your safari is the best thing that you can do to get out Kampala’s busy center.

Choosing a Car Rental Company in Uganda – 5 Things to Consider

Traveling to Uganda has been an inspiration moment to most travelers. Wondering yourself through the countries in Africa and destined for Uganda remarkably and continuously referred to as the “Pearl of Africa”. And yes it is Uganda, Traveling in Africa guarantees you killing two birds with one stone. Located in the heart of the continent with most of the flora and fauna God created in world including the gorillas that are associated to 98% human genes. The fauna that is almost to extinction include the rhinos and the chimpanzees. Love for adventure would link you to a small land locked country and witness all what is said. Whether you are looking to a guided safari or a self drive Uganda adventure, you will enjoy the magic and thrills of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Safaris in Uganda enable travelers to explore deep into the artistic cultural norms of Uganda and Africa at large. Once there, do not be worried of the transportation means. Uganda has a vast number of private rental car companies who solve all your burdens of choosing the right rental car. Below are some features you would opt for to get the rental car to satisfy your desires for car hire through these beautiful lands.

Location. The best location would be the airport to choose the rental car to satisfy your demands for the trip. However most car rentals are located in the town off the airport but can link to you at the airport through their agent to the booked hotel ensuring safety and privacy.

Rentals. Always consider the type of rentals they provide for their fleet. Normally depend on the trip you wish to organize. They include round trip rental where the car is picked and brought back in the same positions. One-way rental but relative expensive to the round trip rental, which involves taking the car and being, picked up by rental companies agent. Long-term rentals are normally offered for 14 days to 30 days so you chose the type of rental that would really beat your demands.

Reservations. Most car hire companies allow their clients to book online or call through their telephone number to save time while you arrive at the airport. An online reservation informs the traveler of the availability of the car that are currently not booked so that it is reserved for you.

Additional services.Car rental services go beyond renting a car. Services like roadside assistance on the narrow Ugandan roads will save time to your desired destination or hotel.

Programs and Discounts. Most car rentals in Uganda provide discounts on their vehicles. This will help you to save the discount and re-allocate to other budgets of interest. Programs are well designed according to the period you would use the rental car.

Support. Car hire companies provide support to their clients in case of a mechanical breakdown of the car and really get sympathy of the current situation. In most, case their numbers all always available to connect to them and be solved or trusted personnel to work on your issue and be satisfied.

Vehicles.Car rental companies have variety of cars at their location to serve you conveniently with the best service you would look for. Their cars are always in good conditions that are well installed with air conditioners to feel relaxed on the road. An early booking would reserve a vehicle for your purposes

How to Book Uganda Gorilla Permits

To track/ trek the endangered Mountain Gorillas, you need to obtain a valid gorilla permit as a pass to trek the Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National park. Prior, the Uganda Wildlife Authority used to allocate gorilla permits on a first come first served basis and her one had a choice to buy permits which belonged to any Gorilla family of his/her preference. In case you wanted to track the Rushaga and the Rushegura family located in Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable national park, you he would go to Uganda Wildlife Authority and purchase a gorilla permit for that particular Gorilla family.

Allocation of Gorilla Permits/ Gorilla Permit allocation

During the time 2014 to Uganda Wildlife Authority began issuing out Gorilla permits not on a basis of gorilla families. The National park of Bwindi  has four regions and each region has got different gorilla families which include; Buhoma in the North of Bwindi, Ruhija in the East of Bwindi, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National park. You will need to choose the region and you will be given a permit.

What happens at Bwindi during Gorilla trekking

After you have arrived at Bwindi Impenetrable National park on the day of gorilla trekking, you will be allocated to a gorilla family depending on your physical fitness and interest. The interests include trekking a given gorilla family of your choice and if there is space, they will have you in that group. You may wish to trek your friends on families whom you came with. This is possible if there is space and you may wish to have, medium or hard trek and depending on availability they will allocate you accordingly.

Some of the regions to track/trek gorillas

Some  of the most interesting regions to tack gorillas are Bwindi in the North of Bwindi Impenetrable National park and this is the most  preferred  region that has three gorilla families which include;  Mubare Gorilla group which has the first gorilla family to be habituated, Rushegura Family and the Habinyanja, Ruhija Region of Bwindi National Park and has three families which include  Butura,Oruzongo and Kyaguriro, Rushaga region in the south of Bwindi, Kahungye gorilla family, Nshongi Gorilla group, Mishaya gorilla family, Busingye Gorilla group and the Bweza gorilla family. Nkuringo region in the south still has one of the gorilla family called Nkuringo. Most genuine tour companies will book for our clients, advice on availability of permits and which region one should choose depending on your interest.

Food of the mountain Gorillas

The food of the endangered mountain Gorillas usually depends on their habitat during the time of the year. They mainly usually feed on green plants as opposed to the low land Gorillas which eat a lot of fruit.  In the dry seasons only a few juicy fruits are available and so the animals have to eat more seeds and tree bark instead. Usually the fruits grow on trees; gorillas of all ages climb these trees to harvest them. Although western Gorillas eat a higher percentage of fruit than leaves, stems, pith and shoots; they still eat markedly less fruit than do chimpanzees and orangutans. However the food range of the western gorillas is a broad since they eat about 200 plant species and they particularly like plants belonging to the ginger and arrowroot families. In the contrast, the mountain Gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes eat only 38 different species mainly Gallium, thistles, celery and nettles. Gorillas do not kill big animals; they just regularly eat small animals which constitutes far less than 0.1% of their food.

Benefits Of Hiring a Car In Uganda

In line with any other places in Africa, the Pearl of Africa too is a very popular safari destination with quiet a variety of adventurous and cultural attractions within the country. In case you do have a car within the country you will definitely enjoy your holiday and safari at your own pace. However using public means or public transport, it may seem to be cheaper   though one of the most inconvenient ways to explore the country as you have to forget about comfort which perhaps is really an important factor in case you need to enjoy your road trip in Uganda. Demand for car hiring in the country is increasing and so is the number of car rental companies with each offering a variety of cars and special  offers for customers and this attributed due to;

Some of the companies within the country offer a wide range of rental cars to choose from, whether you want a small 4X4 car of a luxurious car for very special occasions or much larger vehicle like a bus. You will be required to rent a car of your choice and this can be accessed online or by visiting the office and get check it out personally.

During your safari, you can choose whether you want to drive a manual car or an automatic transmission car and this will offer you both models thus limiting you.  Most of the clients prefer hiring automatic cars and this is because they are very easy to control and also very good in economizing fuel for example Toyota Rav 4 which is most popular car for self drive in Uganda. You can also get specialized offers in case you return a customer and reduced price if the company offers you an older model of the vehicle and this will mean that if you are low on cash, you can always be guaranteed that it will still get a car with or without a driver.

When you rent a car in Uganda, you will get chance of a self drive on a safari and you might also get a guide to drive you around the destinations you may wish to explore. Most of the clients will prefer driving themselves to these attractions since its more private and cheaper option and so convenient and the safest way to travel. After you have hired a car from any company, you be assured of road assistance in case of break down or any accident and in case of any problem, you can call the rental company and mechanic will be sent to the destination to fix that problem and will offer a replacement car in case it is a big problem making sure that you continue with your road trip.

In Uganda, most companies offer extra gadgets and documents to make sure that you do not get lost or caught up by the traffic police and in case you are travelling to a destination for the first time, you can rent a GPS guide through the routes thus hiring a car in a foreign country is always the best way to go if you prefer to travel.

Dis advantages of public transport

Public Mini-bus taxis and Private Special Hire Taxis. The  capital city of Kampala which is a small sized city  makes the getting around easy and much affordable whether you  want to visit tourist attraction, shopping or spend time in a night club or just hanging up with friends and family at a restaurant. You will definitely need transportation to explore the city from private and public transportation. From the public transportation to the more luxury and convenient private rental cars, one will get where you are going no matter what transportation option you choose and you may prefer to use.