When you decide to travel Uganda on a budget safari, you tend to have a few things in mind most probably renting a car will be out of question after seeing a few sites advertising their prices for 45 dollars per day for a budget rav4. Moving in Uganda as a tourist is a bit tricky and very expensive in the end if you do not have a rented car and you plan on a budget safari or guided safaris.

We do have taxis commonly pronounced as ( Takisiiii) that can move you in and around Kampala and some neighboring cities not in the national parks of course. We have got a taxi park where you will have to go and find them not like in your country where may be it will find you at the door step, getting there is also by another taxi or boda (motorcycle) .These do not have a specified price as it will increase or decrease according to the activities around the city, however they will be available.  When you get a taxi to Entebbe it is supposed to be a 1 hours’ drive however it may two or more as people go stopping to their destinations and police traffic also doing their jobs I guess if you are looking at a budget safari this will end up costing you a lot.

Buses are also public means to use here in Uganda, these go for longer distances however they are a bit faster than the taxi given the fact that they do not go stop stopping though they also do stop. These carry to a maximum of 62 persons that will be added as you move. Our roads are in good shape but not the drivers. They are not very expensive in terms of money but just time and maybe comfort , this can be good if you visit Uganda for business not tourism related issues on a budgets safari.

A motorcycle (boda) is the best way but I guess it will be for Ugandans only as their driving is not the way you may think.
If you must use the public means in Uganda make sure you’re not in any hurry and about to endure all that and also lose as much time as possible however this is not a must some ties they really do move very well without any interruptions at all. But if you must Please take the below in your mind.

• Don’t trust the driving skills of a man who puts all his faith in God, Check out the driver before you get into any vehicle. If he stinks of booze, get out!
• don’t even think of sitting over the back wheels
• Does the bus have curtains? If not, you might want to sit on the side away from the sun or you’ll get burned, or at least uncomfortably hot you may not find these in a taxi or boda.
• Always bring more water than you need – you never know where you’re going to end up!
• Take ear plugs and/or music. You might enjoy the person behind you singing loudly to their radio?

Renting a car for a safari in Uganda is the only option that you will have to enjoy these beautiful lands at your own pace, if you take time on the internet they are very good travel agency’s with better deals mostly in the low season you can use such times to travel to Uganda for a self-drive safari using the budget Rav4 from as low as 45 dollars per day.

4x4carrentalsuganda: Fueling a car while on a self drive in Uganda.

4x4carrentalsuganda: Fueling a car while on a self drive in Uganda.: In most certain times when you search the internet for self drive car rentals in Uganda , you will absolutely get a huge number of resul...

Self drive in Uganda with a rav4 (Nile)

Uganda /Rwanda are one of those great places in the world people tend to escape and make a trip on their own/ self drive in uganda. Hiring a car on a self-drive in Rwanda and Uganda enables the traveler to explore all the top tourism destinations. Sally Day and friends hired a car form us Auto rental UGANDA to adventure Uganda, and Rwanda on a self drive after giving us their interests in camping and car rental we chose for the a small car Rav4 and their journey started.

We meat in Kampala in the evening I delivered the car and gave them all the briefing they need to know about the car, how they should take care of it and the best way to drive in Uganda and a few things of the road in Uganda and Rwanda, they had not made up their minds in when to cross to Rwanda but this was ok because I told them to take their time and forwarded the car documents when they made up their minds.
Their self drive trip started in Uganda, through kabale, lake bunyonyi, rwanda- kigali, kivu, queen Elizabeth national park, kibale, Murchison, and jinja. We kept in touch all the days of their trip, they got a small problem after hitting a pothole and a car got a small dent in queen Elizabeth on their way to Fortpotol but all was good and their journey continued.
At the end of the  self drive in uganda trip, I asked how was the car, how did she work  and that whole experience, They replied: Actually it is a he to us , we named him Nile he was our only man on the trip, he was so helpful and never complained about anything at all for the 20 days.This is the best trip we have ever had on a self drive in a big car, they said he is big because they drive very small cars in their home country.
Due to the small size of Rwanda makes driving easy between destinations and made their self-drive holiday more interesting by get a glorious opportunity to stop in the middle of some good serene natural environment and make some meditation.
A self drive holiday is a rewarding and exciting experience in Rwanda/Uganda as it is one of the top Eco tourism destinations in the world. With thousands of hills enchanted with green cover, plenty of game watching opportunities especially gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and the one in virunga  and a country with a well organized road network system makes Rwanda a top tourism destination for self drive holidays.
One of the easiest ways of renting a car for self drive  in Uganda / Rwanda is by going on the internet and search for various cheap car rental agencies. By going to the internet you have a variety of car rental companies to choose from basing on your budget and travel needs that are online car rental companies in Uganda and  Rwanda have family cars, 4x4 and high end cars. So it is up against you to book with any of the car rental agency that best suits your needs and budget.

Renting a car in Rwanda

Renting a car Rwanda and Age restrictions

Being out there on the open road on your own, it is one of the best feelings you can ever get while on a holiday and Rwanda is best explored on a self drive tour. However experienced and good you are at driving, renting a car is not an easy thing as there are regulations you have to go through to acquire one in Rwanda.

So let’s look at hiring a car Rwanda, by bringing to you what to expect so that you can get a hint and get best prepared to rent it and enjoy your travel in Rwanda.

Be aware of the age restrictions in Rwanda

You might be having a great record of driving in your home country but you might be allowed to rent car in Rwanda. For example persons that are below 21 years, find it very difficult to rent a car as most car hire companies have that feeling that young people are reckless and careless drivers thus not taking chancing of getting unnecessary accidents that damage the car.

Obtain an International Driver’s Permit

When you are traveling to Rwanda, one should obtain an international driving permit or permit translated in English or French. The international driving permit is a highly recognized driving document and no car rental company can doubt your driving abilities in possession of it. But without an international driving permit you may find it hard to rent a car in Rwanda.

Be conscious that the road conditions will be different in Rwanda

Road conditions worldwide are different due to the nature of the roads, the number of traffic and also the means of transport used on the road. While driving in Rwanda, you will find unfamiliar road policies that are different from your home country like the speed limit, the road signs and the nature of drivers. It would be a challenge for you to drive on the Rwanda roads if you do not first ask for the conditions and rules in Rwanda from your car rental company. It is best for you to ask your car rental company the nature of driving and the road conditions before taking a ride.

Make sure that you are covered against car rental liabilities

Having car rental insurance is one of the most important aspects of renting a car aboard. It is best for a traveler to acquire comprehensive car rental insurance so that is protected of being liable for the damages that may happen to the car while driving it. Repairing a car is very expensive and if you are not covered against such liabilities you are likely to incur more cost on car renting of which might end up cursing the experience.

If you follow the above points into practice you will have a very smooth and exciting car rental experience as you tour different tourism destinations of Rwanda that is the Kigali city, Lake Kivu, volcanoes national park where the mountain gorillas found and the Nyungwe forest national park.

Budget car rental in Rwanda

Rwanda is a destination that excites nature lovers as this nation has three great amazing national game parks which have the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and other exotic animals like giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and antelopes to mention but a few. Rwanda is a very small country and easy to access as the road network is well streamlined. . For those who like to make every day an adventure into the unknown and an opportunity to enjoy your vacation by getting lost in the jungle, then hiring a cheap van  may be the solution for which you’ve been looking.

Put in mind Rwanda has relatively small road but easily driven on, so it is recommendable for one to get a right sized suv. In Rwanda we mostly offer Toyota suvs as these are cheap to maintain as their spare parts are popular in Rwanda and also the fuel consumption rate is pocket friendly and in addition they are made for tough roads and conditions that most visitors facing while exploring the great national parks and other tourist sites in Rwanda. The common cars for hire are the Toyota RAV4, Toyota land cruisers and the Toyota Hiace.

A Toyota RAV4 is the perfect rental car for a couple traveling together with personal luggage. This is available for car hire in both small and large as the small one is two door and the large one is four door but they come with different prices in respect to their sizes. These cars are used because they easy to drive have a four wheel drive thus making it able to maneuver most roads in Rwanda. They are also cheap to hire but can give you an experience of any other SUV. It is the best car hire for every sole or couple traveler in Rwanda.

For visitors who are traveling as a relatively small group of 4-5 a Toyota land cruiser is the ideal car for you. This is the most popular rental car for Rwanda safari travelers. This comes with elegance, comfort, safe and also ability to combat any hardship on the road. This has enough space for everybody to travel with comfort and also a good weighted luggage as it has a large trunk. They also have pop up roofs where the visitors can enjoy looking at different animals while on a game drive in the national park Akagera national park in particular.

If traveling with a large family in Rwanda, there are also vans to give the luxury  that is the Toyota Hiace commonly known as the super custom and the safari van. These carry a large number of people that six people for the super custom and the safari van 9 people. These are all 4x4 vehicles with tremendous space to carry a family to enjoy a trip in Rwanda together at their own pace and independence.6-*69-
Budget car hire  are available in Rwanda to make one journey a more comfortable and exciting. These come with extra facilities like the GPS and travel maps for self navigation in Rwanda, extra baby seats for those traveling with kids, comprehensive insurance to protect the travelers against unforeseen calamities, 24/7 road assistance in case of car break down and they are cheaper than expected. No worries of hefty bills on Rwanda expedition

Name it get it on which vehicle you need to use fro the 4*4 hard on heels to suv economy cars on your rent a car   adventure.

AutoRental Rwanda: 5 tips for self-drive trips

AutoRental Rwanda: 5 tips for self-drive trips: Picking up a hire car and taking to the open road, stopping when you please and seeing where the drive takes you is all part of...

5 tips for self-drive trips

Picking up a hire car and taking to the open road, stopping when you please and seeing where the drive takes you is all part of the charm of a self-drive safari. Whether marvelling at the well paved roads in Rwanda or embarking on your own African adventure in Rawnda, self-drive trips are now more popular than ever.
Though the thought of taking to foreign roads can be daunting for some, many of the world’s most popular destinations are best viewed from the comfort of your own car, and with good road systems and infrastructure, there is no reason not to jump behind the wheel.

The following tips should help when embarking on a self-drive safari:

1. Petrol

This sounds like the most obvious advice in the world, but it is often forgotten by many: fill up at petrol stations regularly. In many places, opportunities to fill up can be few and far between and you don’t want to run the risk of being stranded. If you're planning off-road trips or driving in isolated areas  like the Nyungwe forest where you may never find a petro station consider taking extra petrol with you in a Jerry can too or fill all the tanks to be on the safe side.

2. Pick the right ride

Choose a hire car that best suits your needs. Take into consideration the amount of luggage you are carrying, whether you'll have extra equipment with you (for example, if you're camping ) and what size car you are used to driving at home to ensure you are comfortable during your journey. It might be exciting driving a convertible for two weeks but if the weather's not right it can be a problem. Think twice about hiring a  Van if you've never driven something so large before. but some cars are not given out for self drive safari is in Rwanda because of the fear with roads and bad driving with our own.

3. Keep stocked up

Take plenty of snacks and drinks with you and keep supplies handy. This way you can find a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy lunch, without the need to find a shop or restaurant.
Plus, if you become lost or break down you'll have something to keep your energy levels up...In case of camping most foods should be bought in towns so you move loaded.

4. Mobile roamers

Check what phone coverage is like before heading out to your chosen destination – your phone network should have a section on their website detailing where's covered.
When you're there don't forget to make sure you have fully charged your phone before you set off each day. Getting stuck somewhere remote may be made all the more stressful if you can't contact anyone.
In some places, where you'll be driving in isolated regions such as Nyungwe  forest the electricity may be limited together with the setlit. however most companies do give small phones that keep battery and network just in case you need to call.

5. Stay on the right track

If you're hiring a car then stick to government maintained roads. In many cases, you will not be insured if you chose to veer from them. if you divert from the right truck it may be hard to locate the road back because roads here are not marked as from your country. just in case your lost it is easy to find help if on the right truck.

Why not a self drive all the time

      

Creative and informative Driver guides with all the necessary information willing to guide you even beyond can be a good option to relax as you enjoy the pearl of African through the lush vegetation, tropical tree from hills to mountains down in the valley of rivers and lakes for you to just relax and take in day by day of your trip.

Below are some of the tips to take on a guided trip.

1. Time

Getting a driver/guide to take you through Uganda/rwanda for a number of days saves you a lot of time and you get to do all you are activities on time.  A guide knows when the activities are done what time and where saving you from all the time you would have spent driving around looking for a given place given that Uganda/Rwanda is a developing country there are some parts where you will not get internet to help you with the GPS or even being difficult to find it on a map or even asking around. A driver may be a good one in case you’re not so much patient with the above.

2. Reluxing

When planning for a trip you intend to take time off your stressing schedule to relax and enjoy nature by the time you go home to be fresh and ready to take on other activities. All of us know driving is tiring most especially driving in a foreign land that’s why a self-drive is better but a driver guide would be very perfect for you to relax and enjoy the trip the fullest.

3. Getting first hand information

Ever creative and informative Driverguides will give you first hand information to make a lifetime experience for your trip. These guides have got all the information from lodges, best restaurants, good spots to view some animals and time, where to go for just anything, expensive and budget hotels and most importantly guiding. They get the information before all the tabloid you may be with a high chance of finding out that there is a new place to visit before it is even put up for sale or touring

4. Saving

This may sound a little disturbing to save while spending on a driver when you know how to drive. Uganda/Rwanda is a developing country where roads, internet, structures are all developing along with it meaning you may find it hard to use the above to reach your destination you will definitely need a driver to help you through this pearl of Africa. Saving you a lot of money you may have wasted on fuel returning back when you’re lost or sleeping in expensive lodges because you could not find the one you had booked.

5. Safety

Safety comes first in all the things we do or intend to do. When driving in Ugandan/Rwanda roads it will not be a swift path, you will have to be extra careful on the road because you’re driving with people who do not know or know but tend to ignore all the rules of the road, driving recklessly or with people who drive recklessly can cause you your life or major injuries. If you are not so much confident with your driving skills it is much better they drive you to be on a safe side.

5 common mistakes to avoid when driving overseas

Driving in Rwanda is an exciting and memorable experience and real show of your vacation but this does not come that easy as when you mess up it can turn to be a nightmare. However, rectifying the mess up is not rocket science. Here are some of the common mistakes holiday makers make driving overseas and how to avoid them. 

1.Taking travel and car rental insurance for guaranteed

If you do not have insurance for car rental, you are putting yourself at risk of being liable for the damages that may happen to the car while driving it. It is very expensive to repair a car in case of any deformation. It is advisable to get make sure that the rental car has comprehensive insurance from either the car rental company or if you have car rental insurance from your home country then you can use that.

2. Making rush hour booking

When you wish to use a rental car urgently or at the immediate effect, the car hire company is more likely to charge highly as they will take advantage of your desperation of wanting a rental car firsthand. Sometimes, during rush hour booking, you are likely not to get your preferred rental car if the cars are scarce since at that time of need, you are willing to settle for any. It is best to book a rental car in advance so that you have the time to negotiate for the right time and also get the right car.

3. Failing to acquire an International Driving Permit or recognized permit in Rwanda

In Rwanda, one to drive car he/she is supposed to have a recognized driving permit that is an international driving permit or a French or English translated driving permit. However, some people come along with a driving permit in a language that is not used in Rwanda and they are denied to rent a car on a self drive.

4. Not asking about the local road rules

Different countries have different road rules, of which in Rwanda we follow the European standard of driving that is on the left hand but we have some rules that are different like the speed limits and communicating on phone while driving and also some of our road signs are different. But some traveler come here and then hit the road from there and then without familiarizing with our road rules and ending up being road offenders or even causing accidents on the road.

5. Not planning your route thoroughly

Some people just hit the road even before planning for their journey

With modern GPS systems (and even something as simple as Google Maps) it’s so easy to navigate these days, but that’s no reason to become complacent. Make sure you plan your route thoroughly when you’re travelling so you don’t waste time or end in tricky conditions. It’s also worth keeping a physical copy of a map nearby just in case you get lost without a charger.

Have you ever rented a car overseas? What advice would you give? Let us know in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you.

AutoRental Rwanda: 7 Costly Car Rental Mistakes

AutoRental Rwanda: 7 Costly Car Rental Mistakes: As various people around the world get their vacation holiday, sometimes they are required to rent a car to tour all different tourism ...

7 Costly Car Rental Mistakes

As various people around the world get their vacation holiday, sometimes they are required to rent a car to tour all different tourism destinations in Rwanda. Car rentals usually bring convenient, reliance and safety while traveling and this is a very tourist’s dream. But at times the associated costs are perplexing and let’s introduce you to mistakes that cost you money and how to go by them.
Purchasing extra insurance you may not need. When you have your own car rental insurance back at your home country, you can as well use it while renting a car in /Rwanda/Uganda and this makes you save money from the expenses that you were going to incur paying car rental insurance. But sometimes people do not look at that they end up paying extra insurance right from the car rental company of which might not be necessary when you have your own car rental insurance back home.

Renting a car from the airport - Usually car rentals right from the airport are so expensive since there is high demand for car rentals from different traveler coming into the country so the car providers take advantage and charge car rental services highly. So it better to look a car rental company away from the airport of which most of the times, these have very beatable price compared to the car rentals near the airport.

Not thorough searching around. Car rental rates always vary from one Car Rental Company to another. It is very hard to find car rental companies in Rwanda charging the same price. It is better to hit the internet look at different car rental companies of different services and prices. Trust me you can get a car rental company with competence and affordable rates. So do not just book with the first car rental agency you land on because it might be more expensive as opposed to the ones you have left out minus looking at them.

Making prepayment for fuel- Paying for fuel beforehand may sound to be a good idea as it brings convenience on the trip as you do not have to remove money from your pockets every time to pay for fuel when it gets used up. However, sometimes car rentals may charge you highly for the cost of fuel as they would want to increase their mark up so it is better you re fill the rental car by yourself.

Paying extra for GPS or baby seat- car rental agencies usual charge their clients extra money for extra tools like gps and baby seats and this normally adds the cost of the car rental services as a gps on car rentals Rwanda is charged 4$ per day. So with this world of technology, if you are going for a self drive tour, it better to use your smart phone GPS or you can carry your won portable GPS or use tourist maps which are normally given out free of charge.

 Hastening through rental car inspection- some people just look at the car and drive off and later on when they return the rental car, they are charged with damages that have occurred on car. Sometimes this brings a disagreement between the client and the car provider as the client may decline that he/she has not caused damage and the car provider may be saying otherwise.  It is commendable to thoroughly inspect the rental car before you take up your expedition to eradicate such misunderstandings. Check its physical and mechanical condition and also take clear photos of it.

Late return of the rental car- Almost all car rental companies in Rwanda charge car rental services on daily basis that is 24 hours a day beyond that you pay for another day. So some car renters return the cars past the time agreed and end up paying more money for the car rental services as fine for late return. So always return the rental car in time and avoid such charges

PAYMENT METHODS AND LIABILITY

When coming to Uganda one thing to do is book cars, drivers, permits and hotel, in most cases some of these are compulsory and need down payments like Gorilla permits. Though most agencies will ask you to pay on arrival the other monies they will tell you to send the money for permits.

Each agency has its own methods of payments like 50% on arrival and the rest at the end of the trip but that’s for a long term agreement like a month.

Sending some money through the companies accounts mostly for booking hotels and permits are they require advance payments. And the balance paid on arrival.

If written acceptance is not received from a client most agencies assume acceptance of the Terms and Conditions they have put on their website as valid even if not read.

Credit and debit cards are used also to pay these services though most agencies do not use credit cards as Uganda is still a developing country it may take long to receive the money or the card be swiped twice that may cause issues with the client and the agency. however not all companies get issues some perfectly use these services well.

 

LIABILITY

Travel agencies in Uganda will claim no responsibility for any loss, damage, accident, injury, sickness or schedule change due to weather, strike or any other cause beyond their control.

Making every effort to safeguard customers and their personal property, but cannot be held responsible for personal events beyond the tour operators control, or to damage sustained by tourists including those occurring outside the touring program. Acting in good faith, and cannot be held responsible for any agent, hotel, tour guide or any other person’s or company’s acts, defaults or delays. 

Therefore you’re advised to have comprehensive travel insurance to meet all contingencies,medical and all the insurance necessary for your travel.

In case of any accidents insurance companies will only compensate the company if you take time to report in time to the insurance brokers given to you and the police near by to validate your statements,other wise you will be forced to pay the whole claim your self.

For small claims like flat tires the companies will give you guidelines on how to go over it as they refund you back. most agencies have a limit on how much dollars or shillings you can use for them to compensate you.