Car Hire Uganda: How to Choose a Right Car for your Journey

So you’ve decided to do a self drive in Uganda for your next holiday – congrats! You’ve got the trip of a lifetime ahead of you. The next question, of course, is what kind of car you should hire. The answer to that will depend on a few key things. Where exactly are you going to self-drive Uganda? How many people are coming along for the ride? What’s your budget?

We’ve put together some important points to consider when deciding the type of car you need to hire for yourself drive in Uganda.

Think about the kind of terrain you’ll be driving through.

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you need a 4×4 or any other kind of car as long as it is in good condition. This will depend on where your self drive in Uganda or East Africa is going to take you.

For the most part, Uganda’s main roads are in very good condition apart from those leading to the major national parks and other tourist attractions of importance. Most of the time, it’s entirely advisable to self-drive yourself in Uganda in a 4×4 vehicle. If you plan on sticking to main motorways and visiting relatively built-up areas, you’ll be fine with just any other vehicle like sedan. If you’re unsure, ask campsites, guesthouses and adventure activity operators what the roads are like in the area when you’re making reservations but your car renting company can as well provide such important information to you. Remember, local people on the ground can give you the most accurate and up to date info.

If you plan on going off the beaten track, however, you should consider getting a 4×4. There’s nothing worse than being unable to do a little exploring because your car can’t handle the roads. If you’re planning on visiting areas like Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Queen Elizabeth or Murchison falls national park, hiring a 4×4 is advisable. If you’re planning to self-drive Uganda in summer, make sure that your hired car comes with air conditioning.

The Ugandan sun is a glorious thing. In fact, it’s probably one of the reasons you’ve chosen to holiday here in the first place. However, during long drives on hot summer’s days, you’ll be infinitely more comfortable if your car has air conditioning.

Opt for the most fuel-efficient car.

On a self drive in Uganda, fuel costs are going to be one of your biggest expenses. Keep this in mind when picking a hire car; a fuel-efficient vehicle can save you a chunk of cash. Your car rental company will be able to give you an estimate of each car’s fuel consumption per kilometer, which you can then use to work out how much you need to budget for fuel.

How many people are travelling?

Obviously, the number of people travelling will affect what kind of car you need. Don’t forget to think about everyone’s luggage, too. If the whole family’s coming along, you’ll need something with a sizeable trunk. It’s unsafe – not to mention uncomfortable – to squash both kids and bags on the backseat.

Consider hiring a camping-equipped vehicle.

If you’re after adventure and planning on camping on yourself drive in Uganda, consider hiring a camping-equipped 4×4. Camping-equipped vehicles come complete with rooftop tents, a fridge, bedding, kitchenware, chairs, a gas cooker and all the other bits and bobs you need to make your vehicle your ‘home on wheels’. All such vehicles are readily available for giving out at 4X4 Uganda car hire at relatively cheap prices.