We are one of the best 4×4 self-drive car hire companies in Uganda. Self-drive car rental in Uganda is undoubtedly popular due to
- The improved quality of self drive cars for rent in Uganda and availability of professional self-drive car hire companies in Uganda
- Improved good road networks
- Road signs
- Availability of Google GPS system that can direct you to most popular places
- Availability of accommodation in every major city/town
- The wide network of fuelling centers
We at Prime Uganda Safaris and Tours Ltd. have a wide range of affordable Uganda self-drive car hire options, including
- 4×4 station wagons like 4×4 Land Cruisers,
- 7-10-seat 4×4 safari vans
- 4×4 RAV4s
Our 4×4 self drive car rental Uganda fleet is equipped with
- Air conditioning
- Sliding roofs
- Swivel seats
- Plenty of legroom for your comfort.
We are ready to hand over the car keys and embark on a journey to discover the beauty of Africa.
Self-drive Car Rental Uganda Information, Advice & Tips
According to East African standards, Uganda’s main roads are generally in good condition for 4×4 self-car drive hire in Uganda. Surfaced roads radiate out from Kampala, running east to Jinja, Busia, Tororo, Mbale and Soroti; south to Entebbe; southwest to Masaka, Mbarara, Kisoro, and Kabale; and northwest to Nakasongora and Gulu, among other districts.
Indeed, Uganda’s unsurfaced roads exhibit significant seasonal variations, peaking in difficulty during the rainy season and diminishing toward the end of the dry season. Even in this generalization, an isolated downpour can do major damage to a road that was in perfectly good condition a day earlier, while the arrival of a grader can transform a potholed 4×4 track into a road navigable by any saloon car.
4×4 self-drive car hire in Uganda is intriguing but a bit more challenging than in other East African and Southern African countries. Therefore, you definitely need to be a defensive driver, and when on the road, just drive defensively when buses and minibus taxis are around because their drivers are crazy.
These hazards are now the primary danger on Ugandan roads, apart from unexpected potholes. Minibus-taxi drivers in particular have long been given to overtaking on blind corners, and speed limits are universally ignored except when enforced by road conditions.
Modern coaches pose a significant threat to minibus taxis, speeding along trunk routes at speeds of up to 120 km/h. It’s important to monitor your rearview mirror and, if necessary, pull off the road ahead to allow the closing vehicle to pass. Other than them, you won’t see much traffic outside of Kampala, except on the road to Jinja and the Kenyan border.
We at Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd. encourage you to come experience Uganda 4×4 self-drive car hire!! You will meet lots of very friendly and helpful people. If you are unfortunate enough to have a puncture, remember to get out of the way of the rush of local people wanting to help change the wheel for you.
Certain 4×4 self-drive car hire Uganda drivers possess a strong assertiveness that can keep you captivated and engaged. What to note is that driving in Kampala Capital City is much more intense than in the rural areas.
If you do plan to have a 4×4 self-drive car rental Uganda trip, definitely have someone go with you for the first few drives, as driving on the left side and amidst tons of minibus taxis and motor scooters is crazy. Overall, the people are welcoming and helpful if you do happen to need help.
If you rent a decent car, you probably won’t have any breakdown problems; fuel is available all around the country, and there might be an occasional roadblock, and you will probably be waved straight through, but they might ask what you have in the back. No one will try and solicit a bribe from you, unlike in some other countries.
Fuel in Uganda is affordable but prices keep on changing—the equivalent of around US$1.4 per liter for petrol and slightly less for diesel. If you are arriving overland, it’s worth stocking up before you enter the country.
While on your 4×4 self-drive rentals in Uganda, the following documentation is required at all times: the vehicle registration book (a photocopy is acceptable; ensure it’s a recent one with the most recent vehicle license entry recorded on the back page), a minimum compulsory Third Party Insurance Coverage Certificate—sticker, and a driving license.
Your own domestic license is acceptable for up to three months; only those with a valid international license, 23 years old and holding a valid full driving license for a period of more than 2 years are allowed to self-drive with full comprehensive insurance.
We agree with visitors and other foreign drivers that Ugandan drivers are a bit aggressive in Kampala, but you pretty much won’t encounter any traffic outside of the city, except for the crazy bus and minibus drivers that you can easily avoid.
Having the above in mind, a coasting speed of 80 km/h on the open road would be comfortable without being overcautious, and it’s not a bad idea to slow down and cover the brake in the face of oncoming traffic.
In urban situations, particularly downtown Kampala, the right-of-way essentially belongs to he who is prepared to force the issue—a considered blend of defensive driving tempered by outright assertiveness is required to get through safely without becoming bogged down in traffic during your 4×4 self-drive car hire in Uganda.
In town, especially Kampala, you are just centimeters from other vehicles; traffic laws exist but are to be ignored. People pass on any side of you, and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) bob all around you. If you are a visitor, you are simply not equipped to handle a vehicle in traffic where anything goes and where the biggest vehicle wins. For visitors, self-driving is a test of nerves….tom.
We encourage our 4×4 self-drive car hire Uganda potential clients to purchase personal accident insurance that includes medical repatriation from their point of departure. This is because this is not covered under the vehicle’s insurance coverage.
All our fleet of vehicles has full comprehensive insurance coverage and the client is liable to a charge, depending on the car for any damage sustained by the vehicle during the hire period in case of self-drive.
Only those with a valid international license, 23 years old and holding a valid full driving license for a period of more than 2 years are allowed to self-drive with full comprehensive insurance.
We still encourage our potential visitors to hire a vehicle from us with a driver for the first couple of weeks because this is probably the safest way to understand Kampala and Ugandan driving and to get around.
