Self Drive Uganda

Extensive Guide on Renting a car and Self driving in Uganda

Uganda is such a great self-drive adventure destination, and securing a 4×4 car rental to explore the country is an experience you will never forget. Car Hire Uganda has been organizing car rentals for safaris and other personal purposes for almost a decade now.

The most common car rental option is self-drive and the other renting a car with a driver. For both options, Uganda has everything to offer to a traveler; endangered primates including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys among others, wildlife, birds, rivers & lakes, beautiful land forms and people – there is an array of jaw-dropping attractions in every direction you look.

Uganda is known for being best traveled by a 4×4 vehicle due to the nature of the roads that can be challenging to first time drivers. Though the Pearl of Africa is a bit small country, the attractions and places are many so you would need to carefully plan your self-drive trip and ensure plenty of time for relaxation and activities.

If this is your first time self-driving in Africa, do not fear, the Pearl of Africa will welcome you warmly. Here is what you should know about self-driving in Uganda. A detailed insight into what to expect while driving yourself out there in the wilderness.

Driving in Uganda

Driving in Uganda is definitely different from driving in most other countries especially Europe, however, it doesn’t have to be a challenging experience. The best part about driving in Uganda is that traffic police is always on the road to ensure safe driving and road safety. The worst part is that some drivers have instead their rules and an extra care should be taken to ensure another driver on the road doesn't lead you to trouble especially commuter taxi drivers. On top of that, driving through Kampala can be challenging to new drivers in the country, you can use alternative routes that bypass the city center to avoid this hassle and cut on heavy traffic congestion. 

The three basics of driving in Uganda

The basic driving qualifications of a car on self-drive in Uganda should encompass 3 key factors;

  • Feeling comfortable while driving a 4×4 vehicle whether manual or automatic.
  • Having basic experience in driving off-road and maneuvering slippery surfaces & gulled road.
  • Feeling comfortable driving on the left side of the road.

Unlike other destinations in Africa such as Tanzania, Zambia and Namibia, most of the car rental options available on self-drive in Uganda are of Automatic transmission except the Land cruiser LX and GX types that are strictly Manual. In smaller vehicles like Toyota Rav4s and Land cruiser Prado’s, if you need specially one for manual, you would need to clarify it to us upon reservation. Both transmissions come at the same price.