Uganda Car rental is one of the most convenient ways to get around this fascinating country. Going on a safari trip in Uganda is always among the top items on most people’s bucket lists. A Uganda car rental safari is a very exciting and relaxing adventure that gives you an opportunity to connect with nature and forget about all the daily hustles of life.
Embarking on a safari in a Uganda car rental is something you plan, save money for and look forward to. You may have particular expectations for your safari or instance the weather, road conditions among others. Whereas safaris can be incredible experiences, there are some potential disappointments to be aware of. Here are some common ones:
Poor road conditions
This is by far the worst Uganda car rental disappoint. Uganda’s roads vary depending on the location. In the town centres, the roads are paved but as you dive further into the countryside, you will encounter more unpaved and uneven road surfaces. This is something most travellers, especially those self-driving usually overlook.
Also, it gets worse during the rainy seasons. The roads get slippery; some even get flooded and others are completely impassable with the wrong. Therefore, you need a 4×4 vehicle that can easily navigate these rough roads and terrains.
Getting lost
Nothing ruins a Uganda car rental safari trip like getting lost. It is common for travellers to get lost especially if it is their first time visiting a particular place. It is possible to get lost even when you are following Google maps or GPS.
This may be due to poor Internet connection in the wilderness or you may just fail to follow the maps and hit a dead end. In this case, stay calm, drive back and start again. More so, do not be afraid to ask for help/direction from the locals. Ugandans are generally kind and helpful people and are always willing to help out.
Unfriendliness and poor service
Ugandans one of the most friendly and welcoming people in Africa. However, you may encounter unfriendly people in Uganda.
These could be your tour guides, drivers, waiters and accommodation staff. You may experience bad service at safari hotels and if this happens, remain calm and communicate with the staff respectfully. Also, try and keep an open mind, and if the worst comes to the worst, escalate the issues to management.
Hidden fees
Sometimes, the amount of money you are quoted is not what you pay. You may actually end up paying more than expected and this comes in form of hidden fees. These could include but not limited to insurance excesses, parking fees, driver expenses, damages among others.
Make it a point to read and understand the car rental agreement to avoid any surprises.
Wrong car
Another Uganda car rental disappointment is choosing the wrong car for your trip. When planning a safari trip in a Uganda car rental, it is important to choose the right vehicle. When hiring a safari vehicle, always consider factors like the size of the travel group, the price of the car, fuel consumption among others. It is very disappointing to reserve a car and receive one with less specifications. When this happens, request the rental agency for a discount or refund.
Vehicle breakdown
Cars are very unpredictable and they tend to break down in the worst places for instance in the middle of game parks or forests where it is difficult to access a good mechanic.
Even when you have inspected and test driven the car before setting off and confirmed that it is good mechanical condition, it may break down due to road conditions, reckless driving, or it could just run out of fuel. It is always good to have road assistance essentials in case of a mechanical breakdown.
Late car delivery
Another disappointment on a safari self-drive trip is when the agency delivers your car delivered late. This may be because of traffic jam, delays in repairs or servicing, or unforeseen mechanical failures. You’ll most likely fall behind schedule by two hours or so and when this happens, you can also request for a discount on the rental fee.
Closed roads
This is one of the biggest disappointments on a safari self-drive trip. Imagine driving lots of kilometres only to find the roads closed for repairs or maintenance. You may be required to take an alternative route/diversion that you’re not familiar with and worst-case scenario is if this happens during the night. You may end up in bumpy or dusty roads, and this will most likely ruin your safari experience.
Bad weather
The ideal weather for a safari trip is sunny. Depending on the season in which you are going on a safari, weather will greatly impact your experience. If you’re travelling between February and May or mid-September to November, except lots of rain. However, even during the dry months, rain may show up and may catch you off guard. Always pack clothes suitable for both sunny and rainy weather.
Mosquitoes
Uganda being a tropical country, there are lots of mosquitoes especially in the grasslands which happen to be the ultimate safari destinations. Mosquitoes cause malaria which is a life-threatening disease. While in these areas, ensure to sleep under a treated mosquitoes net or have insect repellent cream to prevent mosquito bites.
Overall, in order to minimize potential disappointments, it’s essential to research and choose a reputable car rental operator, take necessary health and safety precautions, stay flexible and open-minded during the safari.
By being aware of these potential disappointments, you can better prepare yourself for an enjoyable and memorable safari experience.
