Self-drive with a trusted Uganda car rental is an exhilarating way to discover the country’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace without the trouble of using public means.
Whether you’re renting a vehicle for the first time or a frequent car renter, there are some factors that you don’t have to ignore. It is not a guarantee that you will have a similar experience with the previous rental agency.
In order to avoid any disappointments, it is crucial to check the following things before you embark on your trip; especially on self-drive.
Vehicle condition
You do not want to be responsible for another person’s misuse of the car. Please make sure you inspect the car before heading on your way for any scratches or dents. Check the tire pressure, tread depth, and look for any signs of uneven wear.
Also ensure all lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, are functioning properly. This is mainly for safety purposes and also to avoid unnecessary fines.
If possible, take photos of both the interior and exterior of the car to act as evidence in case the company blames you for any damage.
Familiarize yourself with the rental vehicle.
Every car is different. Chances are that you will not be renting the same car model as you drive back home. Before heading out, make sure to take some time to adjust the seat and mirrors to your liking.
Check where the car functions such as air conditioning, lights, windshield wipers and handbrake are located. Once you have familiarized yourself with the vehicle you are ready to go. You may also request your car rental provider for an opportunity to test drive the vehicle to boost your confidence.
Know your destinations
Before renting a car, it would be a good idea to have a travel plan with specific locations to visit in order to budget your time and money effectively. Choose your safari destinations wisely, bearing in mind the time you have available and your budget. You may need to check the vehicle for navigation tools if you’re not familiar with your destination and make sure the systems are functioning properly. You can always use google maps on your phone or better still, download offline maps in case of loss of internet connection in the remote areas.
More still, most Uganda car rental agencies help you come up with a reasonable itinerary that fits within your budget ad interests. Do not hesitate to share your itinerary with them for advice and recommendations.
Documentation
There is nothing worse than going to the Uganda car rental agency only to realize that you have forgotten your driver’s license back home. Before renting a car in Uganda, make sure you have your driver’s license, your passport and a valid credit card in your name with you.
Most car rental companies will require you to present a valid credit card. This is to cover for incidental charges such as parking tickets, traffic violations, missing fuel among others.
Also verify that the vehicle’s registration and licensing are up to date and crosscheck for any tickets attached to the car. Though not common, you may be assigned a car that is not fit to be on the road so request for proof that the vehicle e is road worthy.
Rental agreement
Before any company gives you their car, you are required to sign the car rental agreement. This may include the rental duration, the rental fees, and the payment terms. This agreement is more like a contract and is legally binding in the courts of law. Ensure that you understand the company terms and do not violate them to avoid lawsuits.
Additional equipment
There is some equipment you may need on the trip that are not covered in the rental fees and need to be paid for separately. These may include a GPS tracker, child and booster seats, and emergency equipment like the first aid and road assistance essentials. Find out if the rental agency has them or if you need to bring your own.
Insurance and liability
Anything can happen on the road even if you think of yourself as a very good driver. Even one of the best drivers known to us, Paul Walker died in a motor accident. Remember that you are not the only person on the road and the other people may not be as careful as you are.
The car may be also stolen from the parking and this is where insurance comes in. Understand the liability insurance coverage and verify if personal accident insurance is available in order to understand the associated costs.
Return policy
Car rental companies, especially during the peak season of June to September, run on a very tight schedule. Endeavor to return the rental car on the agreed time as delay charges add up fast. They might cost you a full rental day plus extras if you have not informed the agency.
Also endeavor to return the car to the agreed upon location. Should you have the need to drop off the car in a different location, inform the agency in time and be reminded that you’ll have to pay extra for the one-way trip.
Fuel policy
Different Uganda car rental companies have different fuel policies, so it is important to understand the fuel policy of your rental agency and any associated costs for fuel. You may also need to inquire about the fueling stations available in your destinations of interest. Have your car fueled at all times to avoid running out in places where fuel pumps may not be available. More still, learn about fuel saving practices to cut costs and avoid inconveniences, especially in remote areas.
Company reputation
Research about the Uganda car rental company’s reputation online and check for reviews to ensure that you’re not being scammed. Verify if the rental company has any certifications or affiliations with reputable organizations. Also clarify the company’s policies on issues like accidents, breakdowns, and cancellations.
To sum it up, familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws for example the left-hand drive, speed limits, parking, road conditions among others. Also, by all means, avoid driving at night if you’re not familiar with the roads.
Finally, respect the locals and avoid asking unnecessary questions that may result into cruelty. Contact Jungle Uganda Car rental for any information or booking, and be assured of a seamless journey.
