Tips & Tricks

10 Tips to Enjoying Kampala Nightlife

One of the most vibrant things about Uganda is the Nightlife like no other place. Kampala’s Nightlife gives you the feeling of being in Las Vegas hence worth experiencing while on a safari in Uganda. Is it live music or bars? You can experience it in Kampala. Bars stay open till dawn which is why it is said that “Kampala is the City that never sleeps”. Some of the prominent spots to visit for unforgettable Nightlife experiences in Uganda include Centenary Park, Acacia Avenue, Kisementi, Ntinda, Kabalagala Salsa Nights, and the Industrial area among others.

However, like any0ther busy City, you need to be cautious and follow some safety and security guidelines to have an enjoyable Nightlife Experience in Kampala, and these include;

Don’t leave drinks unattended to

This is important to avoid strangers putting anything in your drinks to make you pass out. If this happens, then you lose everything you have. Even when the drinks are covered by the waiters or waitresses, don’t leave them unattended unless if there is a trusted person.

Do not flash money around

Avoid showing people that you have a lot of money especially foreign currencies such as US Dollars, UK Pounds, and Euros when going out at night within Kampala City. This draws more attention from the people including thieves hence making you a potential target for robbery and even death.

Avoid displaying your expensive phone and other valuables

Expensive gadgets such as smartphones are also targets for theft hence always keep them far from the eyes of onlookers because you can’t know who or when you will be robbed. If you put it in the open, you will realize it has varnished and your sim card removed. Therefore whether you are going to the toilet or in a public place, keep your gadgets out of sight or better still leave them in the Hotel room when going out and instead carry a cheap button phone.

Security at the Night clubs

Interestingly, most nightclubs and bars have security personnel commonly known as “bouncers” as well as armed security guards to ensure the safety and security of “night lovers”. All revelers are scanned and searched before accessing the places. The most important thing is to move with any kind of identification in case of emergencies.

Always move with a Ugandan who has lived in Kampala for a long time

If you are in Kampala for the first time, it is advisable to move with a trusted local/Ugandan while on your night out. This will keep you out of a lot of trouble or help with bargaining and translating in the case of local languages. However, this will cost you some extra shillings although it’s worth it because you will enjoy your time.

Use special Hire Taxi especially Uber Taxis

If you are leaving the bars or nightclubs late in the night, it’s important to hire special hire taxis especially Uber drivers instead of random Boda Boda riders because some of them are robbers. The Hotel can negotiate better prices for you because discounts can be offered than when you negotiate yourself.

The use of drugs is prohibited

Any kind of drugs including cocaine, marijuana, Mira (Mairungi), or heroine are totally prohibited in Uganda. A minimum (Shs 80, 000) or more for foreigners will be charged if found with illegal drugs, hence avoid trouble (jail) during your Uganda safaris.

Be careful with the Night flowers (sex workers)

There are some places in Kampala you will find prostitutes/sex workers. They might be attractive, speak fluent English but remember that the rate of HIV/AIDS is high in Uganda than in your home country hence doesn’t let beauty blind your eyes and common sense. Make sure to use ABC (Abstain, Be faithful, and Condom use) to prevent regretting your time in Uganda. Some of these sex workers will even rob you of your phones, money, and other valuables.

Always move with Common sense

Make sure to move with common sense. Don’t drink too much alcohol, be aware of conmen, and don’t trust anyone while on your night out in Kampala, so be extra careful. With this and more tips, you will have unforgettable Kampala nightlife.

5 Tips for a Successful Self Drive in Uganda

To have a vacation outside your country is often a relaxing option, but sometimes there is nothing better than taking a self drive holiday tour on Ugandan roads. Car rental companies in Uganda prepare countless self-drive itineraries for travelers willing to visit Uganda. Uganda is one of the top tourist destinations in the world with lucrative car rental services for the visitors like car hire services, airport transfer services, booking accommodation for their clients and providing full camping gear services. Below are tips to make your next self drive holiday safari on the open road a seamless experience in Uganda.

Preparation in advance

For every self drive safari either in your home country or in a foreign country has to be planned at the initial stages. This will enable you to prepare in advance for everything needed for a safari. It will give time to get the costs of a safari and be prepared with the necessary documents like the passport, national identity card, medical forms and enough clothes for the journey. As the saying, the early bird catches the warmth, your preparation will enable the service providers (car rental companies in Uganda) too be prepared and reserve the best car you would use with the emergency items   for the whole journey.

Safety is paramount. Uganda is a country that is peacefully and safe to travel due to the stability that has been witnessed for the last 30 years. However, personal safety is necessary. With your already booked car rented from one Kampala’s best service providers (car rental companies), you should be vigilant about your car and other personal property especially when you are within the city Kampala. Though the city is comprised of hospital people, you should know that there are different people including the merciful ones and the ruthless ones! There are petty thieves whose aim is to steal accessories from your car such as mirrors, lights, indicators, etc. You should also take note of not leaving your valuable items on display such as laptops – these attract thieves who can forcefully break into your car. Here you are recommended to lock your car properly and raise the wind seals when you are in the traffic jam.

Parking

You should endeavor to park in safe places. While in Kampala, make sure that you park in the right parking spaces. You shpuld always remember to pay for your parking tickets given that if they are kept unpaid, you can end up paying a heavy fine.

Keep the rules of traffic on the road

Like any other country in the world, Uganda has rules governing the roads. It drives on the left hand side like Britain that colonized her. To have a successful self drive in Uganda, these rules should be maintained to their limit. Rules like do not drive under the influence of alcohol, do not over speed, do not over load, do not drive while on phone should be practiced on the high ways. Besides that, your self drive safari will be a disgrace in Uganda because of not following the rules of the road. Common sense while on the road should also be applied like helping other drivers who need help in case of a mechanic default.

Keep some money in your pocket

Though you have planned your self drive journey in Uganda, you should maintain a minimum balance in your pocket to help and buy whatever you had not planned in the budget. Don’t lean by your shopping card because they may not apply in Uganda since the major super markets are in mostly found in the urban centers and some scarce shops off the roads in Uganda. Not only for the surplus will be used for shopping, also parking fees and fuel costs in Uganda since  these car rental agencies do not give full tank for hiring their cars in Uganda.