Travel Tips

Car Hire Services In Kampala Uganda.

If you are traveling to Kampala, Uganda, you can find a rental car in Kampala or at the airport. Entebbe airport near Kampala has experienced relative growth in the past twenty years due to the increasing number of tourists to the area/country. As a result of such growth, there are now more Kampala car hire companies operating at or near the airport. A car hire is the best and most convenient transportation, especially if you plan to visit some of the other popular tourist hotspots such as Kasubi Tombs and the Bahai temple. However, there are a few things you should consider when making your car hire arrangements.

Consider the size of the vehicle you will need. For example, if you are traveling as a couple, an economy size car such as a Rav4 should be sufficient allowing you to save money on the rental rate and the fuel. If you are traveling with a larger group, you may want to look at the larger vehicles available. But, if you are trying to save money, a compact or economy size car would be a good choice if the comfort level for those traveling permits.

You should also check on your insurance needs. You may already have coverage with you insurance, a credit card or other service. Do not assume this is the case, but it is something to check on before adding the additional cost of insurance to your rental cost. It could save you between five and ten dollars per day, which can quickly add up.

When comparing the package rates, you will find that the rates for an identical vehicle vary among companies. It is important to look at the basic rates and the additional fees. Some proposed rates are inclusive while others charge for extra charges such as insurance, airport taxes, mileage and additional drivers. Be sure to identify what exactly is included with the rate. If you are not sure, you can call the car hire company and ask the clerk to calculate a final estimate including the additional charges.

Making the car hire reservation in advance will help you get a better deal as well as the car you want. Waiting until the last minute, or especially upon your arrival to the airport, will result in a higher rate and fewer vehicle choices. During the busier seasons, you may not have to worry about the cost because there may be no cars available. Once you find a car hire package and make the reservation, be sure you get the quote in writing and get a confirmation number. This will help you avoid paying a higher rate when you pick up the car and, generally, avoid headaches and just enjoy your trip.

To rent a car, you will need proper documentation including your driver’s license, proof of insurance and a credit card. You should determine in advance which credit cards are accepted as well as any minimum age requirements. Many companies have age restrictions for drivers of the vehicle, which could include not only the primary driver but also any additional drivers. Always inspect the vehicle before leaving and note any minor damage, such as scratches or dents. All noted damages should be included on the rental agreement to avoid you being charged later. If possible, you may even want to consider taking pictures of the damaged surface as evidence.

Car Rental Uganda – Beware of Hidden Fees

Everyone is trying to make and save as much money as they can right now, and rental companies are no different. Transportation is one of the worst hidden fee industries in the world! Rental companies and airlines will charge you an arm and a leg in hidden fees if you’re not careful. Wahabu Kazibwe of 4X4 Uganda Car Hire shares with us some of the hidden fees that many renters are not aware of! The list below should help you avoid some of these fees and keep your rental cost as low as possible.

Airport Surcharge

Rental companies don’t get to take up an airport’s parking lot for free. They have to pay the airport for the services it provides. The rental company recoups its costs by charging its customers. The easiest way to avoid this fee is to rent from a location away from the airport. Many rental companies will even given you a free ride from the airport to their nearest facility.

Fuel

Always check your fuel policy and follow it. If you show up without the amount of gas you’re required to have, you’re going to have to pay for the difference in gas. The rental company gets to set the price of gas, which is a lot more than the gas station just down the street from the company. Fill up shortly before returning your vehicle to avoid excessive fuel costs.

Sales Tax

This isn’t really much of a hidden fee. You can’t avoid it. But many people forget all about sales tax and wonder why their bill is higher than they thought. Don’t forget sales tax when configuring the overall price of your rental.

Under Age Fee

If you’re under 25, you may be charged extra for your age. The reason for this is because statistics have shown that people under 25 are much more likely to get into an accident. If you’re under 21, you’ll be lucky if a rental company will rent a vehicle to you at all. So make sure you check the company’s age policy before signing anything.

Early Return Fee

Returning your vehicle early may sound good for all parties involved, but many rental companies will charge you a fee for returning the vehicle early. They do this to recoup the cost of you reserving the car beyond its use. Honestly, their justification is rather weak, but they can charge what they want. You might as well hold onto the car until the end of your rental period even if you don’t need it.

Limited Mileage

Most companies offer unlimited mileage rentals, but some will sneak in mileage limits and charge you a fortune for going over those limits. Make sure the rental company you want to rent from doesn’t have a limited mileage policy. If they do, go somewhere else.

In Case of an Accident while driving a hired vehicle

Various clients normally get accidents while driving rented cars. An accident is bound to happen at any given time but the way you handle yourself after this tragic moment is what makes a difference. Below is what should you do if you get in an accident while driving a rental vehicle?

Keep Calm

Getting upset or argumentative isn’t going to help the situation. Crying over something that’s already happened gets neither of you anywhere fast. So keep calm, recognize whatever part you had to play in the accident, and let the officer decide who’s at fault if you two can’t agree.

Collect All the Necessary Information

For minor accidents, police may not even need to be called onto the scene. Regardless, you should always get the other driver’s license, insurance information, and plate number. Also, make not of the exact time of the accident. You should always have a paper trail for every accident you’re ever in just to be legally secure. Plus, the rental company will want to know who else was involved.

Contact the Rental Company

Don’t wait to tell the rental company when you’re returning your vehicle – call them immediately. Ask what steps you need to take to resolve the issue with them and if any fees are going to be added to your final bill as a result of the accident. Each company is different, as is each accident situation. Follow what the rental company says and you’ll be alright.

File an Accident Report

If you have time, call the police and have them come out, assess the situation and write up an accident report at the scene. However, you should still file an accident report even if you don’t have time for that. It’s better for you to file your own report than someone to file a report that involves you. Not reporting makes you look suspicious.

Keep a Copy of Your Receipts

It can’t be stressed how much money this tip could potentially save you. The world economy is down and everyone is looking to save/make every dollar they can. The possibility of you being sued after an accident, by either the other driver or the rental company, is higher than it’s ever been. Keeping a copy of your receipts will give a paper trail that backs up your claims in court. It also gives you a leg to stand on if the rental company tries to charge you extra later for the incident. So make sure you hold onto a copy of everything you can.

Going on a Uganda Tour: Things to Know

To be more effective and vibrant at work, you need a refreshed and relaxed mind. However, it is not that easy to get something that can relax your mind thoroughly. One to refresh his/her mind has to engage into something that is unusual from what he/she experiences from his/her daily life. One should go for something out of this world, something one has never encountered, something adventurous and exciting.

A safari in Uganda can give you adventure, excitement and a lifetime experience. For starters Uganda is a country known for eco tourism due to the variety of natural attraction distributed around the country. Uganda has ten national parks where you find exotic animals in their natural setting like the lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys among the special ones. The most notable national parks are Queen Elizabeth where one can take a game drive to see the big five animals of Africa. While at Queen Elizabeth national park a boat cruiser at Kazinga channel is worth an experience as you feel the sea bliss and also see some aquatic birds and animals like hippos, waterbucks, crocodile and the elephants at the shores as you sail on the water taking a soft drink.

There is also Murchison Falls National Park the largest national park in Uganda with a unique hike at top of the falls of Albert Nile(a tributary to the longest river in the world- River Nile. While on top of the falls, you witness the Nile, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide), before ferociously plunging down 43 meters and have a good scenic view as you look at the wonderful landscape of the park and also look at different animals grazing while other hunting for prey in a distance. Murchison falls national park also offers a game drive around the park as you spot the grazers and the predators in the park.

Kidepo National Park is also among those national parks that can make enjoy Uganda as this gives the true African wilderness. As you take a game drive at Kidepo national park, you are able to see African wildlife clearly like the lions, ostriches, hyenas, giraffes, elephant and buffaloes. This national park has semi arid African savannah that gives you a clear view of any wildlife in this national park. it is also a good arena for having breakfast in the wild as it has well placed trees with good shades where you sit and have a nice feast in the morning as you look at the elephants, antelopes, zebras and buffaloes grazing around.

The nights at Uganda safari are also enjoyable as the accommodation facilities around the game park are world class. These have self contained rooms, restaurants, bars, swimming and nice quadrangles where the visitor can relax in the evening as he/she grabs a cold beer or soft drink reading a book or listening to some music.

A tour to Uganda is much more that exciting as you enjoy yourself from the word go to the finish line.

5 Top Places to Tour in Western Uganda

Western Uganda is a beautiful region in Uganda where you will find ample opportunities for tourism at various destinations. You will find varied tourism options in this region that will never let you disappointed. You will enjoy lots and treasure a unique experience of lifetime after sightseeing and tourism in Western Uganda. The main tourism attractions in this region lie in fascinating destinations like Bwindi National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kabale region, Lake Bunyonyi, Mgahinga National Park, Kisoro town, Lake Mutanda, Kibale Forest National Park, Mt. Rwenzori and so many others. Bwindi National Park is one of the 4 most popular tourist destinations in the region that are visited by a number of international tourists each year. Exploring these fascinating destinations will provide you a brilliant opportunity to see some of best Uganda Safari destinations.

Bwindi National Park

Home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable forest is the best place to see mountain gorillas in the world. Located in south western Uganda, Bwindi is a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO, and it is the most visited of all Uganda’s national parks. There are now 10 mountain gorilla groups which are habituated for gorilla trekking within the forest. Some of the groups include include, Nkuringo, Habinyanja, Bitukura, Mishaya, Kahungye, Oruzogo, Nsongi and so many others. Besides Mountain Gorillas, the forest is also well known for bird watching since it habits more than 130 species of birds. Bwindi is among the UNESCO World Heritage sites and therefore Gorilla Safaris in Uganda are the basically done tours be it on budget or on luxury holidays. Most of the Uganda Safaris have to include a 3 days Gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park.

Kibale Forest National Park: the park is famous for hosting different 13 species of primates including the Chimpanzees which are Man’s closest friends and cousins with almost 95% same characters. Other primates here include Vervet Monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and so on.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: with the Kasenyi track where one can be able to spot a number of animals like Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, warthogs and so on. The Kyambura gorge in this park is famous for the Chimpanzee tracking activity as well as bird watching. The Launch cruise offers you a chance to see the Kazinga Channel which is believed to be having the highest concentration of Hippos in Africa.

The Rwenzori Mountains

Also refered to as the “Mountains of the Moon”, the snow capped mountain Rwenzoris offer great opportunities to hikers. Whether you are a starter or an experienced mountain climber, the Rwenzoris will give you an experience of your lifetime. The hike to Magherita Peak the highest peak of this Great Mountains, takes 7 Days for those who are experienced or 8+Days for beginners! The hike takes you various climatic zones till you reach the snow capped peaks.

LakeBunyonyi

The dotted islands of Lake Bunyonyi are some of the best places to visit for a leisurely holiday in Uganda.

Other interesting sites in western Uganda include , crater regions, Semliki National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and lots of other sites. You can explore best attractions of the above Western Uganda regions by Packages which are tailor made to suite your travel needs and interests.

Uganda Visa Application

Uganda unlike Rwanda acquiring visa into the country is as easy as ABC. You can get a Ugandan tourist Visa at the point of entrance as you are getting into the country. The main entrance point in Uganda is the airport (Entebbe International Airport) or at any border, being a landlocked country. The process is quite simple, without any stress and a very quick process as you are required to fill an entrance form which costs about USD$50 per person only.

After acquiring your Ugandan Visa you can then be allowed into Uganda – the pearl of Africa, get a privilege to explore its wildlife in its finest destinations such as Queen Elizabeth national park as a home to the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, Kibale forest national park a home to over 13 primate species, Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park well known for its mountain gorillas and many more tourist attractions.

The visa application process in Rwanda can only be done online following the link provided https://www.migration.gov.rw/Visa.html. There are countries that are exempted from the visa application exercise in Rwanda due to the relationships and agreements amongst them namely; Burundi, D R Congo, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Tanzania and Mauritius. It should be noted that the tourists should hold valid passports for the given country for at least six months. Most of the tourists in these countries come mainly for gorilla tours and wildlife safaris only a few come for relaxations or mere visits.

Is it possible to get a Ugandan Visa from a Ugandan Embassy in your country of residence?
The answer is YES! It is very possible but rather more time consuming and costly as explained below;
It is very costly: The cost of the visa is the same both in Uganda at the entrance and at the embassy in your country of residency but more costs are included in that you will be required to pay for an overnight, postal services to and from your country of residence hence raising the Visa price.

It is time saving: You can get your visa immediately on arrival in that no time wasted in going to the embassy, filling the forms and then going back to pick up the Visa.

No need of passport photos: At the entrance of Uganda, no passport photo is required however at any Ugandan embassy; you are required to present your passport photos hence money is wasted in getting the required photos, in a way it is a mean a saving.

Less Paper Work: When getting a Ugandan Visa at the entrance of the country, fewer forms are required to fill i.e. the immigration form is required to be filled which is not the case if done at the embassy.

What if you are rejected? This has never happened to anyone before and it just cannot happen. Ugandan migrations are so friendly, hospitable and polite. The only thing you have to do is present your passport, pay about USD$50 charge, present a return ticket and sometimes a Yellow fever certificate maybe required.

The immigration process may look to be long instead it moves faster and very quick than how it would have been in your home of residence. The process usually takes 20-40 minutes waiting in a line and waiting for your luggage, hence no time wasted!

Tourist Visa for East African Countries: The East African countries are planning to have a single tourist Visa that will be used to access all the countries with ease. However this is still under discussions and not yet confirmed by the involved countries which include Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Thoughts about the Tourism Visas: As Ugandan residents, we believe that tourism as a sector contributes a great percentage in the development of our economy. We are so thankful to all the tourists who visit Uganda because every 10 tourists who come to Uganda provide enough income to eradicate poverty in the country.

Tracking the Wild Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda

Watching mountain gorillas up close in the wild of Rwanda and Uganda is one of the most exciting adventures that you can take while traveling Africa. This amazing adventure is one of the most popular on the bucket list of most travelers visiting East Africa. There are four national parks wehere travelers can see the endangered mountain gorillas; Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Congo. Of all these parks, there are two national parks which are most frequented by tourists interested in seeing the gorillas in the wild; Parc Nationale des Volcans and Bwindi Impenetrable national park. These parks have several habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by tourists.

The Gorilla Trekking Adventure

For many travellers who have visited gorillas in Africa this adventure is the single lifetime wildlife viewing experience that they have ever taken in the world. No wonder these trips are sometimes referred to as a luxury safari in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo is taken in a very organized way to protect the endangered gorillas in their natural homes. There are strict roles that guide visitors going for gorilla safaris within the national parks where gorilla tourism has been developed. These rules are aimed at protecting both the visiting tourists and the mountain gorillas.

Planning a Gorilla Trek

•  It is advisable to take your time and plan a visit to Rwanda, Uganda or Congo. Given that a few gorilla passes (permits) are available, it is advised to plan your trip early enough.
• Always use a local tour operator or a specialist travel agency given that they are more acquainted with the existing conditions within the different locations for gorilla watching.
• On your safari, remember to pack enough and recommended clothes that are suitable for hikes. Don’t forget your jungle boots given that the trek takes you past muddy paths and involves hikes up the steep slopes.
• After your trek, it is advisable to embrace ecotourism by visiting the local community. In Bwindi, a visit to Batwa local community who were the inhabitants of the forest is highly recommended.
• Adhere to the strict rules set on your gorilla permit so that sustainable gorilla tourism can be maintained and promoted in the visited destinations.

Gorilla trekking Trips

Looking for a great deal on gorilla trekking? Several local tour operators offer gorilla trekking excursions and tours to visit the mountain gorillas in Africa. Most of these travel agencies that are both inbound and outbound offer amazing gorilla trips in an organized and well managed way. If you prefer one day excursions they are possible safari only in the  Volcanoes national park – Rwanda. If you prefer watching the gorillas in Bwindi national park – Uganda or Mhaginga national park, you need at least 3 minimum days if you are to start your trip from Kampala or Entebbe. An alternative place to see the mountain gorillas in the wild is the Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are several tourists who opt for to visit to at least two gorilla parks since the distance between is short. It’s very advisable for those who would like maximize their gorilla watching experience to visit both parks. Bot treks in the two parks offer quite a different experience and setting, thus a more rewarding experience. From both parks, there are multiple families of gorillas that have been habituated for tourist visits. Each family is composed of a number of gorillas including silverback gorilla, adult females, buckbucks (adult males) and juveniles.Each group allows a maximum of 8 tourists per day who are selected to see an individual family either on purchase of the gorilla permits or at the assembly point in the parks.

See Unique Wildlife species in Uganda

Uganda which is called the pearl of Africa is also blessed with lots of attractions and one of them is the rich in wildlife species. There are many wildlife species which are found in Ugandan national parks, game reserves, protected areas like Uganda Wildlife Education Centers and many more. These protected areas have also attracted many tourists who have come for safaris to Uganda which have helped in increasing the amount of revenues to the country.

The wildlife species in Uganda mostly include; the mountain gorillas which are also found in Bwindi impenetrable National park, these have got unique features which have greatly attracted many people to enjoy gorilla trekking tours within the country. The chimps in Uganda can also be located in Kibale National park and also also in Budongo forest and in Queen Elizabeth National park.

Each of the national parks in Uganda has got different wildlife species and these also include; the elephants, lions, buffalos, antelopes, kobs, bushbucks, hippos, zebras, monkeys, baboons, wildebeest, white Rhino, black Rhino, leopards, cheetah and the wild dog, there are so many animal species which have attracted many wildlife safaris to the country.

Apart from the wildlife species, there are also plant species which can be seen in Uganda and these include; sprawling savanna, shady, forests, lakes, fertile wetlands and the swamps, moorland, thorns and shrubs. There are also other attractions which include mountains, rivers, rocks and hills, cultures, city tours, clubs and many more.

Uganda Walking Safaris Do’s and Don’ts

The Uganda landscape is a hiker’s paradise, Uganda offers so many walking safaris that you can choose from during your Uganda safari. These various walking Uganda tours and hikes in the Pearl of Africa reflecting the biodiversity of the country like no other country in East Africa – you can hike and go on nature walks at all of the National Parks in Uganda – all nature walks, hikes, tracking experiences with the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys are escorted by Guides who are also armed for your safety and well-being.

The different hiking national parks include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one could also go for either a day or several days in and around the Kibale Forest Jungle, Climb the Volcanoes at Mgahinga Gorilla Park or Mount Elgon, several Hikes at Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Fall Park, Lake Mburo Park, Kidepo Valley Park.

Walking Safaris Tips and Advice

Use your instincts have a sense of caution but not paranoia and its very listen to your guide

The Animals are Wild-You cannot predict their behavior – Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys are habituated – a process that takes up to two years for them to become used to humans.  All other wildlife is not tamed.

Do not walk alone away from Lodge or Tented Camp – Given the fact that you are not familiar with the area around the camp its very safe if you do not wander from the lodge or tent without a guide, often there may be hippos present elephants or even predators.

When on Nature Walk and Tracking activity – move in a quiet manner, be alert to your surroundings so that you do not miss anything and listen to your guides.

When taking photographs-your guide will make sure that safety is maintained since you are busy with picture taking but keep an open ear to guide instructions.

Listen to the guides –Do not attempt to get closer to wildlife than what the guide tells you – that is for your safety.  Use Binoculars – telephoto lens.

When you see animals –the guide will attempt to stay downwind an important factor if there are females with young ones.

Remain Calm on Encounter of Animal- If you have a close encounter with animal – a snake, remain calm and stop, back up slowly or remain still – no running or shouting.

No Swimming in rivers- do not swim in rivers or pools no matter how inviting they may look – also stay from waters where the banks are shallow in order to avoid crocodiles.

Wear the right clothing and shoes – the right safari clothing depending depends on the activity you are undertaken – light boots or stout shoes always good, long-sleeved shirts (not blue) are best and protect from mosquitoes-tsetse flies, long trousers – jeans are fine, hat with brim better than a baseball cap.

Good Binoculars – Camera with telephoto lens –Binoculars are a must on a walking safari and allow you to see wildlife and birds up close even from a distance.  A good camera with a telephoto lens will come in handy on your walking safari.

Backpack – a light backpack comes in handy – take along some bottled water, a snack like a granola bar will come in handy along the trail.