Everything you need to know about driving on off roads in Uganda. Driving off-road in Uganda is without doubt one of the most memorable experiences you should expect to encounter while on your next road trip in Uganda. The amazing bit about driving on off roads in Uganda is that travelers don’t only get challenged by the varying terrain, but also, they get to experience the beautiful countryside differently.
Off-roading/driving off-road entirely involves driving on routes outside the tarmac- the roads with loose top surfaces of gravel/dust other than tarmac. Such roads exist mostly in the remotest part of Uganda, as soon as you get off from the main town/urban centers. Unlike tarmacked roads, the off roads don’t have safety barriers and they very narrow. Driving along them also can be challenging more so during the wet season.
While driving on off-roads comes with its on exciting experience, your safety should also be priority. In this article, we shall take a look at the key off-road driver safety tips for Uganda.
Essentials for driving on off roads in Uganda
Provide adequate information about your travel plan
Before relevant information to your people back home/at your base. Let them know about your travel plans and they should be submitted regardless of the destination you plan to go off-road in Uganda. This plays a significant part especially in case of emergencies, where no one can reach you. In such situations, they can be having an idea of where you are. Also, ensure that you keep communication flowing with the people back home or base camp.
Be honest
If you have any plans to go off-roading in Uganda, try to be as honest as possible. Let your car hire service provider know the destination you plan to visit to guide them find you’re a suitable rental car in Uganda. Also, avoid telling lies because when you go off-road, most car rental companies have their rental cars fitted with tracking systems and they will know when you have lied about off-road driving.
Read thorough the car hire company terms and regulations
Before you consider hiring a car in Uganda for self-drive tour, family holiday, off-road driving, be certain if the company does allow driving on off road. There are car hire service providers that don’t accept visitors to go off-road with their rental cars.
Failure to adhere to the terms, means, you will incur a cost that perhaps you didn’t plan for. Always inform the company or inquire if their 4×4 rental cars for self-drive can be used for off-road experience in Uganda.
Where to go off-road tour
The best places to off-road driving in Uganda are the remotest countryside National Parks, Reserves and more. These offer real off-road driving experience of a lifetime. If this is the kind of adventure that you wish to have, then you are at the right place.
Have back up
When you think about off-roading in Uganda, it is advisable that you are accompanied by another car. This is to avoid getting stuck on the way. Or if the company can provide or replace in case of breakdown, the better. This is why you should know if the company does provide 24/7 road assistance.
Safety is key
Wearing safety belts is a must-do whether you are on off-road tour or driving in urban center. Some of the remotest areas in Uganda have tough terrain and can be challenging navigating and this is why you must be keen enough, with your belts tightly on.
Park well
Always try as much as you can to ensure that your rental car is properly parked. Be mindful of the undulating terrain of the countryside when parking your vehicle. Do apply handbrake and also switch off the engine once you have stopped.
Rent the right car
When you think about driving on off-roads in Uganda, the kind of the car you plan to use matters a lot. Talk to the expert to choose for you the best and the ideal ones include Nissan Patrol, Isuzu D-Max AT35, Ford Ranger FX4, 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser, Ford F-150 Raptor, 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender and others.