Traveling Uganda by road: what you need to know

Traveling Uganda by road: what you need to know

Traveling Uganda by road: what you need to know,   It is undeniable that road trips in Uganda are one of the best and most unforgettable, and no, we aren’t talking about the 10 to 12-hour drive you do from Entebbe to Kidepo Valley National Park. That is just hectic. We are talking about the thrilling road trips visitors take on an absolute adventure, with freedom of the open road, the ability to go wherever they please, without a timestamp or schedule.

Traveling from tar road to murram roads, from snow-capped mountains to sprawling savannahs. You might get lost along the way, but end up in the exact place you needed to be. Traversing rolling hills with winding roads and forests, road tripping in Uganda is a chance to drive and follow the dips and rises of the spectacular terrain. Road trips involve having stops for coffee along the road at a secluded café, and discovering that it is a local gem with the best coffee and pancakes. These are moments that create memories, which we don’t want you to forget.

What you need to know about traveling in Uganda by road

Firstly, if you are traveling from overseas, you will probably need to know that in Uganda, driving is on the left-hand side of the road. This means the steering wheel is on the right, like in the United Kingdom. The thought of driving on the other side of the road seems to be terrifying for many visitors, whether it is left-hand drivers requiring driving on the right-hand side or vice versa.

Additionally, you don’t have to worry about signposts as they are well-marked and in English. However, there might be none or just one along the way in rural areas or the small towns. This makes it possible to traverse Ugandan rural roads, and worse still, Google Maps doesn’t help much. Let’s delve into the things you need to know about exploring Uganda by road.

• The type of rental car you need for road tripping in Uganda

If you didn’t know, you can enjoy a Ugandan road trip with a sedan, but some roads deserve 4X4 Safari vehicles. However, if you wish to explore the countryside in a more relaxed manner and hope to see hidden gems, then consider a 4X4 Safari vehicle. This is because there are several dirt roads with terrible potholes, yet these roads lead to some of the most breathtaking safari destinations.

Additionally, if you desire to enjoy game drives, hiring a 4X4 rental car with high ground clearance is a perfect idea and provides access to some of the difficult-to-reach destinations that ordinary cars can’t reach.

• Laws around renting cars and licenses in Uganda

You need a driver’s license in order to drive and rent a car in Uganda, as you need a National or International driver’s license that has been validated in English. If your driver’s license doesn’t have a photograph on it, you might be required to have a passport or National ID with you. For this reason, we advise that you double check with us before jetting into the Pearl of Africa.

• Beware of animals#Traveling Uganda by road: what you need to know

The telltale sign that you are in Uganda (or any African country) is cattle on the road, and this is what you are likely to experience during your road trip. Not only are there grazing cattle by the roadsides, but also in the middle of the road. These animals sometimes even stand in the center of the road without a care in the World; hence, it is advisable to always drive carefully, especially around settlements.

• Toll roads and whether you need cash#Traveling Uganda by road: what you need to know

Ugandan roads are maintained by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), an agency of the Government, under the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT). This means that on certain highways or National roads, especially the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, you will approach a toll gate along the way. You will be required to pay a fee (ranging from Shs. 3000 per trip to Shs. 18000 per trip) to proceed onto the next stretch of road. You can pay with the Upesi toll Card, but it never hurts to have some extra cash on hand just in case. Keep in mind that the roll road doesn’t accept debit cards.

• Staying connected while on the road during your trip

Before you set off on your road tripping safari across Uganda, it is advisable to download Google Maps so that they are accessible offline, and always make sure to have enough data. You can acquire a local SIM to keep you connected during your road trip in Uganda.

• Look out for potholes

Ugandan highways are well-maintained, but if you wish to enjoy a non-stop Ugandan road trip experience and explore various small Towns, then you should expect some potholes, some of which are bad. Interestingly, the dirt roads are very quiet, hence you can deviate, dodge, and dance along the whole width of the road without too many issues. Additionally, most drivers prefer passing on these dirt roads because they also provide breathtaking vistas while navigating the hidden gems in Uganda.

• Fill up with fuel when you can

Uganda’s countryside has long roads, and you never know when you will find the next fuel station, hence it is advisable to fill up whenever you can, even if you still have half a tank remaining. It is also advisable to plan your fuel stops by adding them to Google Maps along the way.

Other things to consider while traveling in Uganda by road include downloading your route on Google Maps before leaving, planning rest stops along the highways, packing keep-in-the-car-items (such as tissue paper, spare cash, a basic first aid kit, a roadside emergency kit, multiple music playlist, insect repellant, hand sanitizer and wet wipes, a camera, and a reusable water bottle).