Car Warning Lights You Should Never Ignore and Why

Cars have dashboards for a good reason. The warning lights on your dashboard play a great part, as they indicate when things aren’t right. While you are behind the wheels, you take responsibility to providing solutions to anything that arises. Ignoring the warning lights on your vehicle’s dashboard may result into serious issues and you incur a higher cost for repairs. At the same time, they may also compromise your safety while on a road trip. Keen and immediate attention should be paid on the warning lights on your car’s dashboard.

Key areas why you must pay keen attention on warning lights on your vehicle’s dashboard;

1. Warning lights are indications that there is something wrong happening with your vehicle.
2. As soon as you see a warning light, consider paying full attention to it.
3. The warning lights are indication that your attention is needed and damage is foreseen.

Some of the car emergency lights not to ignore

• The Anti-Lock Braking System

Your car brakes are your life-saving component. On a road trip, make sure that the car brakes are in their great conditions to ensure your safety. In case the ABS light is on, then it means there is something wrong with the ABS mechanism. It could be a mechanical issue which stops your car wheels from getting locked. If you applied brakes during such a condition, higher chances are car could skid easily. Rush and check your brakes as soon as you notice any warning light in relation to this.

• Check engine

The Check Engine Light often goes off if there is something wrong. It shouldn’t be ignored otherwise, the issue could get worse than if you rectified it early enough, thus saving you from damages, repair costs and others. The temporary cause like a loose gas cap may settle after some time and the engine light can go off automatically. If the engine is on as a result of engine issues, the faulty oxygen sensor/emission problems, then you require expert intervention.

Old pressure light

The oil pressure light can turn on if the engine has issue or the sensor/low oil level. Once you notice this warning, you should rush to the nearby repair area and check it.

Tire pressure indicator

The tyre pressure indicator can tell you when there is critically low or high tyre pressure. Every tyre has its pressure standard as per the manufacturer.

Temperature

The thermometer light indicates that the engine is overheating. Once you have notice that this light is on, make a stop and turn off the engine. Proceeding with your car may result into overheating of the car engine. As a result, you can incur serious damages.

In summary, the costs for damages and safety issues on a road trip with a Uganda car rental can be avoided if you pay maximum attention to warning lights above. Always be alert on the warning lights early enough to avoid last minute solutions that may render you paying expensively on the damages caused.

Tracking Primates on Self Drive in Uganda

It is possible to go on gorilla tracking and Chimpanzee tracking while self-driving in Uganda. We do purchase our clients necessary permits for their trips. Some permits like gorilla and chimps needs to be purchased prior due to availability issues. We always advise our clients to send the money and then purchase them

Providing confirmed dates for tracking is needed here since the permits work for one specific day. While going on self-drive trip, you need to sit down and draft your Itinerary and determine for your tracking the primates.

We deliver the permits with the car at the airport or any other place where your rental starts from. We are a reliable company and everything will be done as you prefer.

While on self-drive trip, you need to keep time as some activities starts very early in the morning and permits are fixed on specific dates. It is necessary when you reach a destination, before you go to your lodge to sleep you first get the information about the activity and if possible, you register for the next morning activity. They will tell you the dos and don’ts and then come the following day well prepared.

Always it is advisable to follow the park guides guidelines to enjoy your safari. The park guides knows the behaviors of animals and familiar to the areas of visit.

The primates can be added with other attractions and activities like game drive in different national parks, culture, nature walks birds, water activities like rafting, boat cruises, and many more.

We can also book accommodation for our clients at no extra cost. This depends on the kind of lodges the client prefers. They range from Budget, Midrange and Luxury. Most destinations have lodges around or near.

We also have cars with pop up roof. These are very good on game drives and clients can stand and have a clear view of the attractions, take good photos and enjoy the scenery of the place.

Go Gorilla Trekking, Support Conservation

Mountain Gorillas in Uganda are continuously conserved and preserved in order to maintain their increasing numbers within their habitats. This will also help in promoting conservation and tourism in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. There are about 880 mountain gorillas living in the wild of Africa. These gorillas are found in three countries in Africa; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Within Uganda, mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

There are over 400 mountain gorillas living with in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the best place to go gorilla trekking in Africa. Over the past 10 years, a significant number of travelers have visited Bwindi Forest and tracked the mountain gorillas. This has improved tourism development as well as better management and conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas.

The conservation of the mountain gorillas within Ugandan national parks is mainly done by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government agency which is responsible for taking care of all Uganda’s flora and fauna including the gorillas. Conservation has been done through controlling of poaching and hunting with in the national parks, regulation of tourism activities with the parks etc. The organization has also worked with the local communities in putting in place laws and regulations which control sustainable use of natural resources and as well encouraged the participation of the local people in the conservation and development of tourism in Uganda. This has greatly helped improved both conservation and tourism development and Uganda has realized an ever increasing the number of tourists!

Mountain gorillas are considered to be endangered species and this is the main reason why they should be treated well in order to control the reduction in their numbers. These have got fragile bodies since they can easily contact human diseases especially when the humans get into direct contact with them, therefore the tourists are advised to stay far from them which tracking within their habitants. The tourists are also advised not to liter within the national parks where these unique primates are found so as to avoid diseases to the gorillas. This has helped in maintaining their increasing numbers with in Uganda hence increasing gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda.

Uganda has also got many other wildlife species apart from the mountain gorillas, these are found in other national parks like kibale national park, Murchison falls national park, lake Mburo national park, Rwenzori national park and many other game reserves, these animals found in these national parks include; the elephants, lions, crocodiles, monkeys, chimpanzees, antelopes, buffalos, Rhinos, zebras and the giraffes. All these animals have greatly attracted many people to come for safari tours to Uganda.

Exploring Uganda on A Self Drive Vacation

Uganda is often called the pearl of Africa due to the very many incredible features it houses. From the endangered gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to savanna parks teemed with roaming lions, there is a lot to see in Uganda. Many travelers from all over the world travel to Uganda to explore its incredible features. There are lots of options for travelers to enjoy traveling this amazing country.

Though guided safaris are the main way to experience this beautiful evergreen country, self drive safaris are also possible and with existence of several car rental agencies, which offer cheap car hire in Uganda. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to explore Uganda, why not a car and take a road trip?

When you mention Uganda many people’s mind rush to the rare endangered species mountain gorillas, as there are only 880 individuals left in the world and Uganda is known as the leading mountain gorilla destination in the world housing over 480 individuals and the majority live in Uganda’s most visited destination; Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. The rest remnant mountain gorilla population live in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With a rental car from Uganda, you can still cross over to these neighboring countries.

Meeting the gorillas of Uganda in these two incredible national parks is a walk over! The park is located in the south western part of Uganda in just a drive of about 7-9 hours on a clear weather condition with stopovers at any interesting spot like you can decide to have a stopover at the equator crossing for photography and snack taking, you can as well stop at Mpambire a local drum making place ,if interested you can buy yourself the locally made items, in your convenient time, drive to Mbarara for lunch, with good views and interesting landscape and rolling green hills you will continue up to the park.

The following day you will head to the forest to be among the few sharing the love of gorillas in their natural habitat, this is the most interesting adventurous activity done on earth. This is just a few on what you can enjoy on a Uganda safari if you’re in yourself drive car, you can decide to go for a game drive in Uganda’s breathtaking parks offering rare animals like the Queen Elizabeth national for opportunity to catch up with the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha area of the park, but other games like elephant, buffaloes, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthogs, among other others can be clearly seen in our land cruiser, Nissan patrol, van with pop up tops, you can still explore other parks all with unique features like Murchison falls N.P , lake Mburo N.P, Kibale forest national park and Kidepo valley national park which was recently –named as one of Uganda’s best safari destinations with very many untouched unique features waiting for you to explore, its located in the remote northern part of Uganda but with the courtesy of our good and comfortable cars you can still reach is part of Uganda with a lot easy. Why not cultural encounter with the local people, it’s really a very interesting activity leaning more about the life style of the African people.

Depending on the number of days you have in Uganda, still you can enjoy another adventurous activity at the source of the Nile which is the world’s longest river; enjoy rafting on the Nile or bungee jumping. The Nile is located at Jinja in the eastern part of Uganda. Doesn’t live Uganda without a city tour, indeed these and many other interesting places can be reached with a car hire either self-drive or with a driver from our car hire Uganda service. Rush and book with us one of our comfortable cars of any type.

Can You Rent a Car for Someone in Uganda

Do you have thoughts of renting a car during your Uganda safari, then handing over the keys to someone else to drive away? It’s undeniable that you would wish and be willing to do such a favor for an employee, family member or close friend but do you know it also has potential risks? While it seems easy as simply walking to the Uganda car rental company with your credit card, rent a car then hand over the key to someone else, it’s actually not straightforward.

On a technical perspective, it is literally impossible to rent a car for someone else because you won’t pay for renting it with your credit card and instead have someone else to sign the contract then go with the car. It is a known fact that cars are expensive in Uganda and it is also common knowledge that like any other contract, the Car Rental contract is legal. Most Companies will require your identification and have your signature as a way of strengthening the legal agreement. In so doing, you clearly understand who is responsible for whatever happens to the car.

However, not all hope is lost because you can actually add the additional driver to the Car rental contract. One thing you should always keep in mind is that if another person (not the one that rented and signed agreement) gets involved in an accident, you will be in for big trouble. First, whatever insurance or damage waiver will be voided automatically. This then means that you are financially responsible for the damage costs and sometimes even more. The other driver (unfortunately) can deny using the Rental car because he/she didn’t sign the contract (but rather you), hence leaving you in the mess.

Not renting Car for someone else during a Uganda road trip not only protects the Car rental Company but also you. If renting a car with a credit card that didn’t match with your identity was easy, then it would have also been very easy to identify theft.

The following are the ways you can rent a car for someone else;

Include the other person on the Car Rental contract as the “additional driver”

If the other person is a close and trusted friend or trusted family member, then it would be difficult for you. Both of you will be required to be at the booking office to sign some documents and even present valid Identification. The other party will be added as an additional driver, as long as he/she meets the necessary criteria like being of age and possessing a valid driver’s license. You will be the primary driver and the other person additional driver, but you will still be legally responsible for anything that happens to the Rental Car. However, some companies charge additional fee for adding another driver on the Rental agreement.

Call directly and explain to the Car Rental Company

While renting a car for someone is never accepted, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to call the Car Rental Company to explain your situation, so that they can find a way to deal with it. Companies are different and the only way to know is asking. Properly read and comprehend their policies before you take a big decision.

Book online and in advance

Car Rental bookings that are done online are a bi flexible and make it possible to rent car for someone else. Simply use your card when making the booking online, so long as you can include the other driver’s name as well as other relevant information during the booking process. When it comes to picking the Car, the card will obviously be required as deposit and should have identification of the primary driver, thus it is important to be present.

When is the Cheapest Time to Book Your Rental Car?

Do you plan to rent a car in Uganda but you aren’t sure when you can book it? There are multiple rental cars in Uganda ready for booking and each with its own rates. The prices for car hire services in Uganda do fluctuate and that is why it is important that you get to know when is the cheapest time to book your rental car.

Once you have understood when to book your rental car in Uganda, you certainly get to discover hidden secrets on how others land on the best rental car deals. There are thousands of cars to hire whether you plan to undertake a city tour, wildlife safari, or cultural safari.

Car hire services are available at all times, however, there are 2 significant seasons to consider. Changes in rates for rental cars in Uganda revolve around the peak and low seasons. Peak months are characterized by high demand and though rates may not rise that much, it is advisable to book your rental car early.

The peak months of the year range from June, July, August, September, December, and January to February. These are the busiest times of the year for most car hire companies or agencies. You should consider booking your dream rental car in advance 2-6 months prior to the actual date of visiting Uganda for a safari.

The less busy months are March, April, May, October, and November- these are the months characterized by low visitor turn up. During these months there are higher chances for you to enjoy some discounts being off months for most car hire companies.

Why do prices fluctuate? There are various reasons why rental car rates keep changing and according to some car hire companies, they don’t want many vehicles in their parking yet they can be hired. To ensure that they are hired out quickly, at times the car rental company provides discounted rates in order to attract more clients.

When the car rental company gets more clients, higher chances are they may increase prices due to high demand. It is also important to cross-check the car hire terms and conditions because there are often questions such as what if the rates reduce after you have booked the car?

Every car hire company has stipulated terms (Ts) and (Cs) including a cancellation policy for cases related to when rates decrease when you have booked a car. Some car hire companies provide free cancellation.

There is also an option of last-minute booking. But, this is dangerous because higher chances are you may or may not find the cheapest ride of your choice. Last minute booking of rental cars is disadvantageous in that rates usually hike up within 48 hours. This is why you should book a car early to allow you to conduct adequate research about the different car hire options, their rates, offers that come with them, etc.

Timing is key if you are planning to hire a car. 3 important timing tips for car hire bargain are booking your rental car reputable car hire company. There are hundreds of car hire companies and all of them come with their own rates for tourists on Uganda safaris to rent a car.

Booking a car 3-6 months prior actual date of visiting Uganda is with no doubt the best idea. Consider Ts and Cs, particularly for car cancellation policy. It is possible to cancel your booking at a free cost if you have spotted another best deal.

How can I book a rental car in Uganda?

• Decide on pick-up location and dates in the booking form
• Choose the right car with consideration to your travel interest.
• Select the pre-paid prices/pay on the day of picking up the car
• Look out for additional services you may require.
• Fully fill in the contact details.
• Make sure that the booking process is complete.
• Have valid Identification documents for you to pick up your rental car.

In summary, rental cars in Uganda are open for hire at any time of the year. However, the low or off-season is preferably the cheapest time to book a rental car of your choice for all your Uganda safaris.

5 Best Safari Adventures to Undertake in Uganda

Planning for a holiday in Africa but wondering about which place to visit? A Uganda offers tourists with various experiences ranging from gorilla trekking to other adventures like classic wildlife game viewing and cultural interaction experiences.

1. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

A gorilla safari to Bwindi is one of the must do activities that can be taken by travelers to Uganda. No wonder today, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the number on visited tourist destination in Uganda. This park offers the lifetime opportunity to watch the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. The mountain gorillas are among the biggest of all apes! They can be found only in three countries in the world; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forests hosts nearly half of the total population of the mountain gorillas. For over two decades, Bwindi National Park is the best site for gorilla treks, adventures on foot aimed at tracking down the family of gorillas. The tracking experience is challenging with a lot of excitement as you come across other primates like monkeys while also spotting different bird species.

The less known Mgahinga National Park is another amazing place to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda. Despite gorilla tracking, Mgahinga also offers the chance of seeing the golden monkeys within the park, hiking the volcanic mountains, and enjoying the scenic beauty of both Uganda and Rwanda.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Tracking the wild and noisy chimpanzees of Kibale National Park also gives the best safari experience for Uganda travelers. Located in Western Uganda, Kibale is one of the best places on the African continent to see the chimpanzees. The park has the highest density of chimpanzees and the chimpanzee tracking experience is incomparable to other destination in the world. A chimpanzee tracking safari is one of the exciting safaris that you will not want to miss. Come and track the human-like animal in this forest and have a chance to see the closest living relative of human being that has not evolved. Apart from chimpanzess the park also hosts 13 other primates species that include monkeys, pottos, galagos etc.

3. A Wildlife Safari

A game viewing safari in various savanna national parks offers the amazing experience of enjoying wild game on which you will see the traditional wild animals of Africa. A game drive is one of the best activities that offer you the advantage of seeing the wild games in their natural habitats. Visiting the Savannah National Parks of Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and Kidepo is a better option to view wild game such as elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, various tribes of antelopes etc. Enrich your experience while on your safari visit by seeing the Pride of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, spotted hyenas, herd of buffaloes, giraffes among other. Feel free to enjoy a family safari on one of the wildlife safaris in Uganda.

4. Cultural Safaris

Uganda is also a culturally diverse destination with over 65 tribes that have got impressive heritage depicted in their unique dances and performances, arts and crafts, ceremonies and festivities and norms and customs. The Imbalu circumcision ceremony for example among the Bagisu is a memorable cultural encounter that can make your stay in Uganda really amazing.

5. Rwenzori Mountain Trekking

The mythical mountains of the moon – the Rwenzori National Park offers a great hiking experience on the African continent. Located in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border, the Rwenzoris rise to 5,109m. The central circuit trail takes you up to the equatorial snow peaks, the third highest point in Africa. A hike takes you through various vegetation zones moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. A typical hiking trip takes nine- to twelve-day tour in Uganda!