How to Save on Uganda Car Hire
What a spectacular and a convenient way of solving a car rental disaster this can be. This more achievable if one gets in contact with the most reliable and convenient rental company on the globe. Since it is sometimes not possible to avoid a bad experience completely, taking a few precautions and ensuring proper follow up will keep the chance of having your very own Uganda car rental horror story to a minimum.
There are a multiple of car rental companies that can be accessed online where even their respective details on each company are accessed. However, information provided on some of these companies is misleading with confusing search of prices and even car types.
Therefore to avoid such a mess, the following steps should be followed;
Book well in Advance
Ensure that booking is actually done, before commencing for a tour. This is because car rental prices tend to hike as it is getting closer to the pickup date, not down. These Prices actually work on a simple supply and demand system; they go up as availability goes down. If you are travelling during the holidays, Christmas and Easter in particular, making a reservation around three months ahead is ideal. This way one will have the best chance of getting a car at a normal and affordable price. After this point the prices just start to go up as it attributed to overwhelming tourist that are taking tours during that specific period . Most car rental companies sell out for the holidays, resulting in many travelers panicking in the last couple of weeks before a major holiday as they struggle to secure a car. Those that are lucky enough to find a car will be forced to pay very high prices; three or four times a normal rate. Don’t be one of these people. Try to avoid it by booking in advance.
Make a car rental reservation
These details of making these car reservations are especially important if you are contacting various rental companies by email to get quotes. Make sure that you provide them to avoid unnecessary emailing. Also do a little research on the various rental companies and their respective prices so that the affordable take the first priority avoid the worst offenders even if they are offering the cheapest price. No rental company is perfect so you will just have to narrow down your options.
It is important to have your wits about you on arrival at the rental desk, you may be tired and have the urge to breeze through the paper work, grab your keys and go. But it is best to resist this urge at all costs, you won’t regret it. Also reading your rental contact and the receipt very carefully is also one of the most important things to note. This is where many people get stung.
Make sure you are also clear about the fuel policy, most rental companies require you to bring the car back with a full tank or else they charge you an inflated rate for fuel. Before you sign anything ensure that every charge and policy you are unsure of is explained to you.
Read MoreHow to Avoid Car Rental Nightmares On a Uganda Vacation
What a spectacular and a convenient way of solving a car rental disaster this can be. This more achievable if one gets in contact with the most reliable and convenient rental company on the globe. Since it is sometimes not possible to avoid a bad experience completely, taking a few precautions and ensuring proper follow up will keep the chance of having your very own Uganda car rental horror story to a minimum.
There are a multiple of car rental companies that can be accessed online where even their respective details on each company are accessed. However, information provided on some of these companies is misleading with confusing search of prices and even car types.
Therefore to avoid such a mess, the following steps should be followed;
Book well in advance
Ensure that booking is actually done, before commencing for a tour. This is because car rental prices tend to hike as it is getting closer to the pickup date, not down. These Prices actually work on a simple supply and demand system; they go up as availability goes down. If you are travelling during the holidays, Christmas and Easter in particular, making a reservation around three months ahead is ideal. This way one will have the best chance of getting a car at a normal and affordable price. After this point the prices just start to go up as it attributed to overwhelming tourist that are taking tours during that specific period . Most car rental companies sell out for the holidays, resulting in many travelers panicking in the last couple of weeks before a major holiday as they struggle to secure a car. Those that are lucky enough to find a car will be forced to pay very high prices; three or four times a normal rate. Don’t be one of these people. Try to avoid it by booking in advance.
Make a car rental reservation
These details of making these car reservations are especially important if you are contacting various rental companies by email to get quotes. Make sure that you provide them to avoid unnecessary emailing. Also do a little research on the various rental companies and their respective prices so that the affordable take the first priority avoid the worst offenders even if they are offering the cheapest price. No rental company is perfect so you will just have to narrow down your options.
It is important to have your wits about you on arrival at the rental desk, you may be tired and have the urge to breeze through the paper work, grab your keys and go. But it is best to resist this urge at all costs, you won’t regret it. Also reading your rental contact and the receipt very carefully is also one of the most important things to note. This is where many people get stung.
Make sure you are also clear about the fuel policy, most rental companies require you to bring the car back with a full tank or else they charge you an inflated rate for fuel. Before you sign anything ensure that every charge and policy you are unsure of is explained to you.
Read MoreCar 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;
- Warning lights are indications that there is something wrong happening with your vehicle.
- As soon as you see a warning light, consider paying full attention to it.
- 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.
Read MoreTricks to Help You Save on Uganda Self Drive Safari
If you are not strict enough, you may end up falling under very many traps ending up losing your money or getting a fake deal on a self drive car hire. So always be eager and understand well the company you are dealing with as well as the local people, if the following among other is put under your consideration, you won’t fall into car hire tricks.
Book in time with a genuine Uganda car rental company, once this is done, you won’t fall into any car hire trap, and booking in time can save you from being over charged since you are doing it in your convenient time to choose the best car you desire that will fit the number of people you will be traveling with and the budget. Last minute booking is too bad and it’s disappointing since you may end up booking with wrong people ending up getting a car of not your choice but because you are doing it at the last time you may end up in a trap. Early booking is advantageous as you may get the best deal and negotiation is better, so you may end up booking a car on a discounted rate which could be difficult on a rush.
Don’t accept extras when you arrive make sure that everything you need for a car hire is talked about and ticked before you arrive at the airport. This is better when you book in time with a car hire agency. So doing this will save you from the extras you don’t want/need, hence try to be strict on what you will need and not so that you cut on the traps and of course this will help you to save a lot and avoid extra charges. Also try and compare from different car rental companies about the services they offers before confirming with any Uganda car hire agency.
Doing this will end you up getting a better deal you won’t even imagine. Uganda has very many car rental companies and many are offering the same service although at a different price, so search for what you need and contact different agency, you will end up getting a car at a cheap cost. However this is only possible if you do it in time before arrival. You should also communicate effectively with the travel car hire agency about the car, size, and number of doors, air conditioner, and the type of fuel among many others this will gives you an insight about what you are booking. Search also on the terms and conditions of hire because some companies do not guarantee the exact model you will get when you arrive at the airport, if this is done well, your safari will be a perfect one.
In case you will use a second driver, it’s better to report this to the car hire agency to avoid being charged. Most of the car hire companies accept and insures only one driver, so for any damage caused on the car by another person you will be entitled to pay. So to avoid extra charges talk to your car hire agency in time.
After agreeing on the car to use, it’s better to consult from your car hire agency about the car fuel type and consumption; this will help you to know the type and the fuel consumption. Do not accept to get your carto be fueled full take before arrive at the airport or at any point where you will find the car. This service is always offered at the time of picking the car. Most car hire companies offers un limited mileage so you should be assured of it in the deal when booking, and you should also know that the mileage offered does not push up your bill too much.
Always before you start off your safari with a rental car, check properly the car and see if it doesn’t have any damage. Report any damage you come across to the car hire agency and he/she should note down any damage found before you leave and if you can take photos of the car just in case before you set off to your destination, this will help you to avoid extra costs.
Avoid speed penalties that will cause you to fall into traps of extra charges, ask for the traffic rules and regulations and also the speed limit as traffic rules differ from country to country. Always obey with the laws governing the road to avoid unnecessary fines while on the road.
Pay in advance in order to confirm your booking; many other companies can give out the car you confirmed to another client if you have not booked with a deposit or full amount. So you may end up into troubles on the last minutes, something that may end you into extra charges to get the same car on the last minute. So to avoid all these confirm your booing in advance with a deposit or if possible, pay full amount the car will be full booked for you.
These among others if followed well, they will help you avoid falling into unnecessary traps/costs. For more information about car hire fleets and terms and conditions of hire check on our website www.4x4ugandacarhire.com.
Read MoreCan 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.
Read MoreOne Way Car Rental in Uganda
Find out what you need to know about the fee rental companies charge if you want to pick up a rental car in one place and drop it off somewhere else. A few Uganda Car hire companies charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of taking the car back to its original location.
Want to rent a car in a location and return it to a different one? How about returning the car in another country? Here’s what you need to know.
Different pick-up and drop-off locations FAQ
Can you return a rental car in a different location?
Yes, you can return the car in a different location. Usually, this is called “one-way rental”. However, please note that, an extra fee may be applied to your reservation.
Does it cost more to return a rental car in a different location?
Usually, rental companies charge a return fee, but it depends on the pick-up and drop-off location, date of reservation, car category and more. A good way to know how much the return will cost is to search for the price of the rental returning the car in the same location and with different pick-up and drop-off locations.
Can you return a car in a different country?
This is most common in Uganda, where crossing borders is fairly easy. Usually, rental companies will let you cross borders with the rental car, but a cross-border fee may be also applied in addition to the one-way rental fee. For example COMESA is paid for two weeks.
As the rules vary a lot depending on the location and the rental company, we always suggest you check the specific policies of each city, country and company.
Can you rent a car without a one-way or return fee?
It’s not common, but it happens. For highly popular road trips, this may be the case. For example, a lot of people rent a car from Uganda and drop it off in Uganda no return fee. Depending on the Company’s policy.
What is a one-way fee in car rental?
A one-way fee is what you pay to pick up a hire car in one place and drop it off somewhere else. Car hire companies charge the fee to cover the cost of taking the car back to its original location.
One-way fees can be charged when you take a car between cities or towns, between airports and between countries.
When will you pay the fee?
You’ll be asked to pay the one-way fee when you pick up your rental car. Most car hire companies ask you to pay the one-way fee using the same credit card you use to leave your security deposit. Some will let you pay the fee with another card.
You’ll pay for the one-way fee at the rental desk, not when you pay for your car. So if you’re renting a car abroad, you might end up paying the one-way fee in a different currency.
How can you get a good deal?
To get the best price, book the trip you’re planning up front. So if you know you’re picking up and dropping off in different places, start your search with them. If you book your hire car using the same pick-up and drop-off location, but then decide to change it, you are likely to pay extra charges.
Look out for all-inclusive deals. Some rental companies may include the one-way fee in the price you pay online for your booking but most don’t include it online so it’s better to ask the car rental Company, so there will be nothing to pay when you pick up your car. You’ll find all the information in the Ts & Cs of the car you’ve chosen.
Changing your plans at the last minute
If you booked a straightforward trip (dropping your car off in the same place you picked it up) but then decide to drop off your car in a different location before your rental starts, you’re likely to pay a price increase for the rental itself.
This is because changes to your trip tend to be made using the latest price, and prices tending to rise the closer it gets to the pick-up day. So, the later the changes, the higher the price of the car. The one-way fee will be charged on top of the rental price, when you arrive to pick up the car.
If you decide to drop off your car in a different place once you’ve picked it up, you’ll be charged a penalty fee rather than just a one-way fee. Penalty fees are always higher, so they are worth avoiding wherever possible.
How to find the one-way fee
When you’re booking a one-way rental, you’ll see references to the fee in a few different places. The first mention of it (how much it is, whether it’s included or not) should be in the list of cars available for the places and dates you’ve chosen.
You’ll see more details about the one-way fee in the Ts & Cs of your deal.
When you pick up your car, you should see the fee mentioned in the paperwork you sign at the counter. You might see the fee referred to by its initials.
On your bank statement, you’ll see this fee as a charge from the car hire company. All the fees they’ve charged will be in one amount. You should see a breakdown of all charges in the paperwork you receive when you pick up and drop off your rental car.
If you’ve been charged a one-way fee but you haven’t done a one-way trip with your rental car, you can fight that charge.
Why are one way car rentals so expensive?
The main factor that causes one way fees too expensive is the distance between destinations. The further your pick up and drop off points are, the more expensive your rental will be. This is because you are essentially rearranging a company’s fleet and they have to determine how much it would be to return the car or rent it out from a different branch. One way prices are also often determined by supply and demand. If you are moving a vehicle from somewhere it is in high demand to a location where it is in low demand, you’ll likely pay a steeper fee.
When do I pay the fee?
One way fees are usually paid at the beginning of your car hire, when you leave your deposit at the rental desk, not online during booking. This means if you are renting a car abroad, the fee may have to be paid in a foreign currency. However, this may not always be the case, so keep a clear record of what you paid ahead a time.
Can I always drop off my rental car at a different location?
No, certain restrictions often apply to one way car hires. Suppliers may only allow you to drop off a rental at select locations due to insurance policies and border-crossing regulations. However, even big name suppliers with hundreds of locations may restrict one way rentals based on demand.
Conclusion
Renting a car to enjoy everything in a city and the road have to offer is always a great choice, but sometimes you’ll find yourself thinking returning the rental car in a different location or country, may be easier than driving back to where you picked it up. Now, can you even return it in a different location? Because of the above currently asked questions.
Read MoreTips & Tricks for Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains were gazetted as a national park in 1991, recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994 and a Ramsar site in 2008. These classifications testify to the mountains’ international scientific importance. The word ‘Rwenzori’ roughly translates as ‘Rainmaker’, which clearly illustrates the importance of the mountains to Central Africa.
Rwenzori Mountains, previously called the “Ruwenzori Range” is a mountain range of eastern equatorial Africa, located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These mountains support glaciers and are one source of the Nile River.
Rwenzori Mountains has the height of 5,109 meters (16,762 ft.). The highest Rwenzori peaks are permanently snow-capped. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Virunga National Park are located in the range.
Climbing Mount Rwenzori is one of the tough adventures anyone could undertake in Uganda. The Rwenzori being a mountain range, it means that reaching the top goes through many literal up and down trails. This isn’t the same case for regular mountains where the ascent to the summits means climbing only. What all this means is that Rwenzoris are harder to climb even though the highest peak ranks third in Africa.
Can beginners climb Rwenzori?
Yes! The best Rwenzori climbing experience as a beginner, you should be fully aware of the conditions, seasonal weather patterns, costs, and requirements to prepare yourself for this challenge.
Here are the tips you should know before climbing Rwenzori.
Skill level and age
If you are new to mountain climbing, there’s no need to worry. Although the climb to the mountain’s summit is a multi-day, high-altitude trek, you do not necessarily have to be trained in climbing to get to the top, especially with a tour guide helping you. At the right time of year, the terrain and trail conditions are smooth enough for most committed hikers to reach the peak. One of the few restrictions you’ll find for climbing Mount Rwenzori is age. Only those over the age of 10 can embark on this climb.
Go slow & drink lots of water
One of the most common phrases you will hear on the mountain is “go slow”. When climbing 10 – 20 thousand feet, it is important to pace yourself. The slower you go, the more oxygen you will get in your body and the better you will acclimatize.
Pack the right gear and bring a headlamp & extra batteries
Packing the Right Gear for Rwenzori is essential when climbing. When you are in camp you won’t have any electricity, so it is important to prepare for low light situations. Whether you are camping or staying in the huts, your eating area and bathroom will both be a short walk from where you are sleeping. When it is dark, this can be very difficult if you don’t have a headlamp or other way to light up the path in front of you.
Tipping is optional yet expected
Tipping is a good gesture, but not necessarily, a common practice. When hiking Rwenzori, tipping is a bit different. The crew that takes you up the mountain consists of a lead guide, assistant guide, chef, and a team of porters plays a huge role in the success of your summit, making sure that you take the proper precautions in what you eat, when you sleep, and how much you climb each day. Tipping guides and porters after the hike is important. You are directly helping their families and local communities with your tip.
Booking a Rwenzori guide
If you want to successfully climb the Rwenzoris on your first try, it is worth booking a local tour agency to help guide you along the way. Climbing to an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters is no picnic but can be accomplished by most hikers with the assistance of a guide that knows the terrain and local environment. Here is some knowledge you can expect your guides to be well equipped with.
Terrain
The terrain and trail conditions of multi-day treks vary especially on the Rwenzoris. That is why having a guide who knows how to approach each evolving landscape will assure you that you are prepared for anything.
Weather
As will be mentioned below, the weather on Rwenzori Mountains will vary. Having the insight and experience to approach the contrasting conditions on your way up to the summit will be vital.
Safety checks
You can count on professional guides to give you and each individual on your tour consistent safety checks throughout the expedition. This is to monitor health-risks such as altitude sickness, fatigue, and other mountaineering protocols.
Safety tips for climbing the Rwenzori Mountains
Even if you have all the gear and meet all the requirements for starting your climb up the Rwenzoris, you still need to know a few safety protocols to ensure you have a safe journey. This is why having an experienced tour guide by your side on your first climb is encouraged; they’ll have all the necessary equipment on hand such as emergency oxygen, should an emergency occur. They can also perform regular safety checks and make sure you’re doing well as you climb higher up the mountain.
However, personally looking after your safety is just as crucial; keeping yourself aware and alert throughout the trek will be just as essential to ensure the safety of you and everyone on your trip. Here are some vital safety tips to keep in mind on your journey:
Pace yourself
When you are hiking, especially on multi-day, high-altitude treks, you should remember that it is a marathon, not a race. Taking your time and not being in a rush can help you avoid fatigue. Remember, it is the journey, not the destination.
Take frequent breaks
It is much better to stop, take a breath, and relax throughout the day to keep you from burning out in the end. This becomes increasingly important as you get closer to the summit, where the air becomes thinner and the chances of altitude sickness increase with each step.
Acclimatize
If you can acclimatize to higher altitudes before beginning your trek, you will feel more fit and prepared for what’s ahead on your way up the top. An excellent way to do this is to arrive at your destination a couple of days earlier and condition yourself with some day hikes.
Water
There is probably nothing more important than staying hydrated on your Rwenzori climb. Frequently drink water throughout the day and while resting in the evening.
Following these safety tips can amount to having a safe and enjoyable experience on any hike, especially when dealing with long-distance treks that reach an altitude as high as Mount Ruwenzori’s.
How to prepare for Mountain Rwenzori Hiking tour
You cannot wake up one day and start hiking mountain Rwenzori. The adventurous venture needs mental and physical preparedness. Firstly, you have to book this tour through any of the companies offering mountaineering services to Rwenzori Mountain.
Rwenzori Mountaineering services are the renowned agent for hiking Rwenzori hiking safaris. More so, ensure to do physical exercises to ensure you are physically fit for this strenuous hike. Among the recommended physical exercises include jogging, walking, hiking and stretch ups among others. Your mind should be ready to conquer his high mountain. A traveler who begins a hike when not mentally ready stands high risks of failing to reach the summit.
Is it safe to climb the Rwenzori Mountains?
Hiking the Rwenzori ranges is absolutely safe. Its records of the past hikers reveals, it is safe since there are less cases of people dying or getting ill from climbing it.
The accommodation facilities like the huts and the rock shelters are well set up in that the adverse climate does not affect people while sleeping at night.
The guides are well trained and also have the basic skills and tool for the first aid treatment in case one gets a healthy problem. The guides also offer briefing to the trekkers on how to hiker the mountains with maximum safety.
The trek trails leading to the ranges are well established with minimum sloppiness and slipperiness.
What to pack for hiking Mount Rwenzori
Undertaking such an adventure is very brave and it is very crucial that you pack all the essential things you will need. Below is an extensive listing of all the things you should pack and why you should carry them for you Rwenzori climbing adventure.
Since hiking Rwenzori Mountain is an extensive activity with the energy being drained and spending several days on this hike, there are specific tools and items a hiker must have to enhance him/her to complete the task. Below are some of the things to pack for a Rwenzori hike:
Clothing: a hiker is required to carry both light and heavy layer clothes for hike due to changing climatic conditions, the lower part of the ranges are hot and the upper part is extremely cold since it is snowcapped. The temperatures can go as low as 0°C. It is advisable to carry water proof clothes like tracksuits, raincoats and the jackets. Gears like beanies, caps and headlamps should also be brought along.
Footwear: the shoes should be hiking boots with enough studs on them to give a hiker enough grip of the ground while trekking on the trails.
Food stuffs: Since it takes days to complete the Hike to the top of Mt Rwenzori and it is energy draining, you need to carry drinking water, energy drinks, canned and dry foods and also snacks like biscuits to eat in order to compensate for the burnt calories.
Backpack and Sleeping Bags: the hiker should have a perfectly sized backpack to carry his/her equipment and also convenient to carry. The sleeping bags must be at hand and this should be rain / water proof. A woolen blanket for covering yourself since it is cold at the Rwenzori ranges.
Other Accessories: there are some things that a person on an adventurous expedition must possess to make the adventure both convenient and interesting. Things like camera, insect repellents, sunglasses, a portable music player and torch among others.
Best Time to Hike the Rwenzori
The dry months of the year are the best time of hiking Rwenzori in Uganda. Therefore two peak seasons of trekking the magnificent ranges are naturally designed. These are the June-October months and from December-February, this is when the routes leading to the peak destinations are dry and passable and also when the sun is out perfect to visibly see the different wildlife species and also other physical features like the glaciers and cliffs.
It is also possible to trek the Rwenzori Mountains in the wet months of November, December, April and May unlike in the past when the hiking amenities on the ranges i.e. the accommodation Huts, the trekking paths and hiking equipment were less developed. Lately, the aforementioned have been improved and well skilled guides are in place for an ultimate hiking safari. However, sometimes the hikers find it a challenge to climb to the top of Mt Rwenzori in the wet season due to the steep, sloppy, slippery and muddy trails when it rains.
Conclusion, if you are interested in Rwenzori Trekking in Uganda, you will be happy to hear that the experience is open to just about everyone. You just have to be prepared and by following the tips offered above, you’ll be ready to cross climbing Mount Rwenzori off your bucket list in no time.
Read More5 Reasons to Book Private Car Transfer from Entebbe
Entebbe Airport is one of the biggest airports in eastern part of Africa. It is the main gateway to Uganda and it is the only international airport within the country. This implies that all international flight schedules from Uganda are made at Entebbe airport. Obviously, once you step in Uganda, all journeys in Uganda kickstarts from this airport.
From this point, one may choose to use public means of transportation from the airport to his or her destination that’s is by using Matatu cars and minibuses or hire a private car that will take you straight away to your destination. Currently there are several agencies offering car hire in Uganda and these have greatly helped in organizing private transfers. Here are some of reasons why should rent a car than using public mean when you are travelling from Entebbe airport.
Reliability and flexibility;
A private car is so reliable as it picks a client at any time of the day or night. A traveler cannot get worried of going to travel in late in the night as some flights reach Entebbe airport late in the night. They are so flexible to an extent that they do not operate a one route system anywhere one wants to be taken it is at one’s service.
So fast in service provision;
These cars are faster that public means in helping you reaching your preferred destination. Once you choose to hire a private car, just be guaranteed that there will be no stop over on the way. The private car will lead one directly to you desired destination.
Comfortability of private cars.
The feeling and comfort you enjoy in your own personal car is the same feeling you are subjected to once you opt for a private car. There is room for stretching your legs and also your luggage has space where it can be placed and no need to carry it while seated and the space inside them is enough for you without rubbing shoulder with any other passenger as you are the only passenger in the car.
Less costly in long run;
Remember, there is no need of adding extra costs since all costs are catered for and covered in the fee you pay as it may not be in case of a public mean of transportation. Remember, most of the public transport Service providers will charge you extra cost for your luggage but there is no extra charge for luggage once you use private means. It also becomes quite expensive when one uses the public means which involves boarding different carriers when one reaches a certain point and also the fares charged by these public means are not standard as they charge according to the prevailing transport situation along the road.
Security provision;
One is safer once when he travels privately than going public. Here, a traveler is more safe and secure with his or her luggage as these private cars are always attached to car rental companies that are registered legal for the job. There is always only one passenger travelling in the car so no one can take the passenger’s belongings.
6 Requirements to Hire Car in Uganda
Renting cars for self drive safari has become so popular in Uganda. many travelers wish to travel on their own to have freedom and independence while traveling without intrusion of a third party (driver guide). many people have become so interested in the self drive expeditions but do not know what is required to rent car in Uganda.
Here we bring to you the standard requirements of renting a car in Uganda;
Age of the client: The minimum age to rent a car in Uganda is 18 years; all the drivers to rent a car must be above that age and have valid driving permits which reflects that they are professional drivers. Please note that some car rental companies have a minimum age of 21 years in order to hire a car for self drive in Uganda.
The forms of payment that are accepted for renting a car; In Uganda electronic transfers and physical payment are acceptable. Most car rental companies prefer cash to use of electronic machines or transfers since most of the car rental deliveries are done out of the office and also some companies are still at the infant stage they cannot afford the electronic transfer system.
Returning of the rental cars; the airport locations will allow returns after hours and will have procedures in place for your early or late return. You should always check the rental location when picking up your rental vehicle for exact procedure. Many of the car rental companies located at the airport are open 24/7 for your convenience. The vehicles should also be returned to the same location where picked unless prior arrangements have been made with the original renting location. For the non airport locations, need that their vehicles be returned during normal business hours. Always check with your branch about the Sunday hours.
What’s the company Mileage /Kilometer policy? The mileage / kilometer limits are set to accommodate the needs of most renters. In order to determine your mileage/ kilometer limitations from a specific location, you will need to begin the reservation process, and then followed by providing details of your pick up location, dates of rental and size of the vehicle, names and email address in order to be provided by prices and mileage restrictions.
The rental car insurance and many other protection products; the car rental companies offer additional protection products that you buy along with your rental vehicle. Presently the customers are given Damage Waiver, personal accident Insurance, the personal effects coverage.
Find out if the deposit is required when renting a vehicle in Uganda; most companies need the deposit amount that varies with location. For the reservation, choose your rental location. Dates and times. You can also visit the website of the rental company and make a booking online.
Will you need additional car rental equipment; most of the car rental companies offer the following car rental equipment; like the GPS, child seats, ski racks and many more.
It should be noted that these are standard requirements of renting a car in Uganda since different rental companies may have additional requirements as per their policies. Renting a car in Uganda is also simple and the limitations are so minimum and therefore if you are interested in self drive safaris in Uganda just hit the internet and hire a car of your choice.
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Buying a House in Uganda: 7 Things To Consider
Your home should be a place of rest that shields you from the stress of the outside world. However, deciding whether to buy a home can itself be a stressful decision requiring you set aside every emotion and consider all the pros and cons of that decision. Here are seven thoughts to help take the stress out of the decision making process:
- Change your thinking: If you think that you would be automatically happier in your own house than in a rental, you may need to reconsider. Renting a property provides for a lot of flexibility that owning a house does not. Whether you are single in a bedsitter or a couple in a one bedroom the continued comfort of both yourself and others in your life should be your first concern.
— - Who calls the shots: As a tenant, you are always at the mercy of your landlord. You cannot wake him/her up in the middle of the night to come and fix a leaking tap. Does that bother you? If it does then it’s better to own your own place so that you do not have to wait a month with a leaking roof and cracked walls before it warrants your landlord’s attention. That said, if you own you’re responsible for every dripping tap which means getting out the tool box or paying for those repairs!
— - Having a place to call your own: Sitting on your front porch knowing that a place is actually is yours is a feeling you can’t beat! As long as you keep up with your mortgage payments, you will not have to worry about being thrown out on the curb or constant rent increases.
— - A home can be an investment: If you own your own place you start to build equity for yourself whereas each year that you live in rented apartment, you are growing the equity of the property owner. Equity is the difference between the market price of your house and the amount owed on the mortgage if you sold it. As you pay down your mortgage you gain equity.
— - Do you have the cash? Few people can afford to pay outright for a house with cash. This means getting a mortgage and even with a mortgage you will need some money for a deposit and the costs incurred during the transaction. If you’re going to buy you’ll need to plan ahead so that it will be a painless process and remember that it’s never too late to start saving!
— - View home ownership as a long-term relationship: If you’re going to buy make sure that you’re in love with your home – no matter what flaws you may discover soon after you move into it. Part of the monthly mortgage repayment goes to servicing your debt and paying interest on your loan. The debt does not decrease simply by the amount you pay each month. Selling your house shortly after buying it could prove costly so be prepared to stay put for a number of years.
— - Look before you leap! Buying a house is a big commitment you should consider carefully before you make the decision. It involves serious financial implications that could cause major stress if you misjudge your ability to meet your obligations. If you aren’t prepared to deal with the problems you just might need to hang onto your rented apartment a little while longer.
Whether you chose to rent or buy a home remember a home is what and where you make it.
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