By East African standards, Uganda
major roads are generally in good condition. Surfaced roads radiate out from
Kampala, running east to Jinja, Busia, Mbarara Tororo, Mbale and Soroti, south
to Entebbe, southwest to Masaka, northwest to Gayaza and Kayunga (and on
Jinja). As a rule, however, Uganda, unsurfaced roads tend to be very variable
from one season to the next, with conditions likely to be most tricky during
the rains and least so towards the end of the dry season. Even in this
generalization, an isolated downpour can do major damage to a road that was in
perfectly good condition a day earlier, while the arrival of a grader can
transform a potholed 4x4 track into a road navigable by any salon car.
Driving in Uganda is interesting, a
bit more challenging than other East Africa and Southern Africa countries. You
definitely need to be a defensive driver. During yourself drive, just drive
defensively when busses and minibus-taxis are around as their drivers are
crazy. These are now the main hazard on Ugandan roads aside from unexpected
potholes. Minibus-taxi drivers in particular have long been given to overtaking
on blind corners, and speed limits are universally ignored except when enforced
by road conditions.
As a big threat as minibus-taxis
these days are the spanking new coaches that bully their way along trunk routes
at up to 120km/h. You will be overtaken by big buses carrying over 70
passengers travelling at excessive speeds, oncoming traffic appears to be
heading straight at you. People pass in curves, on a hillside and each day one
reads of accidents that result in loss of lives and sometimes in great numbers.
Keep an eye in the rear-view (driving) mirror and if necessary pull of the road
in advance to let the closing loony past. Other than them you won't see much
traffic outside of Kampala, except on the road to Jinja and the Kenyan border.
The best thing however is to hire a
car and a driver, and not just any but a well maintained vehicle and a safe
driver that follows the rules. Not easy
to find either one of those. We hire only the best driver guides who have been
to almost every corner of east Africa and know the twists and turns of every
safari destination, - and feel a concern for the wellbeing of our client.
Driving at night can drive you mad and you should avoid the habit of driving
without lights. Most Ugandans have this habit of driving without lights. To be more perfect, hire a vehicle and a
driver and enjoy your trip to Uganda and east Africa as a whole. You will meet
lots of very friendly and helpful people. If you are unfortunate enough to have
a puncture remember to get out of the way of the rush of local people wanting
to help change the wheel for you. Drivers in Uganda are very aggressive and
keep you on the edge of your seat. Though I've mainly been around Kampala, so
of course driving in the city is much more intense than in the rural areas. If
you do plan to drive definitely have someone go with you for the first few
drives, as driving on the left side, and amidst tons of minibus taxi's and
motor scooters is crazy. Overall the people are welcoming and helpful if you do
happen to need help.
If you hire a decent car you probably
won't have any breakdown problems, fuel is available all around the country and
there might be an occasional roadblock at Owen Falls Dam, Jinja, and a customs
one on the way to the southwest. No one will try and solicit a bribe from you,
unlike some other countries. Fuel is expensive in Uganda – the equivalent of
around US$1.4 per litre for petro and slightly less for diesel. If you are
arriving overland its worth stocking up before you enter the country.
Contact us for the kind of car of
your choice either on line or by directly visiting our offices. All our rates
are fully inclusive of insurance, local taxes on unlimited mileage basis. Our
company considers value for money and also covers great rates and outstanding
customer service.
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