Getting Around Uganda

A safari in Uganda is fantastic and offers plenty of adventure. Getting in and around Uganda is characterized by many experiences, as the whole process involves driving to new destinations that come along with cattle, cyclists, traffic congestion, and potholes. While on a road trip in Uganda, expect to bump into these at any point, especially in the remotest areas where most of the country’s tourist attractions are located, and even in major towns. To get out of this situation, you must plan adequately before your final journey to your destination of choice.

While most travelers in Uganda use roads, the condition of these routes varies with the season. During the dry spell, murram roads can be dusty, and everything along the roadside is covered in a fine layer of orange-brown dust. The wet season brings mud and requires a perfect 4-wheel-drive car to navigate the remotest roads. Most importantly, you inquire with the car rental company about current road conditions before embarking on your trip. And if you plan to spend your vacation in Africa, never travel at night, as this increases your risk of accidents. Make sure you are careful while driving in the protected area; otherwise, you pay $500 for hitting wild animals and $150 for off-track driving.

If you are planning to travel to Uganda, you will need to have a driving license and, most likely, an international driving permit, especially if you are interested in self-drive safaris.

There are various means of transportation in Uganda, and the common ones include;

You can use a taxi, which is a van and usually seats about 14 people. They can be easily obtained in Kampala and are pocket-friendly. In Kampala, they operate on various routes, meaning they can stop at any point while picking up and dropping off clients.

Each taxi comes with a driver and a conductor, and if you are not familiar with the destinations, feel free to ask either of them. But be careful, as most of them tend to take advantage of new faces in town and charge you more than the rest of the passengers.

To be on the safer side, you will need to have prior knowledge of routes and the charges. There are taxis in nearly every part of the country, not only in Uganda. However, note that not all taxis can deliver you to your exact destination, as they follow specific routes.

A trip on a boda boda motorcycle offers travelers an adventure, though it can be scary. Boda boda / Motorbikes are common in various parts of Kampala and can maneuver through traffic, but they are more expensive than taxis. For interested travelers, you can use a safe boda, which comes with helmets for the rider and the client, to reduce the risk of road accidents.

These are commonly called cabs in North America. They are costly to get around Uganda, but can be pocket-friendly when you share the bill. If you plan to use a special-hire taxi, you can bargain for the price, though you may not get the best price depending on how you negotiate.

There are also various buses in Kampala that operate on different routes in Uganda. In Kampala city centre, you will find the famous pioneer bus service, as well as others that go beyond the city to other parts of Uganda. They have a larger capacity and are sometimes cheaper than taxis.

This is another perfect means of transportation, and there are many car rental companies you can deal with to get the best, most comfortable car for your safaris, whether you plan to go on a self-drive adventure or a guided tour. Depending on your interests, you can rent a car in Uganda with or without a driver, with fuel included.

If you are interested in domestic flights to local destinations, airlines like Eagle Air and Aerolink Uganda can arrange flights to most of the remotest areas in Uganda with airfields. You may also use Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF), which arranges flights to Ssese Island.

For adventure seekers, there is also biking to help you get in and around Kampala. This is a bit scary, especially when you bump into traffic.

In conclusion, there are various ways to get into and around Uganda, whether you are interested in safaris to national parks, natural features, or just city tours. For wildlife safaris, you will need a safari vehicle with a pop-up to help you view wildlife while in your car. For a memorable holiday in Uganda, simply contact our reservations team, and we shall get you that perfect car hire that suits your travel interests.