If you’re a first-time visitor to Uganda and planning to explore different parts of the country, renting a car for a self-drive safari is often one of the most convenient options. Many travelers choose the flexibility of self-driving, while others may prefer to hire a driver. This choice is driven by the service’s affordability, flexibility, and convenience.
However, if you decide to rent a car in Uganda, especially if it’s your first time in the country, it’s important to adjust your expectations. Be prepared for a different experience than what you might be used to in more developed countries, or even in other African nations like South Africa or Egypt.
Renting a car can be a fantastic way to explore the country at your own pace if you keep in mind that the car you hire may not be the sleek, shiny model you’re accustomed to. Generally, in Uganda Car rental services, the emphasis is more on functionality, reliability, and resilience than on the appearance of the vehicle.
While you might be driving an older car with simpler technology, it is still fully capable of handling the adventure ahead. Most car rental options in Uganda are older models and may show signs of wear and tear. However, embracing this experience can offer you a genuine adventure.
Here are some reasons why you’re more likely to drive an older car during your self-drive safari in Uganda.
A Practical Choice for Uganda’s Roads
In Uganda, it’s rare to drive a brand-new car, especially if you’re going on a safari. The vehicles available for rent are typically older models, such as Toyota Rav4s and Land Cruiser Prados.
One of the reasons for this is that these vehicles have proven to be well-suited to Uganda’s challenging roads. A significant portion of the country’s roads are still in poor condition, and with unpredictable weather patterns, newer models—which tend to be more electric and computerized—can be unreliable. Older cars, on the other hand, are often better equipped to handle the rough, uneven roads.
Easy Access to Spare Parts
Another reason older vehicles are more common in Uganda is the limited availability of spare parts for newer models. Maintaining a newer car can be expensive due to the high cost of parts and potential delays in sourcing them locally.
General Mechanical Knowledge Divide
Over the past few decades, car technology has advanced significantly in developed countries, which has created a divide in mechanical expertise. While mechanics in Europe may have the tools and knowledge to service the latest models, 95% of mechanics in Uganda are still skilled in working with older vehicles. Newer cars can be difficult to troubleshoot due to their complex electronics, which makes older models more popular with Ugandan mechanics.
In fact, mechanics with expertise in newer cars are mostly found in Kampala, and if you’re traveling in rural areas and encounter a breakdown, you may be stranded for hours or even days until help arrives.
Cost-Effective
Owning a car in Uganda can be costly and is often associated with wealth or luxury. Newer vehicles come with high import costs and maintenance fees, which are reflected in their rental prices. Older vehicles, on the other hand, are more affordable for rental agencies and still offer great functionality and reliability at a lower price point.
Built to Last: Reliable on Repairs
One of the best features of rental fleets in Uganda is their ability to keep going, no matter the challenges. Older vehicles, especially Land Cruisers, are known for their durability. They are built to endure rough conditions and can continue running even after experiencing minor issues.
Local mechanics across the country are highly skilled in keeping these older cars running for many years, ensuring that even small repairs can be quickly addressed. So, even if something goes wrong with your car, rest assured that it can likely be fixed without major complications, allowing you to continue your journey.