How To Plan Rwenzori Trekking Tour
Planning a trekking tour in the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your Rwenzori trekking tour:
Research Rwenzori Mountains:
Familiarize yourself with the Rwenzori Mountains, including their geography, climate, flora, and fauna. Learn about the different trekking routes, trail conditions, and attractions within Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Choose Trekking Route:
Decide on the trekking route that best suits your interests, fitness level, and available time. Popular routes include the Central Circuit, Kilembe Trail, and Bukurungu Trail. Consider factors such as duration, difficulty, and scenery when selecting your route.
Select Tour Operator:
Research tour operators that specialize in Rwenzori trekking tours. Look for operators with experience, positive reviews, and a commitment to safety and sustainability. Consider factors such as itinerary options, guide expertise, and included services.
Book Tour Package:
Contact your chosen tour operator and book your trekking tour package. Confirm the itinerary, dates, inclusions, and pricing. Be sure to inquire about any permits, fees, and equipment rental options that may be required for your trek.
Obtain Permits and Permissions:
Obtain the necessary permits and permissions for trekking in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. This may include park entry permits, camping fees, and porter/guide permits. Your tour operator can assist you in obtaining these permits.
Prepare Fitness and Gear:
Start preparing physically for the trek by engaging in regular exercise and hiking to build stamina and endurance. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing, footwear, and gear for the trek, including layers for changing weather conditions, sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, water bottles, and snacks.
Arrange Transportation:
Arrange transportation to the starting point of your trek, whether it’s Nyakalengija (for the Central Circuit) or Kilembe (for the Kilembe Trail). This may involve taking a bus, private taxi, or domestic flight to nearby towns such as Kasese or Fort Portal.
Acclimatization:
Plan for acclimatization days during your trek to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Follow the guidance of your guides and take it slow to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Follow Safety Guidelines:
Familiarize yourself with safety guidelines and best practices for trekking in the mountains. Stay hydrated, listen to your body, and follow the instructions of your guides at all times.
Enjoy the Experience:
Once you are on the trek, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, diverse flora, and unique wildlife of the Rwenzori Mountains. Take plenty of photos, connect with fellow trekkers, and savor every moment of your adventure.
By following these steps and planning ahead, you can ensure a memorable and rewarding trekking experience in the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda.
Read MoreConversation Uganda Style – How To Talk in Uganda
You might speak English but come from a far away from such as Ireland, the south of the USA, from Australia or New Zealand or you might speak English as a second language coming from Germany, Italy or India.
You assume that everyone who speaks English will understand you, not quite so.
There are nuances, different uses of words, there is the speed with which you might speak or that a Ugandan will use, all making a conversation even if your mother tongue is one form of English or another hard to understand.
There is also some social etiquette involved, we might be used to being direct and to the point whereas here conversation is relational and you being to the point will seem rude to a Ugandan.
Hopefully, this will help you on your visit for Business, Uganda Safari, or Short Term Volunteer work.
This page is to help you to have a good conversation Ugandan Style…enjoy.
•Begin any conversation with a greeting: Never ask for anything first such as directions first. If you cannot speak any Luganda or Swahili the simple “how are you” will be understood by almost anyone even if they do not understand English.
That phrase, a three-year-old will answer in Uganda with “fine.” Speak in a soft tone as is the practice here until people get to know you, then you will find the volume can go up quite a bit.
Even waiters and waitresses will respond positively if you greet them first before ordering a coke or something. Keep your questions simple, especially if you are out in the country and someone speaks a limited kind of English.
Ugandans will speak at least two, but many speak three languages and in some cases, the two Ugandan languages will not be related since a person may be from the North and not of Bantu origin, but Luganda Phrases helpful during your trip to Uganda speak Luganda because they reside in Kampala.
Yet they grew up with a form of Swahili and or Luo for example, most Westerners especially coming from the USA will only speak one language. If you are both standing, greet by offering your hand, a handshake does miracles here, usually, it is not too firm.
•If you know someone: Treat them with kindness such as you would your own family. Greet with a handshake inquiring as to how they are, how their family is, and so on. This is respect; in Buganda culture, direct eye contact is avoided out of respect, not a sign of rudeness or an attempt to hide something.
•Introducing someone: Not too long ago I heard a famous person in Uganda, a person who had written countless newspaper articles, had been interviewed by national and international press both printed and TV, simply by his last name. His title “Pastor” was never used, his first name not included, in Uganda, we would say “that’s bad manners.” When introducing someone says something complimentary, yet truthful, showing that you respect the person that is being introduced.
•When a child or woman kneels in front of you: That is a Buganda culture sign of respect. Whenever my house girl (Ugandan term for a domestic servant) comes back from shopping, she kneels as she gives me the balance (change).
When she arrives in the morning in the morning with her child, she will do the same and I will inquire how her night was? How her daughter is? Simply a sign of respect, young boys will do the same. In this culture, a man of my age is called a Mzee, an elder a person who has acquired wisdom along his journey in life.
I do not know about that but I need to respect the local culture and give time to the person who every day comes to my house to clean things up. When I give a treat to the little daughter who is three, she will also kneel and say thank you in Luganda. I can only accept it and be humbled by it since the culture where I come from is quite direct, to the point, and does not make the effort to be relational.
•Speaking down to a person: I have often seen Westerners speak down to people if they were a little child in a most patronizing way. At times the recipients have been University students. Africans are not stupid, but we leave a bad impression on them and disrespect them if we speak down to a person and the communication between us will be blocked.
•Do not make promises or hints of such: I have often seen and overheard Westerners make promises as to this or that. Never make promises that you do not intend to keep or cannot keep simply by trying to impress. Africans have been disappointed enough by idle promises coming from the lips of Westerners. (Privately they will tell you of their disappointment)
•When a Ugandan asks you for something: Asking in Ugandan culture is not wrong and neither is saying no. I live in a Ugandan neighborhood and am approached all day long with requests and most often in a smiling manner I will politely say no and not lose the friendship that is there.
•Remember the Keep it simple principle: If you see signs for guest houses, lodges, hotels, do not ask if there are any accommodations in this town? If the special hire is the term for taxi and taxi is a mini-bus and part of the mass transport system in Uganda, do not ask for a taxi when you want a special hire. If you ask if there is a vacancy you will get a stare, but if you ask for a room, most likely you will have one.
You will learn quickly. If you use tea for dinner in your use of English, it is not used here, use dinner, or simply you would like to eat your meal this evening. Begin simple and you can increase your level of sophistication and vocabulary depending on the response. I have a friend who lives in a village in a small house, wears sandals outside, looks anything like a person who is extremely good at the use of the English language. Looks deceive, he has traveled all over the world as a speaker at conferences and is a former professor at Makerere University.
•Listen carefully: And you will learn.
•Do not use slang: You will get a look like you just came from another planet
•If frustrated keep calm: Losing your cool is generally seen as bad manners and you are seen as a weak person.
•Toilet, washroom, bathroom: You will get a blank stare at times when asking for such, but mention short call, everyone here will know that you are not making a short phone call, but need to use the facilities.
•Yes and Yes: If a Ugandan does not understand you at times, they will still answer with “yes” so as to not be humiliated. Keep that in mind.
•Pronunciations: Don’t laugh at such things.
•You are fat: Here it is not an insult but an observation, and in some cases, a compliment, simply laugh. Enjoy Uganda and Ugandans, take it easy and you will have a great time.
Read MoreImportance of Customer Reviews to Uganda Travelers
When you wish to take on road trip or self drive tour in Uganda, you must ensure that you rent the best car to fulfill the needs because all you need on this trip is to have fun and a comfortable experience on the road. There are many car rental companies in Uganda offering such services but you have to take it slow to select a company for car rental services. First look at the reputation of the company and this can only be done by finding out what other customers say about the company you are trying to hire a car from. These customer reviews are found online on travel portals of the company and also from universal travel forums like lonely planet and trip advisor. A traveler can also ask from colleagues who have traveled to the place he/she intends to go to.
Customer reviews give you an insight of what the car rental companies can offer to its customers. The reviews are normally about their previous car rental experience and this enables the traveler to know whether the rental company is good at what they do or not.
- How to search for best car rental company in Uganda based on the online customer reviews
- Read carefully what the customers say about the services that are offered to them by the company
- Sieve the rental companies with some reasonably good customer reviews.
- Compare and contrast the tariff/price plans at which the companies offer their car rental services.
- In most cases, competent companies offer quality services at competitive rates.
- Besides the customer reviews there is also some important information you have to put into account when selecting the best car rental company.
- Look at how safety is observed by the car rental companies
- When one is taking a self drive in Uganda, there are always challenges that he/she might face that can lead to accidents and other demising situations.
- So you have to look through companies that give the best cover for their clients in case of any unforeseeable problem. A rental company that will always keep you safe on the road.
- How to select a self drive rental in Uganda?
First of all, know the number of people to travel with and the possible rental vehicle to hire. Car rental companies in Uganda have a wide range of cars for example compact car for few people, Multi purpose Vehicles(MPV) for a moderate number, vans for the family and coasters for the large number of people. So choose a car according to the number of people.
Look at the area you are traveling to and also the purpose of the travel. Different cars serve different purposes for instance 4×4 vehicles are highly commendable for wildlife safari, compact cars are meant for city tours and the vans are meant for family vacations.
Look at the rates at which the various vehicles are being offered and also the fuel consumption. Smaller vehicles normally come with smaller charges and have a low fuel consumption rate. So it is better to select a car that fits in your budget.
Online customer review normally portrays the nature and kind of services car rental companies offer to their customer. You have to consider them when look for car hire services.
Read MoreThe Truth and Reality About Car Hire in Uganda
The irony of online business is you really do not get to see and scrutinize what you are buying. This always leaves you in a state of oblivion as you do not really know whether what you bought is genuine or up to standard. As we all know most car hire companies in Uganda operate online and ecommerce is the new normal for every business, but there is always that question mark among travellers especially first timers. Does the car hire service I am choosing offer what it really says? In this article we are here to paint a picture of the general truth and reality of car hire in Uganda.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are the most popular vehicles hired out in Uganda. Most of the Uganda car hire providers possess a fleet full of 4×4 vehicles for instance Toyota Rav4, Land Cruiser, Super Custom, Hiace Safari Van and 4×4 Land Cruiser hard top. The 4×4 cars are very popular because most of the clients who hire cars in Uganda are safari travellers and the roads leading to most national parks and other touristic destinations are ragged and not well paved. With such roads, 4×4 cars are the most suitable due to their combativeness and robustness on the road hence the phrase “built for Africa”
Uganda being a less developed country, most of the vehicles hired out to clients are second hand cars, with a few exceptions for the first hand vehicles. Most of them are made from Toyota Japan. What is mostly regarded as a new car in Uganda are fresh second hand cars from Japan. Also the car models in the fleet are mostly old. Though they are old model cars, they are the best cars to travel or drive around Uganda. Old model cars were made for rough and ragged roads and it is what the biggest part of the road network in Uganda holds. The old models are also of low cost maintenance. Note that most of the car rental operators labour to maintain their car well mechanically.
The car hire companies in Uganda operate on a small scale. Their fleet of cars rages from 5-30 vehicles on average. The owners of these businesses are mainly local and most of these companies are at their infant stages. This is why the car hire business offers semi standard and professional services. These car hire companies mostly operate online since most of their clients are tourists coming from outside Uganda though they have ground offices.
Comprehensive insurance is provided on the rental car. This insurance comprises of third party and collision damage waiver. However, the insurance policy is offered by the insurance company not the car rental provider. It is the insurance company within its policy to decide what to partake or act in case there is an accident of rental car.
While hiring a car in Uganda, a client goes through less paperwork. All the traveller has to present is a copy of his driver’s license, national id or passport and then sign on the car rental agreement drafted by the provider and then you are good to go. Some car rental operators require for the itinerary of the client to clearly state where they would be visiting while with the car for proper follow up.
Car Hire in Uganda is only operational within Uganda and other East African countries. Most of the car hire businesses only offer their services in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. Beyond the aforementioned borders, they are non-operational. It should be noted that there are some formalities one has to go through to do cross border car rental. A permission letter from the car provider to cross the car over to any other East African country, COMESA fees also have to be paid at the border point. The hirer of the car should let the provider know of the intended countries to visit and they advise accordingly of the different documentation required.
Complementary services are offered to the clients. There are some extra travel services offered to the clients since most of the travellers hiring out cars from the providers are safari itinerants. For instance, booking of accommodation, national park entrances and activities on behalf of the traveller. Camping gears, baby seat and GPS are offered to the travellers at an extra fee.
There is a minimum age required for hiring a car in Uganda. Most car hire companies provide their services to persons above 21years, this is also a case for the insurance companies most times. To assert the policy, they always ask for your national ID and driver’s license to know your age before setting off for your journey. If the traveller is below 21 years, he is advised to hire a driver or a colleague who is above the age mark to drive.
Read MoreSeven Top Tips to Save on Online Car Rental Booking in Uganda
Every country has different regulations governing car rentals and the cost of renting a car vary from one country to another. Uganda is a hub of so many Car rental agencies on internet offering excellent E-Services at different prices depending on the type of car, model, Purpose, destination and duration of your trip.
Before renting a car there different things you have to look through that can help you minimize the costs of renting a car. Below are verified tips to economically book a self-drive vehicle in Uganda.
Look for comparison before you reserve
There many rental agencies online waiting for your inquirer, you can inquire from a number of them to get the best fair hire company after comparing their rates according to your provision need. Ensure you look at the collision damage waiver, unlimited mileage, road assistance and approve that they are all included in their car hire package.
Search for rental discounts
There are discount that will attract your negotiation power, but this may come if you are to spend some reasonable days with the vehicle. So it’s better to know if there is any car rental company that can offer on discount. There also always promotions put up on the internet for car rentals in terms of discount codes and coupon, look for them, it might be your lucky day and rent a car in Uganda at a reduced price.
Book in advance
Booking a vehicle earlier creates time to negotiate with different car hire companies to get a better car at reduced price because you have time to look for a discount from different car rental agencies.
Most car hire companies use an advantage of desperate rental car pursuers who may be inexperienced about car rental services. This may happen when you badly looking for a car at that time, so the car provider takes the opportunity to charge you highly because of you urgency to have the vehicle. To avoid desperate moments create time to book a vehicle you need before your time of use. Booking in advance also creates space to know and including all the specifics and extras you may need on your trip.
Get cleared of hidden fees!
Booking online brings forward details of car hire services and the costs. Through the interactions online with a car hire company you know the inclusive in the car rental package. This helps you to now the reals packages of services to receive from car rental agency than approaching them at their working premises to hire a vehicle which may cause provision of inappropriate rental services resulting into regrets.
Convenient and Time saving
Online car rental booking is very time saving and convenient, while booking you visit a number of rental companies to inquire about their ratings. In some cases the clients tends go with companies that in reliable in responding, this approves from the quick responses from the car hire company that they can provide immediate road assistance while using their services. Booking online can be done anytime anywhere on your computer or your phone at your home, on your journey or in your office.
Insurance coverage.
Think about car rental insurance like car comprehensive insurance, life insurance are they covered and collision damage waivers, buying rental full protection insurance before your trip can a save your dollars, it’s worth doing. Care rental agencies in Uganda all have car comprehensive cover but don’t offer trip coverage or life insurance its all about the client to buy their insurance covers.
Validity
Online booking earns first hand information on how to get travel document while in the country. For foreign drivers who would hope for a self drive in Uganda should possess a valid international driving permit that should be at hand whenever you are driving to avoid traffic police interventions .
Booking online comes with benefits as listed above and it’s a global trend booking in advance. It provide platform to interact with service providers and make full list of all you may need on your car rental package.
Read More6 Tips For Self Driving In Uganda’s National Parks
Undertaking self drive adventures to Uganda’s magnificent national parks requires that you hire that perfect car rental which suits your travel needs. Given an ever increasing number of new car hire companies, visitors are presented with variety of car rentals for them to make the best choice for their safari. Our Car Rental Company is one of the best and a reliable company that offers a range of cars for hire right from 4wheel drive Rav4, Toyota Land Cruisers, Safari and extended Land Cruisers, minivans, coasters and many more. Choosing one of these cars will offer you that total comfort that you deserve while on safari in Uganda. To have the most successful self drive adventures in Uganda’s national park, the following should be taken note of;
- Do not over speed; you are encouraged to maintain a slow speed at all times while driving in the national park. By doing this, you won’t only save the lives of the wildlife but it also allows you to catch a glimpse at most of the wildlife species that are of your interest compared if you rushed something that would make you miss to spot them. At least maintain a speed of 40 kilometers per hour to allow you to catch a glimpse at most of the wildlife species.
- Maintain a distance from wildlife species; always be mindful of wildlife species while driving in the park as they can easily cross the road. As you watching these spectacular creatures a distance of 100 meters should be kept off from the animals.
- Remain in car; note that you will be at wilderness and anything can happen so make sure that you stay safe and do not get out while watching these wildlife species. Your safety at the park is very vital. Make sure that you hire a car in Uganda with a pop up roof that allows you to view the animals while inside the car.
- Never hoot at the park; this is not accepted in the national park. This behavior disorganizes wildlife mating and makes them to migrate to other areas which may not allow you to have clear views of what you want.
- Turn off the car engine; always turn off the engine of your car while watching the wild animals. Noise tends to irritate wildlife species and this limits opportunities of you to catch a glimpse at most of the species within a close range.
- Follow the rest and ask; most of car hire agencies in Uganda offer cars on self drive basis but you should be cautios about the rest of the drivers within the park. Be aware of all the rules of driving at the park. There is however an alternative for you to spot out wildlife in the park. Make sure that you follow safari cars where they will be heading and you too should take that direction. The advantage with driving in the park is that, other drivers can also guide you and you will equally have the unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, self drive adventures to Uganda’s national parks requires you to be careful and at end of the day, you will have safe guarded the lives of the wildlife species. To have the most successful self drive adventures, follow the above tips and you won’t regret in life.
Read MoreUganda car hire requirements
What is the process of obtaining a car for renting in Uganda?
Before knowing the process of renting a car, you should know that the business of car renting involves a client who may be a tourist who may be in the country for safaris, tours or to attend business meeting of conferences. Before obtaining this car, you should know that this car belongs to the company and will never be your property. Because of this therefore, you be presentable to be given this car. This will include; having the best qualifications which permit the company to offer you the car. Some these qualifications are put to limit problems which may occur as a result of careless and reckless driving. Renting a car in company will involve having an approved process to go through in everything and involves acquiring the car for a short time.
What are the most common qualifications needed to obtain a car for renting in Uganda?
The qualifications you need to obtain a car in Uganda include; A Minimum Age of 18years, a valid international driving licence. You should put in mind that different car rental companies in Uganda do possess different criteria for you to be rented a car though those are the most common qualifications of you need to use when renting a car from any genuine company in the Uganda.
Why you need a good driving record to obtain a car from a genuine company in Uganda.
Before obtaining a car from any genuine company in Uganda, your driving history matters a lot. Your history involves the record you have taken driving a rented cars in the country. There will be some screening by most companies offering cars for renting as an approval process to be given a car for self drive. With the current advancement in technology, which is not only in developed countries but also in Uganda, the screening exercise has been made very easier. What is usually done is to put the particulars, of course this will be by putting driving license and the record is displayed automatically. All the information on your driving permit will be displayed and once the company which is going to rent a car, then finds out that you have been charged with under the influence of Alcohol and drugs or being it over speeding fines or be it you have ever been engaged in any driving irregulaties which made you an offender when the instance happened which made you an offender, then you will be denied to be rented the car by that company.
What is the minimum age for you to be rented a car?
The most important thing you should consider when you are going to rent a car in the country from any genuine company is that you must be in position to meet that company’s requirements. Of course that is the minimum age. The standard age for obtaining a car is from any car rental company in Uganda is 21 years. It will be easy to establish your age since you will have to avail a valid driving permit to the company which will rent you the car.
Why do you need a credit and Debit card?
When renting a car in Uganda, you will be asked by the company which is going to rent you the car to avail your credit card or debit card. This is because the car rental company will have hold a certain amount fee from your card as part of security deposit.
Read More5 Things to Look For in Car Hire in Uganda
Whenever renting a car in Uganda, You Ought to make sure that you are certain of the car and the company you finally decide leading you to a various destinations safely. It is very complex to know which company is going to provide you with the best services of car hire Uganda as being many car rental companies while there are a few legit and professional. To help you out, we have made a compilation of guidelines or Tips that can make you come close to getting the best car hire services in Uganda.
Safe Vehicles: Most important is the car rented, the kind that stipulates safety and road worthy, a car that should be mechanically approved for road safety. To say, the vehicle must be in very good physical and mechanical conditions. First of all inspect the car before traversing to your journey through checking for damages, dents, scratches and also find out if all the systems in the car are perfectly working and so are the lighting systems, transmission system and so should be the battery and the general engine. A car in a good condition leads the traveler to his destination without any havoc of breakdown. A clean and steady car gives a traveler comfort on the journey.
Value For Money: Is the car in question meant for a self drive safari worthy the monies paid for? This is an important aspect in car renting as the traveler has to make sure that the car hired to him/her has all the necessary services that can lead him/her safe and conveniently on the roads. For instance the car must have enough luggage space with room for passengers, air condition, food and drinks handles, and any extras inclusive of the quoted price like a GPS and extra baby seat if required, music system and should be genuinely clean with a pleasant smell so that the travelers enjoys their inspirational once in a lifetime journey.
Qualified Drivers: Are you opting for a guided trip and still renting a car in Uganda tomantain your pace? Are you Choosing car hire services and you are going to use chauffeur car rental services? Consider making sure that the driver is well trained and experienced, a guide driver that is insightful. If you can always ask for the name of the driver intended or recommended for you, make use of the google search to find if any recommendations or more about the driver guide in question. There is always information on the internet regarding particular individuals. This is done through checking his driving license and also know the period of time he has driven the car by looking to the date of issue of the driving license. A well trained and experienced driver is more likely to lead a client safe on the road as he knows the style of driving on Ugandan roads and also knows all the easy routes leading to the client’s destination without any difficulties..
Reputable Company: Very important as it sounds.“Reputable”. It is commendable for a traveler to hire a car from a company that has a good reputation in the travel world. The reputation of the company can be found by looking at the testimonials of the people who have ever used the car hire services before and also reviews from famous travel sites like TripAdvisor and lonely planet. A reputable company is likely to give a customer very good car hire services for the cause of keeping its name high and also these companies have experience of service deliverance and customer care.
Easy Booking System: A great company to handle a self drive safari for its clients will always have options of booking and so are the payment options. Independent clients on self drive should look for car hire services that have very many options of booking the rental car that should be through email, telephone or physical booking that is by going to the reservation offices. With very many options of booking, the client has a choice of which booking method is more convenient to him/her.
Read MoreDiscounted gorilla permits in Uganda.
During the low season, Uganda gives a discount on Mountain Gorilla trekking permits. This is during the period of April, May and November. These permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Tourists intending to trek during these months are most likely to pay at a discount. The off season prices for discounted gorilla permits in 2017 will be at USD 450 per person for foreign none residents and USD 400.00 for the East African residents who hold working permits for the countries of Uganda, Republic of Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi.
The Association of Uganda Tour Operators in conjunction with the Uganda Wildlife Authority the issuing body of Gorilla permits will always continue to offer discounted Gorilla permits in Uganda and are sometimes referred to as low season Gorilla permits. Contact any genuine and registered tour company for these discounted Gorilla permits for trekking in April, May and November 2017. This will allow you to save USD 150 per permit as they are sold at USD 450 compared to USD 600 during the rest of the months. If you are an African resident, you will save up to USD 200,00 since the issuing board, the Uganda Wildlife Authority charges them USD 400,000 and it has been so much welcomed as the country looks to improve her tourists inflows.
According to Lonely planet, Uganda was voted the best tourist destination and ever since, the country has recorded the highest tourism growth in the whole of Africa in 2012. The field of Tourism has been sighted by the president of Uganda as sector to bring development. Following these discounts, during the low season the country does not only increase on tourist’s inflow but rather create awareness, for the betterment of the tourism sector. These discounts should be copied by Rwanda as it has persistently refused to reduce on the gorilla permits. Her gorilla permits were increased from USD 500 to USD 750. Basing on the fact that Uganda has got a lot of attractions including beautiful parks, the source of the Nile, Rwenzori and Elgon mountains and Lake Victoria among others which has been coupled with relative stability, Infrastructural development, this has made Uganda to go positive in her tourism development.
Why it is wise to Trek Gorillas in April, May and November
It is wise to trek Gorillas in these months because during this time, it is time for discounted Gorilla permits and it is always announced every year for the months of November April and May to enable tourists travel during low season. If you wish to trek, you are encouraged to take advantage of these months since even the accommodation rates also tend to go low, making the price of gorilla safaris to low. It should be noted that to issue discounted Gorilla permits it is not as a result of raining highly which makes the activity a bit tough because for the case of Bwindi, it receives a lot of rain since it is a tropical forest and means that Bwindi receives rain throughout the year.
How one can get a discounted gorilla permit.
You should get a discounted gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. In case you are not able to purchase directly, you can use a genuine tours and travel company which is registered. This however can only be done when these Gorilla permits are announced and will be purchased for you when you organize a gorilla tour that fits you. You will be required to give details to the travel company arranging your trip information pertaining exact date when you intend to trek. The availability of gorilla permits at Uganda Wildlife Authority which is the body which mandates to sell gorilla permits on behalf of Uganda Government and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. If there is availability, you will need to send your names as they appear on your passport and your nationality which will be then forwarded to Uganda Wildlife Authority which will issue you gorilla permit.
How to pay for discounted Gorilla Permits.
After you have decided on the dates, an invoice will be sent which will include a bank account to enable you effect your payments. A full payment will be required for a Gorilla permit. For your safari, you need to deposit at least 30 percent and then the rest in the next 6 weeks. This 20 percent will enable most of the work to be done mostly ground work to make your safari/tour/safari a success. It will be used to deposit on accommodation, telephone calls, Uganda wildlife Authority and transportation.
How to know that my permit has been purchase.
For most tour companies money will reflect on the account. A staff will then be sent to Uganda Wildlife Authority to check for your preferred dates with your passport details and as soon as your permit issued, you will scan and send you a copy.
Read MoreWhy to book a Uganda self drive safari with Us?
Driving your self has never been so superb like one when you utilize the right car hire company. Some individuals end up losing their cash during the time spent selecting which organization they ought to use for their safaris. It’s generally vital for somebody to make a careful overview of a particular organization he/she has gone with before making any exchange with them. It ought to be noticed that there are some unlawful organizations in Uganda which are set up by cheats who need to exploit outsiders and burglarize off their cash in misrepresentation of arranging for them Uganda Safari Tours. Indeed, even some car rental organizations are not enrolled and before one makes any arrangement with any of them, he/she ought to first guarantee that it’s a settled and enlisted organization. Here at Uganda Self Drive, we generally encourage our customers to trust us in the wake of inquisitive about us from other individuals furthermore testing our credibility by performing surveys on the diverse tourism portals. It’s generally something worth being thankful for to put the trust in our customers before making any exchange with us and we generally instruct them to first read about us furthermore converse with us in person.
Our administrations are the best in Uganda and our cars are dependably in the best conditions for use and a visitor ought not to have any stress over safety. We provide our clients with exceptional services and make a comprehensive review of all the services we offer. However, there are some reasons why one ought to utilize our organization and underneath are some of them;-
We offer the best prices to our clients and our costs are pocket-accommodating to everybody. In the event that you are to contrast our costs and those of different organizations, our own are better since they attempt to suit everybody regardless of their monetary status. We generally put our customers as a top priority while thinking of an evaluating system so they get the best esteem for their cash.
Unwavering quality;- Our organization is the most dependable organization in this field of tourism and car hire and along these lines one ought to go with us realizing that he/she is moving with the best in Uganda. We have managed numerous individuals from various nations and every one of them has given an excellent feedback about our services.
We guarantee wellbeing for our customers. As said above, security is key while selecting which organization to go with. Here in our organization, we generally ensure that safety comes first before anything else. We generally service our vehicles and sell off the old ones with the goal that we don’t put the lives of our clients in threat. Nobody would need to go with an organization which does not deal with its customers’ wellbeing. Thusly, book with us and we should give you the best services you require.
We have been doing business for quite a long while and we are experienced. Our organization was setup in 2008 and from that point forward we have been working effectively in Uganda. Hence we have the most extreme exposure and experience with regards to car hire service delivery. Arrange your Uganda safari with us or rent a car from us and we will be prepared to give you the best you deserve.
Read MoreSafety & Security
Just like any other African state, Uganda is no exception as far as crime rate is concerned. However much there are a few crimes that take place in Uganda, the country is generally safe to visit.
There is a huge disparity between the haves and have-nots in Uganda. The former regime government’s exploitative economic policies led to widespread poverty, which bred crime, and the cohabitation of the rich and destitute has led to an informal redistribution of wealth through robbery. While no plan is foolproof, there are common-sense tactics to reduce your likelihood of being targeted.
Valuables
Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, keep your camera packed away until you want to use it, and opt for a place to stay with 24-hour security guards. ATMs in Uganda are a hot spot for robberies, so when you need to withdraw money, look for an ATM in a busy city center or mall. If possible, withdraw money during the day. Never accept help from anyone when withdrawing and immediately put the money in your wallet.
Road Safety
While other African countries are famous for carjacking, the incidence of this kind of crime is totally not heard of in Uganda. Most tourists to the bustling city will find the traffic very manageable and the roads very normal and easy to drive at thus end up considering rent a car.
Outside of Kampala, the biggest threat on the road is reckless, aggressive drivers. If you rent a car, know the rules of the road. Uganda drives on the left side and measure speed in kilometers per hour. Be wary of minibus taxis that are often driven by unlicensed drivers. Their rates are fixed, so drivers try to maximize profits by getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Many do not heed speed limits or traffic signs.
Safety of Women
Uganda is not very prone to rape and women assault and so neither are tourist targeted and the vast majority of violence towards women occurs in the townships. Still, women visitors to Uganda shouldn’t worry at all Ugandans are totally hospitable and civilized. Ugandans living outside the cities tend to be conservative, both in mindset and dress. Outside of urban areas, women should cover up to avoid unwanted stares. Many Ugandan women travel alone on minibuses, trains and in their own vehicles, but visitors–both men and women–are wise to travel in groups.
Diseases
While mosquitoes will bite during the sticky summer months, most of Uganda is malaria-free. If you are planning a trip to Murchison falls National Park or other wild areas in the northern part of the country, malaria pills are a good idea. If you decide against the pills, bring repellent and cover your ankles and wrists. The only other health risk is HIV, with more than a quarter of Uganda infected. If you plan to engage in sexual activity, bring protection.
Medical Treatment
Private hospitals in the urban centers of Uganda offer first-world medical care. If you are visiting remote areas, it’s wise to purchase travel insurance, which generally covers the cost of a helicopter ride if you need to be flown to a city for treatment. Adrenaline junkies beware: Many travel insurance plans do not cover adventure sports like mountain biking, water rafting, bungee jumping or even hiking. If you forego travel insurance, check with your home insurance provider to see if any hospital in Uganda is covered. Keep their names and phone numbers with you when you travel so you can direct ambulances.
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