Many people are surprised to learn that Uganda is safe, trouble-free, and exciting to explore by car. Yes, it’s all true! Uganda is celebrated for its gorgeous scenic routes that can be safely explored by car. Feast your eyes on Uganda’s stunning natural scenery as you explore African villages and picturesque settler towns, take time and discover Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas located south-western part of the country.
The good about self-drive holiday with your 4×4 rooftop tent car is that you can stay for as long or as short as you like in each place. Road conditions in Uganda are generally very good. Major car rental companies offer a full range of cars for you to choose from, as well as fully-equipped motor homes and tent-equipped 4WD drive vehicles. Car insurance, GPS navigation, and automatic transmission are standard and easy to get, putting your mind at ease while you travel.
- Driving yourself
Hiring a car in Uganda is definitely the best way to get around. Rent a car right upon arrival at the airport to make things easier for you. A road trip around this beautiful country is inexpensive and the best way to experience Uganda. Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park is regarded as one of the most remote and scenic road trips.
- Keep to a food budget
It can be expensive to eat out every day, and it definitely helps to have one meal in your hostel or vacation rental. You can have a good homemade breakfast each day before you head out. Visiting a grocery store is especially advised before doing a self-drive safari, the restaurants in the National Parks are overpriced, and you’re much better off packing picnic lunches. Then you take in the delights of ice cream, street food and Uganda wine along the way as a treat.
- Choose guided game drives
Of course, during your trip you will want to enjoy an African safari a bucket list item for many, for both the animals as well as the beautiful unique places of Uganda. However, if you book all-inclusive packages at the national parks, you will pay a premium rate that may not suit your budget. Plan your trip wisely and you will get the most out of your visit for as little the cost.
- Find budget accommodation
Decide which features you want in your accommodation before you book. Camp or stay in a hostel to save money on accommodations. Research for a free or inexpensive campground in the country you’re visiting and you will really get to experience the area’s natural beauty. There are variety of options ranging from simple camping, hostels and self-catering apartments to hotels and lodges. Hostels are the cheapest option, but there are also great deals on vacation apartments and hotels. If you’re planning to eat in some of your meals, make sure your hostel has a kitchen.
- Travel during the off season
You visit Uganda during the low season when prices of things are on discount. You can visit between May, April and November. Not only will flights, accommodations, and activities be cheaper, but you won’t have to book as far in advance. Plus, there won’t be as many tourists. The off season is wetter than the peak season, so to deal with temperature, you pack warm clothes. Traveling in this off season, you can save on travel expenses which makes it one of the most effective ways to stick to a budget.
- Take a volunteer program in exchange for cheap accommodations
Many African countries offer volunteer opportunities for months or weeks. You may require a small fee, which may cover lodging, meals, travel insurance and transportation. You’ll be expected to volunteer your time towards the program’s mission. There are volunteer opportunities for, teaching, sports coaching, AIDS prevention, wildlife refuges, shark conservation, and more.
- Make your own food or shop at local markets
Eating at restaurants can quickly break your budget. Take the time to buy ingredients from the marketplace and prepare meals yourself. In the interest of food safety, only buy produce that you can wash and peel yourself. Check to see if your accommodations offer meals that are cheap. You might be able to eat a filling breakfast and make do with snacks later in the day.
Some accommodations might also offer inexpensive dinners. The Centre for Disease Control recommends that you avoid drinking tap or well water while in Africa. Stick to bottled water or water that’s been disinfected.
- You can look for affordable safaris
You’ll be able to get deep savings if you’re not taking a safari that’s the most advertised or listed in guide books. Shop around and research self-guided safaris where you drive yourself or look into safaris offered by the national parks. While these may not be as luxurious, you’ll still be able to go on organized game drives for a fraction of the price.
