Self Drive Trips in Uganda- Self Drive East Africa.
Tight right, loose left – driving in East Africa is a breeze, says Rachael, Reservations Manager of Self Drive Uganda Limited. She covers everything you need to know about self driving in East Africa!
Driving in Uganda just like any other country has got rules you must follow most especially nonresidents if you could rent a self-drive car to explore Uganda, driving is one of the best ways of seeing the country and its spectacular scenery and explore at your own pace with comfortability stopping to take pictures whenever the urge kicks in. For you to enjoy your self-driving around the country from tip to toe you must know that Uganda is divided in to five parts, Northern, southern, eastern, western and central Uganda have the following.
- To drive in Uganda, you must hold a valid driving license.
We highly recommend an international driver license for the visitor to avoid inconvenience because if your license is not printed in English it will need to be accompanied by an approved English translation or an international permit. Please do not forget this if you to rent a car in Uganda (major requirement) and all rental companies will ask you for it and if you are to spend in Uganda a year you are required to apply for a Ugandan driving license but for the visiting drivers, its okey to use your own licenses.
- In Uganda we drive on the left-hand side of the road, so try as much as you can to keep on the right.
If you are used to driving on right, well its different in Uganda because you are required by law to drive on the left hand of the road then change can be confusing especially while pulling out at intersections. A handy tip to help you always remember the road center should always at the left shoulder.
- You must keep in mind wearing your seat belt as its very important while driving in Uganda.
It is illegal not to wear a seat belt and this is strongly emphasized for your safety and not doing this can result in to a hefty fine. Please take note as you book for a car to rent while in Uganda because it is that important.
- Talking on a mobile phone is illegal and not allowed while driving on the road.
If you are one of the people who find themselves talking on phone calls while driving, it might not be very good if you are found doing it in Uganda. You may only use your phone to place a phone call if its completely hands free or let’s say mounted to your vehicle securely, reading, writing or sending text messages while your driving is very illegal for you could cripple a pedestrian on a slight mistake.
- Don’t you drink and drive, this is one of the common causes of the frequent road accident and very illegal in Uganda.
Heavy penalties apply for driving under the influence of alcohol in Uganda random breath taking is carried out and frequently.
The most important thing is before taking the wheel you must familiarize your self to Uganda s roads rules and for those with driving distances and time, the distance quoted in those itineraries are approximate and based on the most direct route, the driving times quoted are based on an average of 80km per hour please note the times are a guide and you may take a little longer to travel the distances . Always drive at the left-hand side at all times on multiple high ways. Follow road signs avoid over taking other vehicles and speed limits.
