Before you set off for an actual vacation in Uganda or any destination, first, you must have sorted out how you plan to move to and from your tourist sites or business meeting area from your hotel or lodge facility. There are many options to take but the most favorable and safest is hiring a car. Interestingly, hundreds of registered companies are available within the reach of the city centre and airport.
Most of the car hire service providers offer a range of rental car options suitable for all kinds of visitors; budget, midrange, and luxury. As you search for your ride, first, you should know how early you should have it booked. The advantage of booking of rental cars in advance is that you have your rental car secured and ready for your road, unlike last-minute things where you are left in uncertainty.
How far ahead should you book your rental car?
Regardless of your destination or visitor category, knowing how early to book your rental car saves you a lot. Preferably, we recommend all our guests on Uganda safaris or Rwanda safaris to have their rental cars booked at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
Booking your safari vehicle early allows you to enjoy some of the benefits that usually come with our rental car including discount offers. It also gives you room to bargain for better rates and other services.
Important tips for rental bargain
- Book your rental vehicle before the busy or peak season which should be from 3-6 months earlier.
- Read through the company’s cancellation policy or terms and conditions. This can enable you to cancel the booking of the car and switch to the next free and better option.
- If on a budget, consider visiting Uganda or your preferred destination around the low or off-season. This is the period when most companies have their vehicles packed and you have variety to choose and even bargain for better offers.
How to find a better deal
- Deal with a reputable company –there are several car rental companies to work with when it comes to the best car deals, you must opt for the best. Choose the most reputable company or agency with the record, tested for its services.
- Choose from the variety. The reason you should consider booking a rental car with us is that you won’t miss to find your dream ride for a Uganda road trip. Every guest has an option and our fleets include among others Toyota Rav4, Land Cruisers, Drones, Safari vans, and for large groups, we have the best coaster buses.
- Book early –before taking a flight, make sure that the rental car is booked. Like already mentioned do not wait till last minute and ensure that you have your ride secured at least 3 to 6 months.
- Explore options; while it is true that companies may have several car hire options, they become scarce when it is the peak or high season. This may lead you to weigh between car sharing or renting. For guests who are interested in specific kinds of cars, there is need to ensure that they are booked early.
- Research in advance. Finding the best car deal isn’t a simple task. It involves a lot including researching on the different car companies with better rates and offers for you.
- Avoid accidental fees; try as much as you can to avoid unwanted charges. Before you commit yourself to book a car with any company, consider reading all the company’s policies. By going through the terms and conditions, you get to know the insurance policy, how much it can cost you to hire a second driver or if you can get one at a free cost, the charges for younger drivers, and if you can pay using a credit card.
When is the peak season in Uganda?
Every single year, Uganda records 2 phases of peak season; starting from June, July, August to September & December, January to February. High numbers of tourists are often recorded during these months with demand for car hire services also shooting up. This is not a case with a low season that is March, April, May and
