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What To Do In Case Of A Flat Tire In The Jungle On Your Road Trip Uganda

Flat Tire In The Jungle

Road trips in Uganda are usually full of fun and excitement. With its wildlife diversity, misty mountains, hospitable smiley people and the unique amazing cultures, the country simply offers experiences like no other destination in Africa. Just a matter of fact, life doesn’t always guarantee joy, sometimes it is risked. And if you get a flat tire in the jungle, it  shouldn’t be something to hinder the thrills that would have filled your heart already on a road trip in Uganda.

A flat tire is an uncertain situation that happens to most of us at the very best moments. It can happen in two scenarios, whether you wake up to only a shock of a flat tire on your vehicle parked outside your camping tent. Or even while driving in the jungle, whether on a game drive or transferring to another destination.

However, if this inconvenience happens to any traveler on a Uganda safari, here are the simple steps one ought to follow to peacefully escape the challenge.

Pull off the road. Driving through the different destinations in Uganda can mean to be full of fun but when the vehicle gets a flat tire doesn’t mean that is the end of the trip. When this incidence happens when in the jungle don’t panic just pull off the vehicle at the side in order to create space for other vehicles to pass.

Don’t force the brakes of the vehicle to gradually reduce the speed and eventually stop. When driving and suddenly notice the flap sound of an airless tire, it’s automatic that it’s a flat tire. But in such a case, don’t panic to force the brakes to stop randomly, leave the vehicle to gradually reduce the speed and stop.

In an occurrence of a flat tire while in the jungle, having stopped and pulled off the road, if with an armed park ranger, let him first move out of the vehicle to inspect whether the place is safe and free from dangerous predators before you all move out of the car.

If it was a self-driven game drive, it is then advisable to first call to the park headquarters to request for an armed ranger before moving out the car. This is to prevent any risky attacks from wild animals. Make sure you keep in the vehicle with windows and doors closed well until the ranger comes.

Place safety cones behind and in front of the vehicle as an implication to other drivers in the park that the vehicle is not in good conditions. This is only done after the ranger has confirmed the safety of the area where the car got stuck.

After placing the safety cones, now secure the car. Get some loads like big stones or rocks and place them behind the tires so that the vehicle doesn’t move during the process of changing the tire.

Change the tire. Having secured the vehicle, start to raise the car using the jack but make sure that there is no body in the car during the process of raising it. It is always advisable not to place the jack on soft grounds such as dirt, soil or grass. After raising the vehicle, remove the flat tire then place the new one on the wheel hub then screw in all of the bolts until hand tight.

If it was a self-driven trip, and not comfortable with changing the car tire by yourself, then call for roadside assistance and patiently wait for the mechanic / engineer in the car with doors and windows well closed.

When all the tire changing is done, pack your safety cones, clean up the place and then drive safely to the predetermined destination.

For safety measures, on any road trip in Uganda, whether self-driven or chauffeur driven, always ensure that you travel with a spare tire and a tool box that would be of help in case of an emergency like a flat tire. Also endeavor to carry with you emergency numbers that you can contact in case of a problem.

Weekend trips in Uganda

Weekend trips in Uganda

Weekend trips in Uganda especially Kampala are enjoyable, they make you feel free from the noisy and toxic city and daily routine.  you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Kampala for a short while? Or your visiting aunt is getting on your nerves and you would like to send her on a short trip out of Kampala? The following destinations are within easy reach of the city and make a good weekend getaway.

Jinja

Jinja, being the “adventure capital of Uganda’’, has much to offer: world-class grade-5 rafting, mountain biking, fishing, Nile River sunset cruises and much more. Hire a car for a weekend to escape the hustle and bustle of Kampala and enjoy the outdoors.

The area around Jinja has many nice places to stay. Recommended places to stay are listed on our accommodation page.

The biggest draw here is rafting, organised by three very professional companies, namely Nalubale Rafting, Nile River Explorers and Adrift. These three companies also cater for a plethora of other activities like bungee jumping, fishing, mountain biking, and sunset boat cruises on the Nile. Horseriding trips are organised by Nile Horseback Safaris. Also, Jinja Town is nice to wander around for an afternoon. The town has some nice coffee places (Flavours, Source Café), restaurants (2 Friends, Mezzanine), many souvenir shops and surprisingly good nightlife (Sombrero’s, Adrift at Nile High Camp, Nile River Explorers bar at NRE campsite).

Ssese Islands.

Ssese is an archipelago of eighty-four tiny islands in the Northwestern part of Lake Victoria.

Many islands are uninhabited and covered with pristine rainforest, and all are hardly visited by tourists. Bugala Island is the largest of the Kalangala district and offers a variety of accommodation options, like the friendly serviced and well decorated Brovad Sands Lodge. You can take your car with you on the ferry. Ferries depart from Entebbe, Kasenyi (close to Entebbe), or Bukakata (close to Masaka / Lake Nabugabo). Unlike the many tiny islands, Banda Island and Bulago Island both have accommodation. Banda Island  is a relaxing getaway for the easy going and relaxed budget traveller and Bulago Island’s Pineapple Bay Resort for the luxurious island explorer.

Entebbe.

Entebbe is a charming town with a tropical vibe, and well worth spending the weekend.

Swimming at Lake Victoria Hotel, rent a little Laser sailboat at the Entebbe Sailing Club, visit the Zoo and the Botanical gardens, go to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or Mabamba Swamp.

Recommended places to stay: Entebbe Airport Guesthouse, the Boma Hotel, and 2 Friends Entebbe. Enjoy good food at the Boma Hotel, or eat fresh fish and great pizza at Gorreti’s with your feet in the white sands viewing Lake Vic… Nice!

Lake Mburo.

One of Uganda’s smaller parks, Lake Mburo is the closest national park to Kampala. It is covered with extensive acacia woodlands and a big lake. It is one of the best places in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and zebras.

Things to do: walking safari, game drive, boat ride and horseback riding amongst the wildlife offered by Mihingo Lodge. The latter are former racehorses from Kenya, so galloping is a true thrill.

Lake Nabugabo.
Lake Nabugabo is some 150 km west of Lake Mburo, 20 km from Masaka.

Allow some three hours to make the trip from Kampala. This lake is a hidden jewel with fine sandy beaches and the bilharzia-free water makes this a great place for relaxing. It is always windy and so a paradise for kite surfers (bring your own gear). We love to camp at Church of Uganda Resort, a very spacious camp ground with a sandy beach, good amenities and bungalows available for more than reasonable prices. They serve meals, but bring your own alcohol.

Mpanga forest reserve.
En route to Masaka, less than an hour’s drive from Kampala, lies Mpanga Forest Reserve near the small town of Mpigi.

There are a number of board swamp walks and forest walks starting from the ecotourism centre, which are great for bird watching. The forest ecotourism site has basic bandas and a camp site.

Mabira forest reserve.
En route to Jinja, some 1.5 hour drive from Kampala. Mabira Forest inhabits the largest stand of indigenous forest in Central Uganda.

There are cycling and hiking trails (poorly signposted) ranging between 45 minutes to 4 hours to complete, all starting from the Eco-Tourism Centre. We did mountain biking on our own, which we do not recommend as it is easy to get lost in the dense forest. Consider taking a local guide from the Eco-Tourism Centre.

On a quest for the Shoebill.
The Shoebill is a large prehistoric-looking bird related to the stork family. It is a very rare, unusual looking bird and fascinating to watch.

Mabamba swamp, located about 1 hour’s drive west from Entebbe, is possibly the most reliable place in the country for shoebill sightings. You can see the shoebill with a one day car rental. The villagers offer trips into the swamp in a traditional dugout canoe for shoebill spotting. Coming from Kampala driving towards Entebbe, turn right just after Kisubi town (12 km from Entebbe) and follow a dirt road which leads to Kasanje town. The swamp is not easy to find, so contact Hannington (number below) and use your Google Maps to navigate.

Know your Fuel Policies

Fuel Policies

There are so many things to think about when you hire a car; have I purchased the right insurance cover, do I need to add an additional driver, have I got a young driver surcharge to pay…or the big one that catches a lot of people out – what’s the fuel policy?! Know your Fuel Policies.

All cars need fuel, we get that, but the money that some companies charge is ridiculous. We have identified 5 different Fuel Policies adopted by the providers of rental cars, one of our own providers.

Below, we explain what these policies mean and help you get to know your fuel policies.

Know your Fuel Policies: Free Tank.

Let’s start with the best option shall we?! Some companies won’t actually charge you for the tank of fuel – how kind of them! This will usually be part of a deal though and usually aren’t very common. However, as long as the total cost of the hire is competitive, this can really work in your favour!

Pre Purchase (Full Refund).

When you pick up the car, you will be charged for the petrol already in the tank. When you return, you will be refunded for the fuel that you haven’t used. You’ll need to check with your provider what their policy on this is as some measure by eighths of a tank whilst others don’t. It is always worth asking the rental company to put this in writing for you upon collection, to ensure you know that there is no need to pay for fuel you won’t use!

Know your Fuel Policies: Pre Purchase (Partial Refund).

As with the above, you’ll be charged for the petrol already in the tank, but you’ll also be subject to a service charge for the refuelling expenses. When you bring the car back, you’ll be refunded for the fuel you haven’t used, but won’t get the money back that you forked out on the service charge, which can be between £10-£40 depending on the size of engine. Make sure you read the terms of the policy before you book so you don’t get unexpectedly stung!

Full to Full.

Your vehicle will come with a full, or near to full, tank of fuel and you will need to return it with the same amount of fuel in it. At the time of collection, the company will take a deposit for the fuel (usually the funds will be blocked against your card, with no money taken). If you return the car with less fuel than it should have, this is when they’ll charge you! It is also worth remembering to keep the receipts of any fuel purchases you make and hand these in at the desk on drop off.

Pre Purchase (Full to Empty).

As with others, you’ll receive, and be charged for, a full tank of fuel on collection. You will then need to return the car to as near empty as possible, otherwise you’re just giving them back free fuel with no refund on fuel not used! (which you would’ve paid an inflated price for in the beginning anyway!)

Five Main Mistakes Done During Car Hire

Self Driving Tips, Mistakes Done During Car Hire

The car hire procedure is an interesting one if you work with a competent company while to others it is stressing because of different reasons. Mistakes Done During Car Hire can vary and most of them are completely avoidable. Some do not have prior knowledge, others do it in a rush while others know what exactly to do but still make mistakes and end up spending more than expected so below are some of the mistakes done during car hire that you should avoid for your car hire in Rwanda.

Not reading the car rental agreement.

Many people don’t take it as a point to read through the car rental agreement but this is a great mistake done because the signature you put shows that you have agreed to all terms and conditions. Do you agree to what you’ve not read or understood? Of course not, so always reserve some time to read every page of the contract, understand and inquire on any bit that is not clearly  understood because in case of anything pertaining the car, this signed agreement will always have the highest say.

Making assumptions.

Make sure that as you proceed with your car rental bookings, ask for clarity on everything you need. Do not assume that the car comes along with insurance, child seats, fuel, spare tire or driver, ask your car rental company to clarify about all these such that you are really sure of what the car rental package involves otherwise you may end up in unexpected additional costs.

Contacting only car Rental Company.

It is always a good idea to contact different car rental agencies and compare their services, reviews, prices, discount and efficiency before you make final car rental booking. Contacting one rental company is not advisable though fine if you have landed on a trusted company.

Not inspecting the car on pick up.

Most clients do this because they are time bad and want to quickly drive and reach their destinations but do not do things that way instead, before you take on the car for hire, inspect its condition, look out for any present damages and inform the car rental office representative such that on return, the prior vehicle damages are not counted on you.

Making late bookings.

Always plan your trip as early as possible and make bookings in time because late bookings come along with different challenges. One that has booked late stands a high chance of either being charged highly or not getting the particular type of car they want because they may all be booked earlier.

Coverage Options

Self driving in Uganda, Coverage Options, Self Drive in Uganda

Crystal car Hire  offers drivers additional coverage options for a price. If you buy their coverage, you can minimize your liability while driving the rental car. However, you may be covered already through our own auto or home owner’s policies. Read your insurance policies for specifics, and call your insurers if you’re uncertain about the coverage. If you’re traveling on business, you may be covered under your employer’s insurance. Some credit card companies and motor clubs provide members with free rental protection when you use their cards to pay for rentals.

Sales people also may try to sell you a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), or a Loss Damage Waiver.  It’s not technically collision insurance. Coverage under your medical insurance plan might offer protection that CDW coverage lacks.

If you purchase CDW, your coverage still could be revoked if you damage the rental car while:

  • Driving in a negligent manner
  • Driving on unpaved roads
  • Driving out of state
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • An unauthorized driver operates the car

Crystal Car Hire Rwanda offer other coverage options for additional charges. Prices and policies for coverage vary . If you decide to pay for extra coverage, ask for details.

Five Top Things To Look For in a Driver

Kigali Camping Car Rental: Rooftop Tent Hire for Nature Trips in Rwanda Wedding Car Rental in Kigali: Elegant Car Hire in Rwanda Adventure Car Rental in Rwanda: Rooftop Tent Hire in Rwanda

It is always a good idea to hire a professional driver for your trip but since he entirely holds the car steering to take you to different destinations, he then holds your life along the road. There are different things to look for in a driver that will help you in hiring a car before you fall victim of any bad driving behaviour. and these include the following.

Which company he comes from.

You want to get a good driver, contact a trusted company because this is the best way to spot a trusted and professional driver for your trip for in case of anything like dishonesty or sickness of the driver, you know where to report the case. To get this done easily, you can check on the reviews dropped by clients about different companies.

Time conscious.

Time is a crucial factor that needs to be respected for any one’s trip to be successful so on this note, a driver who is time conscious is the way to go. You do not want to miss your planned activities like boat rides or trekking because your driver arrived at your pickup location one hour late.

Patience.

You should look out for patience in your driver because that is one of the main characters that will help him keep calm along the road for example while entering junctions, roundabouts or in traffic jam. An impatient driver will always crush with some road users due to over speeding or even failing to follow the road signs. He must also be patient with you as his client.

Responsibility.

Being a responsible driver is also crucial as it depicts one’s level of integrity, so from the way he drives, eats, responds to clients or dresses, responsibility in him should be depicted. Don’t allow to be irresponsibly driven on any Rwandan road, just tap on him to stop the act, report to police or even get another driver if possible.

Tactic.

Sometimes it goes beyond the training and one has to apply tactic for example if in case of a narrow road that is used as a two way or when you need to make a u turn in a narrow area. The driver should know which road to use to reduce on traffic and should help you achieve your entire itinerary in the most enjoyable and easier way possible.

Useful Information about hiring a Car While Travelling

Car Hire Rwanda, hiring a car while travelling

Useful Information about hiring a Car While Travelling. Car hiring is no longer complicated while travelling. You can hire a car immediately after reaching the airport, all you need to do is have the fill in the necessary documents as given to you by the car provider but this is quite expensive. The easiest way is going to the internet and book online and in advance and when you reach the airport there is no time to waste the car is always available to transfer you to the hotel or any other destination.

You should have a driving license and identity documents like a passport or national identity card and these are all supposed to be valid. No car hire provider can ever give a car to drive in Rwanda without identifying yourself clear and also proving that are eligible and approved to drive a car. This can only be done by issuing your identification document and a driving license.

Before you sign on any agreement done between you and the car provider, you have to read each of the details on the paper very careful and comprehend it if not try to translate it in your mother tongue language through Google translate. Make sure you are fairly charged and also each of the expenses you are going to incur must be explained and put into the pricing of the car hire package. This is done to avoid incurring extra charges that may arouse from hidden expenses that cannot easily be recognized.

Car hire providers have different policies concerning fuel filling. Some companies will include the fuel expenses in the pricing and some can have self fuel fill agreement whereby you have to fill the fuel by yourself. In case of self fuel fill agreement then interact with the car hire provider to tell you the price per litre of the fuel in the area or country and also the calculated the distance you are going to cover while driving in Rwanda. Then sum up the total amount of money you are going to use on fuel. This helps you to easily budget for the money you are going to use on the car hire services.

Car hire providers in different countries have different insurance cover on accidents. You should make sure that all the damages that you may incur while travelling are covered for the insurance paid for or they are a few liabilities that you have to pay for that cannot drain your pockets. In most case car insurance is a legal requirement in most countries and so work with car hire companies in Rwanda that have insurance cover.

With the above information well taken you are more likely to have the best car hire services while traveling that can lead you safe on the roads without any worries.

Why Consider Cheap Car Hire for Long Term?

Cheap Car Hire, Top Car Hire Destinations in Rwanda

Cheap car hire in Kigali can give you a number of rewards whether you are going for holidays in Rwanda for a few days or even for a long term like a week or more. Thousands of people around the world choose cheap car hire for long time obligations like one is going for a trip research, business trip or at times a family vacation in a foreign land.

The first reward for using cheap car hire in Rwanda for a long time is you have an opportunity to control your own travel schedule and time. One is not timetabled to travel to any place when using car hire services as the vehicle he/she uses become private and exclusive to him/her alone. There is no any other external influence as you may get from using a public transport as it has a certain time it is supposed to leave or arrive at a certain destination.

There is also independence while using cheap car hire for long term as you are the driver and also there is no passenger to influence take any other destination. So you travel where you want at anytime and also you are free to do anything on the road as you drive in Rwanda as there is no third party to intervene your privacy.

Using cheap car hire, you are able to reach your destination very fast and also cover a wide range of attractions in case you are on a vacation. When using car hire, you travel direct to your destination without any stopovers or taking any other route that is not on your itinerary which is the case with the public transport whereby the buses make stopover and also take some other routes to cater for other passengers. Also car hire services can reach any destination at anytime so the traveler is able to cover a wide range of attractions.

Cheap car hire gives so many other traveling options.  When you have a compact car and you would love to have a weekend vacation with your friend, you are able to hire a big car like a van that can accommodate all the people at ago and then you can go have fun all together.

Cheap car hire comes with insurance to cater for the damages, accidents and breakdowns while traveling. This gives you a peace of mind as you are safe on the road in case of any unforeseen problem and also you do not have to spend any money for repair or amends of the car.

Considering cheap cars for long term is the best ground transportation option one would take since it is convenient, safe and comfortable

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Choose A Land Cruiser For Self Drive

Land Cruiser For Self drive

Why You Should Choose A Land Cruiser For Self Drive: The Toyota Land cruiser is a product of the Japanese car manufacturing company commonly known as Toyota; it is a series of four wheel drive vehicles and is the longest running series of this brand. The land cruiser can be used as a safari vehicle for those wishing for a self drive trip due to its strong engine, speed transmission and the tough suspensions that make it worth exploring every corner of the country.

Your self drive safari begins with a comfortable 4×4 vehicle that will complete you desire and purpose for the trip. With a land cruiser, you have safety for the trip through the rough terrain of Africa especially the rolling hills of Rwanda. Enjoy self drive in Rwanda with a wide collection of 4WD land cruisers including the land cruiser Prado SL, TX, Tz, Land cruiser extended and so many more other categories.

Below are some of the top reasons why you should choose the land cruiser for a self drive trip

1: Comfort.

A land cruiser is one of the vehicles that can extremely feature a great deal of comfort. With this car you can never go wrong with a comfortable ride. The seats are well set to give passengers a great time on the road with perfect leg room. For those travelling with children, it is fine to use car seats as well to keep your children safe. Many of these cars are installed with air conditioning thus protecting you from the dusty road that one can meet your safari especially in National Parks.

2: Off Road Capability.

The land cruiser is a multi-terrain engine and this makes it a great choice for a self drive trip to in Rwanda. Whether you are heading to Nyungwe forest, Musanze, Akagera or any other park in Rwanda, with the land cruiser, you will handle every terrain regardless of the weather of the day; this car will do you miracles. This is  a 4×4 vehicle and with this character a self drive trip is fulfilled, it is the best idea of an off Road capability  in vehicles.

3: Exceptional performance.

With the superb engine of the land cruiser brand, speed transmission and the full-bodied suspensions make every corner of Rwanda worth exploring. There are some workouts you can never try out with other types of vehicles yet the land cruiser plays the big role on the road. You can switch the 4WD when you need it and turn it off when it is not needed, this something we call exceptional performance, giving the car strength to change gears comfortably for a smooth ride. Every driver that knows what a good engine can do, will choose a land cruiser over other cars.

4: stylish Interior.

Whether you are a business traveler, tourist, archeologist or you are looking at using this car for your wedding day, the land cruiser helps you adventure in the ultimate luxury with beautiful features like the spontaneous dashboard, ventilated and eye catching seats, a well set radio system with CD and Flash player and so many other accessories.

What to Check Before Renting a Car in Uganda

driver, Renting a Car in Uganda

Do you hire cars often for use? Or thinking about renting a car in Uganda to go for a vacation/holiday and want to get a cheap and best deal on that? Here is what to check before renting a car. Though hiring a car looks simple and an easy process enough but if you think minutely then you can save a great deal of money on this.  You should follow a few steps before renting a car from any agency.

Steps that you should follow.
Though there are several things that comes to your mind first when you are looking for a cheap car rentals in Uganda, what you should do before hiring a car are:

Prioritize your requirements.

First and foremost what you should do is planning depending on your requirements like what kind of car you need or how many members will go along with you, among others.

Make a list.

After that surf the internet and make a list of a few agencies which is providing deals that are matching your exact requirements.

Collect information.

You should collect as much information as you need about the agency from where you are planning to rent the car. Find out where its offices are, working hours among others.

Compare tariffs.

After gathering the data you should compare their tariffs and other facilities that they are providing like extra amenities, discounts on booking and so on in order to get a clear picture on this.

Check your documents.

You should prepare your documents needed to hire the car .These can include the passport, driving licences, and other identification documents needed for car rental.

Finalize.

After checking all this details and compare the rates finalize one and go for the booking. If you plan and work in this way then you can save a handsome amount on your booking and can get the best deal on the car rentals.

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