Travel and explore the best safari destinations on the African continent under the guidance of Rwenzori Expeditions. The continent is home to over 55 countries scattered in different sub-regions – East, west, North, and Southern parts. Among these regions include the East African region which includes; Uganda – the pearl of Africa, the magical Kenya, and the mighty Republic of Tanzania. While looking for a suitable destination for the safari, Uganda is ready to welcome you with a smiling face.

Stretching over an area of approximately 241,038 square kilometers, Uganda is home to various attractions including the African third highest mountain – Rwenzori, and other wildlife and primate destinations. For a splendid and amazing adventure, a combined Rwenzori climbing and big game safari is designed for you so as to ease your movements, and plans and also gain enough knowledge about the destinations.

Rwenzori hiking experience

In this combined trip, you will hike up to the summit of the Rwenzori Mountains for about 6 to 9 days where you will enjoy the beautiful view and several features like waterfalls, lakes, rivers, rocks, and the rare vegetation zone of the mountains. Protected by Rwenzori mountains national park, the mountains stand as the first-highest mountain in Uganda and the third-highest African mountain after Kilimanjaro of Tanzania and Mount Kenya.

The Rwenzori Mountains are a range of mountains located in eastern equatorial Africa on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The highest peak of the mountains – Margherita on Mount Stanley, one of the 6 massifs of the mountain reaches a height of approximately 5,109 meters and it’s known for being permanently snow-capped and glaciated. For one to reach to this highest summit he/she has to climb through different massifs and among these includes; Mount Speke at 4,890 meters, Mount Baker at 4,843 meters, Mount Emin at 4,798 meters, Mount Gessi at 4,715 meters and Mount Luigi di Savoia at 4,627 meters.

For a perfect and safe hike to the mountain summit, there are two routes to use including the Kilembe route which is governed by the private organization, and the Central Circuit Route which is governed by the locals. All these routes can perfectly help you reach Margherita though with different features on the way and at different costs.

Big 5 Africa watching

From the mountains, you will proceed to other wildlife national parks where you will watch the five big African animals during different park activities like game drives.

Africa big five is a term coined in the 1800s by hunters, referring to the most challenging and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Among the animals, they categorized include the African elephant, Lion, Leopard, African buffalo, and Rhinoceros. These big five African animals are present in Uganda and can be easily seen in the different wildlife and savanna national parks during the park activities like;

A guided game drive in the national parks of Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo will be the best way to watch four of the five animals – Lions, African elephants, Leopards, and African buffaloes.

A boat cruise on the Nile in Murchison Falls and on the Kazinga channel is a great way to spot the four of the five African big five in Uganda. These will be around the water body shores, especially in the dry season with the aim of quenching their thirst.

The Rhinoceros can only be seen in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way to Murchison falls national park and at Entebbe UWEC Zoo.

The combined safari trip of Rwenzori hikes and the big five African animals will lead you to Uganda destinations like Rwenzori mountains national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park, or Lake Mburo national park for about 10 to 13 days.

Are you ready to experience Uganda differently? Have you booked your 4×4 rental car in Uganda that you are to use during your expedition? Wondering where to go and which trip to take? Here are the best 4 long drive road trips that you should look at;

Jinja is the first destination when thinking about having a road trip in Uganda. The town is famous as the historic source of the Nile River, and this town is the adrenaline capital of East Africa. you will get a fix of the white water rafting, Kayaking, Quad biking, mountain biking as well as riding in the natural setting with the colonial architecture. You will find the Bujagali hydroelectric project that has reduced some rapids on the river. The activities that can be carried out in Jinja include; White water rafting on the Nile and it’s so famous to the travelers since they get to adventure into the great rapids on the source of the Nile. There is kayaking which is also an alternative to rafting and here you can go solo and kayak through the raging river or take a more leisurely paddle on the flat waters. You can enjoy boating that can be enjoyed on the source of the Nile as you visit the islands along the way.

The other destination for a road trip is Eastern Uganda; not only the great scenery but eastern Uganda is also a must-visit destination especially for a road trip safari in Uganda. Here the mighty Nile begins its epic journey north. You will enjoy mountain Elgon which is famous for mountain hiking as well as the viewing of the Sipi falls. This region also offers a charming and friendly base on the shores of Lake Victoria where the travelers can spend a few days or more as they enjoy the chilled atmosphere. The main attractions in this region that you will enjoy on your road trip include;  Ngamba Island common for the chimpanzees, Source of the Nile, Mpanga forest reserve, Mountain Elgon national park, Nyero rock painting as well as Makanaga wetland.

The road trip to Uganda won’t be complete without visiting the Northern part of Uganda. This is mainly a journey to the Karamong people who live in Kidepo National Park. This is a two to the three-day journey that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. You get to enjoy the plains filled with tall jagged peaks and fields ablaze with the sunflowers. You will enjoy the Karamojong people. This is the main highlight of the journey for most of the pastoral herders that are known for their traditional dress.

As you drive from Kampala to Kidepo, the best spot to have an overnight is in Moroto which is the biggest and most prosperous of Karrramoja towns, with leafy streets and many NGOs. There are many activity options here like pastoral villages or traditional herder’s camps, the outdoor adventures as well as the great cultural immersion with the Karamajong through the great programs. You can as well enjoy the guided hiking. Further on in Kotido, a gritty, downtrodden town with a large NGO presence. You can stay at the Kotido Resort, with clean rooms in a secure compound, but it’s best to time it so you can push on. Just outside Kidepo, the village of Kaabong can be an interesting stop to take in the bustling roadside market and perhaps to purchase a plaid blanket to steel you against the chilly evenings of the north.

The western part of Uganda is so great for a road trip, you will get a chance to drive to Bwindi impenetrable national park famous for mountain gorilla trekking. The park has got half the world’s surviving park which is one of East Africa’s most famous national parks. The park also contains famous primates and over 120 species of mammals. you get a chance to see the forest elephants, 11 species of primates, duikers, bushbucks, the African golden cats as well as the rare giant forest hog, as well as the many bird species and insect species.

You can as well have a road trip to Queen Elizabeth national park; this national park is always included on the Ugandan itinerary. You are guaranteed to see very many wildlife species including; giraffes, lions, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, elephants as well as buffaloes. The famous tree-climbing lions in the remote Ishasha sector of the park are a fascinating highlight, but many people also come specifically to see some of the amazing 611 bird species that can be found here. Again in the west, you can enjoy Kibale National Park which is famous for chimpanzee trekking, Ssemuliki national park for birding, the Rwenzori Mountains for mountain climbing, as well as Lake Mburo National Park.

Valediction the pretexts of Uganda posturing as the pearl of Africa, where all in Africa are wrapped just in this small interior of East Africa. Considering a self-drive in Uganda within the country remains as another thrilling alternative which used currently by many travelers in exploring what this gifted nation has at hand to offer.

Among the man empowering traveling tip is leaving out for a new destination and make explore in your own style. Renting a car for a self-drive offers a lot of freedom and limits stress while on your safari to Uganda, and have not to worry when. Just need to decide on when to travel, which exact touristic destination and which kind of car rental should you use.

This traveling alternative has become so common with solo and group travelers who either aim at exploring the country on their own style or want to save some dollars in their pockets. Self-drive is more concerned about the comfort that the traveler wishing to experience at any offering budget of the travelers. What’s more appealing is for any client getting the service which worthy their money irrespective of how much it can be.

Spotting for the best car rental for self-drive in Uganda

In Uganda there various car rental company that can facilitate your self-drive road trip around the country, and these companies have varieties of vehicles available for hire for various purposes. Ranging from as cheaper as 40$ for budget travelers to about US$250 for luxury travelers. Among the car hire fleets available for self-drive include; Toyota RAV4, Prado Land cruiser TX and V8 and extended.

Getting any of your desired fleet, one has to browse through the endless list of car hire companies at your convenient time. Seated on your computer or with your phone place your inquiry with specification of which vehicle you may need for service. Online booking for car rental is reliable and convenient in Uganda, using websites you remain able to have that still fleet you may need, than bumping into the office of companies.

What is needed to hire a car for self-drive?

For car rentals agencies to let you with their vehicle it’s not a hard journey trail rather one must present legal documentations for the car rentals to let them take the vehicle. Documentation to possess include a valid driving license, no driving license no driving on road and a driver must be at the age of 18 and beyond. Presenting your identification documents in the likes of passports for foreign travelers and identity cards for nationals.

Things to carry for a self-drive in Uganda

Whenever opting to take on a self-drive in Uganda, it’s advisable to note some of the things not to miss on the list of extras to carry to take with a car rental. Here are the list of few thing to include on a self-drive in Uganda; driving permits, have a spare tire, Gps to help in location and route finding, tourist guide map, first aid kit. Also identification documents must always be at hand whenever seated on the steering ID, passport foreigners, visa (tourist visa, visitor’s visa, working visa) respectively. This will always aid to avoid any inconveniences on your self-drive adventure.

Why a self-drive in Uganda?

Self-drive is reliable

After securing that charming car rental fleet then their nothing limiting you. The reliability stands to focus on the capability of the vehicle, but also the embarrassments are limited as one stands to handle everything by themselves.

Cheaper

A decision to rent a car and go for an adventure on a self-drive in Uganda is cheaper. Most of the costs here are bypassed which makes it affordable by even travelers of considerate budget. A self-drive adventure attracts less costs as some travelers even forego lodges costs and go camping gears. Just in the last years many travelers have resorted to unlimited style of traveling by adopting to renting a car and drive their own ways. At a smaller costs of At least US$45 one can be able to rent a 4×4 car and cruise across the country.

Privacy and freedom

After securing the car rental and embark on the journey there is that unlimited joy of privacy and freedom one hold. On a self-drive in Uganda one has the freedom of deciding where to drive, finding your own routes to drive through. It’s something every traveler would hope for, don’t hesitate renting a car and find your own paths of driving.

Avoiding Mosquito Bites and Malaria on Safari in Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa filled with incredible tourist destination with abundant wildlife and different primate species among other attractions. Many travelers visit the country to take gorilla tours to Bwindi Forest as well s wildlife safaris to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. Mosquitoes are in many parts of East African countries and below are some of the preventive measures on how to avoid mosquito bites and also preventing malaria infections.

• Anti-malaria Tablets: While on your trip, your advised to carry anti malaria drugs and its better if you see your doctor at home so that he may advise on the best malarial drugs to carry while on your trip. Malarone, Mefloquine or Lariam are some of the anti-malarial drugs however Malarone is very expensive but more effective and Mefloquine is the best to those who may have side effects.
• Use Mosquito Repellants: you’re also recommended to come along with some excellent mosquito repellents such as Cutter, remember to check the label, its expiry date and also make sure it contains at least 20% DEET. RID is one of the best repellent from Australia because it works on both tsetse flies and mosquitoes, Remember, you should apply the spray in the evening or at night.
• Use of mosquito Nets: Most of the accommodations in and outside national parks provide mosquito nets, therefore no need of carrying a mosquito net while on the trip. However, you may bring mosquito sprays such as Doom that may assist in repelling the mosquitoes. In most luxury accommodations, sprays such as doom are provided and its best to apply them before going for dinner. You may also use Citronella Candle, available in most supermarkets in Uganda
• Wear Trousers and Long Sleeved Shirts in the evening and in the dark: It is well known that mosquitoes are mostly active in the night so we advise you to put on long sleeved shirts and trousers in the evening and at night along with the application of sprays and insect repellents.
• Avoid taking Much sugar: Mosquitoes prefer people with high sugar content in their blood and they are able to smell the sweat of someone with high sugar content in blood. While on a safari, your advised to take little sugar or foods with little sugar so as to avoid mosquito bites.
• Turn off Unnecessary lights: Most insects are attracted by light of which mosquitoes are inclusive, therefore you’re advised to switch off the unnecessary lights rather than staying on and attract more insects.
• Avoid Using perfumes and Deodorants: One way of avoiding insects/ mosquitoes is by avoiding the use of deodorants, perfumes and after shave products because their smells attract mosquitoes. This will ensure a safe stay and also have an enjoyable adventurous safari.

300-500 million malarial cases are registered in the world per year of which it is a serious menace in Uganda. A few Ugandan residents can afford malarial preventive measures such as sleeping under mosquito nets. It is only the female mosquito (Anopheles mosquito) that sucks blood from humans and therefore transmitting malaria in Humans. Most people usually say that mosquitoes transmit HIV which is a myth because HIV cannot survive in a mosquito body.

Uganda is undoubtedly one of the most preferred travel destinations in Africa. It boasts itself as a home to diverse wildlife and a boiling pot of cultures. Each year, thousands of travelers confine in Uganda, the pearl of Africa to discover its natural treasures on self-drive or guided safari.

Generally, Uganda is an adventure packed travel destination worth exploring but firstly, how you get around does matter a lot. We have a wide selection of rental cars but there are some amazing things you should know if you plan to hire a car in Uganda in 2021.

Here are important things you should know about renting a car in Uganda in 2021

Book with a reputable and trusted car hire company

Yes, there are hundreds of car hire agencies allover Uganda and East Africa but most important, better to deal with a reputable and trusted one. Not all car rental companies are reliable, honest and there is no reliable ground car hire agency like us. We have been in car hire service for a test of time and never have we disappointed our clients.

Find the right rental car

Like there are hundreds of car hire companies countrywide offering the same service, finding the right rental car also becomes a little challenging. But we are here to guide you in your search and find the right rental car suitable for your Uganda safaris. Our fleet of rental cars are available in different categories ranging from 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Safari Vans, Super Customs, Mini Vans, Sedan cars, Safari Land Cruisers, Toyota Prado TX, TZ, GX to Coaster buses and many more. When choosing a suitable rental car, bear in mind the number of people you plan to get on a Uganda safari trip with. Also, consider the car’s capability to tackle the terrain of particular destination you plan to visit.

Observe the set traffic rules and regulations

The traffic rules and regulations in Uganda may not be tough like it is back in your home country but don’t take them for granted. Failure to observe the stipulated traffic laws on Uganda safari may land you into the hands of traffic police. Read and understand the road signs, observe the speed limits, avoid overtaking, put on your seat belt while on a road trip, have a valid driving permit/passport.

Entrance and parking fees

Entrance to Uganda safari parks requires holiday makers to pay a fee of about $20. This excludes visitors on chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale Forest National Park, gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To have access to local attractions in Uganda in 2021 especially the national museum, Kabaka’s Lake, Uganda martyrs’ shrine at Namugongo, you require $10. These are some of the significant factors that you should put into consideration when planning for a Uganda safari holiday 2021. Book both your Uganda safari and rental cars with us and have the best of your holiday.

Gorilla Trekking ranks among the absolute highlights of African travel. The exhilaration attached to the first setting of eyes on a wild mountain gorilla is difficult to describe. One of the classic Uganda safari experiences is tracking mountain gorillas in the beautiful Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and nothing will ever prepare you for the first glimpse or the sound of the silver back pounding its chest amidst the dense undergrowth. Bwindi Forest is Uganda’s tropical rain forest hosting half of the remaining endangered gorillas. This large primeval forest in the Virunga Volcanoes mountain ranges, is located in south-western Uganda in Kanungu District.

The excitement of gorilla trekking kicks in when you’re up close to the imposing and magnificent figure of a silver back mountain gorilla, female mountain gorillas wondering through the forest and it’s all baby gorillas peeking through leaves or hiding behind their mothers. When they sense that all is well they will start showing off by swinging, twisting, turning and somersaulting all for your entertainment. In order to meet the gorillas, one needs gorilla permits that should be bought in advance at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or through Uganda’s tour operators and travel agency!

Gorilla permits will set you back as they cost US$700 but don’t think twice about going out for this genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is cheaper than Rwanda where a gorilla permit costs US$1500 (as per 2012 updates). For November bookings, there is even a discount of USD 150 on all Ugandan Permits thus you only need USD 350 for a permit to the gorilla sanctuary! Keep in mind that a portion of the fee collected from the park goes to the local communities and gorilla conservation initiatives, helping to ensure their survival among us!

Nice Journey to Bwindi to meet the rare mountain gorillas!

Jinja town is one of the traditional districts in Uganda and before the Europeans came to the town it was first prominently known as the small fishing village that was located in banks of longest River Nile and with the arrival of the British colonial rule in 1906, the town started to grow very fast. At first as trading Centre as well as river crossing area and later it was turned to an industrial town of Uganda. Currently Jinja which is well known as adventure district of Uganda is one of the interesting historical districts in Uganda endowed with different natural and artificial attraction pulling tourists to book safaris to Uganda.

In the mid-19t^h century Jinja town had grown very fast and occupies by different people such as the Indians, as well as Africans, and European. The construction of the Owen Falls dam led to generation of hydro-electricity and this uplifted the statutes of the town into an industrial city in Uganda and it attracted foreigners to take safaris in Uganda to identify investment opportunities. Bad news came during the political crises of the 1970s during the regime of President Amin who decided to push all the Indians who were running the industries in Jinja. This greatly affected the town and hard to pull its development down but today the only town visitors should yearn to visit during their Uganda safaris is Jinja, the adrenaline capital of the Pearl of Africa.

Jinja town is where the source of the longest river in the world is located and also visitors interested in taking a tour to this town has got an opportunity to participate in white water rafting on the Nile.Jinja is point where the rapids stretch up in the Nile and therefore visitors to this place can enjoy spectacular places in the whole of Africa when participating white –water rafting. Rafting in this place is very intense but safety is guaranteed to tourists when carrying out the activity as the team of expert guides have to give you company through the experience. Always rafting trips are followed by a rescue fleet so that for any visitors who find it unbearable can retreat.

Uganda safaris destination of Jinja offers travelers who are seeking adventure experience to enjoy their safaris in the source on the Nile in Jinja town .The adventurous town is blessed with the worldwide best organizers of the rafting activities including Adrift who were among the first people to invest in the adrenaline services and market their products to travelers on Uganda safaris.

Travelers who are non-experts in adventurous activities like rafting in the standard rapid falls are also catered for because there are less extreme options where such travelers can also enjoy and get an interesting wonderful experience and this option even caters for a family float trip.

In addition victors can also have wonderful experience in white water by participating in the adventurous activities like Kayaking. The memorable experience here starts from training course offered to visitors as well as guided trip which is done through the interesting but scaring raging rapids.Besides that visitors on their Uganda safari can also get involved in boat cruises and this means Jinja is really an adventurous district so for any visitor looking for destination to enjoy adventurous activities, he or she confirm safari to Uganda the pearl of Africa.