Tips

Hidden Dangers of Booking Hotels and Lodges Online

In most cases, tourists book for Hotels or Safari Lodges on the day of visiting the destination which sometimes can be disappointing. However, the trend has changed because tourists are now opting for Online Hotel bookings for accommodation facilities in Uganda which is faster but also challenging in some other ways. In this country, booking for Hotel or Lodge Rooms is done directly at the front desk or use of online services of platforms such as Jumia House, Trip Advisor, Travelocity and Expedia among others and what we all look for is the best deal with better prices.

However, the challenges of these online booking services is that sometimes the pictures online do not match with what you might find on-ground. Not only that, the websites of these Online Booking services mentioned do not give details on the Hotel that you might want to know such as details on services, general cleanliness and ambience, quality, food offered, offer wrong hotel location in-line with the activities you wish to participate in hence lack the right location depending on your needs.

There are some hidden dangers or pitfalls to expect when booking for hotels or safari Lodges online and these include;

What you may see online will not be the exact detail on ground. This is a common incident for tourists who visit East African countries especially Uganda and Rwanda. Most of the pictures put online are either photo-shopped. Worst of all, even the reviews online about the Hotel  are written by the employees of the Hotel themselves, friends or some people paid to write good reviews about the establishment. This is very common in Trip Advisor which has not been able to weed-out the problem.

Not only that, these Hotels can be in wrong location with the tourist activities you intend to participate in. For instance, you might do a mistake of booking a Lodge within Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park yet you intend to track the mountain gorillas from Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors or vice versa. Imagine booking a Lodge in Ishasha sector (Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park) yet you intend to participate in a launch cruise within the Kazinga Channel (Northern sector). Trip Advisor or Expedia will not tell you that you have booked for the wrong location of a Hotel or safari Lodge.

It is also common for good Hotels or safari Lodges not to appear Online. The numbers of Hotels or Lodges you see online are not the only ones in Uganda because there are those that don’t appear online or don’t even have Facebook accounts especially the smaller ones yet they provide quality services at affordable rates.

The rates that appear online are always not the actual prices. In most instances, you will see discounted prices yet in actual sense it is just bed and breakfast. When you then add lunch and dinner, you will end up with a higher price that it appeared on the websites. Therefore, don’t allow to be deceived unless if it is half board or full board rate.

Conclusively, Online booking for lodge or Hotel rooms is faster yet has a lot of hidden dangers such as the difference in the actual appearance of the Hotel and how it appears on the websites and possibility of booking the Hotel or Lodge at a wrong location with the tourist activities.

Popular and Incorrect Car Hire Myths in Uganda

If you are looking for the most cost-effective and flexible option on your next road trip in Uganda or any part of East Africa, then renting a car should be a must-do. This is regardless of whether you are hiring it for short-term or long-term travel. But there is need to have adequate knowledge or information when it comes to car rental services.

A lot has been said about rental cars –some are true while others are false. This article looks into some of the most popular and incorrect car hire myths. If you plan to rent a car in Uganda, endeavor to avoid most of the myths and make an informed decision.

Some of the most popular and incorrect car hire myths;

Only few caws are available

There is often myth among travelers regarding car hire services that the user is restricted to the types of cars he/she can rent. But this is absolute false. Hiring a car in Uganda with us presents to you variety of rental car options. We have a range of rental cars suiting the travel needs of all kinds of travelers on Uganda safaris. This is whether you plan to hire a van, land cruisers, coaster buses, trucks, Super custom, 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Land Cruiser Double Roof Tent, 4×4 Land Cruiser TX/TZ/V8, 4×4 Land Cruiser Prado, and more. With more options at visitors’ display, renting a car with us guarantees you some level of flexibility, especially when deciding on the category/type of a car that you plan to travel in while on Uganda safari.

Book a car with big international/national car hire service provider

Often travelers are left to think planning or booking a safari with an international company is the best way compared to local agents/companies. The fact is that dealing with a local car hire company is a great thing one can do. First, as a local tour operator, we have knowledge not only on the rental cars a visitor can hire but also the destinations, their terrains and suitable vehicle worth hiring for your road trips regardless of the region in Uganda.

Booking your car hire with an independent car rental company like ours comes with numerous benefits which you may not enjoy if you opted for a bigger corporation. In case there are issues, you won’t know who will be providing road assistance. We offer road assistance and other services like upfront service free of hidden charges.

No difference between car hire companies

Most clients think that car hire service providers operate under the same conditions. Each and every car hire company has its set terms and conditions, except they share sections but still you can easily have a clear differences.

You can be charged for full excess for minor damage

This is one of the commonest myths and it doesn’t happen that way. Usually, very minor damage won’t be charged completely and if it does happen, can be at lowest amount. Amazingly, all our fleets of rental cars are ever fully services and they are in their better mechanical conditions.

You will incur a cost for full day even if you pick up the car late

There is always misconception about car rentals that you can be charged for a full day even if you pick up the car late. The fact is this isn’t true. Unlike others, for our case, we do things differently whereby if you pick up the vehicle at 5:00pm, your day fee runs up to 5:00pm the next day. We don’t charge you for the day you have not used the car. We can also provide half day hire on week days and this is perfect for travelers with limited time.

You can book even on last minute-simply walk in and hire a car without pre-booking

While it is possible to book a car even on a last minute, there are higher chances of not finding one considering the high demand. There is a lot to be put together including correct paperwork, and other process. This is why you must pre-book your vehicle to avoid any chances of missing your rental car.

Car rental companies don’t check for driving convictions

This is false—driving convictions are always checked for. Just ensure that you are honest from the very start. Drivers will be required to present their national insurance number plus valid driving license. Be aware that some convictions may lead to cancellation of your rental car booking. Take note that insurance cover most companies provides only caters for the vehicle excluding visitors.

The Ultimate Northern Circuit Road Trip in Uganda

Uganda a renowned safari destination accommodates both travelers on fully guided and self-guided safari. Today, several travelers however have wished to test their capabilities of driving in a foreign country. So, hiring a car for Uganda self drive adventure is another amusement to consider when planning for a safari in Uganda.

Among the amusing moments on a safari to Uganda is taking a drive through the Northern route. The northern route remained for unique encounters of which some are not seen with other adventure routes in Uganda.

Considerably, other major safari adventure routes include; northeastern route, western route, Southwestern route and the Eastern routes. All these routes are blessed with unique features as may be we shall discuss in our next write-ups. Now we’re to concentrate and focus this write-up to the northern safari route.

The northern safari road trip is an adventure packed route, when taking this amazing route on your self-drive road trip safari expect to encounter; the big five, world’s most powerful waterfalls, magnificent colorful waterfalls, abundance of wildlife. There are amazing people, one Uganda’s biggest cities of Gulu among many other considerations.

Where the northern safari road trip starts

The route as usual starts from Kampala taking the northern directing through Bombo road, then it turns to be the Gulu-Kampala road. The northern safari route will not branch to west Nile region, continue to Kabong to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Here are the Major tourist destinations to explore while on the Northern Uganda Trail;

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s top visited tourist destination, Murchison falls National Park is among the special places where many tourist don’t wish to have it missing on their travel. A self-drive to Murchison is among the ease to drive places which even needs fewer hours of driving about 5 hours. Murchison is Uganda’s largest protected areas among the 10 National Parks in Uganda.

The park has unique and amazing features that has kept it most loved and most visited park in Uganda. However, though it’s magnificent, Murchison Falls National Park is not the most famous among tourist destination in Uganda, but comes second after Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park is unique with mighty Murchison Falls which is almost the major attraction at the Park. The Murchison Falls are arguably the world’s most powerful falls due to their thunderous rapids that force into a narrow gorge of about 7m wide. The rapids rush to roughly pour 45m down forming the humus brownish bubble flow of the Victoria Nile.

The Victoria Nile continues forming a calm flow which bisect the park into the north and southern sections. The Victoria flow offer one of the best waters for the wild game cruise that leads to the bottom of the falls. The 3 hours boat drive starts from Para ferry dock point leading through the nature rewarding cruise.

The northern section of the park feature the open savannah woods accommodating largest concentration of wildlife. Majorly at the Delta point where the Victoria Nile meets with Lake Albert to make one of the largest deltas in Uganda that host larger numbers of animals, birds and others. The northern section of the Murchison Falls National Park is majorly known for adventure packed game drive. Take a guided-drive here expect to watch prides of lions, herds of elephants, buffalos, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, leopards on rare occasions, Marabou stork etc.

Taking a kind of self-drive in Murchison you expect to take adventures like game drives, boat cruise, sports fishing, nature walks, and visiting of the falls, bird watching, and chimpanzee tracking in the nearby Budongo forest reserve.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Africa’s remotest national Park according to CNN report 2017. Kidepo is Uganda’s remotest park to access by road. The remote Kidepo Valley Park was rarely visited by tourist due to changes with accessing the park. However, the accessibility of the park has become easy still by road due to improved road facilities. There is no longer worry of taking a self-drive safari road trip into this far designated tourist destination.

Kidepo Valley National Park is among Africa’s amazing destinations which displays the real authentic African. The best landscape view with the endless savannah plain views packed with abundance of wildlife species. Kidepo is divided into the Kidepo Valley and the Narus Valley, and Narus Valley that starts around Apoka is the famous with animals.

The park has one of the highest concentration of wildlife species. The animal sights are decorated with zebras, giraffes, buffalos, elephants, several antelope species, lions are common. All these are common with the immediate Narus Valley. Unique birds are counted among are the ostrich, the secretary bird among many other species.

Kidepo is a special place to see and visit communities of real African people who still hold to their ancestor’s backgrounds. The Karamoja people are unique people and the Ik who live in the mountains of Karamoja sub-region. Among adventure activities done in Kidepo Valley National Park include the game drives, community visits, nature walks, mountain hiking and wild camping.

Driving to Kidepo Valley National Park in the recent years was one of the hectic undertaking. However, the narrative has changed with improved road infrastructures, longer distances are now driven on paved roads and reaching the region the unpaved roads are not such bad. Having your stronger 4×4 safari cruiser makes you wander the regions faultlessly.

Aruu Watefalls

These magnificent waterfalls are located in Padar district en-route to Kidepo Valley shorty after Gulu city. Aruu waterfalls are unique and beautiful waterfalls that give an awesome breathtaking moment of relaxing after your long journey drive. A short drive to Aruu falls takes a minimum of one and half hour. Reaching here have to slope down on sharp stones, and cross ponds by a lop which a great moment in the forest.

Gulu City

One of the major cities in Uganda, Gulu is the major city for the northern region. When driving through the city can take a moment and visit some special places within. Can take up a walk into the main market of Gulu city, or even tasting on the some local dishes prepared in restaurants within gulu city.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

The only natural area to find rhinos in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary makes Uganda the only place you visit and see rhinos. Uganda didn’t have rhinos for a period of about 20 years since when the last rhino was hunted down until 2005. The Ziwa rhino sanctuary is also located alongside the northern safari circuit. When wishing to visit Uganda and track all the Big Five list, then Ziwa should not miss on your travel plan.

The sanctuary is found en-route to Murchison Falls National Park. When visited the sanctuary expect to watch several bird among is the Shoebill stork birds, several antelope species. One of the amazing places in Uganda to track wild species on foot.

Planning a Self Guided Safari in Uganda

Uganda is one of the most interesting places to visit in Africa. Most people especially from Europe opt to do it themselves because they think it easy and soft to do it. Yes it’s true, but still you have to take caution of certain things when you choose a self drive safari in Uganda. Getting the best car that will suit your vacation comes in everybody’s mind when sending an e-mail to the would be company in help. Always they choose the 4 wheel drive vans this is good but reliability also has to matter here in terms of break-downs.

Take an example when you are stuck in the most beautiful but remote Kidepo Valley National Park in North Eastern Uganda! You got no rescue in the next 12 hours and when it’s availed in the shorter hours it’s costly because you got to use the UWA vehicles. This is not the point but always try to find out those people who got experience in the game, they know which car can much with every situation and any road in Uganda. Always they look a bit more costly but still reliable because they know where to turn. The vans may not necessarily look new as the ones you left home but at least have been tested on the journeys they are up to; so don’t question the model of the car but ask the reliability.

You got time at your budget because you choose what to see and where to go as you have unlimited mileages to cover on your safari; that’s at self drive safari Uganda. Here we aim at a client’s satisfaction because they always need to cover more but time cannot always be on their side. In this case we give you space to find the best you can cover as you pay a visit to Uganda.

Never book a lodge by yourself because you will always get a “Muzungu” rate which is not the case if we made it for you. We know that you got a budget when you plan your vacation stay in Uganda, but we love it if you did not run past it, that’s why we want to come in not because we like a commission but because we like you recommend our services to other would be visitors to our country. We always define for you the best accommodations where you will have excellent services and value for money and where your interests lie depending on what you like to see. For any memorable vacation, you always long to return because you got more than you expected at less than you planned.

This does not only apply for Uganda only but also in Rwanda. When you got to cover Rwanda and Uganda at once then the terms still apply. Rwanda Safaris are almost the same like in Uganda, the differences is that you got many rolling hills in Rwanda and change the diving side from left to right, but this does not seem very tusky to most visitors who tour both countries. You can have slight changes in the cultures of the people short routes to tourist areas like gorilla trekking points, Genocide sites, and the physical appearance of the two countries has got a difference. A self guided tour is all one would need but still depends on ones desire.

Cross Border Car Hire in Uganda and Rwanda

Do you have plans of crossing the border of Uganda into any of the neighboring East African countries-Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania? Mum and Dad Uganda Tours can make it happen because we understand that most travelers wish to combine tours/safaris between countries. For instance, you might wish to enjoy game drives in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Later, proceed to Rwanda’s Kigali City, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park. We totally understand that the idea of crossing the border with a hired car is daunting but once the fine print is read and properly understood, you are likely to go farther than expected.

While the option of Uganda Car Hire with cross border is offered at Mum and Dad Uganda Tours, we only allow it for selected car types and to specific countries. One of the mistakes that most travelers do is crossing the border without informing the company but once you do this, you might be risking because third party insurance isn’t covered in another country. Also, if you fail to inform us of your plans to cross the border to another country, you will be breaking our contractual terms and conditions, in addition to voiding your insurance thus lose any accident or breakdown cover. For this reason, you will need approval from the Company and should be done at least 48 hours prior to the pick-up date of the Car hire.

With most Car Hire Companies in Uganda, a certain cross border fee is required to allow you drive the Car to another country. Also, remember that a number of travel restrictions will be put in place and they include how long you will be allowed to drive the Car out of the country and this varies from one Company to the other. Another important thing to note is that the type/category of Car you rent will have an effect on whether you are allowed to cross the border or not.

Do you know why most Car Hire Companies charge cross-border fees? Well, this is mainly charged to cater for any additional insurance that would be important for driving the Car outside Uganda. This fee will ensure that your insurance covers remains valid and the Company will provide the appropriate documentation. The amount will depend on the vehicle type and where you are heading to (be it Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania) but varies from $10 and $50 per day.

Requirements for Hiring a Car with Cross Border

Whatever country you are crossing to, you will be requested for documents and these include;

Permission letter from the Car Hire Company

Before you cross the Border to another country, you will be requested (at the passport control at the border) for a letter of permission from the Car Hire Company. This should bear a signature and stamp of the Company, plus the National Identity Card.

Vehicle log book

Besides the permission letter from the Car Hire Company, you will need to present the vehicle log book and this is a proof that you are legally crossing the border with a rented Car.

Reflective sticker on the Rental Car

Besides permission letter and vehicle log book, another important requirement for car hire with cross border is having a reflective sticker on the Rental Car.

Your National/International Driving permit

You will also need to have a valid National or International Driving permit before you can be allowed to cross the Border with the Rental Car.

Is it possible to drop-off the Car in another country?

Yes, it is possible to cross the border with the Rental Car, but this depends on the Company and even those that do offer it at a high rate. All in all, most Companies aren’t so flexible when it comes to dropping cars in other countries than when it is with temporary crossing and returning back into the country.

What to Pack on a Self Drive Safari in Uganda

Self drive in Uganda is one of the most desired car rental services by travelers in Uganda. It is where travelers explore the country at their own time. Driving your self does not mean that you should come to Uganda with only what you are wearing on your body.  It requires planning and preparations because it is not a one day-three days tour. However much it could be, parking some items is necessary for every trip. You may be pissed off with what to park but be relaxed; car rental companies in Uganda have experienced team that will guide you in what to park on your next safari trip. How is  it done- never give up your Uganda self drive trip, you can ask any question related to camping and car hire in Uganda will  give a feed back to your question. Uganda has various car rental companies that will provide you with a full camping gear for your trip. Below are a few major selected items that would not miss out to park on your journey.

The passport. You may forget each and everything but the passport should be the first thing to be put in your handy bag. It is your entrance key to the pearl of Africa and indicates when you are to arrive in Uganda.

Driver’s permit and identity card. This is necessary to everyone who wishes to be behind the wheels of the car and experience the bumpy roads of Uganda. However, you should note that your country’s driving permit may not qualify you to drive a car in Uganda but only an International driving permit may access you to drive in Uganda.

Enough clothes; while going for a self drive safari in Uganda, one should carry enough clothes for the trip, as sometimes you may not have time for laundry. Laundry services do exist at the lodge but come with a fee. One should also carry light clothes due to the hot climate of Uganda but these should not be skimpy to respect the culture of Uganda. The traveler should also carry a coat for the cold weather in the evening and a rain jacket in case it rains. The sunglasses and hut or cap should also not be forgotten for the sunny days.

In case you are allergic to some diseases, you are advised to come with your medication for the period to stay in Uganda.

The international passport, drivers permit and the medication forms are compulsory items to first think of when you want to travel Africa. Whereas items concerning seeking assistance from car rental companies in Uganda majorly includes the camping gear if you do not wish to sleep in one of the hotel rooms around places of interest like the game parks, sanctuaries. This will not necessitate carrying the whole camping gear on board but rather find them in Uganda from different car rental agencies though a few portable things can be put in your travel bag. Among the things you will inquire, include; A mid-sized tent, sleeping bag, camping chairs, barbecue stove, a portable table, portable mattress, plates, cups cutlery and any other domestic item used at home.

While you think of going it alone, children are the  best companion to travel along with on a self drive in Uganda.

Hiking in Uganda: A Few Reminders to Know

Uganda has a lot of mountains and forest lands with different trails and hikers from natives who first explored the terrains to those that were discovered and developed for urbanization and commerce. Uganda has a variety of hiking destinations for all sorts of hikers.

With all the hiking options Uganda has to offer, it is wise to be prepared too. You may find that this area has a lot in common with other areas popular for hiking but you would also discover lots of differences that are both wonderful and mystifying.

There are a few reminder guidelines you could follow to help you get prepared for the hike. See to it that your back pack is complete with all gears and items you would need during the hike. Unnecessary items must be left behind. As a rule of thumb the following should be found in your bag before you leave the camp:

1. First aid kit which includes an insect repellent, sunscreen lotion and toilet paper.

2. Food and drink enough for the entire trail and camp. Estimate your supply according to the length and distance you would be hiking.

3. Pocket knife, flashlight, water-proof matches or lighter, candles, a whistle, duct tape.

4. Enough clothes for the entire tour and extra clothing appropriate for both sudden rise and drop of temperature.

Refrain from going off the trail. Switching to a new trail might help increase erosion while detouring on a muddy trail would likely destroy the surrounding vegetation. Always stay in the company of your guides. Uganda highlands or forests are home to a variety of wild animals which may attack you in case you are alone and with no help.

Always travel in three or more. This will ensure that there are enough people to act on different circumstances. Say in case of accident, the injured person could be attended to while someone goes for help.

Never drink untreated water, always boil the water you get from streams and lakes. For most Uganda hiking tours, water is mostly got from the streams and hikers are expected to travel with some water purifiers.

Be sure that nothing is left behind, including your garbage and other materials you have brought with you.

Do not feed wildlife, interfering in their natural food chain might disturb the balance of nature. Monkeys can be expected along the trails and trekkers are forbidden from giving them food.

Always have these in mind each time you are on a hiking trip to make sure you are safe and also sustainability of the destination.