The popularity of self-drive tours in Uganda has increased significantly throughout the past. That’s because people identify it as one of the best options available for them to get from one place to another in the country. On the other hand, self-driving will provide opportunity for the travelers to go on a safari in Uganda and get the most out of time that is being spent in the country.
However, all people who visit Uganda for traveling purposes should be aware about their safety. That’s where the safety tips for self drive Uganda comes into play. Below mentioned are 10 such important safety tips, which every traveler should keep in mind. If you keep these tips in your mind, there is a high possibility for you to overcome hassle and frustration throughout the journey.
- Never drive when you are tired
If you are tired, you should never drive in Uganda. The roads in Uganda are not in the best condition. Therefore, you should not leave room even for a small mistake to happen. That’s the main reason why you are not encouraged to drive when you are tired. Instead, you will need to park your car and take a rest when you are tired. If you have a partner that you can switch, you will be able to go ahead with that option as well.
- Keep your fuel tank filled
You will not be able to discover refueling stations all around in Uganda. Therefore, you need to make sure that you don’t run out of fuel during the journey. In order to do that, you need to keep the fuel tank filled at all times. The fuel stations in Uganda can be found only in the main towns. Hence, you need to make sure that you refuel your vehicle before leaving the main towns.
- Obey the traffic rules
You must adhere to the traffic rules when you are traveling in Uganda as well. This can be considered as one of the most important steps that you can take in order to ensure your safety on the road. You should always read road signs and follow them when driving. In addition, you need to make sure that you are not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While you are driving, it is important to wear the seat belt at all times as well. The passengers should also wear their seat belts to ensure safety on the road.
- Use GPS and road maps
If it is the first time that you are driving in Uganda, there is a high possibility for you to get confused. To avoid such confusions, you should use GPS and road maps. Always keep in mind that you are driving in a foreign country. Therefore, you should use GPS and maps when you are traveling on the road. There are some car rental companies, which offer GPS facilities without additional charge.
- Never drive at night
As mentioned earlier, the roads in Uganda are not in their best condition. Due to this reason, you are encouraged not to drive during the night time. You can only find limited regions in the country where there are street lights. On the other hand, you will be able to find a large number of street robbers in the roads of Uganda during night time. Hence, it is never safe for you to drive in Uganda during the night time. You should take a rest during the night time and continue with your journey on the following morning.
- Check your car before you hit the road
Before hitting the road, it is important for you to inspect the car properly. The tires of your car should always be in good condition. You need to pay attention towards these factors during the inspection. If you make it a habit to inspect the car properly, you will be provided with the opportunity to overcome a lot of hazardous situations during the journey. In addition, you need to double check with the car rental company about the car servicing history.
- Focus on mobile network coverage
In some parts of Uganda, you will not be able to discover mobile network coverage. In such instances, you are strongly encouraged to use satellite telephones. Otherwise, it will not be possible for you to seek assistance when you come across emergency situations on the road. When you have a satellite telephone, you will also be provided with the opportunity to keep peace of mind while traveling on the road.
- Get to know about the parking rules
You cannot simply park your car anywhere in Uganda and travel. That’s the main reason why you are encouraged get to know about the parking rules. Otherwise, you will end up paying a lot of money on the parking fines. You should also keep in mind that it is never recommended for you to stay alone in the car parks. That’s because animals such as lions will be able to smell you and they will be able to hurt you. You need to make sure that such situations don’t take place when you are self-driving in Uganda.
- Pay your attention towards the other road users
You should also pay your attention towards the other road users when traveling in the roads of Uganda. The roads in Uganda are narrower than you think. Therefore, you will have to be careful about the safety of the pedestrians. Hence, you must always be attentive when driving in Uganda.
- Focus on weather changes
The weather in Uganda is unpredictable as well. Due to this reason, you are strongly encouraged to focus your attention towards the weather changes. Then you will be able to ensure your safety while you are traveling on the road as well. It will help you keep peace of mind when traveling.
