Is Uganda your dream destination? Are you planning to use a car while on safari in Uganda? Do you some of the things to follow while traveling by car in Uganda? There are several ways in which visitors travel in Uganda. Most tourists prefer traveling by safari cars whether on self drive or guided tours up to the national parks or other interesting areas. While on the way to areas of interest, there are many incidences that come and need to be avoided. To be on safer part, below are some of the tips that you need to take note of while traveling in Uganda by car.
Prior driving a car in Uganda, it is advisable that you do some safety check. Life is very precious and we do not wish you to come and at the end return with injuries, which is why you need to cross check if the car you are to use will take you safely to and from the destination of your choice.
Turn on the lights and walk around the car to make that all the lights are perfectly working and that they are in better condition. Some of the national parks in Uganda are far from Kampala city centre and there are chances that you can reach late especially if you set late from the city centre for instance Kidepo Valley National Park, Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While driving, make sure that the headlights are on because a vehicle is seen for about four times the distance with its headlights on even during daytime hours.
Check if the blinkers are really in better conditions.
Make sure that there are no cases of fluid leaks or things hanging from the car to be used while on safari in Uganda.
Cross check if the tyres are in a better condition and if they are inflated. It hurts getting to the road and after some distance the tyres start disturbing. In most cases, a spare tyre is worthy having while traveling in Uganda and for longer distances and many days, at least have two spare tyres.
Once you get into vehicle, make sure that all the mirrors and seats have been adjusted prior fixing the key in the ignition. To adjust the left mirror well, make sure that your head is against the left window and adjust the mirror such that you can view the left part of the vehicle. The right mirror, can be adjusted by moving your head towards the centre of the car and adjust the right mirror in the same way. When you are sitting well in the driver’s seat, you won’t be in position to view the car well but your blind spots will be highly minimized.
You are encouraged to always put on your seat belts. This can save you in one way or another. Take note that if you do not have seat belts, it is a traffic offence.
If you are parking at the stop sign, make sure that you feel the car rock backward and spell STOP to yourself prior continuing.
Make sure that you turn your to see the left and then right, straight ahead and then left once again prior continuing.
While you are at traffic lights in Uganda, once a light changes green, look left, then right straight ahead then left again prior continuing through the light. Make sure that all cars and that there is no one else who is going to run the light.
Maintain the eye movement and see what is happening on the sides of the road and check behind you through your mirrors each 6 to 8 seconds.
If you are driving on a two road which permits parking on the right, remain at the centre line to give space in case someone else is to open their door to exit their cars in front of yours. In case there is no parking space on the road side, position the vehicle towards the right to give more space between you and on coming traffic.
While traveling in Uganda, you need to expect that other drivers are bound to make mistakes and think what you would do in case it happens. Be prepared to react in case it doesn’t stop. Do not cause accidents on purpose even if a pedestrian or another car fails to give you way.
A rear facing baby seat must not be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag as in a crash it can result into severe injuries or even death to the child.
Avoid driving when you are tired as this brings higher risks of collision. Make sure that you are fit to drive or else give the colleague to also take over. A minimum break of about a quarter hour after each 2 hours’ drive is allowed in case you become sleepy stop in a safer area and give yourself a rest.
Take note of your vision. You should be in position to read a car number plate in daylight at a distance of about 20 meters. In case you need to put on glasses to help you on this, make sure that you put on them at al times while traveling in Uganda.
In conclusion, with the above tips, we believe that your self drive safari in Uganda will be successful. For self drive safaris or guided tours in Uganda, simply contact our trusted Car Hire Company and we shall be of great help to you.