Like any destination, car rental services in the country come with a variety of questions and most of them have not been answered. We have listed some of the most commonly asked questions in line with car hire in Uganda and Eats Africa in general.
1. Why travel to East Africa for a self-drive tour
A self-drive safari in the region has become one of the most sought after experiences in life. It offers freedom and flexibility for travelers to make their own decisions on where they wish to visit. It is more of an adventure and allows you to catch a glimpse at a variety of tourist attractions within your own pace. Uganda is very safe when it comes to self-drive safaris.
2. Is it cheaper to pre-book a car rental or should I book it upon arrival?
Pre-booking a car allows you to make the best choice and even have access to the cars given the high demand for these vehicles. And depending on the season, you can also get a chance to enjoy some of the discounts and you save that money for other use.
3. How old should I be to rent a car in Uganda or East Africa for self-drive?
You should be 18 years and above if you are to be allowed to rent a car for self-drive in Uganda, and you should have a valid driving permit.
4. What if I return the car hire early?
Yes, however, note that you won’t be refunded for the unused rental days. You and your car rental company will have a certain agreement that you will have to negotiate and once it is met, it has to be respected.
5. Are there any hidden costs?
Self-drive car services come with the most mandatory costs especially road taxes or airport fees. However, some companies tend to exclude costs and taxes charged directly by the third party and extra items. The optional items like insurance especially crossing the border to another country, additional driver charges if you decide to go along with a driver. You are therefore advised to always ask the car rental company if they have extra costs prior to hiring the car and this will help you plan well. But for the sake of Rental cars Uganda Ltd, you are assured that there are no hidden charges apart from that in the quote.
6. Am I eligible to drive?
If you are above 18 years of age and you have a valid driver’s license, you may apply to rent a car with Rental Cars Uganda Ltd and if you believe 18 years and you have a valid driving permit then you have to pay the underage driver surcharge in order to hire a car.
7. What is included in the daily rental fee?
24/7 Roadside assistance
Coverage for accidental damage and theft
Free vehicle delivery and pick up
8. What about cancellation fees?
The company will charge you NO cancellation fees providing you give like 7 days written notice of cancellation and the company will refund you the full amount of your commitment fees minus the surcharge and when you cancel like 5 days before then the company will refund you 50% of the commitment fee and when you cancel when its less than 5 days to the starting period of your rental then the company will not give any refund.
9. Is there a free km allowance?
Rental Cars Uganda Ltd gives no restriction on the kilometers you drive a day, unless when you have rented the car for hours. And hourly rental price always includes fuel.
10. Is there a bond or deposit payable?
NO. All vehicle at Rental Cars Uganda Ltd are comprehensively insured, there is no bond required but some rental companies in the country require it and the $400 for most cars are need this money is refunded some days after the car is returned, subjected to any fines, damage, tolls or cleaning costs that may have been brought about. These are some of the advantages you will get when you rent the car from Rental Cars Uganda Ltd.
11. Do I have to clean and refuel the car on return?
For cleaning the car, it’s not necessary because you may not get that time to take the vehicle at the washing bar for a wash on your last day of the trip yet still you have to catch your plane back home, so you can return the car as it is even if it is dirty beyond recognition, but for the case of fuel, you will need to return it with the same amount of fuel provided at the time of pick up.
12. If I have a problem during my rental, can I call someone for help?
In case you need any help or when you have any questions during your car rental, just please feel free to call +256 773 728 141.
13. Do the cars have Roadside Assistance?
Yes! Roadside Assistance is available nationwide and can be accessed 24 hours a day. So in case of any problem during your rental you just need to call +256 773 728 141 and report the problem, you will get help in less than 3 hours.
14. Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes, you need an international driving permit (IDP) as this is proof that you have a valid driver’s license in your home country at the date of the issue of IDP. You have to carry it along with a valid domestic driver’s license. This is a very significant document when it comes to recommending many countries when renting a car.
15. How do I get confirmation?
After booking, you will receive an email as soon as possible and this also includes the collection point, the amount that you have to pay.
16. Is it necessary to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended and your tour operator is the right person to advise you on the specific policy required for your safari.
17. Why do I need travel insurance when the car is already insured?
Most travel insurance policies have a provision that covers travelers from car hire excess to a specific amount. If you incur accidents the company’s insurance pays 60 percent and in case of damage is due to the visitor’s own negligence, you pay 40 percent, and where the excess was applied, you can claim it back on your travel insurance policy.
In conclusion, there are many questions that are frequently asked by travelers and you need to familiarize yourself with them. With the above-listed questions, we believe that you will have the best safari holiday in Africa. You can also contact the trusted tour operator for more advice and direction.
