The Pearl of Africa, Uganda, is a breathtaking destination especially for tourists arriving from North America and Europe. Known for her rich wildlife, the landscapes including the awesome rift valley, and rich culture from het over 53 tribes, Uganda is a paradise for many holiday enthusiast.
The notable unique attractions Uganda boasts of include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (home to mountain gorillas), Queen Elizabeth National Park with her tree climbing lions, Murchison Falls, the Source of the Nile, Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Victoria, and the night life of cities like Kampala, Mbarara and Jinja.
Over the last decade, the country has been experiencing increase in arriving tourists with tourism now polled as the second income earner for the East African Land-locked country. The surge in tourism has inevitably meant that main stream Car Rent with A Driver in Uganda also gets significant demand increase.
Be that as it maybe, some travelers have sought a new form of adventure by venturing into the thrill of driving in Africa. Welcome to Self-drive Car rental and safaris in the Pearl of Africa.
Self Drive Car Hire in Uganda
The concept of self drive car hire in Uganda is a relatively new development which is gaining a lot of demand for its sheer thrill. A decade ago, there were just a handful of car rental companies that offered travellers the opportunity to drive themselves! As of 2025, there over 100 companies offering affordable self drive car rental services to arriving tourists.
Self drive Safaris have particularly become popular because of the fact that driving yourself cuts out the cost of hiring a driver. With a driver charging no less than $20 per day, the saving can prove a huge boost to finance other adventure activities while you get the thrill of driving in Africa.
What To Expect with your Car Rental
Uganda Car Hire companies often offer service to self driving travellers on the following conditions. The companies often cater for car servicing and repair. If you get a problem while on the go, most companies have a road side assistance team that will help you with the necessary repairs to get you back on the road.
The traveller enjoys comprehensive motor insurance against insurable risks. This means that travellers do not have to worry about costs of repair or replacements in case of accidents or theft.
Its important to note however that there exclusions tourists ought to be aware of. Insurance companies do not compensate for damages caused by incidences of reckless driving, driving under the influence, single motor accidents, rollovers among others.
Popular Self Drive Car Rental Options in Uganda.
Some car rental brands and models have stood out in the self drive safari rental field. These are mostly preferred because of their endurance to rough roads, fuel efficiency, affordability and easy access to professional help when one gets a breakdown in the country side. Some of the popular option include:
Toyota Rav4
The Toyota Rav4 rental in Uganda is a compact 4×4 famed for its high clearance while staying affordable despite its endurance. The Rav4 has an amazing fuel efficiency meaning you will not break the bank for your self drive holiday in Uganda. This car is loved because of the wide access to spare parts if one was to do repairs while on Safari.
Another standout performer in the self drive car rental options is the Prado TX Landcruiser. While the Prado is often offered as a Car with a driver hire Uganda, you can take it on self-drive. You have the option of choosing between the Prado with a popup roof or a car with rooftop tent for the camping travellers.
Final Thoughts: Self drive safaris have become very popular in Uganda because of the thrill of driving in Africa. However fun as it might be, driving in Uganda poses some challenges to travellers who are driving in Uganda for the very first time. Ugandans have an aggressive driving culture with many roads poorly marked and prone to potholes. For first time drivers in Uganda, take the time to drive slowly while you adapt to the driving conditions until you are ready to take on the thrilling yet challenging drive into the awaiting adventure that the pearl of Africa offers.
You may also like: Safari Van Hire Uganda.
