The big five are animals which used to give difficulty to hunters kill them. These five large African mammal species were known to be dangerous and it was considered a great achievements and braveness to hunt and kill one of them. Those animals include, Elephants. Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, and Rhinos. They are available in different parks and tourism destinations in Uganda. Uganda has many different wildlife parks and in each, there are Big five which can be spotted. They include, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Lake Mburo, Semliki and Kidepo National Park in the Northern Uganda. Rhinos in Uganda can only be seen in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary as you head to Murchison falls National Park

Self-driving is now becoming the best option for visitors, it is very possible to visit the big five on self-drive basis. This involves renting a car in Uganda and explore places of your choice. No need to worry about trails in the park and more information about certain animals and attractions, there is an option of hiring a park guide or ranger on a game drive. They are always available at the park headquarter. Let’s look at Uganda destinations with the big five here below.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

It is one of the Ugandan National parks strategically located, it is found in the western Uganda near the famous Bwindi national park. In This park the Big five can be seen in the game drive in Kasenyi region and Ishasha. The big five like Elephants, Leopards, Lions, Buffaloes will be spotted. It’s a good idea on the self-drive trip not to Miss the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. It is rarely seen elsewhere and this is a memorable experience.

The Big five in Queen Elizabeth National Park can also be seen spotted on the Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel. In case you missed one in the game drive, chances are present to be seen on the Boat cruise, many animals come to take water on the channel giving visitors a chance to Explore them.

Another interesting Activity in Queen Elizabeth for the Big five is Lion Experiential. This involves going with researchers to view the lions, they are tracked using devices and it gives a guarantee to see these animals. The activity has become popular and done by many clients.

Lake Mburo National Park

The Lake Mburo Game Park is also found in the west, it is known to be home to the rare species which are rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda like the Zebras. It is one of the parks where some species of the big five can be seen. Activities done here include, Game driving both day and night, Horse Riding, Boat cruises, and nature walks.

Semuliki National Park

This park is located in Bundibugyo famous for the two hot springs the female and the male.  Some big five can be sighted here on the Game drive in the reserve. Self-drive clients can also do the nature walk to the Hot springs, Cultural Encounters, Birding and many more.

Murchison Falls National Park

Being one of the largest protected areas in Uganda, Murchison Falls Game Park has Diversity of species, the game drive will not disappoint as many animals will be sighted. Animals like Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Hynas, antelopes, Giraffes, and many more. Some other activities which can be done by self-drive clients include, Boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, visiting the top of the falls, Cultural Encounters, Birding, spot fishing and many more.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo National Park is one of the Unique parks in Uganda, known for its beautiful land scape and abundant wildlife. The big five can be sighted here on a self-drive trip. Other activities include, Cultural encounters, and birding. Kidepo National Park can be visited itself or combined with other neighboring Tourism Destinations.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

It is found in Nakitoma near Murchison falls National Park. It is a place Rhinos can be seen in Uganda. It truly completes the list of the Big five. Rhinos are tracked on foot guided by rangers or guides. They are white Rhinos and very attractive. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited together to with Murchison falls or Kidepo Valley national park.

Important notice for visiting the big five on self-drive basis;

• For self-drive clients, you need to have Knowledge of driving a car and more so in the national parks
• Animals have right of way in the National Park
• Park guides and Rangers are available for Hire at the park Headquarters
• There is need to pay park entrance to enter a national park and works for 24 hours. If you are to stay in the park longer, you will have to pay another park entrance fee.
• Follow the trails in the park

If you’re planning to explore the picturesque landscapes of Uganda, ensuring a comfortable and reliable mode of transportation is crucial.

Uganda, a country with its bustling cities and serene wildlife sanctuaries, requires careful selection when it comes to vehicle rentals.

So, if you’re on the lookout for a trustworthy car rental company in Kampala or elsewhere in the nation, here are eight essential considerations to keep in mind:

1. Vehicle Type

Depending on your itinerary, opt for a vehicle that caters to the number of people and type of terrain you will be navigating. For instance, a trip with three companions may only require a 4-seater sedan like the 4×4 Rav 4, whereas a larger group might need a minibus.

2. Feedback and Testimonies

Before settling for a car rental company in Uganda, it’s beneficial to research its reputation. Dive into reviews on their official website, or scour platforms like Google and Trip Advisor. Previous travelers’ experiences can provide insights into the quality and reliability of the service.

3. Valid Driving Permit

A fundamental requirement for any car rental is a valid driving license. Keep a copy of your permit and a passport-sized photograph on hand. Remember, safety first – always follow the local traffic laws when cruising the Ugandan roads.

4. Look for Special Discounts

Many car rental agencies offer promotional discounts during particular seasons or for extended rental periods. Be it a long stay or a weekend getaway, inquire about any available special rates or group deals.

5. Traveler Count and Luggage Size

Consider the number of passengers and the amount of luggage you’ll be carrying. Vehicles like the Toyota Rav 4 or Premio are perfect for couples or solo travelers. For family trips or large groups with significant luggage, consider spacious options like a minibus or Land Cruiser Prado.

6. Destination Considerations

Your destination dictates the type of car you should hire. A city-centric trip might be well-suited for a compact car like the Rav 4, while a journey to a national park would require a sturdy 4×4 safari vehicle.

7. Car Rental Company’s Credibility

Ensure that the car rental agency is reputable and registered to avoid any unwelcome surprises. Look for companies that are transparent with their services and known for their reliability and customer service.

8. Hidden Costs and Safety Precautions

Inquire about any hidden fees, such as fuel rates, late return fees, or add-on equipment costs. Moreover, prioritize safety. Does the rental company offer breakdown assistance? What kind of insurance do they provide? It’s essential to clarify these details before sealing the deal.

Conclusion
Hiring a car in Uganda requires careful thought and consideration. By keeping the above factors in mind, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience. Happy travels and explore Uganda responsibly!

Renting a Car is a stress-free and unforgettable way of exploring the hidden and beautiful safari destinations in Uganda and Rwanda. There are a number of benefits that include saving time while getting around, having the freedom to explore and enjoy breaks along the way, saving money, and sparing you from the hassle and stress. The most thrilling thing about renting a car in Uganda is enjoying the freedom of doing whatever you wish to do, go wherever you wish to go without so much stress over schedules. However, it is stressful and horrifying for the rental car to get stolen or damaged while in your custody thus it’s your liability.

While insurance can cover theft, it will never cover the inconvenience that it causes. Many car renters think they can be able to find the stolen car but unless the rental car is equipped with a GPS tracker, it would be a total waste of time and money. However, here’s what you can do if your rental car is stolen;

Inform the local police

Once you discover that the Rental Car has been stolen, ensure that the local police are informed. While doing this, get hold of yourself and calmly explain that the rental car has been stolen. Provide all details on your personal belongings such as luggage, or your cell phone that have been taken alongside the rental car. If the stolen rental car is installed with a tracking device yet you aren’t able to track it, then the police will be of help in tracking it. The police should know that the stolen Car is a rental, and if you have the rental agreement/contract, or you are able to get information about it, make sure that it is provided to the Police.

Inform the Car Rental Company

Having informed the local police of the rental car theft, the next thing you should do is to inform the Car Rental Company, and it should also be done immediately (alongside the local police). Let the Car Rental Company know that you have already filed a police report, hence you will require detailed identification information of the Car (such as the vehicle identification number, license plate number, and other details that would be crucial in finding the lost Car. For cars with GPS trackers, they are easier to locate and this is one of the benefits of having GPS in rental cars.

Ensure that the incident report form is filled out

Whether you purchased protection from the Car Rental Company or not, you will be required to fill out the incident report form because the sooner this information is provided alongside the police report number is provided to the Car Rental Company, the better the chances of recovering the stolen Car. Ensure that the contract on the liability insurance you have chosen is well-reviewed. Normally, Car Rental Companies have three kinds of Insurance coverage- full coverage, liability coverage, and passenger coverage (the one that covers you and your passengers).

The most expensive one, which covers your car rental car when stolen is known as the “Collision Damage Waiver” (CDW) or “Loss Damage Waiver” (LDW). In such circumstances, you will be required to verify with the Rental Company whether you actually chose this coverage with your Car Rental Company.

Ask for a replacement Car

In most cases, the Car Rental Company will be hesitant to rent out a replacement Car after the previous incident of theft, even after paying for damages as well as any theft waivers until the Car rental Company has completed the investigation. The Company might need more time to make judgments case by case hence in most cases will not hold you responsible if reasonable measures (such as parking the Car in a well-lighted garage) were taken. However, if the terms and agreement of the rental contract were violated (such as leaving keys in the ignition) leading to the theft of the Car, then chances are high that you will be held responsible for the theft.

Ensure that the replacement Car is kept safe

If you are lucky to get a replacement Car, ensure that it is kept safe and this is by treating it the same way you would treat your car. In so doing, ensure that the rental car is parked in a well-lit and visible location, ensure that the keys are kept safe and out of reach in your Hotel room, lock the car when it is unattended to, keeping all valuables on display, and using GPS Trackers to monitor the car’s location.

Are you a mountaineering traveler, here is a great opportunity for you to explore the second highest mountain of Uganda – Mount Elgon since the Uganda Wildlife Authority has signed a new partnership with the Rwenzori Trekking Services to enhance and promote the hiking experience at the mountain’s one of the trails – Sasa.

Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya, north of Kisumu and west of Kitale. With an elevation of 4,321 meters above the sea level, the mountain stands as the second highest point in Uganda with Wagagai as its summit. Aside Wagagai, the highest summit, Mount Elgon consists other four major peaks at different elevations like Sudek at 4,302 meters, Koitobos at 4,222 meters, Mubiyi at 4,211 meters and Masaba at 4,161 meters. The mountain is known for its outstanding biodiversity and remarkable landscapes that are seen during the hiking experience through the trails of the park including the Sasa trail. Sasa trail, one of the frequently used trekking paths, is the journey to the summit of the park providing clear views of unique flora, and fauna species.

Rwenzori Trekking Services

This is one of the best authorities in mountain trekking experiences in Uganda and this is proven by their track record in Rwenzori mountains national park. The services manage the known Kilembe route, popularly known as the southern circuit of Rwenzori mountains. Opened up in 2009 after the construction of new huts in Rwenzori mountains national park, Rwenzori trekking services is known for its legacy of excellence as it provides safe and amazing trekking experiences. The organization is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism and community involvement which has earned them support from both local and international mountaineering travelers.

Benefits of the RTS and UWA partnership

The Mount Elgon take over by Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS) signifies a brighter future for the mountain because when the organization starts its operations through the Sasa Trail, trekkers should expect undoubtful safety measures, better trail maintenance, improved accommodations (huts and campsites) along the trail and easy trekking experience.

Uganda Wildlife Authority took a decision to collaborate with Rwenzori Trekking Services basing on a shared vision “To uplift Uganda’s natural beauty and promote responsible tourism”.