Renting a car has become one of the most popular ways to experience the world these days. But when renting a car, there are a variety of techniques to use when navigating through the crown jewel of Africa. Well, opting for something special remains very rewarding as far as exploring is concerned. The reality in the field of travel is that 4×4 rental has become the talk of the town as many travelers have shifted their expressions to the novel tendency of renting a 4×4 and enjoying the freedom and privacy involved in the venture.
Rental service doesn’t mean just having a car and driving it; the car hired must be in a perfect mechanical state to enable guaranteed cruising. When picking up your car rental, don’t just get excited to start your drive; rather, make sure the vehicle is complete and inclusive. In most cases, these are safety gears that one needs to support their continual drive, and without them, embarrassments might be inevitable. Some are physical, and others are services that accompany the rental program.
Things that could accompany your car rental
Signing a Rental Agreement
This is not taken as a concern by many of the travelers who tend to hire a car; however, make it one of the things you must have with a car rental. The agreement states everything concerning the hire and usage of the vehicle, and when anything goes wrong with the rental, it’s easy to handle such a case. The agreement, which is arranged by the rental agency, must be signed by both parties (hirer and rental agency).
24 hours of road assistance
This details all-time availability assistance whenever it is needed on a phone call. When encountering any mechanical technicality, there is always full-time assistance to ensure the continuity of your trip. If it needs vehicle replacement, then this is done in a period of 24 to 48 hours, depending on your location across the country. However, some assistance on the road, such as replacement, can require a charge, as the agreement can direct.
Valid Insurance Sticker
The insurance sticker on the vehicle must be valid. Car rentals in Uganda must have the two most important insurance policies: comprehensive and third-party. You don’t need to buy any extra insurance with your car rental when driving in Uganda or across the borders of neighboring countries.
The two types of insurance don’t cover people within the vehicle, so for personal travel insurance, you should inquire from your domestic insurance agencies if they offer the service when traveling in Uganda. However, when crossing borders to neighboring countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, you need to buy COMESA insurance. If you follow the trap incidents that are covered under a comprehensive policy, you don’t need to worry about anything else. Only follow the true procedures, and things will work out.
Spare Kit
At least ensure that the spare kit is okay with the spare tire, jerk, and wheel spanner, which are basic, especially when there is a mechanical technicality, especially concerning a flat tire. Smaller SUVs like the Land Cruiser TX, V8, GX, and RAV4 are always packed with one spare tire, and bigger fleets like the Land Cruiser Stretch, Land Rover, Coasters, and buses should have two spare tires.
Safety Tools
These mainly include the fire extinguisher and first aid box; though many travelers don’t take time to think about these in the vehicle, they are very vital. It’s better to prepare than react after an incident happens; you should be ready in case there is a technical fire outbreak instead of leaving the vehicle to burn into ashes. And also, the first aid box contains pain relievers and wound cleaners in case of need.
Tourist Map
A national travel map is very important before planning. When planning and embarking on the trip, don’t rent a car and leave without a map. You may be planning with Google Maps or using the GPS locator, which is in most cases challenged by poor networks in remote reaches. The advantage of printed maps is that they are vital in prior planning and give a perfect picture, well-marked with whatever one would need in a place, right from destinations, attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and routes, among many others.
Unlimited Mileage
If driving within the country, there is unlimited mileage concerning 4×4 rental in Uganda. Though roads across the country, especially to remote places, may be difficult, with this strong vehicle, there are no hard-to-reach places in the country.
GPS/ Driver
These are extras that come with a request and an extra charge; they are crucial when traveling, especially to remote areas. A driver can cost an extra US$50, and GPS can be obtained for about US$10 per day.
Camping Gear
When wishing for an adventurous drive and a fantastic night outdoors in the wild, you can request a tent. Tent costs vary compared to the provider, and depending on the model of the tent taken, either a ground or rooftop tent, consider the capacity.