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Travel Tips

Tips for a Safe Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling wildlife adventures in Africa, offering travelers the rare chance to come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. While the experience is both safe and unforgettable, it takes place in dense forests and involves close encounters with powerful wild animals, making safety an essential part of the journey.

Visitors are guided by professional rangers and trackers who ensure that every trek is conducted responsibly, with strict rules in place to protect both trekkers and gorillas. Understanding the safety guidelines not only helps reduce risks but also guarantees a respectful and enjoyable encounter with these gentle giants. In this article, we have some tips to enhance safety during your gorilla trek:

Conduct Thorough Research about all the Requirements for a Safe Experience

As you plan your gorilla trekking on the African land, thoroughly research about important stuffs, including the hiking trails, the suitable packing list, weather conditions and the terrain. Plan your route and let someone know your itinerary and expected return time.

Check Weather Conditions

Before setting off for a gorilla trekking safari, stay informed about the weather forecast of the area since unfavorable weather can pose serious risks during a hike. So, you are advised to always be prepared for changes and consider postponing your hike if extreme conditions are expected.

Prepare for the Physical Challenge

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, especially when tracking gorillas in mountainous, dense forests. Depending on where the gorillas are that day, a trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. To make the experience easier, start walking or hiking regularly before your trip to make your body strong and prepared for any physical hardship.

Pack Essential Gear

For your own safety in the jungle forests, wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the terrain and weather. Carry essential gear such as a map, compass, GPS device, first aid kit, multi-tool, flashlight, and extra clothing. If the appointed gorilla group requires a long walk, consider bringing food and water.

Stay on Marked Trails

Stick to designated and well-marked trails to minimize the risk of getting lost. Venturing off-trail can lead to dangerous situations and negatively impact the local environment.

Follow the Rangers’ Rules and Regulations

During the mountain gorilla trekking experience, endeavor to follow the rules and regulations of the park rangers for your safety. Among the rules include: maintaining a distance of 7-10 meters, not going for the experience when having any contagious illnesses like flu, cold, and others.

Wildlife Awareness

During the gorilla trekking experience, be aware of the wildlife in the area, and understand how to react in the presence of potentially dangerous animals. Keep a safe distance and avoid feeding wildlife.

Hydration and Nutrition

Stay hydrated and carry enough water for the duration of your trek. Bring high-energy snacks to keep your energy levels up. Dehydration and fatigue can increase the risk of accidents.

First Aid Skills

Basic first aid knowledge is crucial. Learn how to handle common injuries, carry a first aid kit, and be prepared to address minor issues such as blisters, cuts, or insect bites.

Emergency Communication

Carry a fully charged mobile phone and, if possible, a backup power source. Know the emergency contact numbers for the area and consider investing in a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator for remote locations.

Time Management

Ensure that you are at the park headquarters by 7:00am for the pre-trek briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking experience. After, you will follow the park rangers to the forests by 8am to search for the endangered apes.

By prioritizing safety, being well-prepared, and staying informed, you can enhance your overall hiking experience while minimizing potential risks.

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Places to Visit Safari Guide Travel Tips

A Car Hire Vacation to Kibale Forest in Uganda

Did you know that you can enjoy an unforgettable self-drive car hire adventure into Uganda’s primate haven? Kibale National Park, with its dense tropical rain forest and several primate species, is a dream destination for nature lovers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor.

You can plan to explore the ‘primate capital’ with 4×4 car rental in Uganda and have the freedom to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in the incredible beauty of the forest.

About Kibale National Park

Kibale forest is one of the most popular destinations in Uganda known for incredible chimpanzee tracking adventures as well as other primates. The forest has up to 13 primate species that also include different monkey species, baboons, pottos and galagoes among others.

The park’s terrain ranges from 1,100m to 1,590m above sea level, offering everything from lush rain forests to open grasslands, all perfect for discovering the wonders of nature. It also has about 60 mammal species and 335 bird species, making it an ideal tourist location.

Why Kibale National Park?

Kibale Forest National Park offers plenty of opportunities for self-discovery say with a car hire in Uganda. Known for its chimpanzee trekking, it provides a unique chance to follow these fascinating creatures through their natural habitat. And when you’re not trekking with the chimpanzees, you can enjoy more adventures including nature walks and bird watching.

Species and Wildlife Highlights

Kibale is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including 60 mammal species like elephants, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, and bush pigs. However, it’s the primates that truly steal the show, with 13 species calling the park home. These include monkeys like vervet, blue monkeys, red-tailed, and black-and-white colobus and these are regularly spotted, providing perfect photo opportunities as they swing through the trees even though you are not on the trek.

Red colobus monkey

On the other hand of bird watching, about 335 bird species have been recorded in Kibale, including rare species like Nathan’s francolin and Cassin’s spine tail. You’ll want to make time for a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, just outside the park. Here, you might spot the dazzling Great Blue Turaco or the elusive papyrus gonolek.

Things to Do in Kibale

Your Uganda car rental adventure to in Kibale wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the activities that make the park famous and these include the following.

Chimpanzee Trekking

This is the park’s crown jewel as earlier mentioned. Chimpanzee trekking is done in Kanyanchu and Buraiga tracking sections in two swifts of morning (A.M) and afternoon (P.M). The permissions for chimpanzee trekking are $250 per person and these can be obtained through your Car rental agency. Kindly note that you can neither buy these permissions at the headquarters or as an individual.

This activity includes a nature walk on the day of tracking allows only one hour with the chimpanzees however; you can choose to do a chimpanzee habituation experience at $300 where you are permitted with 4 hours with these apes.

Bird Watching at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

A guided walk through the Bigodi Swamp will give you a front-row seat to some of Uganda’s most stunning and rare birds as earlier stated.

Nature Walks & Primate Spotting

For those looking for a more immersive experience, nature walks through the forest give you the chance to spot not only some primates but also other forest creatures and plant life. With medicinal plants and reptiles to discover, every step in the park offers something new.

Accessibility and Getting There

Kibale National Park is located in the heart of western Uganda, about 26 km south-east of Fort Portal town. From Kampala, you can reach Kibale via two main routes: the shorter northern approach, which follows the tarmac road from Mubende to Fort Portal, and the southern route via Mbarara and Kamwengye. You need to take caution while driving especially via the shorter northern route since its condition is generally poor despite being tarmac.

It was under construction and some parts of the road were graveled while others are patched with potholes. Expect some delays due to reduced speeds as well as monitor where you pass to avoid minor breakdowns due to tyre cuts by sharp stones.

Despite all, even a simple 4×4 like a Toyota rav4 can assure you a great experience in Kibale Forest. Other vehicle options can be a Toyota Landcruiser Prado and Landcruiser V8. It doesn’t matter whether the car that you hired has a pop roof or not since there are no activities like game drives in the park where you would specifically need an open roof for a great game viewing experience.

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Travel Tips Trip Planner

Fueling Your Car While Road Tripping Uganda

When embarking on a road trip in Uganda, especially on a self-drive adventure, the availability of fuel stations and accepted payment methods are essential factors to consider. Uganda has a growing network of fuel stations, particularly in urban areas and along major highways, ensuring that drivers can refuel conveniently. However, as you venture into more remote regions, fuel stations become less frequent, requiring careful planning. Additionally, understanding the common payment methods, such as cash or card, will help ensure a hassle-free experience when fuelling up during your journey across Uganda.

  1. Fuel Station Availability in Urban Areas

In cities like Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, and other large towns, fuel stations are abundant. Major fuel companies such as Shell and TotalEnergies, providing 24/7 services in most cases. Here, drivers can access petrol (gasoline) and diesel. The fuel stations in cities also offer car washing services, tire repair, and convenience stores where travellers can buy snacks, drinks, or basic necessities. Due to the concentration of vehicles in urban areas, these stations tend to be busy, especially during peak hours. Despite this, refuelling is easy, and you can find stations every few kilometres. 

  1. Fuel Station Availability Along Major Highways

Uganda’s primary highways such as those connecting Kampala to Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, and Gulu are well serviced by fuel stations. These highways have regular fuelling stops, so motorists rarely run out of fuel. The quality of roads along these highways is generally good, which encourages the establishment of service centres, including fuel stations. Some of these stations offer modern facilities with convenience stores, public restrooms, and ATMs.

On highways, especially on routes used by tourists traveling to national parks (like Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, or Murchison Falls), most fuel stations accept cash in local currency (Ugandan Shillings). However, more modern stations also accept card payments. 

  1. Fuel Station Availability in Rural Areas

In contrast to cities and highways, fuel stations in rural Uganda are fewer and farther apart. If you are traveling in remote areas, such as towards the borders or more isolated villages, it’s crucial to plan ahead and carry extra fuel if possible. While you may find smaller, locally-run fuel stations, they may not offer the same level of service or fuel quality as those in the cities. Many rural fuel stations are basic, offering limited amenities. Travelers may have to rely on jerry cans of fuel sold by local traders in extreme cases.

In the case of tourism in places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is advisable to fuel up in nearby towns such as Kabale or Kisoro before heading into the park areas. Similarly, those traveling to northern Uganda, towards Kidepo Valley National Park, should plan their fuel needs well in advance, with stops at Gulu or Kitgum. 

  1. Fuel Station Brands in Uganda

Several international and local fuel brands dominate Uganda’s market. These companies have stations scattered across the country.

  • Shell Uganda: A dominant player, Shell has numerous stations, especially in urban areas. They also offer convenience stores, known as “Shop Express,” and car maintenance services.
  • TotalEnergies Uganda: Total stations are widespread, offering quality fuel and additional services, including car wash and food outlets. Their stations are well-equipped for both card and mobile payments.
  1. Fuel Quality and Pricing

Fuel prices in Uganda are deregulated, meaning each company sets its own rates. However, the differences in prices are usually minimal. The fuel prices tend to fluctuate depending on global oil prices, government taxes, and exchange rates.

In terms of fuel quality, international brands like Shell and Total are known for providing high-quality fuels with additives that help maintain engine health. However, in smaller rural stations, the quality may not be as high. Some travellers have reported adulterated fuel in remote areas, so it’s essential to fill up at reputable stations when possible.

  1. Payment Methods Accepted at Fuel Stations
  • Cash Payments: Cash is the most commonly accepted payment method at most fuel stations across Uganda, especially in rural areas. The local currency, Ugandan Shillings (UGX), is widely used, and travellers should always carry some cash when traveling outside major cities.
  • Card Payment: In urban areas and along major highways, many fuel stations have embraced the use of card payments, particularly Visa and MasterCard. Stations operated by Shell, TotalEnergies, and some larger local brands have card machines, allowing for easy payments. This is especially convenient for tourists who may not want to carry large amounts of cash.

However, it’s essential to note that card systems may be down at times due to poor network connectivity, so it’s always advisable to carry cash as a backup. Some rural stations may not accept cards at all, so travellers should not rely solely on card payments outside of cities.

  • Mobile Money Payments

Mobile money has become a popular payment method in Uganda, with many fuel stations accepting mobile money payments through platforms like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money. This method is particularly useful because it allows customers to make payments without the need for cash or cards. Mobile money transactions are convenient and safe, reducing the risk of carrying cash, especially in rural areas where ATMs may be scarce.

Mobile money payments are particularly popular at smaller, locally run fuel stations, but even some of the larger brands now offer this payment option. 

Conclusion

Fuel stations in Uganda are readily available in urban centres and along major highways, making travel by road relatively easy. However, travellers venturing into rural or remote areas should plan their fuel stops carefully, as stations can be sparse and may offer limited services. Cash remains the most reliable payment method, though card and mobile money options are growing in popularity, particularly in larger towns and cities. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s always best to carry cash, keep a full tank, and research fuel stations along your route in advance.

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Travel Tips Trip Planner

5 Tips to Help You Plan a Dream Trip

It’s always exciting to make up your mind and visit a particular destination in the world especially that of your dream. Many people are thinking of the same today despite the real life experiences that every traveler tastes during the planning Stage. After having a great chat with various travelers on different Uganda safari tours, here is a list of things that most travelers have experienced.

1. How Many Days to Spend in Each Place

Many feel stressed and missing a lot of places and things to do with in the limited time flame plus budget after booking their flights. This is common when one want to cover a couple of countries in one big trip or multiple safari destinations. So to make it work skip the least loved places and tour activities and allocate enough time to favorite places on your trip taking into account the length of your vacation. I guess this will be one of your favorite vacations in life.

2.Trick to Travel with Someone

Vacations would have been very easy to manage once you make research and start planning quite early but the tricky part comes down when you decide to travel with someone else. Figuring out how to split expenses and timing purchases so that you on the same flight /sit together is really a hassle. However sole travel is expensive but somehow the best way to do everything your way. Alternatively start the planning processes together as a team and end it still as a team.

3.Crazy Itineraries

This is experienced when travelers try squeezing everything in one visit due to making too much research, tight schedules or limited travel budget. A lot is always planned from home forgetting the real picture of tourist attractions, distance between them, connectivity, weather and possible number of days needed to explore each destination. Every traveler should share their trip itinerary and plan with local tour company to ensure that nothing changes upon arrival because an itinerary may sound interesting but not applicable in the real sense. Some times what looks good becomes worst trip based on tiredness ending up with a different itinerary totally different from the original.

4.Packing

From shopping for the right items to what not to pack and in which order many travelers find it difficult to make right packing list for their trips even after being advised by friends and other travel blog posts and tips online. However having less staff make your trip more flexible and you can live with your trip excitements. If you can afford to hire some tour activity items on ground better that way and avoid carrying a lot of luggage from home. Those planning private safari tours with tour operators make it a point to request for the general trip pack list and follow just that.

5.Tourist Visa

Not every country you visit require one having a tourist visa but those that require them make it a point that every foreign visitor to the country should have one that acts as a gate pass to the country. Many have had issues in getting tourist visas before setting off for their trips which are a common scenario in all corners of the world. However those planning to visit Africa, you can get a tourist visa upon arrival at the international airport at a fare cost which is always valid for a period of 90 days. Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, south Africa are one of them but get more detailed information from your tour consultant.

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Travel Tips Trip Planner

Exploring Uganda on a Self Drive Tour

Over the past decade, Uganda has been able to generate quite a number of tourists year after year, with its sunny skies, favorable weather and nice climate, incredible wildlife that include the rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and more! A lot of people from noble and celebrities to adventure seekers have visited this beautiful country located just astride the Equator in the eastern side. Many independent travelers have really began flocking to this golden paradise to enjoy and explore what really makes Uganda, the Pearl of Africa as sir Winston Churchill penned down in his book “My African Journey” in the 1902.

Unlike other countries, where the evidence of mass tourism has occurred, Uganda decided to take a different path to developing ecotourism and the country offers some of the best places where you can watch wildlife in their natural setting minus huge tourist masses. As tourism grows, independent travel has also grown and from backpackers to road trippers who tale the advantage of a Uganda self drive, you can easily explore the country and see much of it independently. Since 1986 after the take over of the NRM government, Uganda embarked on the development of infrastructure such as roads, improving communication and today moving from one point to another is easier. That’s why many travelers opt for a self drive service while exploring Uganda. In addition you can easily rent a car for your own vacation pleasure, independence and best of all, convenience from various Uganda car hire agencies and here are some quick tips and reminders when it comes to self driving Uganda;

For first time Uganda tourists, its best if you have a friend or relative who can actually show you around the place but if not, a reputable Uganda car rental service is what’ll help you make your vacation be an unforgettable one. Many car rental agencies offer car hire with a driver who will help you travel from one place to another with a lot of ease. It is advisable to read extensively about the different places to visit if you are to take a self drive on your safari. Get armed with the proper materials and information on how to get from one destination to another, info about things to see and do, where to stay and more. When it comes to choosing which car rental agency for yourself drive rental endeavor to check for recommended car hire agencies from local travel guides and trip planners. Try to map out the places, beaches, amusement parks or wherever it is that you want to go to, way before you actually embark on your trip. It really is much wiser if you plan things carefully and thoroughly way ahead of schedule because this way you get to free yourself from possible headaches and hassles that can be usually caused by not planning ahead.

To help get yourself started onwards your quest to finding the perfect car rental agency that’ll best suit your needs, wants and most importantly, budget, it’s best to consult your travel agent on which agency that he/she would actually recommend to you. Though there are not many car hire agencies, choosing the right agency that stands out to be the best may tend to overwhelm you at the start, making you unsure whether or not you’re getting the services of a reputable agency. Well do try to heed my advice and ask around, it really won’t hurt you if you do. Apart from knowing what Uganda car rental agencies are actually out there, you even get broaden your knowledge about travel prerequisites such as this one.

Try to see if the services of a car rental agency are really what you need, if it’s actually a cheaper way for you to get around the city. Evidently, opting to take the self drive rental will make your vacation a lot convenient, think about it thoroughly and assess what actually are your priorities when it comes to taking this trip.

There is really a lot that you can do to make your vacations worthwhile and fun, just always remember to plan, plan, plan ahead. Weigh out all the options that you can find and try to be practical in picking out the best possible one. Car Hire in Uganda, to be honest isn’t really that bad, you’re bound to get a good deal somewhere, somehow. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look and having the patience to canvass and compare prices for different car rental services. In addition to asking your local travel agent on which car rental agency that he/she would like to recommend, you can also try asking for you relatives’ and friends’ advice. Ask them if they’ve actually availed the services of a car rental agency, more so, a car rental agency, ask them how it went and which particular self drive rental service agency would they recommend to you. Lastly, go to your ever-reliable PC and look-up Uganda car rental in the internet. You’re bound to get a long, long list of service companies who are more than willing to give you a good and fair deal.

Recommended Car Rental Agencies

One of the hard thing is to look for a car rental agency that offers self drive in Uganda. However i have tried to look out for a few agencies that are capable of providing this kind of service. Here are the recommended car rental agencies in Uganda;

  • Drive Uganda (www.driveuganda.com) – this is the No.1 agency if you are looking for a wide choice of rental cars.
  • Car Rental Uganda (www.carrentaluganda.com) – the oldest car hire agency offering cheap car rental, airport transfers and one way rentals.
  • Car Hire Uganda (www.carhireuganda.com) – has a good fleet of cars from SUVs to 4X4WD cars for adventure safaris and travel in remote areas.
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Travel Tips Trip Planner

Safety Tips When Taking Guided Safaris in Uganda

Taking a safari in Uganda is one of the most exciting and memorable activities you can ever do. The thrill of seeing one of the big five is an emotion that one can never forget in East Africa you can take a guided safari with a trained safari guide.  Are you planning to take gorilla safaris into Bwindi Forest, or you would just prefer an adventure trip into one of Uganda’s savanna national parks? These guided safaris can either be a drive through a national park or a game reserve or even guided hikes or horse rides.

While a guided safari may sound the safest option for the new safari goer there are some questions you should ask be asking before you book your trip:

1. Does the guide possess a qualification or certification?

There are many different institutions that provide training and certifications for guides. One example would be the USAGA of Uganda whereby other companies train field guides to be able to pass the USAGA exams. Simply asking if the guides taking you are USAGA certified helps you understand if they have the necessary knowledge to safely take you on a game drive.

2. Putting the qualification aside, how many years has the guide been working?

Often experience counts more than qualifications but having both would not hurt. The longer the safari guide has been at a company the more experience the guide should have. When it comes to safari guides, experience is the best requirement for a wonderful and memorable trip.

3. Will there be more than one guide?

A guided tour will often have more than one guide, if it is a guided walk there could be two guides. On some guided drives there is a safari guide and a tracker on the vehicle to increase sightings of animals. Having two specialist guides can reduce your safety risks greatly. Ask the company how many guides they use and if they say one, ask why?. In most cases the company can liaise with the rangers at the park to be safe.

4. What means of communication do the guides have?

If something were to happen on your guided safari how would the guides (or you) contact someone for assistance? Do the guides just have intermittent cell phone signal or do they have a proper radio communication system between safari vehicles as well as central office where help can be reached? The quicker help can be called the safer you will be in case of a bad situation.

5. Is the guide linked to a major company?

Going with a big name, well-known safari company is often more expensive but the bigger companies should have proper communication infrastructure, guides that have passed exams and often will ensure there is a second guide with the safari group; they have a reputation to uphold! If you go for a cheaper option with a smaller company, you might be putting yourself at risk. Then again if you do your research, read reviews and ask the right questions, you may be in better hands even in a smaller, more intimate setting. It is all about doing the right research.

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Travel Tips

How to Pack Your Car for a Road Trip

A road trip safari on a self-drive is one of the best options one should go for; as it gives you an opportunity to enjoy more due to the freedom it give you.  You are free to drive at your own pace and stop at any area of interest without any one stopping you. However one can hire a car on a chauffeur, all chooses are good but what matters most is to go on a safari and come back when satisfied. With Uganda self drive, you are guaranteed both choices depending on your interest and we have a variety of car fleet that can meet your satisfaction and we do hire them at a friendly price.  They have enough space for lugages, with air conditioner.  To drive and came back when satisfied is attributed to very many factors, more of it and more important is how to pack for your road trip depending to the number of people you are travelling with. Below are some of the rules that make packing easier.

Backup Kit:  don’t forget to pack using items like mobile phone and a charger is a must pack, make sure that its well packed before you start off with your drive, a phone is very important as in case of anything you have to communicate back to the car hire company. Other useful emergency items include a first-aid kit, warning triangle, torch, and jump leads, if you have children a plastic bag, tissues are also necessary. If these are packed well your road trip will be a memorable one.

Travelers: passengers should sit in the right position that they feel very comfortable, those who are sick should be able to sit at the window to see out of the windscreen, and for any passage sited in front- should be allowed to do so and should not forget to tie a seat belt, so sitting in the right position will give you a chance to travel safer.

Baggage:  the luggage packed is determined by the capacity of the car. Always endeavor to put the heavy items as far forward and as close to the floor in the cargo area as possible. Don’t over load the car you may end up damaging it. Avoid loading stuff up to the ceiling that you cannot even see out of the back window, you may end up not seeing from behind. Anything you think very important on your trip don’t leave it out like a jacket, bag, among many others should be stored within easy reach to avoid wasting time looking for them.

Pack DVDS and CDS, music or movies that will entertain you along the road trip to keep you not bored and you will not realize the long distance covered. However most of the hired cars have music but you may be interested in your music, so bring music that will not bore you on your safari, however make sure that everyone knows how to share.

Fuel/gas:  before starting your road trip make sure that your car is well fueled to enable you drive for a distance calculated. In most of the remote parts of the country, it’s very hard to find petrol stations something that will give you herd time once your car get out of fuel.  Ask the car hire agency to advice you on the amount of fuel you should use before setting off to your destination. It pains a lot if your car gets stuck on the road due to shortage of fuel in an area where there is no petrol station, this will ruin your safari.

If possible pack your food/snacks especially if you are going to drive for a long journey to avoid eating in un trusted restaurants or shopping for junk food. Pack your fruits, snacks, or you can decide to prepare a panic lunch if possible to avoid unhealthy meals along the road. Although very many restaurants are situated on many big towns along the road you can buy from there if you’ve not packed your food

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Travel Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Car

Many people turn to car rentals as their best ground transportation while on a vacation, business and political engagements. But sometimes they end up having some misunderstandings between them and the car rental agency and also they may have to pay more money for the car hire services since they have violated the agreement. This results to customers cursing car rentals services. Some people make these mistakes ignorantly while others are just careless or reluctant.

These are the commonest mistakes made by travelers on their car rental services.

They forget to check the condition of the car yet this is a must thing to do on car rental services. The traveler has to check the car before taking for his/her vacation. One is supposed to check if there are some damages and dents on the car and also should check the mechanical condition of the car. It is recommendable to take pictures of the car. This helps one to know which damage she/she is liable for in case one happens. But sometimes, travelers make a mistake of not checking the car thoroughly and end up arguing with the car provider about the damages that may happen to the car i.e. everyone denying the liability of the damages.

Some travelers do not read the terms and conditions carefully. This is the commonest mistake people made on car rental services. Some people do not take a keen eye on some clauses of the car hire agreement and of which these can make them pay more for the car hire services like limited mileage clause, early return and return fuel refilling clause. You have to read the agreement so carefully and do not miss out a single clause because if you go against it, you are likely to pay a big premium for compensation.

Do not search on the internet for the best car rental services. Some people just use the car hire services that they come across other than making some research on the internet to get better deals. There are so many car rental companies offering good services at affordable rates on the web. When one does not use the internet is more likely to get cheated on the prices since he/she might not know the standard price of certain car rental services and end up paying much more money on low priced Uganda car hire services.

Furthermore some people only use the internet to find car rental services leaving out checking offline. Although internet has the best deals, endeavor to check offline too. It is best to check both online and offline, you never know the car provider might have forgotten to update his/her website yet when you go the offices physically you might land on a better deal.

If the above mistakes are put in the mind and amended, the traveler can have the best car rental deals which are comfortable, reliable and safe and pocket friendly.

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Travel Tips Trip Planner

Common Mistakes Made by Customers When Booking Car Rentals

Many people turn to car rentals as their best ground transportation while on a vacation, business and political engagements. But sometimes they end up having some misunderstandings between them and the car rental agency and also they may have to pay more money for the car hire services since they have violated the agreement. This results to customers cursing car rentals services. Some people make these mistakes ignorantly while others are just careless or reluctant.

These are the commonest mistakes made by travelers on their car rental services.

They forget to check the condition of the car yet this is a must thing to do on car rental services. The traveler has to check the car before taking for his/her vacation. One is supposed to check if there are some damages and dents on the car and also should check the mechanical condition of the car. It is recommendable to take pictures of the car. This helps one to know which damage she/she is liable for in case one happens. But sometimes, travelers make a mistake of not checking the car thoroughly and end up arguing with the car provider about the damages that may happen to the car i.e. everyone denying the liability of the damages.

Some travelers do not read the terms and conditions carefully. This is the commonest mistake people made on car rental services. Some people do not take a keen eye on some clauses of the car hire agreement and of which these can make them pay more for the car hire services like limited mileage clause, early return and return fuel refilling clause. You have to read the agreement so carefully and do not miss out a single clause because if you go against it, you are likely to pay a big premium for compensation.

Do not search on the internet for the best car rental services. Some people just use the car hire services that they come across other than making some research on the internet to get better deals. There are so many car rental companies offering good services at affordable rates on the web. When one does not use the internet is more likely to get cheated on the prices since he/she might not know the standard price of certain car rental services and end up paying much more money on low priced Uganda car hire services.

Furthermore some people only use the internet to find car rental services leaving out checking offline. Although internet has the best deals, endeavor to check offline too. It is best to check both online and offline, you never know the car provider might have forgotten to update his/her website yet when you go the offices physically you might land on a better deal.

If the above mistakes are put in the mind and amended, the traveler can have the best car rental deals which are comfortable, reliable and safe and pocket friendly.

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Safari Guide Travel Tips

5 Steps to Booking a Uganda Safari Online

Planning a memorable Uganda safari can be a night mare wondering where to start from and not sure how it will go. In this article we shall give a highlight of what is necessary for a memorable safari.

Search for a Trip

Make friends with Google and get to a search engine to find a find a safari agent. The best way to search is to include specifications and key word, let say gorillas safari in Uganda, a 4 day safari in Uganda. This key word will help you bring related articles and safari companies that you will be likely to choose from.

Make a choice among the appeared searches, choose as many as you can and search about by visiting their websites, check to see if they are functional and up to date with their contact numbers and Google map directions.

Send an Enquiry

Send an inquiry to each of your selected tour operators by filling in the forms on their sites. The forms usually include names, nationality, package activity, and then your budget for safari. This helps the tour consultant t know what the client wants and will answer in according to the need. Due to difference in time zone, the reply may not income instant but will surely come if the site you inquired on is operating.

Compare the Offers

Compare the packages and cost each safari tour has presented and gage with your expectation and means. There will always be a difference in price but it’s good to consider average in the same price range not to high and not too low.

Compare the accommodation, look through all the listed accommodation and check out their facilities on their websites. Accommodation   is usually grouped in classes, budget, midrange and budget. This will also help you in determining a memory safari. Good accommodations gives comfort and make you enjoy your stay.

Narrow Down with a Local Tour Operator

Follow the tour operator you have selected on plat forms like safari booking, Trip advisor for other information like reviews from the previous clients. Bad reviews about the service provided, scam of money should help you narrow your choice of tour operator.

Check for membership, registered and licensed tour operators should be members of the tourism association, for example Association of Uganda tour operators, TUGATA ,UCOTA, UTA, Atta and so many other related association. Registered members are easy to track through such associations.

Compare the relationship you have  attached to the tour operator you selected, for this you have to base on the quick response and how knowledgeable how the tour consultant is, the many options one on suggesting for you to have for a memorable safari. A safari is not alone about wild life there other activities you can engage.

Make a Decision & Book

Make a decision on the tour operator to take on for your memorable safari, after the all the precautions and the steps you have taken, of course there is one lucky tour operator who has satisfied your inquiry with your budget and expectation. Feel free to place your confirmation mail.

Await your memory safari by making a payment. Once you confirm a safari you are then required to make a deposit of 30-70% of the total cost to help in buying permits and securing accommodations.

Depending on your arrangement and communication with the tour operator, you can pay by credit card, direct transfer to the company account, pesapal or by cash on arrival.