East Africa is the original safari homeland of Africa blessed with an endless list of attractions top of which is wildlife and culture not to mention the spectacular landscapes and enormous water bodies that for long have attracted thousands of tourists of all types from all corners of the world. The cities, national parks and other tourist sites require the best means of transport to get there whether private or public but as we have come to learn that renting a private car is a much more convenient and safe option than going for the unreliable public means.

Uganda is home to up to 10 national parks and multiple wildlife reserves and sanctuaries and when you these to Kampala city , Jinja and other popular tourist destination, you’ll find that there’s a lot to be explored but how to get there is always the first question that comes to the mind of a traveler. There are various companies where a tourist or local can rent a car in Uganda but you have to be careful and choose an agency with a good reputation, reliable rental cars & drivers , good past client reviews and most importantly one offering services at affordable rates , under favorable terms and conditions.

Car Rental Tanzania  has been organizing guided and self drive trips in East Africa offering a wide range of car types include 4×4 station wagons, vans, luxury cars, mini buses, trucks as well as saloon cars for road trip around the city, outskirts and remote up-country destinations.

Our travel experts have been answering car rental inquiries of all types and can accurately say that the cars discussed below are the top 5 requested rental cars in Uganda without a doubt.

Toyota Rav4– This small compact SUV is on high demand by tourists searching for a budget self drive road trip. Coming in 2 and 4 door versions, the Rav4 can handle all types of terrain including off road park tracks. It has an air-conditioner with adequate cargo space in the rear ideal for couples or a group of four. You can rent a Rav4 in Uganda for prices ranging between US$ 45 per day to 65 per day for self drive depending on the location and number of days you will need services of the car.

Premio – The 3 box body configured saloon car is by far the cheapest car for hire in East Africa with prices ranging between US$ 35 to US$ 45 per day for self -drive excluding fuel. It can accommodate up to 4 people comfortable and is the perfect car to hire your business trip in Kampala city or any other district in Uganda but not a park as you risk destroying the car , getting stuck in a ditch or a breakdown in the middle of the park.

Land Cruiser Prado – This mid-sized 4×4 station wagon is another favorite for tourists planning to tour a park, do research or do some business in the city and upcountry. The land cruiser can accommodate up to 5 people comfortably with huge space for cargo in the rear and strong high standing wheels that can pass through even the roughest terrain in any Ugandan destination.  Car rental prices range from US$ 80 to 100 per day including driver but no fuel.

Safari Van – The mid-sized van along with the safari land cruiser are the original safari cars in Uganda and rightly so given their 4×4 capabilities, spacious cargo and passenger space.  The van can accommodate up to 8 people and has a pop-up roof ideal for sightseeing in the parks. If you are travelling as a small group and looking for the perfect car to accommodate you, then you should rent a safari van as it’s by far the best group vehicle suitable for group safaris, family road trips as well airport transfers.

4×4 Safari Land Cruiser – The customized Land cruiser has been the icon car for African safaris dating back to the 20^th century when game viewing and hunting were first introduced to the Africa continent. The Safari land cruiser comes in two versions; 5-seater and an extended 8-seater cruiser with both featuring a pop-up roof, air-conditioner and spacious space for cargo in the rear as well roof top. This is one of the most expensive 4×4 cars for hire in Uganda with prices ranging from US$ 180 to 200 per day with driver, excluding fuel.

Have you been planning to visit Uganda for a park tour, business trip, family vacation or research and looking for the ideal cars, the above mentioned rental cars should be on your list. Otherwise it all goes down to how many people you are traveling with and what your budget is. To book or inquire about renting a car in Uganda

South & East Africa have long been the best hubs for tourist searching for that ultimate African safari adventure that can mix both wildlife, culture, adventure and entertainment in one basket. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are the top 3 safari destinations in East Africa renowned for the diverse wildlife species, heterogeneous culture all that can visited comfortably given the political stability, good network and communication system to add to the welcoming locals.

There are various reasons to visit one of these safari destinations but here is why you should choose Uganda for your self drive safari in East Africa this season.

Home to the mountain gorillas – You wont get chance to encounter the mountain gorillas if you are not in Uganda or Rwanda. Uganda is home to the largest population of the endangered mountain gorillas with half the world’s population found in Bwindi forest , a UNESCO heritage site and one of the oldest tropical forests in Africa.  A self drive trip to Bwindi forest is a 6 hours adventure from Kampala city and only 1 hour if you are already in Kabale or Kisoro, the closest towns to the impenetrable forest.

Lots of adventure activities –  Jinja town is regarded the adventure capital of East Africa and also home to the source of the Nile that offers a variety of exciting water sports you wont find any where in East Africa. White water rafting tops the lot but other activities include kayaking, bungee jumping, river surfing, jet boat rides plus land activities like bicycle tours, quad biking, horse back riding, nature walks all in Jinja. Other adventure trips in Uganda include mountain hiking mountain Rwenzori for 6 or 9 days, hikes to Mountain Elgon , rock climbing to mention but a few.

Diverse culture – Kenya and Tanzania may have up 10 ethnic tribes but Uganda is home to 20 tribes each with distinct traditions and norms making it the perfect spot for cultural enthusiasts. A self drive trip around Kampala city, Mbale, Mbarara, Karamoja, Jinja, Fort Portal , Soroti among other kingdom centres will give you an insight of the history of some of the top and well known Bantu and Luo ethnic tribes in Uganda. Buganda , Ankole, Gisu, Busoga, Toro kingdoms and the decentralised Itesots, Acholi and Karamojongs are offer the best cultural experience in East Africa, interact with the locals, indulge in their day to day activities, wear their traditional clothes, taste their cuisine and explore their most sacred places like the palace, royal tombs, inauguration spots, wedding places to mention but a few.

Peace & Security – When we talk about security in East Africa, Uganda is the first country that comes to mind. The organized police and armed forces make sure the city and neighboring towns are all safe for self drive whether night or day. If you plan on visiting a national park, just rest assured the Uganda Wildlife Authority guides will be looking over you as you enjoy the wildlife of Uganda. Though there might be some political wars here and there, tourists can always be assured they can get where ever they are going comfortably without any inconvenience.

If you plan on embarking on self drive safari in East Africa and still haven’t decided which country to visit, then you should consider Uganda based on the above 4 facts.

The Land Cruiser Prado is a 4×4 mid-sized vehicle manufatured by Toyota Motors, one of Japan’s leading automobile companies. This SUV is one of the most affordable cars for self drive in East Africa popularly hired for park safaris, business trips . research ventures as well family vacations. The Land cruiser can accommodate up to 5 people comfortably with adequate cargo space, air-conditioner and most importantly the high tyres that can handle even the toughest of terrain.

There are a variety of cars ideal for park safaris in East Africa but below are three reasons to choose the Land Cruiser prado over the other cars..

Room Size – If you plan on travelling as a group of 4 to 5 and want to seat comfortably during a road trip, then the land cruiser prado is the ideal car given it’s size and seating capacity. The comfortable seats coupled with adequate leg room with give the passengers a comfy ride to any destionation.

Cargo Space- Avoid getting squueezed with the luggage and just put everything in the boot . The land cruiser has spacious cargo space in rear and some are customized with a roof rack to offer you additional space for your luggage most especially for clients planning on camping adventure.

Good high  tyres– To tranverse any national park or remote destination with poor roads, you will require a 4 x4 car with good high tyres that can pass through muddy roads, steep slopes and get out dictches with easy and all this is what the Land Cruiser prado offers giving you that uninterrupted road trip you deserve.

Planning to tour east Africa this season and searching for the ideal car to rent for self drive or with  driver, then you should consider hiring a Land Cruiser prado given the comfort and affordability as explained above.