When planning your Uganda self drive vacation, start with some of the basic questions that come up when starting to plan a self drive journey by vehicle.
Is the car 4×4 WD or not?
The 4×4 is definitely the way to go if you are planning to venture into any of Africa’s remoter regions. You will find that some areas are only accessible by 4×4 and these are mostly the unspoiled areas you’d want to explore. Places like Uganda national parks all require 4×4, there are many places that you can reach with a normal car, but those ‘special’ spots are the ones where you’ll have to select low or high range to discover what the real Africa looks like! Make sure you choose a vehicle that suits the places you plan to visit.
We would suggest a Rav4 4×4, Land cruisers, Min-bus 4×4, super custom 4×4, Landy safari vehicles with low and high range, as well as diff lock. This ensures that you don’t get stuck while out on a game drive or on your way to that remote waterfall you read about in your guide book. If you are planning to go by camping we can offer you the equipments at cheap extra cost, then a 4×4 is a must as the additional drag will definitely require 4WD, even in the slightest challenges (sandy patches, muddy gravel roads, ditches, river crossings) encountered on the road.
Is the car Petrol or diesel?
If you plan to go on a long overland journey into areas where you might not find unleaded petrol for your brand new 4×4, we’d suggest go with diesel. A diesel engine generally offers better fuel consumption, but it doesn’t give you the power of a petrol engine. Most diesel engines are also simpler in design (especially the older models), and easier to work on if it needs attention. For heavy towing however, nothing beats a petrol engine. Diesel engines are fine for off road truck towing.
What is Station wagon or pick-up?
Station wagons are generally more comfortable than pick-ups due to the superior suspension systems but pick-ups offer more room for packing equipment and gear.
The same goes for short- or long wheelbase. Many 4×4 owners choose to travel in a short wheelbase vehicle, as they only go on short journeys and travel as a couple. If you’re worried about packing space, then tow an off road trailer which serves as a complete camp-on-wheels.
Keep in mind that a long wheelbase vehicle is substantially more comfortable on rough roads and in most cases more stable too.
There are some excellent 4×4′s on the market these days but if you encounter mechanical problems along the way, you can be stuck there for a while waiting for a spare part or a mechanic that can fix the vehicle. It can also be an expensive exercise if your vehicle has to be towed to the nearest dealer where a qualified mechanic can fix it. Some of the more luxury 4×4′s seen across Africa is Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Prado, Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Cherokee. All these vehicles are great for long distance (tar roads and moderate gravel) driving but they are not made for harsh conditions and bad roads over long periods of time. Have you seen the size of the potholes on some of the African roads!!?
The Udrive Uganda use vehicles of outfitters, tested in real African conditions on regular 4×4 journeys into wilderness areas.
