Uganda’s transport system is not the kind with a variety of developed modes of transportation as the most commonly used is road without any other getting close to it. Travelers can hire a private car with a driver or opt to go self-driving when going around this Pearl of Africa. Alternatively, you can use public transport such as bus, taxis or boda boda (motor cycle) for short distances if you are on an extremely tight budget or perhaps want to travel like a local. There are a few railway lines with the active line in the central part of the country. With a few domestic airlines in Uganda, flights are quite expensive. 

Due to unreliable public means of transport in Uganda, we highly advise travelers to rent a car from a trusted car rental company if they want a trouble-free experience. And to determine the best option for you between a guided trip and a self drive tour, we bring you the advantages of each side so that you can weigh and make a choice. 

Advantages of self drive

Flexibility 
A self drive tour offers the freedom to make changes to your itinerary anytime without having to first consult the rental car service provider for permission. When you learn about new activities to do along the way, you can easily add them to or change the itinerary. On the other hand, a tourist on a curated guided tour must first contact the tour operator through their driver if they want to make any changes or adjustments to their itinerary. 

Privacy 
You have all privacy to yourself when you decide to self drive in Uganda as there is no one else intruding into your conversations and other matters with your travel partners. If you want to enjoy your private time throughout the trip, no better way to travel than going on a Uganda self drive tour. 

Cheaper 
A self drive trip in Uganda is cost-effective because it eliminates the driver’s allowance that caters for food and accommodation each day of the tour.

 
Comfort and convenience 
On a self drive trip, you have the car to yourself and it is you to determine what makes you comfortable right from the car type and things to do while traveling. You can play the kind of music you want, smoke, and adjust the temperature to the best you want among others. 

Advantages of booking a guided tour 

Relaxed 
When you rent a car in Uganda with a driver or tour guide, all liability is shifted to the company. This means that in case of any unforeseen circumstances like mechanical issues and a flat tire among others, all responsibility goes to the driver. As a traveler, you simply wait for everything to get fixed and go on with the trip.

Learn more 
One of the major advantages of a guided tour is that travelers learn a lot from their safari drivers. Many of Uganda’s hidden gems can easily be accessed by experienced local drivers who also provide facts about them. While on your trip, you can inquire and learn about anything from your driver more so the culture, nature, and other things that you may come across. On a self drive trip, some questions remain unanswered if the information is not on Google. 

Security 
Just like most African countries, there are locations where you have to be extra cautious with your property. A driver is always there to warn you on the do’s and don’ts while in insecure and unsafe places. They are also the only people you can trust with your property if you have to leave them behind.  

Less research 
Guided tours in Uganda do not require a lot of research in preparation for the tour like self drive trips. Your driver knows it all and they will share all relevant information throughout the tour. You may read a little about your destinations to have a hint of what you expect but not as critically as a traveler preparing for self drive. 

Quick alternatives 
In case of inconveniencing events such as traffic jam and road blockages during the trip, a local driver easily finds an alternative so they can proceed with their journey with less inconvenience. They also sometimes get updates of unforeseen circumstances from their colleagues in the same field and this helps to them adjust with plan B ahead of time. 

From this article, we now know that a guided Uganda tour is much safer and more comfortable but a self drive trip is cheaper and more flexible. If you are planning for a Uganda tour soon and need guidance when choosing between a guided tour and self drive trip, we hope the above points help you.
For inquiries on our car rental services, contact us now by sending an email to info@supremecarrentaluganda.com or call us now on +256-742874045 / +256-703903243 to talk to our team.