One of the best ways to save time during a safari without an itinerary is hiring a driver. But not any type of driver. Safari car rental agencies often provide professional guides who also double as drivers. There are a number of things to put into consideration when hiring a car with a professional driver during your Uganda safari.
Your Safari Budget
The budget is everything. Whether you wish to cruise in a Land cruiser V8 or a Land cruiser 70 series, your budget will determine whether these will be options or not. In case you are on a tight budget; you might have to consider a 5 door Rav4.
Though there are a number of places where the 5 door Rav4 is not recommended; with a professional driver guide, the companies can allow you to visit almost every place in Uganda. This is so because the company drivers have proper knowledge of the country and know very well the road options that are passable for the 5 door Rav4 outside google maps.
Driver’s Age Bracket
This is another thing that guests rarely put into consideration. If you are young folk, you would not be interested in being driven by a 50-year-old. Though the old driver guides have proper knowledge of the country, you might not be able to connect easily the way you would have done with a professional driver-guide who is also your agemate
Who covers driver Accommodation And Meals?
Before you hire a car with a driver, make sure these terms are clear to avoid paying hidden charges. Confirm with your Uganda car rental agency whether the driver takes care of himself or some of the things that have to be covered by you.
Drawing the line will save you from having to make unplanned expenses such as spending on driver meals and accommodation.
What if I wish to drive myself at one point during the trip?
Before you ask your driver to allow you to drive the car at one point, make sure that the car rental agency is aware of your desire. It should be noted that the car only has full insurance in instances where the company driver is the one who is behind the wheel. Therefore; in case you are considering driving at one point during your trip. It is wise that you sign a self-drive car hire contract.
How Much does it cost to hire a professional driver guide per day?
The minimum hire rate is often US$35. Linguistic professional drivers charge up to US$150 per day. In case you simply need a professional driver guide; it is wise to plan for between $35 and $45 per day. But these rates are professional driver-guide taking you around Uganda.
The rates tend to differ when you choose to cross the borders. For instance, a professional driver-guide in Rwanda is likely to charge you $50 to $60 per day. While the same rate applies for Kenya; Tanzania seems to be a little bit higher cost you at least $20 to $30 extra per day.
Which places are recommended to visit with help of a driver?
The most recommended places to visit with the help of the driver are those places that most people do not consider tourist attractions. For example, in case you wish to visit a place like Bulambuli falls for a wonderful hiking experience; you will a professional driver-guide who is well versed with the place after all it is not on the map.
Another very important tip is carrying kitchenware in such places; you will not have the luxury of getting lunch. Some of these places are too remote that you cannot find a restaurant anywhere; therefore carrying kitchenware will be one better way to spend your relaxation time cooking.
You can also consider a rooftop tent for accommodation to avoid the hustle of finding a place to sleep. You can always find a place around the village to take a bath but you will need a proper place for sleeping and that is where a rooftop tent comes in handy.
