Uganda experiences two main seasons-hot/dry and rainy/wet seasons with the former beginning from June to September as well as December to February and the latter being from October to November and March to May. Hiring a car for self drive safaris in Uganda is one of the most fascinating experiences and a way of exploring many destinations during your holiday, but the time of the year will determine your experience.
With a self drive, you will be able to visit any of the 10 spectacular National Parks, the wildlife Reserves, water bodies especially waterfalls, Lakes, Rivers and hot springs and numerous cultural sites that make the country the Pearl of Africa or an African Paradise. However, unpleasant weather conditions such as extremely hot weather sometimes make traveling stressing thus tourists always require advance planning and preparation just like you would do during cold weather. The good thing is that most safari vehicles have been designed to operate during extreme weather conditions so long as they are well serviced. One of the important things you should always not forget is to do a quick check (needles on the dashboards, gages and conducting a visual inspection on the coolant levels under the bonnet) in the morning before setting off for the journey.
Therefore, the following are the general safety tips of driving in hot weather conditions during Uganda safaris;
1. Carry enough drinks in the car
You will need to be hydrated throughout your road trip thus you are advised to get some bottled water before undertaking your trip. It is always a bad idea to drink tap water in Africa because you are at risk of suffering from Typhoid or even cholera. You will therefore need to buy a box and place it in the cooler box so as to save more money compared to purchasing from the expensive tourist hot spots especially if you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere and worse still when you are kilometers from help thus you will be able to hydrate yourself as you wait for help.
2. Cross check the tyres
Make sure your tyres are checked and free from punctures and are of the right pressure before leaving for the trip.
3. Always carry your phone and make sure it’s fully charged (don’t forget a charger too)
Always make sure your phone is fully charged so that you are able to call the car rental company or emergency services such as Ambulances and Police in case of breakdown of the vehicle or even an accident when you are in the middle of n0where. Therefore, you should charge your phone and power bank (if you have) and don’t forget to carry your charger.
4. Don’t forget sunscreen/sunglasses
Sunglasses/sunscreen is one of the top things that should never miss on your parking list of a Ugandan safari, especially if you are traveling to a destination that experiences extremely hot weather such as Kidepo Valley National Park. The sunscreen should have a good factor rating with UVA protection. These protect your eyes and skin from effects of too much sunshine that may lead to fever, high temperatures and dizziness.
5. Thoroughly check the fuel gauge
This is important if you intend to head to the wilderness (National Parks) because you will drive long distances without finding fuel stations and surprisingly, there are no fuel stations in the Parks thus make sure you fill up your tank before leaving and also don’t forget to carry some extra fuel in a jerrican to cater for the stormy day incase you run out of fuel in the middle of the journey.