Chauffeur hire in Uganda will give you the experience of a relaxed and luxurious journey. When was the last time you were driven around, relaxed in the back seat and actually look at the environment around you? Did you realize what you were missing out on looking or listening at the Google map for directions? This is what Chauffeur driven services is all about, we take all of the worries out of your trip and let you relax in the back seat or catch up on the presentation you need to go over before that meeting. Or maybe you just want to sightsee and get around for a few days do not worry how to get there, but just know you are getting there on time without getting lost.

Our local chauffeur knows his way around and can tell and show the place you missing on the way to that wine farm or event you need to be at. He knows the traffic and the roads allowing you to speak on the mobile without concentrating on the road and where to turn.

The trained driver will meet and greet you from where you choose! Airport or Hotel and transport you or the family around in a range of 8 vehicles that you can choose from:

Sedan Cars – Suitable for 3 or 4 passengers and their luggage. The car has got air conditioning and spacious boot for luggage. Saloon cars are an ideal choice for families and solo travelers.

Toyota Rav4 – Suitable for 3 -4 Passengers and it uses Petrol with enough space for Luggage, air conditioned a 4X4 Wheel Drive. Ideal for self-drive and chauffeur-driven safaris and tours.

Safari Land Cruiser – It’s a 4×4 Safari Land cruiser is suitable for tourists in need of a self-drive tour and camping in Uganda. Carries up to 8 people and has a pop-up roof.

 Land Cruiser Prado – This can accommodate 3 to 5 passengers and their luggage, air conditioners installed and are well serviced. We have both diesel and Petrol powered engine land cruisers. It is suitable for conference use and up-country travels as well

Toyota SuperCustom  – Suitable for up to 7-9 people, good air conditioning with enough seating space for luggage.

Safari Minivan – Has Air-conditioning system, has Extra Power for rough roads, enough space for luggage and Diesel Powered engine.

Coaster Minibus – Seating capacity of up to 35 passengers with a high roof and adequate space between the seat rows. This is very suitable for group travel, conference travel and student trips.

Nissan Patrol – A large four-wheel drive vehicle designed for safaris and rough roads and can accommodates 3- 5 people with enough space for luggage.

Uganda cars rental services are all available from many locations in Uganda, which include Entebbe, Jinja, Gulu, Mbarara, Fortportal and Mbale. All for the convenience, productivity, time savings, and driving safety for those corporate business people, events leisure groups or just simple holidaymakers that could make use of the relaxed Chauffeur service for their entire holiday period.

Imagine a sightseeing tour through Uganda on an itinerary that’s being drawn up just for you. If this interests you, please contact our office by email on info@cystalcarhire.com 

Crystal car hire is the best car rental in Uganda. If you are looking for a car to hire for self-drive use in Uganda, you definitely want the best value for your money. The most sorts after car hire term is cheap car hire. We must caution that as the old adage says “cheap is expensive”, most so-called cheap car hire companies prove this adage beyond a reasonable doubt.

Experience has taught many customers to look beyond cheap car rental websites. At crystal car hire, we provide the best car rental in Uganda for more than 10 years and our chauffeur drivers are well experienced with the best knowledge of the routes, attraction sites and knowledgeable with excellent customer care to ensure your comfort.

Affordability is important. It should not be the only factor. Getting a good bargain with an established and reputable local firm, like Crystal car hire, is easy. Once you make your inquiry, you can negotiate a reasonable bargain. You do not need to pay a premium for quality and reliability and there are many dependable car hire providers who are willing to revise the price considerably.

Besides price, safety is another essential consideration when hiring a car in Uganda. Every rental car must be safe, consistently serviced and must be fit. Since rental vehicles run a lot of mileage they need to be serviced regularly. You should establish what the servicing policy of the.

Look out for support service in case of a breakdown. Does the company provide you an alternative and how long does it take? Do they have a functioning support phone to handle 24/7 breakdown assistance? A reputable car hire company will be upfront about their contractual obligation. They should also state what is covered by their insurance policy and what your excess liability is.

Finally, always anticipate your rental needs. If you will be venturing into the open country, covering a long distance and have a lot of luggage then a saloon car is not ideal. The right car for you is the car that you can drive easily and comfortably, is big enough for your needs, has the capability to handle the terrain you are venturing to and is within your budget plan.

Dubbed the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is a landlocked country situated in the east of African continent. It covers total land area of 197,000sq. Kilometers and 43,935 sq. kilometers of water. It is bordered by Kenya in the east, Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, Tanzania in the south and Rwanda in the southern west. Uganda is a beautiful paradise made up friendly and warm people, shimmering lakes and rivers, and famous for its breath-taking wildlife. Uganda is blessed with unique features such as jagged mountains, rolling plateau, abundant wildlife, vegetation, national parks, African cuisine and rich culture. These are some of the must visit places in Uganda.

Kasubi tombs – Must visit places in Uganda.
These are famous burial site for the four kings of Buganda. It is located in the outskirts of Kampala and also a UNESCO world heritage site. The site was recently by unknown fire in 2010 though efforts by the government to restore the historical and cultural tombs are soon yielding results to enable visitors access the site once again. The tombs are a unique cultural paradise to the people of Uganda and more specifically to the Bugamba kingdom.

Visit to Kampala- Must visit places in Uganda.
This is the capital city of Uganda, welcomes to a paradise of friendly and welcoming people. This is one of the most calm and peaceful city in the region, regardless of its traffic during rush hours. Visitors get opportunities to view the towering buildings in the city and a handful of sky scrapers will portray how Uganda is growing into a modern and vibrant destination. The must visit places include Rubaga and Namirambe cathedrals, Namugongo martyrs shrine, impressive Bahai temple and Parliament building, Uganda national museum, craft markets, and numerous historical monuments scattered all over the city. The local markets of Nakasero and Owino markets are right spots for visitors to test on organically grown food stuffs and fruits.

Lake Mburo national park-Must visit places in Uganda.
This is one of the nearest wildlife parks to Uganda’s capital city, Kampala and it is famous for vast savannah grasslands and a treasure for acacia vegetation, magnificent lake, wetlands and rolling hills.

The lake is an ideal place for viewing the aquatic life like Hippos, crocodiles and a spot for boat cruise experience and sport fishing adventure. Lake Mburo national park is notably Uganda‘s smallest savannah park one of the best places to sight the large Eland Antelopes and zebras, a home to Rothschild giraffes, leopards, hippos, Buffaloes and a few lions which are rarely seen during day time but the roars can occasionally be heard across the plains.

With a total surface area of 68,800 km2, Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake by area and the world’s second largest fresh water lake by surface area, after Lake Superior in North America. A visit to Lake Victoria will expose you to the sole source of the world’s longest river – River Nile at Jinja where the monument of the American explorer, Speke who discovered the source of river Nile still stands to mark the starting point where the Nile starts its maiden journey to Mediterranean Sea.

Murchison falls national park – Must visit places in Uganda.
Located in north-western Uganda, this is another experience to behold. This park is known for the amazing wildlife and stunning views of resident wildlife including the big 4 mammals like elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes. Murchison falls national park used to be home to endangered southern white rhinos in 1980s but were later extinct due to illegal hunting by poachers but now restored in the adjacent Ziwa Rhino sanctuary which can also be visited enroute from Kampala. Murchison Falls Park is bisected by the spectacular Victoria Nile which first races down 80km of white-water rapids before plunging 40m over the hanging rift valley wall at Murchison Falls, the proud highlight of the park.

The water falls drains the river’s remaining energy, turning it into a wide, calm stream that flows gently across the rift valley floor for 55km to Lake Albert. This stretch presents one of Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife views, including elephants, buffaloes, water bucks, Kobs and the permanent residents, Hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Rwenzori Mountains – Must visit places in Uganda.
These are located in the south western corner on the boarder with D.R. Congo, the jagged Rwenzori ranges is an adventure world of its own. Labelled the mountains of the moon, the towering Rwenzori raises to height of 5,109m above sea level and presents some of the rarest adventure encounters in Africa and beyond.

The remote Rwenzori Mountains presents impressive treks through stunning landscapes and varied montane vegetation and the views of Africa’s third-highest summit, which is one of the less explored peaks. Margherita Peak which is notably Africa’s third highest peak offers its real beauty in the climb up through the valleys, forests and gentle slopes. The trees are populated with numerous bird species and primates and as you walk up the trails there are endless chances of viewing chimp nests amidst tall trees.

Bwindi impenetrable national park.
This is situated in south western Uganda and it is one of the top 10 travelers’ paradise in Uganda. The park has got both birds and mammals; presently it has more than 120 different mammal species and around 350 species of birds. The park boasts more than half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and other primates including chimpanzees, baboons, and several species of monkeys. Also common to this park are impressive nature walks to discover the resident Batwa pygmies who have lived in this forest for centuries.

Kidepo valley national park.
This is Africa’s finest wilderness park that boasts of a rich biodiversity and stunning scenery. From Apoka, in the heart of this wilderness park, an undulating savanna landscape that stretches in all directions, disappearing into the horizon marked by distant mountain ranges.

Kidepo national park experiences a semi-arid climate with just one rainy season throughout a year (April-September). The southern part of the park, the Narus river valley receives about 890mm of rain per year and the northern part in Kidepo valley receives just 635mm of rain per year.

Kidepo national park is home to Uganda’s notable wildlife including the Big 4, and the rarest cheetah, ostrich, spotted hyena and a variety of birdlife. Other animals include large herds of Buffaloes, elephants, antelopes and Giraffes, intertwined with marvelous culture of the Karamojong people which is one of the unspoilt culture in the world.

Here is how you can avoid Sleep When Driving In Uganda. Crystal car hire is full of adventure experiences as you become the manager of yourself on the road with that perfect car hire of your dream. With a self drive tour, planning for your trip remains in your side and you enjoy total freedom to explore variety of tourist attractions at your own pace unlike the guided safaris that come with mixed travel interests.

Once you think of self drive safaris in Uganda, make sure that you have adequate driving skills and perfect yourself with the kind of African roads. Renting and driving in the pearl of Africa is completely the perfect way for you to explore what this spectacular destination offers to the world. While self drive safaris have become the most sought after travel experiences, you ought to have enough sleep prior embarking on your road trip.

In case you feel like sleeping, make sure that you park aside and take some minutes to rest and then proceed after and it isn’t a crime for you to do so. But the good part of it the bumpy roads will keep you awake especially in potholes. To have the most comfortable and enjoyable road trip in Uganda, the following tips must be put into consideration to avoid Sleep When Driving In Uganda;

1. Do not drive when you are very tired.
   When it comes to road trips in any destination, the first thing to come at the back of your mind is your safety. If you are planning to set off for self drive safari, you certainly need to have enough rest and avoid driving when you are very tired. For some of you who are planning to embark on an independent trip, you will have a flexible safari and you can spend some time for you to grab some rest and then proceed to a destination of your choice. In case you had a busy schedule previous day, you can use the following day for relaxation and you will set off for your actual trip when you are very fine. To go for a self drive, you will need a strong mind especially when it comes to long distant tours.
2. Do not drive under pressure-rushing.
   This is common with people who find themselves late and they start driving like there is no tomorrow. Life is precious! If you do not know how long you will spend on the road, it is advisable that you set off earlier to avoid night driving. Contact our receptionist and we shall book for you the best car for you in advance to help you have the enjoyable tour as earlier as possible.
3. Utilize caffeinated products.
   Driving with assistance of caffeine makes you to be awake in most of the times especially when it comes to solo travel in Uganda. Whenever, you feel like dosing you can grab a cup of your coffee and take and then you proceed with your journey, this will help you not fall a sleep.
4. Have breaks or drive in turns.
   With self drive safaris, you become a controller of your car though not the owner. For long distant safaris, you will need to have breaks after each 2 to 3 hours or 100 kilometers as one way for you to have enough time to rest and refresh the mind. You can park the car aside where it is safe and thereafter, catch a glimpse at the sceneries and take your snake or listen to a good song. After, you can proceed after 15 to 30 minutes. In case you are two people on self drive and your colleague also knows how to drive, you can alternate to relieve the other party also.
5. Always have enough sleep.
   Uganda road trip with car hire for long distances requires you to have adequate sleep prior embarking on your actual safari the next day. Or you can spare about 20 to 30 minutes for you to take a nap to help you stay alert for the rest of hours while on safari. And in case sleep persists after even taking caffeine, you can simply park aside and take short sleep and you won’t feel any sleep again. Sleep is a natural and you can’t do without otherwise you can be stressing yourself if you persisted to do without while on long distance drive.
6. Travel and share driving with friend or spouse.
   In order not to waste time, you can simply alternate with your colleagues driving so as to maximize the time and to avoid sleep. This strategy is of great value for visitors on long distant journeys.

In conclusion, self drive safaris are exciting but stressing especially for long distant journeys. If you are planning for your next vacation and you are interested in self drives and long distance journeys in Uganda, follow the above tips and you will have the most enjoyable safari in your life.

New expats frequently ask where the best places are to live in Kampala and we always recommend trying to live the same side of town as you work. Scroll down and you’ll understand why. Kampala does not have an organised public transport system as such (it’s all privately owned, the taxis) but there are many different ways of travelling to and around the city. Here is how to get to different places around Kampala.

⦁ Walking
⦁ Cycling
⦁ Boda boda motorbikes
⦁ Cars
⦁ Taxis and special hires
⦁ Matatus
⦁ Buses and coaches
⦁ Train

Walking in Kampala.

If you’re within walking distance of where you work, then lucky you! You don’t get to experience the tiring daily traffic jam on the roads of Kampala. 

It’s only in the center of town and around the central business district (CBD) that you will find decent pavements. In other parts of town, pavements may suddenly end without warning . Drainage covers may be there today and gone tomorrow so always tread carefully. If you have kids, forget bringing the buggy to Kampala. You won’t be able to push it very far.

Cycling in Kampala.

I know very few expats who dare to cycle on Kampala’s crazy streets. I used to cycle when I lived in London but here we have little awareness of cyclists or their safety. You wouldn’t find me cycling around Kampala unless it is down by Lake Victoria or on the quiet hills of Kololo or Nakasero. Save your biking for weekends in Lake Mburo or Fort Portal. (Did you know there is an annual mountain bike tour in Karamoja?)

Boda boda motorbikes.

These are undoubtedly the quickest way of getting from A to B and the city couldn’t function without them. Boda boda drivers are our best friends, our Mr Fix It, frequently our saviours – just choose with discretion. They can be a real menace too.

If you take a boda boda, do yourself a favour and wear a helmet. Don’t just accept a lift from random guys driving past either. Get to know riders from your local boda boda stage or download one of the ‘ride hailing apps’. I use the Uber app all the time in Kampala. Their boda riders are registered and bring you a high quality helmet to wear.

Driving a car in Kampala..

Lots of people prefer the comfort and privacy of having their own cars. I bought my car from expat friends and enjoyed the independence of it for many years. What I didn’t enjoy were the many hours sweating in traffic jams at Jinja Road. Neither did I appreciate being pulled over by the traffic police for some minor offence they had just cooked up when they spotted a loan muzungu. (They pick on Ugandans too, I know!)

The weirdest occasion was one Christmas Eve when I was driving through the industrial area. The traffic policeman ahead of me motioned me to pull over. “What have I done?” I asked him innocently. He walked around the car.

“I’m pulling you over for having a faulty rear brake light” he said.

“How could you see that when you were standing in front of me?” I asked him.

“For us, we have special powers” came the reply.

Taxis and special hires.

This is where it gets confusing!

Private cars, like Uber, which we now have in Kampala, are called ‘specials’ or special hires.

When a British person like me thinks of a taxi, this is what I see:

Matatus.

In Kampala however, ask for a taxi (pronounced taxiiiiiii) and someone will point you to a matatu or minibus. The crowded old taxi park in downtown Kampala is an experience in itself! It can be pretty intense.

The 12 seater minibus taxis (generally white with turquoise ‘go faster’ stripes) are the cheapest way to get around but the routes can be annoying as you have to go into the centre of town to get out to the other side. People often walk a bit, take a matatu and then take the second one or jump on a boda boda for the last part of their journey.

Matatus are very cheap. There are no price lists, no receipts and no timetable. They have set prices but the conductor (who sits by the sliding door and takes your money) will frequently try and overcharge you if you’re a muzungu. It is inevitable but you will quickly get to know what’s a fair price. Most routes charge 1,000 shillings (equivalent to 20 British pence or 30 US cents). If you’re not sure how much to pay, fellow passengers will usually help you out (and scold the conductor at the same time!) Travel with loose change or small notes if you’re using a taxiiiiiii in Kampala.

Matatus are good if you are on a tight budget, have a good book to read and can go to work very early (or arrive home very late). Play with your expensive phone at your peril. Thieves are known to put their hand through taxi windows and snatch phones when you’re stuck in traffic.

The downside with matatus is that they frequently get stuck in traffic, especially around the taxi park and Clock Tower roundabout. It’s not uncommon to sit for one or two hours without moving. Their drivers are often aggressive. Also, you have to be careful of your belongings on these crowded minibuses as there are lots of cunning pickpockets. One friend was relieved of her laptop in a matatu. She had no idea she was being robbed until she got out of the taxi and opened her bag to see her laptop had been replaced by bricks!

If you are using a taxi upcountry, expect to fit a lot more than 12 people in!

Note: Uganda’s matatus are twelve-seater minibuses, slightly different from Nairobi’s matatus which are buses, coaches or ‘coasters’ (slightly smaller than a bus).

Buses and coaches.

Within Kampala city, Pioneer are the only bus company that I know of. Their buses are new, well-maintained with fixed routes, fixed prices and even tickets! Oh how I wish the city had more of these.

If you want to travel outside Kampala, upcountry or across one of Uganda’s borders, buses are safer than matatus,  which have a particularly poor safety record. My preferred bus companies – who I use regularly – are Mash, Link and Jaguar Executive Coaches. Other people also recommend Oxygen, Coast and Modern Coaches.

Train.

If you are lucky enough to live in Kireka or Namanve, you can even get the train into town! The downside is that the service is infrequent although it does have a daily timetable and it’s very cheap. Click on the image to read more about Kampala’s commuter train service.

Helicopter.

I once crossed Jinja Road by helicopter!

When I was a volunteer, I got to know the pilot of the helicopter stationed at International Hospital Muyenga. I begged him for a ride (not thinking there was any likelihood of it).

One morning he called me. “Can you get to the hospital in fifteen minutes? I have to transfer the helicopter to the grounds of the Serena Hotel to pick up a private client. You can hop in if you want to?”

God I was excited – but no sooner had the helicopter lifted off the ground than we were landing again… and that sums up my travel experiences in helicopter!

What’s the muzungu’s preferred way of travelling around Kampala?

These days I’m a big fan of Uber and use them every day I’m in Kampala.

Although Uber isn’t Kampala’s only ride hailing app, it does offer the most flexibility and for tourists and new expats, it’s a recognised brand that you may already have installed on your phone. The system works exactly the same way as it does ‘back home’ but cash is always preferred by drivers. Few of them accept credit cards which is understandable. Very few shops in Uganda accept credit cards – we just aren’t there yet.

What’s great about their service in Kampala is that Uber have both cars and boda bodas. When I have time, I’ll take a car. This gives me a chance to schedule my meetings, check my email, do a Facebook update (and do my make-up (!) of course). Uber is my mobile office, regardless of the weather or the heavy traffic. When I’m in a rush, I order an UberBODA from the same app. When I’m in Kampala, I won’t get on a boda unless I have my helmet. The great thing with UberBODA is your driver will arrive with a helmet for you to borrow (meaning you don’t have to carry your helmet with you all day long). I love the flexibility this gives me. Contact us for more information.