A self drive tour in the capital of Uganda

Self drive involves renting a car from a car provider of which traveler or customer leads to a particular destination by himself or herself. Self drive in Uganda is becoming so popular  because it is adventurous and one travels and gets involved with Uganda independently. On a self drive in Uganda, one can do anything one likes as long as you are not breaking the laws and rules in the country.

Have you ever thought of taking a self drive around Kampala city as you look at its beautiful attractions? Kampala city is the most populous city and at the same time capital and commercial city in Uganda. Despite of being a commercial city, it has lots of tourist attractions one may encounter while driving in Uganda. These attractions are enjoyed at their maximum capacity by taking a self drive tour.

While in Kampala city, here are some of the famous places you can visit to enjoy a self drive tour:
you can take a ride at the Uganda national museum at Kira road. At the museum you are able to know some of Uganda’s history. The museum has historical remains of the ancestors and also for the heroes of Uganda with good narrations from the museum guide.

You can also go to Mengo where you find some of Buganda kingdom structures like  the  Bulange which is the parliament building of Buganda, also the former torture house of former president Idi Amin, the Kabaka’s palace which posses so much history of Buganda and Uganda at large. One cannot forget to go to Kasubi tombs and shrines where the past kings of Buganda are buried which is near Mengo.

You can also visit the most prestigious religious sites in Uganda while you take a self drive in Kampala. There is the Old Kampala Gadaffi mosque which is the main worship place for Muslims in Uganda, almost within the same region, there is the Namirembe cathedral the main shrine for the Catholics.

There are also the Namugongo shrines which are also the memorial place where the Uganda Christian martyrs were killed. These are found in Namugongo on the outskirt of Kampala city.

There is also the national theatre in the middle of Kampala and this is where most of the national drama, plays are acted and also some cultural ceremonies are held. At the national theatre, there is also a cultural village where you can have a chance of buying Africa’s cultural commodities for example the craft shoes, clothes, bangles, clocks and different potteries.

There are also recreation centers in Kampala, shopping, clubs and cool restaurants that can make a self drive so fine. Some of these include the Nakumatt supermarket at oasis mall, capital shoppers, Game and Shoprite supermarkets, Mega supermarket in the middle of the city, Acacia mall which is the newest and most modernized shopping mall in Uganda and the centenary park which has a variety of hang outs with very many city revelers to interact with while having fun.

There are also very many discotheques in Kampala where you can have fun at night and relax your mind as you listen to Uganda’s finest music and also international music.

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A Complete Guide to Climbing Nyiragongo Volcano

This is one of the long lasting volcanic mountains in Congo; its last eruption was in 2002 where magma flown towards Goma, this volcano is found in north Kivu province within the Virunga national park which manages and controls all the activities taking place on the isolated active volcano with its headquarters at Sekenkwe. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours to climb the summit that begins at an altitude of about 1,997 meters to 3,470 meters above sea level

Nyiragongo lies 21km away from Goma town on the un paved  highway to Beni and Kisangani, with its base camp at Kibati  which is the starting point for tourists who wish to Hike this mountain i  just visited Virunga National Park in december 2016, and this volcano hike was absolutely at the top of my amazing experiences in  DRC

This mountain is in form of 3 sections for those who wish to spend some time on it, it has the Forest section and the hiking trails begins with this straight from kibalti until you join the 2002 volcanic

I’ll take a bit out of my general Virunga review I just wrote: rocks that stretch upto the rocky section which is the most challenging hiking trail. Ones advance preparedness would be needed to coup up with the  best time to visit this mountain is during the dry season,which is May to October , you can as well visit in the rainy season , but the hiking trails are slippery  thus becoming a bit of challenge.

The moment you get onto the top, there inn built wooden cabin  from which you  camp and begin to view the glowing active volcanoes and it inspiring  to change This night almost has eclipsed  your minds of how nature has wonders on planet Earth the hiking  experiences in epic-ness but you can also be blown away by watching the potential of an eruptionthis kike is for sure  It is 5 hours non-stop & does require a good level of fitness not to be overseen.

During the hike, porters perform their job if at all you ordered for one,, armed guards hike with you. food is actually really good on condition you ordered for it from mikeno lodge which is an extra $80 per person on top of $300 hiking ticket , and the gear you rent from Mikeno lodge are top notch (Patagonia down jacket, warm clean sleeping bag, etc.). It is at 11,400 ft (3500 m) so of course it is very cold at the top. Better for one to have  an entire set of dry clothes extra jacket , and would be nice to have  hiking gloves that keep you warm, as it partly gives you an extra hand / great on the way down to grab onto volcanic rock and sting nettles for stability and not rip my hands up. Much as there many un updated security concerns on various travel forums, but the Virunga staff are extremely professional & every detail to take care of seamlessly to every body on the trek. But you have to make sure the following are in proper arrangements to avoid any delays or inconveniences, At the border just make sure you have a printout of your tourist visa confirmation provided by Virunga.org, in addition to your yellow fever card is mandatory. transport has to be arranged from Goma boader best transport to use would be with Virunga park from Goma to Mikeno lodge/ Bukima (sekenkwe) Make sure to take good non-slippery shoes that will likely be soaking wet & very cold by the time you get to the summit. An extra pair or two of wool socks, extra shoes to change once you arrive so your feet don’t freeze.and also to change at the end of the hike at Kibati

Hiking Nyiragongo and experiencing it is a real  magical volcano and  Truly a world wonder that so few people like Billy Ssali have the opportunity to see.

Planning for Nyiragongo Hiking Safaris is very ease with Congo Gorilla Safaris the Destination Expert in Congo Safaris. the Shortest Nyiragongo Volcano Hike is 2 Days Safari which is offered as 3 Days Congo Nyiragongo Safari

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What to Know about Lake Kivu in Rwanda

Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes lying on the boarder of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo with in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika.Lake Kivu is found in the Northern Province of Rwanda and can be visited on Honeymoon Adventures.

As well as boasting a number of delightful beach resorts, this beautiful lake is also a great place to cycle the Congo–Nile trail.

Running along the Congolese border for 90km, the 2,370km² Lake Kivu is one of a string of ‘inland seas’ that submerge much of the Albertine Rift floor as it runs southward from the Sudan to Zambia. It is very a beautiful lake, hemmed in by steeply terraced escarpments containing several peaks of 2,800m or higher, including the smoking outline of volcanic Nyiragongo in the far north, and it has long served as a popular weekend getaway for residents of this otherwise landlocked country.

Kivu has a smaller surface area than the two most expansive Albertine Rift lakes, the more southerly Tanganyika and more northerly Albert. Nevertheless, a maximum depth of 480m and total water content of 333km3 places it among the world’s 20 deepest and 20 most voluminous freshwater bodies. In addition, the 285km² Idjwi Island, which falls entirely within Congolese territory, is the second largest inland island in Africa and tenth largest in the world.

A shallower and larger incarnation of Kivu probably formed about two million years ago as a result of the same tectonic activity that created the Albertine Rift and other associated lakes. Back then, Kivu would have been contiguous with the lower-lying Lake Edward on the Uganda.  About 20,000 years ago, however, a natural dam created by lava from the Virungas isolated Lake Kivu from Lake Edward. As a result, Kivu’s surface rose to its present-day altitude of 1,470m, the Rusizi River which had formerly drained out of Lake Tanganyika into the southern tip of Kivu reversed its flow, and the lake became part of the Congo Watershed.

Kivu supports an impoverished fauna by comparison with other large Rift Valley lakes, as a result of an unusually high level of volcanic activity. The geological record suggests that the release of methane trapped below the lake’s surface has resulted in regular mass extinctions every few thousand years. As a result, fewer than 30 fish species are known from the lake and, while this does include 16 endemics, it pales by comparison with the many hundreds of species recorded from Lakes Victoria and Tanganyika.

High methane levels probably also explain the complete absence of hippo and croc, and are also cited by those who claim that the lake has no Bilharzia. Kivu’s attractively irregular shoreline, with its verdant slopes and sandy beaches, is served by three main resort towns. The most northerly of these, Rubavu/Gisenyi, has the best tourist facilities, partly because of its proximity to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park .

Karongi/Kibuye, further south and with the advantage of being far closer to Kigali, also has a few decent lakeshore hotels. At the southern end of the lake, overlooking the exit point of the Rusizi River, Rusizi/Cyangugu can easily be visited in conjunction with Nyungwe National Park and Huye/Butare, and has recently gained its first hotel meeting international standards.

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Keeping Healthy While Traveling with Food Alergies & Intolerances

Travelling to different countries entails discovering the other part of the world that your country never offers and the difference in these countries you head to. You probably are used to the foods you have back home and yes some strange foods in other countries may not be good to your health. However on the other hand, some foreign foods are worth a try that is a trick of adventure.

When travelling to Uganda, whether on self drive car rental or guided trips, keeping our clients healthy during their trip is a priority at Auto Rental Uganda, but as you know safety comes first you keep yourself safe as we do our best on keeping it up. Most of the people from western countries are either Vegans, vegetarians’ or both which is not the case here in Uganda. We mix all the foods and eat it at the same time. Have you tried the African traditional LUWOMBO with Auto Rental Uganda? I would definitely say you are missing out something about the real Uganda

Good thing to do you should inform your service provider about your diet and how you want it to be. We may be able to eat all the beef, sea food and veggies but we still consider people’s choice and command and if someone does not take it we take the liberty to give you that choice  that perfectly suites you.

Beef is the delicacy in Uganda. You find it in most restaurants you go. Mixed in different soups, dried, BBq and snacks, chicken, nuts, beans and veggies are the most seen soups in restaurants.

Our team are trained in how to shop and cook for those travelling with food allergies or intolerances. Just in case you go camping alone, packing some food that stays longer is a great idea however Uganda is gifted with lots of fresh food that you absolutely can buy along the way. Who on an adventure wouldn’t love interacting with the food sellers and visit the markets? Wouldn’t that be an added advantage to go shopping in the markets? Alternatively you can buy everything you need for camping and you don’t need to stop shopping. It will save you time but you definitely will miss something interesting about these African markets. Talk to our Uganda car rental reservation team and they will push to help you with the shopping in and around the malls and markets so you be set on your self-drive in Uganda or guided tour.

Here’s  some facts to follow when shopping.

1. If in doubt about what is stated on a label DO NOT buy or use it
2. Wherever possible avoid local restaurants even if there clearly menu items that meet the dietary requirements due to cross contamination issues. Use specific restaurants recommended to you. You can make special orders just if you’re allergic and can have the exact meal for you.
3. When shopping and buying food products always ask if something has gluten or any other thing you may or may not want. Alternatively read carefully on the food packs.
4. Keep it fresh and unprocessed.  In Uganda we usually eat fresh, try it out and see. Enter the market and buy only fresh food that you can be sure off. Good thing is you find many markets around Uganda as you travel up-countries. And yes, you can use it as an opportunity to visit the local markets which everybody raves about
5. There are certain items that are easily contaminated like jars of jam, mayonnaise, butter, jellies and other spreads.  Make sure you keep them clean for those with allergies and intolerances.

To be on the safe side while camping or eating in restaurants be clear on what you want, or ask for assistance on shopping before you start your trip. One of our team members at Auto Rental Uganda is more than happy to help you find and shop for just the right food stuffs.

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Self Driving Uganda – Why You Need a Local Phone Number

While on a Self Drive in Uganda, it is vital to have a local phone number that you can simply purchase in the shops or service centres in major towns around the country. There is a wide range of networks to choose from that is MTN, Airtel, Orange, Vodafone, Uganda Telephone, and most recently Smart Telecom. There is wide network range coverage for MTN, Airtel and Uganda Telecom although most people have a preference of Airtel for easy communication followed by MTN. Most importantly is even when you cross the border to Rwanda, the same sim cards will work there although if you require to communicate easily with the local Rwanda people, a Rwanda sim card would be the best option. Purchasing a local sim card should not cost you more than 5,000 Uganda shillings.

A local phone number has far much more advantages as opposed to your international number while on a self drive in Uganda safari. Most of the roads in the country are not really that tarmac especially if you get off the usual highways and it is very easy to communicate with a local phone number to ask any body or your car rental agency for say help with regards to directions with much ease because they can always call you back to find out where you are or how best to get from point A to point B.

Because of the nature of the roads very often it is easy to get a mechanical problem with your rental car of which it is no guarantee but just in case it happens to you, it is very easy and efficient to communicate using your local phone number to your car rental company and they can easily walk you through what to do and how best to go about your issue than having an international number which can take a lot of money to communicate and with less airtime. It is very easy to communicate to a mechanic nearby and also with your rental company for a quick fix of the problem which actually might not be that big a problem.

Not only is it easy to communicate with your car rental agency but also with some other suppliers with in the country at a much more cost effective rate. Remember no body wants to spend much more while on holiday so a local phone number is an automatic saving scheme especially on calls within the country. There are cheaper cell phones in the country too that you can buy at about 30,000 Uganda shillings to serve the purpose while on your holiday. Most notable brands for cheaper cell phones include; Techno and Itel. For instance it is very cheap to book a boat trip in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo National Parks using your local phone number or liaise with a Ranger in case you are going for a Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

There are very many things that can move smoothly with easy communication and easy communication is a very important aspect for a success of your safari holiday. When there is an international number involved, your local rental company may not easily communicate the changes in say weather at different areas on your safari trail because of the expense involved in communication. Also some times lodges require phone numbers for the guests before they get to the lodge so as to prepare in advance what you would wish to have, say if you need dinner at the lodge or not, it is easy for the lodge to call you using your local phone number as opposed to an international number some time of which the staff at the different lodges may not have the knowledge of how to dial. Unless you are going to have a guided tour, then your safari guide will have a local phone number to easily communicate but for a self drive safari, I would urge you to endeavor and get a local phone number upon arrival either at the airport or any major town in the country. You can as well talk to your local safari operator to purchase the sim card for your and upon arrival you get it as the car is handed over to you. By so doing, I guarantee you will have a wonderful experience on your safari.

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Discovering Uganda on Self Drive

When hiring a vehicle in Uganda please be aware that the driver / guide must have a valid license permitting him or to drive that particular vehicle. This is required for when stopping at police road blocks and also for your safety while on the road. An international Driving permit is required for self drive in Uganda by international tourists and you should always consult the car rental agency that is organizing your car hire before traveling to Uganda.

Uganda self drive and tourism services have been in operation for a long time and they are located in all parts of the country. They have a wealth of experience in planning the best vehicles for safaris in the whole of East Africa countries like; Tanzania, Rwanda, Congo, Kenya. The cars range from 4×4WD, tour buses, small cars for around town; mini vans and bicycle for traveling in Uganda. The fees charged on hiring vehicles are very affordable. Also on offer are highly skilled guide / driver with vast knowledge around East Africa and the cars are fully insured and any damages done by the clients are handled by their insurance company.

They can also offer you the most exciting and comfortable safaris throughout the East African region.

With a lot of experience on car hire these car hire companies have skilled staff which are highly educated from driving to well trained customer care, where safety and enjoyment comes first to all clients.

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Self Drive in Uganda – Driving Tips & Information

Uganda has relatively good road infrastructure, large vehicle hire fleets run by international and local rental companies, great weather and plenty of stunning scenery – which combines to make self-driving a viable and enjoyable option. If you’re thinking of taking the long way round, here are a few tips to enhance your trip shared by Sula Mbaziira an expert from Uganda Self Drive, one of the car rental agencies based in Kampala.

Car hire

Most car rental companies have various branches throughout the country and at the only airport found in this country. So Vehicles may generally be picked up at any company at branch and dropped at any point within and outside the country after negotiations, subject to a fee.

It is advisable to take out the insurance offered by the vehicle rental companies, unless you have specific cover in place. All major credit cards are accepted.

Driver’s licenses

Any valid driver’s license is accepted in Uganda, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed or authenticated in English.

However, vehicle hire companies may also require an international driver’s license. It is worth confirming requirements with your travel agent or the vehicle hire company when making your booking. This holds for additional drivers as well, who must be identified when you hire your vehicle. Remember to carry all your documentation with you when you travel as traffic officers will expect to see it if they stop you for any reason.

Keep left, belt up, think kilometers

Keep left, pass right. Ugandans drive on the left-hand side of the road, and our cars – rental cars included – are therefore right-hand drive vehicles, the gear shift being operated with the left hand.However,we at Uganda car rental, we also have left-handed vehicles that we give out as well on your requisition. This is due to the fact that we have clients who rent cars to travel to Rwanda where they keep right.

All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are marked in kilometers.

Wearing of seat belts is compulsory. Using hand-held phones while driving is against the law – use a vehicle phone attachment or hands-free kit if you want to speak on your mobile phone.

Drinking and driving is prohibited. The legal limit is a breath alcohol content of 0.24mg per 1 000ml, or a blood alcohol limit of 0.05g per 100ml. But how do you know if you’re over the limit?

Speed limit

The general speed limit on Uganda’s national highways, urban freeways and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary (rural) roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph), unless otherwise indicated. Check the road signs.

If you’re in a hire car and get a speeding fine, the car rental company will pay the fine, and will charge that amount plus an admin fee to your credit card.

Filling up

Various types of petrol stations are located and evenly distributed throughout the country. All the country’s high ways have them on the road sides so whenever you run short of it you just branch and stop at the station for refueling. These are open 24/7 and their prices are always the same since they are oligopoly firms and they use cut-throat method in determining prices.

Ugandan petrol stations are not self-help: an attendant will fill the car, ask if you’d like your oil and water and tyre pressure checked, and offer to clean your windscreen – a service for which they are generally tipped for.

When it comes to paying for fuel, you can pay cash or use your credit card. Historically, filling stations used to be cash-only operations so some smaller stations may still not accept cards. Check with the attendant what payment method they accept before filling up. Many filling stations have on-site ATM machines.

Driving around the country

Our road infrastructure is relatively good, so driving between cities and towns is a viable option – and, given the stunning scenery in many parts of the country, a highly enjoyable one.

However, Uganda is a huge country not easily traversed in a day, so plan your journeys carefully. If you’re not used to driving long distances, rather break the journey, as fatigue is a major contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents. While most national roads are tarred and in good condition, the more rural the road, the more likely it is to be pot-holed and poorly surfaced.

Road info, maps: Current information on the conditions of roads can be obtained through the traffic police of Uganda. This very institution also provides invaluable guides for road users in the form of strip maps tailored for specific destinations and information for tourists on accommodation en route.

Traffic signs are generally pictorial or in English.

Safety

Uganda has a high rate of traffic accidents so drive defensively and exercise caution when on the roads – especially at night – and keep a wary eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.

Drivers of minibuses and taxis can behave erratically, and often turn a blind eye to rules and road safety considerations.

All Ugandan roads are not fenced, so watch out dogs, chickens, sheep and even cows on the road. These can be particularly hazardous at night.

Large wild animals can as well cross over into the road especially in areas where the road passes through a national park or game reserve like Mburo national park can also pose a danger – if you see road signs depicting animals, take it slowly, especially towards evening.

Never stop to feed wild animals – it is dangerous and you can incur a hefty fine if you do so.

In general, be aware and keep your wits about you. It’s a good idea to drive with your doors locked and windows up, especially in cities and at traffic lights.

Don’t ever stop to pick up hitchhikers. If you are worried about someone on the side of the road, report it to the police station in the next town.

Ensure your car is locked when you park it and do not leave anything in sight. Lock things away in the trunk – known as the boot here – or the glove compartment (cubbyhole).

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Visiting Uganda Gorillas on a Self Guided Tour

Uganda is sometimes called the Pearl of Africa due to the very many incredible features it houses. Many travelers from all over the world jet into this beautiful country to see Uganda’s incredible features. Today when you mention Uganda what comes to many people’s mind are the rare mountain gorillas, endangered species that are found in the South Western part of the country. Currently there are about 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world and Uganda hosts almost half of these great apes that are only found in two other countries in the world; Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo.

The political stability and improved security of the country make Uganda the safest destination for mountain gorilla trekking in the world. all the year round Uganda receives tourists interested in visiting the great apes on organized tours to Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Forest national park. Some of these tours also extend to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to see these great apes.

With a self drive rental from one of Uganda’s car rental agencies, a journey to this incredible national park is a walk over! Today, you can easily hire a rental car and travel to the south western parks of Uganda on a journey of about 7-9 hours! The drive is easy as you follow major roads, and the favorable weather conditions throughout the year make Uganda  a great destination. During the trip you can have various stopovers at any interesting place. The most common is a stopover at the Equator crossing for photography and snack taking. Travelers also have a stop at Mpambire a local drum making place – if interested you can buy yourself the locally made items and at Mbarara for lunch! The journey takes you past places with good views and interesting landscape as well as rolling green hills as you continue up to the park.

The following day you will head to the park headquarters to be among the few sharing the love with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is the most interesting adventurous activity done on earth. This is just a few on what you can enjoy on a self drive safari in Uganda. After the trek, you can also go for a game drive in Uganda’s breathtaking parks including the Queen Elizabeth National Park for the opportunity to catch up with the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha Area of the park, but other wild game that can be seen include elephants, buffaloes, waterbuck, bush buck, warthogs that can be seen.

The best cars to use for a self drive include land cruisers, Nissan patrol, van with pop up tops. You can still explore other parks all with unique features like Murchison falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale forest national park the best place for chimpanzee tracking and Kidepo valley national park which was recently named as one of Uganda’s best safari destinations with very many untouched unique features waiting for you to explore. The park is located in the remote northern part of Uganda but with the courtesy of our good and comfortable cars you can still reach is part of Uganda with a lot easy. Why not cultural encounter with the local people, it’s really a very interesting activity leaning more about the life style of the African people.

Depending on the number of days you have in Uganda, still you can enjoy another adventurous activity at the source of the Nile which is the world’s longest river; enjoy rafting on the Nile or bungee jumping. The Nile is located at Jinja in the eastern part of Uganda. Doesn’t live Uganda without a city tour, indeed these and many other interesting places can be reached with a car hire either self-drive or with a driver from our car hire Uganda service. Rush and book with us one of our comfortable cars of any type.

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Auto Insurance for Self Driving in Africa

Auto insurance can be confusing and mind boggling sometimes and it’s hard to determine exactly why some individuals are receiving rates which are lower than others. There are many factors which contribute to the rate of auto insurance, some you have control over and others you don’t.

Below you will find valuable information regarding the factors which are compiled in order to determine the rate of your car insurance. These will help you understand important aspects of auto insurance and why some individuals receive higher rates than others. Here are the top five factors which auto insurance companies will consider when determining your rate of insurance:

1. Age – Your age will greatly affect the rate of your car insurance. Teenagers and individuals who are just beginning to drive will have higher rates for no reason other than their age. There is nothing you can do about this, as you get older and become a more experienced driver your rates will go down. Although they will go down, they will not stay down. When you reach a certain age your car insurance rates will go back up because you are an elderly driver and your eyes and coordination may not be as effective anymore.

2. Auto Insurance Companies – This is a factor which you have control over. Some car insurance companies offer lower rates than others for many reasons. It is up to you to choose which one will benefit you the most both now and in the long run.

3. Gender – Whether you are male or female will also affect the rate of your car insurance. This is yet another factor which you have no control over. Females generally have lower car insurance rates because according to insurance companies men are seen as potential dangerous and careless drivers who are more likely to be involved in car accidents.

4. Type of Vehicle – As much as we would all love to be driving a shiny silver Porsche Boxter all around town, the insurance rates for these types of vehicles are unreal. If you want your auto insurance rates to be low, I would suggest driving a car with a lower price tag. The more money your car is worth, the higher your car insurance rate will be.

5. Driving Violations – This is another factor which you have control over. I know how tempting it is to race your friends the moment you get your license for the first time, but the amount of money you will pay in the long run hardly seems worth it. Any form of ticket you receive can potentially raise the rate of your car insurance. If you want to pay less for car insurance I would suggest abiding by the rules of the road.

Although these are the most important factors in determining your rate of car insurance, there are many other factors which also play a part in how much you will pay. Auto insurance is something we all have to pay for, but by researching and understanding the aspects of this form of insurance you are learning how to reduce your rate to your best ability.

About the author:
Bill Ssali is the manager of Self Drive Kenya, specialists in creating road trips in Kenya.

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Traveling East Africa with a Single Tourism Visa

The tourism industry in the major east African states of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda gets better and continues to thrive every year that passes on. These three major countries in order to address tourist border delays and bureaucracy sat down and came up with a decision of using one tourist visa for all the tourists interested in visiting any of the countries.

Many tourists in the past decades interested in doing cross border visits to the Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda could most times get discouraged to apply for separate visas for each country and would end up visiting only one country and yet all these three countries have unique tourist attractions and therefore offer different unforgettable experiences. However the incredible idea of coming up with a single tourist visa for the three countries is enabling tourists to easily experience and view various unique tourism attractions that are exclusive to a country and that can only be enjoyed by physically visiting that particular country.

The three countries of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda all have various attractions ranging from cultural attractions, wild animals and vegetation types and therefore getting a single tourist visa for all the three countries can never be a regrettable choice because each of the countries has an exclusive tourism package it offers. The most outstanding exclusive packages include

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda

Rwanda always and popularly known as the land of thousand hills because of her beautiful sceneries of the gently sloping hills and vast evergreen forests is a home to various world endangered species including the mountain gorillas and the chimpanzees.

Tourists can see the mountain gorillas on a gorilla safari in volcanoes national park located just after a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali international airport. Volcanoes national park has various gently sloping hills that are part of the Virunga volcanoes covered by vast equatorial rain forests and homes to the most endangered ape the mountain gorilla. The park has 7 habituated gorilla groups and only 8 tourists a day visit each gorilla group group.

The chimpanzees on the other hand can be best viewed in Nyungwe forest national park. The park has one of the oldest equatorial forests on the African continent that harbor man’s closest relative the chimpanzee with 98% DNA similar to humans. Nyungwe forest has well developed trails and a canopy walk that’s above 50 meters enabling easy views of the chimpanzees and many other forest inhabitants. Chimpanzees are not the only attractions on the Rwanda list. Other interesting attractions include lake Kivu- the largest volcanic Crater Lake in Africa, various genocide memorial sites, cultural attractions and many others.

Great Wildebeest Migration to Swimming with Dolphins in Kenya

Kenya is a magical tourist destination ideal for tourists on east African safaris because of the exclusive packages the country offers. Kenya safari packages include the big five mammals (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards) that can be viewed in various national parks across the country, the great wildebeest migration of million animals (zebra, buffaloes, impalas, elands and gazelles) from Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara park in Kenya- the place with the highest lion population on the planet and the dolphins and many aquatic mammals in the countries marine national parks for example the Kisite Mpunguti marine park in the Indian ocean. Other major outstanding attractions in Kenya include the crocodiles in Mara River, various bird species including the crowds of flamingos on lake Nakuru, historical attractions like fort Jesus in Mombasa plus the beautiful sand beaches along the Indian Ocean.

The ‘Pearl Of Africa’ Expeditions – Uganda

Uganda is gifted by nature with a number of wildlife attractions hence the title the pearl of Africa. Lonely planet in 2013 termed Uganda as Africa compressed in one country because of her beautiful fauna and flora with the source of the great river Nile, snow capped peaks of the Rwenzori ranges, the highest hippo population in the region, a permanent rain ball at the great Murchison falls, the largest caldera on mount Elgon, various bird species including the rare shoebill stork and many others.

Uganda is also home to half populations of the most endangered species- the mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla parks with 14 habituated gorilla groups open to tourist visitation. The pearl of Africa also has a number of chimpanzees best tracked in Kibale forest national park- the primate capital of the world. Uganda offers unique wildlife experiences including game drives and white water rafting at the source of the Nile.

The country has very hospitable people with unique cultures and practices like the Imbalu circumcision ceremony among the Bagishu of eastern Uganda, unique religious attractions like the Baha’i temple- the only temple of the Baha’i faith on the African continent, the Uganda martyrs shrines in Namugongo as well as unique culinary from the different tribes in the country. The major culinary include Luwombo, Kalamaleewa, Kalo, Nsenene, Kipoli, Rolex and many others.

A joint east African visa for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda will therefore make it very possible for a tourist to the region to experience and view all the above mentioned tourist attractions and activities at way much cheaper costs than one would spend on visiting an individual country.

The east African visa is currently being sold at $100 and its functional and valid for 90 days from the day of issue in all the three countries of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. With that permit, you will be able to get the natural charisma of the three magical and beautiful countries.

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