Using a rental car to explore the capital of Uganda, Kampala is most effective way of grabbing every detail of it. Kampala has very many beautiful spots you can always visit as a traveler to be satisfied with all kinds of entertainment, eateries, education centers and places of relaxation.
You can explore Kampala by rental cars which gives freedom to visit view points, lake sides, and cultural places and places of business meetings, just to fit any purpose you have in Uganda. Car rental companies in Uganda can rent you any car of your choice so that you can have your trip in Uganda according to your satisfaction.
Here is a list of rental cars you can use to visit places in Kampala city
Safari Land Cruiser: This is a full time 4×4 vehicle suitable for all kinds of routes and purposes, whether city tours or remote driving.
Land Cruiser Prado: It is a 5 people car, with a high ground clearance to help you combat the unpredictable terrain in some parts of Kampala.
Toyota Noah/Alphard: It is a long vehicle that can seat up to seven people and also have extra space for luggage, with a low ground clearance suitable for only even roads.
Land Cruiser V8: Luxurious with a spacious interior to accommodate 7 people and cargo. Well equipped with airbags, seat belts and large windows.
Land Cruiser GX: A manual car that can fit both on road and off road trips in Uganda. With its 4×4 system, driving in Kampala and beyond is not a problem, which gives one a more satisfying trip.
Toyota RAV4: This is a small car designed for small groups (4-5 people), depending on recent or older models. It is ideal for families seeking adventure, exploration and a long road trip in Uganda.
Places to go in Kampala with rental car
Centenary Park: Any rental car in Kampala can take you into the center of the city where there is Centenary park, an areas filled with entertainment outlets, restaurants and shops. It also offers a beautiful scenery fit for photography and nature enjoyment.
Ndere cultural center: It is an African cultural paradise with all kinds cultural expeditions such as cultural dances, storytelling, local cuisines, music, dance and drama, giving you a chance to dive deeper into the beauty and different cultures in Uganda.
Kololo hill drive: If you are looking at having a luxurious stay in Uganda, consider visiting this place as it is filled with well-built stored houses, luxurious hotels, and paved roads sceneries on hilly roads which gives you a more relaxed stay in Kampala.
Munyonyo and Lake Victoria: With any rental car of your choice, you can drive or be driven to Kampala’s quietest spaces. It is also luxurious, offering a Lake Victoria view, which has a good number of sand beaches. So separated from the down town noise making it a legible area for tranquility, business meetings and other purposes such as accommodation.
Independence monument: While driving or being driven in Kampala, you can visit the independence monument which is a historical land mark for when Uganda got her dependence in 1962. It depicts a mother raising a child, which is a form of liberation to the young nation that was birthed in that year.
Constitutional Square: The formerly known City Square was renamed in 1995 is an area seated on two acres in the heart of the city, which became a public park for the citizens. It is located near High Court and the Central Police Station. It is characterized by tree shades and a green vegetation cover and was modified with benches just to make the place more appealing for country.
Uganda Museum: If you are interested in knowing more about the history of Uganda, make it a point to visit the museum as it is full of artifacts of many of the important things that came to her. For example, the first car in Uganda (ford car) was also kept to keep history.
Kabaka’s palace: Since Kampala is in the central region, the Kabaka’s palace it a good place to visit. It has artifacts about the kings of Buganda kingdom, you will see their royal regalia such as drums, back cloth, traditional baskets and many more.
Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine: The entire world knows about 3rd June, which is a public holiday in Uganda, a day to commemorate the massacre of the martyrs. When you visit this shrine in a given 4×4 rental car, you will witness how each o the martyrs was ended through sculpture.
Other places you can visit that are close to Kampala
Mabira forest: This is Uganda’s largest natural forest, which is suitable for having nature walks, sighting different tree species, engaging in zip lining activities and having a full forest stare.
Jinja (Source of the Nile): It is only 2-3 hours-drive from Kampala city and is a good area of relaxation, which done through the most intense yet relaxing activities such as rafting, sport fishing, swimming and many more. You can also see and engage with the locals who are often seeing fishing, as their economic activity.
Kasubi tombs: This is not only a UNESCO site but also the resting home for all the deceased kings of the Buganda kingdom. It is both a historic and cultural spot that is of great significance to the entire kingdom.
Entebbe wild life education center (UWEC): This is one place that replicates what you can find in national parks. It has endangered species of many of the animals in Uganda, from the lions, crocodiles, elephants and gorillas and bird species among others.
Tips for touring Kampala by car rental
If you want to have beautiful sights, evening drives around areas such as Kololo, Munyonyo, Muyenga will really be impressive,
If you plan on visiting Uganda during the rainy season, ensure to hire a car that has a functional 4×4 system to help you beat the unexpected terrain.
It is always safer to park at malls, tourist attractions and hotels than the street.
Ensure to book in advance so that your car rental company can prepare for you a desired and suitable car, depending on the number of people and days you intend to use. They can also help you prepare a travel plan that will suit your time of stay in Uganda.
In case you plan visiting places such as Jinja, it is wise that you start your heavy early in the morning so as to avoid heavy traffic.
In conclusion, Kampala may be ostracized as an exploration site but has as much glamour as the common tourism site in Uganda such as Bwindi, Queen, Kidepo valley national parks and many more. However, touring Kampala alone is more of a luxurious experience that leave you to enjoy tranquility, serenity, art and culture, depending on where you plan to go.