Category: Travel Tips

When embarking on a road trip in Uganda, especially on a self-drive adventure, the availability of fuel stations and accepted payment methods are essential factors to consider. Uganda has a growing network of fuel stations, particularly in urban areas and along major highways, ensuring that drivers can refuel conveniently. However, as you venture into more remote regions, fuel stations become less frequent, requiring careful planning. Additionally, understanding the common payment methods, such as cash or card, will help ensure a hassle-free experience when fuelling up during your journey across Uganda.

1. Fuel Station Availability in Urban Areas

In cities like Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, and other large towns, fuel stations are abundant. Major fuel companies such as Shell and TotalEnergies, providing 24/7 services in most cases. Here, drivers can access petrol (gasoline) and diesel. The fuel stations in cities also offer car washing services, tire repair, and convenience stores where travellers can buy snacks, drinks, or basic necessities. Due to the concentration of vehicles in urban areas, these stations tend to be busy, especially during peak hours. Despite this, refuelling is easy, and you can find stations every few kilometres. 

2. Fuel Station Availability Along Major Highways

Uganda’s primary highways such as those connecting Kampala to Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, and Gulu are well serviced by fuel stations. These highways have regular fuelling stops, so motorists rarely run out of fuel. The quality of roads along these highways is generally good, which encourages the establishment of service centres, including fuel stations. Some of these stations offer modern facilities with convenience stores, public restrooms, and ATMs.

On highways, especially on routes used by tourists traveling to national parks (like Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, or Murchison Falls), most fuel stations accept cash in local currency (Ugandan Shillings). However, more modern stations also accept card payments. 

3. Fuel Station Availability in Rural Areas

In contrast to cities and highways, fuel stations in rural Uganda are fewer and farther apart. If you are traveling in remote areas, such as towards the borders or more isolated villages, it’s crucial to plan ahead and carry extra fuel if possible. While you may find smaller, locally-run fuel stations, they may not offer the same level of service or fuel quality as those in the cities. Many rural fuel stations are basic, offering limited amenities. Travelers may have to rely on jerry cans of fuel sold by local traders in extreme cases.

In the case of tourism in places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is advisable to fuel up in nearby towns such as Kabale or Kisoro before heading into the park areas. Similarly, those traveling to northern Uganda, towards Kidepo Valley National Park, should plan their fuel needs well in advance, with stops at Gulu or Kitgum. 

4. Fuel Station Brands in Uganda

Several international and local fuel brands dominate Uganda’s market. These companies have stations scattered across the country.

• Shell Uganda: A dominant player, Shell has numerous stations, especially in urban areas. They also offer convenience stores, known as “Shop Express,” and car maintenance services.
• TotalEnergies Uganda: Total stations are widespread, offering quality fuel and additional services, including car wash and food outlets. Their stations are well-equipped for both card and mobile payments.
  

5. Fuel Quality and Pricing

Fuel prices in Uganda are deregulated, meaning each company sets its own rates. However, the differences in prices are usually minimal. The fuel prices tend to fluctuate depending on global oil prices, government taxes, and exchange rates.

In terms of fuel quality, international brands like Shell and Total are known for providing high-quality fuels with additives that help maintain engine health. However, in smaller rural stations, the quality may not be as high. Some travellers have reported adulterated fuel in remote areas, so it’s essential to fill up at reputable stations when possible.

6. Payment Methods Accepted at Fuel Stations

• Cash Payments: Cash is the most commonly accepted payment method at most fuel stations across Uganda, especially in rural areas. The local currency, Ugandan Shillings (UGX), is widely used, and travellers should always carry some cash when traveling outside major cities.
• Card Payment: In urban areas and along major highways, many fuel stations have embraced the use of card payments, particularly Visa and MasterCard. Stations operated by Shell, TotalEnergies, and some larger local brands have card machines, allowing for easy payments. This is especially convenient for tourists who may not want to carry large amounts of cash.

However, it’s essential to note that card systems may be down at times due to poor network connectivity, so it’s always advisable to carry cash as a backup. Some rural stations may not accept cards at all, so travellers should not rely solely on card payments outside of cities.

• Mobile Money Payments

Mobile money has become a popular payment method in Uganda, with many fuel stations accepting mobile money payments through platforms like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money. This method is particularly useful because it allows customers to make payments without the need for cash or cards. Mobile money transactions are convenient and safe, reducing the risk of carrying cash, especially in rural areas where ATMs may be scarce.

Mobile money payments are particularly popular at smaller, locally run fuel stations, but even some of the larger brands now offer this payment option. 

Conclusion

Fuel stations in Uganda are readily available in urban centres and along major highways, making travel by road relatively easy. However, travellers venturing into rural or remote areas should plan their fuel stops carefully, as stations can be sparse and may offer limited services. Cash remains the most reliable payment method, though card and mobile money options are growing in popularity, particularly in larger towns and cities. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s always best to carry cash, keep a full tank, and research fuel stations along your route in advance.

It’s always exciting to make up your mind and visit a particular destination in the world especially that of your dream. Many people are thinking of the same today despite the real life experiences that every traveler tastes during the planning Stage. After having a great chat with various travelers on different Uganda safari tours, here is a list of things that most travelers have experienced.

1. How Many Days to Spend in Each Place

Many feel stressed and missing a lot of places and things to do with in the limited time flame plus budget after booking their flights. This is common when one want to cover a couple of countries in one big trip or multiple safari destinations. So to make it work skip the least loved places and tour activities and allocate enough time to favorite places on your trip taking into account the length of your vacation. I guess this will be one of your favorite vacations in life.

2.Trick to Travel with Someone

Vacations would have been very easy to manage once you make research and start planning quite early but the tricky part comes down when you decide to travel with someone else. Figuring out how to split expenses and timing purchases so that you on the same flight /sit together is really a hassle. However sole travel is expensive but somehow the best way to do everything your way. Alternatively start the planning processes together as a team and end it still as a team.

3.Crazy Itineraries

This is experienced when travelers try squeezing everything in one visit due to making too much research, tight schedules or limited travel budget. A lot is always planned from home forgetting the real picture of tourist attractions, distance between them, connectivity, weather and possible number of days needed to explore each destination. Every traveler should share their trip itinerary and plan with local tour company to ensure that nothing changes upon arrival because an itinerary may sound interesting but not applicable in the real sense. Some times what looks good becomes worst trip based on tiredness ending up with a different itinerary totally different from the original.

4.Packing

From shopping for the right items to what not to pack and in which order many travelers find it difficult to make right packing list for their trips even after being advised by friends and other travel blog posts and tips online. However having less staff make your trip more flexible and you can live with your trip excitements. If you can afford to hire some tour activity items on ground better that way and avoid carrying a lot of luggage from home. Those planning private safari tours with tour operators make it a point to request for the general trip pack list and follow just that.

5.Tourist Visa

Not every country you visit require one having a tourist visa but those that require them make it a point that every foreign visitor to the country should have one that acts as a gate pass to the country. Many have had issues in getting tourist visas before setting off for their trips which are a common scenario in all corners of the world. However those planning to visit Africa, you can get a tourist visa upon arrival at the international airport at a fare cost which is always valid for a period of 90 days. Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, south Africa are one of them but get more detailed information from your tour consultant.

Over the past decade, Uganda has been able to generate quite a number of tourists year after year, with its sunny skies, favorable weather and nice climate, incredible wildlife that include the rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and more! A lot of people from noble and celebrities to adventure seekers have visited this beautiful country located just astride the Equator in the eastern side. Many independent travelers have really began flocking to this golden paradise to enjoy and explore what really makes Uganda, the Pearl of Africa as sir Winston Churchill penned down in his book “My African Journey” in the 1902.

Unlike other countries, where the evidence of mass tourism has occurred, Uganda decided to take a different path to developing ecotourism and the country offers some of the best places where you can watch wildlife in their natural setting minus huge tourist masses. As tourism grows, independent travel has also grown and from backpackers to road trippers who tale the advantage of a Uganda self drive, you can easily explore the country and see much of it independently. Since 1986 after the take over of the NRM government, Uganda embarked on the development of infrastructure such as roads, improving communication and today moving from one point to another is easier. That’s why many travelers opt for a self drive service while exploring Uganda. In addition you can easily rent a car for your own vacation pleasure, independence and best of all, convenience from various Uganda car hire agencies and here are some quick tips and reminders when it comes to self driving Uganda;

For first time Uganda tourists, its best if you have a friend or relative who can actually show you around the place but if not, a reputable Uganda car rental service is what’ll help you make your vacation be an unforgettable one. Many car rental agencies offer car hire with a driver who will help you travel from one place to another with a lot of ease. It is advisable to read extensively about the different places to visit if you are to take a self drive on your safari. Get armed with the proper materials and information on how to get from one destination to another, info about things to see and do, where to stay and more. When it comes to choosing which car rental agency for yourself drive rental endeavor to check for recommended car hire agencies from local travel guides and trip planners. Try to map out the places, beaches, amusement parks or wherever it is that you want to go to, way before you actually embark on your trip. It really is much wiser if you plan things carefully and thoroughly way ahead of schedule because this way you get to free yourself from possible headaches and hassles that can be usually caused by not planning ahead.

To help get yourself started onwards your quest to finding the perfect car rental agency that’ll best suit your needs, wants and most importantly, budget, it’s best to consult your travel agent on which agency that he/she would actually recommend to you. Though there are not many car hire agencies, choosing the right agency that stands out to be the best may tend to overwhelm you at the start, making you unsure whether or not you’re getting the services of a reputable agency. Well do try to heed my advice and ask around, it really won’t hurt you if you do. Apart from knowing what Uganda car rental agencies are actually out there, you even get broaden your knowledge about travel prerequisites such as this one.

Try to see if the services of a car rental agency are really what you need, if it’s actually a cheaper way for you to get around the city. Evidently, opting to take the self drive rental will make your vacation a lot convenient, think about it thoroughly and assess what actually are your priorities when it comes to taking this trip.

There is really a lot that you can do to make your vacations worthwhile and fun, just always remember to plan, plan, plan ahead. Weigh out all the options that you can find and try to be practical in picking out the best possible one. Car Hire in Uganda, to be honest isn’t really that bad, you’re bound to get a good deal somewhere, somehow. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look and having the patience to canvass and compare prices for different car rental services. In addition to asking your local travel agent on which car rental agency that he/she would like to recommend, you can also try asking for you relatives’ and friends’ advice. Ask them if they’ve actually availed the services of a car rental agency, more so, a car rental agency, ask them how it went and which particular self drive rental service agency would they recommend to you. Lastly, go to your ever-reliable PC and look-up Uganda car rental in the internet. You’re bound to get a long, long list of service companies who are more than willing to give you a good and fair deal.

Recommended Car Rental Agencies

One of the hard thing is to look for a car rental agency that offers self drive in Uganda. However i have tried to look out for a few agencies that are capable of providing this kind of service. Here are the recommended car rental agencies in Uganda;

• Drive Uganda (www.driveuganda.com) – this is the No.1 agency if you are looking for a wide choice of rental cars.
• Car Rental Uganda (www.carrentaluganda.com) – the oldest car hire agency offering cheap car rental, airport transfers and one way rentals.
• Car Hire Uganda (www.carhireuganda.com) – has a good fleet of cars from SUVs to 4X4WD cars for adventure safaris and travel in remote areas.