Terms & Conditions for self-drive car rentals in Uganda
Confirming a booking with Roadtrip Uganda confirms that you have read, fully understand and accept the terms and conditions described below.
Other conditions apply when renting a car with our driver. Check these T&Cs here.
I. General & use of the Vehicle
1. “RTA” means Roadtrip Africa in Uganda, “RTU” or the “Owner” means Roadtrip Uganda Limited;
“You” or the “Hirer” means the person(s) who have signed the Rental Agreement;
The “Rental Agreement” means the rental agreement made between You and the Owner;
“RTU Insurance” means the insurance policy of RTU;
“Vehicle” means the vehicle which is rented by you, as described in your online reservation form.
2. The Vehicle can only be driven by the Hirer who has signed the rental agreement and his authorized travel companions. In case the Hirer wishes to use the services from a driver-guide, then RTU arranges a driver and other terms & conditions apply. The hirer cannot arrange their own driver-guide. The Hirer shall bear any loss or damages arising from the Vehicle being used by an unauthorized driver.
3. The Hirer shall return the Vehicle on the agreed date, as specified in your online reservation form, before 7:00 PM, unless the Owner has specifically agreed otherwise. No refunds shall be given for early returns.
4. The Hirer shall have a valid driver’s license (of the country of residence and/or an International Driver’s License). It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that he/she carries the driver’s license with him/her whilst driving.
5. The Hirer shall settle any fine or penalty from the traffic police.
6. The Vehicle is rented with a full fuel tank- petrol for Toyota RAV4 and diesel for Toyota Landcruiser and Hilux - and shall be returned to the Owner with a full tank to prevent refuelling charges.
7. The Hirer must use fuel only at larger gas stations like Shell and Total. In some of the smaller gas stations, fuel can be mixed with other liquids or additives, which may seriously damage the Vehicle’s engine.
II Speed limits
- 80 km/hour on highways. This might seem limited, but note that a Landcruiser and Hilux packed with luggage and camp gear is a heavy vehicle. The police, therefore, classify safari vehicles as trucks because of the longer brake distance.
- 50 km/ hour when driving through towns. Note that the main highway passes through towns
- 25 - 40 km/hour inside the National Parks; this varies per park. However, use your own judgement, as the condition of the track is always leading. Driving 40km/ hour is still too fast when a dirt road is narrow and eroded.
Our cars are equipped with car trackers, and for your safety, we receive instant notifications when our vehicles drive beyond the allowed speed.
III. Restricted areas & recommendations
8. For your safety, Hirers are not permitted to drive in the dark, which is defined as the time before sunrise (approximately 6:30 AM) and after sunset (7:00 PM). If you wish to participate in a night game drive, you can join a guided safari in a vehicle provided by the lodge where you are staying.
9. Travelling and driving to Kidepo National Park and Karamoja is ONLY allowed with a Toyota Landcruiser and Hilux. All roads north of the Pakwach - Lira - Soroti - Mbale are off-limits with an RAV4. Through our car trackers, we can see if an RAV4 is driving in a restricted area. It means the hirer has breached the contract and would be fully liable for any costs and loss of security bond.
10. The Hirer is not allowed to cross any international borders without prior written approval from the Owner and additional insurance coverage by issuing a valid COMESA yellow card.
11. Hirers are strongly advised to buy a local SIM card upon arrival and load it with airtime and an internet bundle so they can be reached at all times.
IV. Maintenance
12. All Vehicles are checked and serviced before being rented out and you will receive the Vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition. The Hirer shall return the Vehicle in the same condition as it was provided at the start of the rental.
13. You are responsible for the Vehicle during the rental period and you will use the Vehicle following good driving practices and compliance with all laws. Your vehicle maintenance includes checking engine oil and other lubricants, coolant water, and tire pressure. The Hirer shall cover the costs of the Vehicle’s maintenance during the rental period.
14. If any dashboard warning lights illuminate, the Hirer should consult the car symbol checklist in the Drivers Manual and, in case of doubt, contact the Roadtrip Uganda office.
15. We don’t do field repairs or send a replacement vehicle when there are problems with the A/C or your fridge. Wiring and piping are sensitive and suffer from bumpy roads and dust. Sadly, the knowledge and equipment (Frigo gas) to repair A/C or fridges are unavailable in the field. We understand it's unfortunate when your fridge stops working. In the rare case this happens, do let us know, and the office in the Netherlands will issue a refund for the fridge rental.
V. Mechanical breakdowns & repairs
16. In case of a breakdown, always contact the Roadtrip office in Kampala first. You can reach us 24/7, and our main goal is to get you on the road as fast as possible. Each problem is unique and requires a tailor-made solution. Usually, the best solution is to get the car repaired in the field. We will direct you to the nearest workshop or send a mechanic. Ensure that the office is always contacted for authorization before any repairs to the vehicle. It's not uncommon that mechanics in the field try to give you the wrong impression, stressing that many things need to be worked upon and overcharge as a result. Please do not pay the mechanics or even give them a tip. The Roadtrip Uganda team handles all payments.
17. When a problem with your car can’t be solved within 24 hours, a replacement car will be provided from Kampala. Time lost within those 24 hours is at your own expense. Roadtrip Africa cannot be liable for refunding park fees, activities, or hotels.
VI. Accidents
18. In case of an accident, whether it is your fault or that of the third party, the Hirer shall immediately notify RTU and follow the instructions from the Roadtrip Uganda team.
19. In case of an incident involving one or more vehicle(s), details of these vehicle(s) and their driver(s) should be identified and reported, such as the driver’s ID, telephone number, number plate and insurance registration number.
20. After an accident, the Hirer should not leave the Vehicle unattended.
VII. Damages, waiver and RTU Insurance
21. Subject to this clause, the Hirer is liable:
a. for the loss of or any damage to the hired Vehicle during the rental period;
b. for all third-party property damage of any person, which is caused or contributed to by the Hirer or an approved driver or which arises from the use of the Vehicle by the Hirer or an approved driver;
c. for all third-party bodily injury, which is caused or contributed to by the Hirer or an approved driver or which arises from the use of the Vehicle by the Hirer or an approved driver;
22. In the event of an unintended collision between the Vehicle and any other vehicle or object during the rental period that results in damage to the Vehicle or to the property of any third party, RTU waives your liability under clause 21, provided:
a. RTU agrees that you and/or the approved driver were not at fault;
b. you have complied with the terms of the Rental Agreement;
23. If the Vehicle got stolen during the rental period, RTU waives your liability under clause 21, provided:
a. the car was parked at a secured, private compound, and there are clear signs of a break-in ( such as a damaged garage door);
b. you have processed and cleared a police report;
c. You have provided RTU with any details of the incident that RTU requests.
24. RTU will not waive your liability under clause 21 and the damages arising thereof will not be subject to coverage by the RTU Insurance if any of the following events has occurred:
a. Driving in excess of speed limits.
b. Single vehicle incidents or rollovers.
c. Damage to the Vehicle is caused by lack of proper care/maintenance of the vehicle. For example, when the overheating symbol appears on the dashboard, you must stop driving immediately.
d. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
e. Driving on restricted roads/areas.
f. Water submersion or salt water damage is caused
g. Wrong fuel use
25. An excess fee of a maximum € 250 applies, also known as the “deductible”, which is not covered and is the Hirer’s own risk.
26. The following damages do not fall under the waiver subject to this paragraph and are not covered by the RTU Insurance:
a. personal bodily injury and/or belongings of the Hirer or the approved driver. The Hirer is advised to obtain travel and medical insurance;
b. Tires: The vehicle is rented out with good quality tires, but having a flat tire can happen during the road trip and repair is at the expense of the Hirer. If any of the tires are damaged beyond repair, the Hirer must replace it with a tire of the same dimension, type, and wear characteristics, and the cost is for the Hirer's account. Always call RTU for advice on which type of tires are suitable.
c. Underbody coverage: damage to the underbody of the vehicle is considered a result of careless driving.
d. Windows.
e. Camp gear: damages to our tents and camp gear set are not covered by the insurance, and repair and/or replacement costs are forwarded to the hirer.
VIII. Liability
27. RTU and RTA shall not be liable for any loss and damage of personal belongings and bodily injury of the Hirer and its travel companions. The Hirer is advised to take out travel and medical insurance.
28. The Owner cannot accept liability or pay compensation for unforeseen circumstances beyond its control or its staff, including flight delays/cancellations or force majeure such as war or threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist acts, border closure, acts of government or other authorities, strikes, thefts, epidemics, road closures, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, extreme weather conditions, fire, technical and/or mechanical problems to transport and all similar events beyond the Owners control.
29. RTA strives to maintain accurate and current information on its website. However, no claims or rights can be guaranteed or derived from our website's content. It is your responsibility to independently verify any information before relying on it.
IX. Security bond
30. A security bond of € 500 for the Landcruisers or €350 for the RAV is required through Credit card reservation. When the vehicle and camping equipment are returned in acceptable condition, the Credit card freeze will be released. Any losses or severe damages to the camping gear shall be charged to the Hirer at replacement value.
X. Payment details and cancellation policy
For car rental only
31. a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total contract amount is required to confirm the booking. Payments are made to the Roadtrip Africa Euro bank account in the Netherlands. Deposits can be paid via credit card, bank transfer, or Ideal.
The remaining amount is due 14 days before the departure date.
There are no refunds in case of a last-minute cancellation or rescheduling, which is 14 days before your departure date or less. Take out travel or cancellation insurance if you want to be covered.
For road trips with accommodation
32. A non-refundable deposit of 25% is required to confirm the booking, reserve the lodges and purchase the permits. The invoice with the remaining amount is due 21 days before departure. There are no refunds in case of a last-minute cancellation or rescheduling. Take out travel or cancellation insurance if you want to be covered.
Payments can be made by Credit Card, Bank transfer or Ideal ( Dutch customer only).
XI. Cancellation policy gorilla and chimp permits
33. For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, RTU adopts the cancellation policy of the Uganda Wildlife Authority:
a. three months / 91 days before trekking date: 70% refund
b. 46 - 90 days: 50%
c. 9 - 45 days: 25%
d. 0 - 8 days: no refund