In-Country Cost Comparison Among East African Countires

Marc Lurie wrote:
On 11 Dec 2006 23:23:38 -0800, "
wrote:

SNIP

Thanks for your input about your car hire problems. I would like to
make a comment though. You state that anyone hiring a vehicle should
also hire a driver. I can't completely agree with you on that point. I
drove myself around the whole of Uganda, and apart from some VERY
frustrating traffic in Kampala itself, I didn't experience any hassles
that were any different from any other African country I've driven in.
Sure, some roads are crappy, and traffic in Kampala is chaotic, but
it's just driving... :-)

I understand your point, Marc, but having been through several
breakdowns within one trip in Uganda, it's hard outside Kampala or
Entebbe to find signage for repair shops, supplies, or to identify
where to go for advice. The driving per se isn't the problem, but if
something goes wrong it could present a real challenge (the language
issues aside). We also found that not having to worry about the vehicle
was useful at times if we wanted to venture off by foot for a few
hours.

That's why I recommend a driver -- not very costly when compared to the
car hire and price of fuel, but worth a fortune if something goes
amiss.

I've also driven in/across/through a number of African countries
without a driver, but Uganda was particularly well suited to a bit of
friendly assistance, IMHO.

Kurt

On 12 Dec 2006 11:25:31 -0800, "
wrote:

it's hard outside Kampala or
Entebbe to find signage for repair shops, supplies, or to identify
where to go for advice. The driving per se isn't the problem, but if
something goes wrong it could present a real challenge

Point taken.

Regards,
Marc

After our firs experience with a flat tire, breakdown and running out of gas
in the first couple of hours in Kampala we demanded that the driver get a
better car for our travel. He brought three different cars before we found
one that was acceptable, and then we insisted he get better tires. We had
no more problems for the rest of the trip. The drivers rent their vehicles
from a taxi company and have to charge enough to pay for the vehicle and
make enough for themselves. Everything is negotiable.

We had to pay some of our driver charge upfront so that he could pay the
deposit on the car. After that we paid him when he needed money and made
the final payment when we returned to Kampala. The driver will always try
to get paid in advance, but I don't believe that is a very good idea because
it removes the incentive to give good service. A tip at the end is very
well appreciated.

Scott