Roadtrip Uganda terms & conditions
Roadtrip Africa is a Company registered in the Netherlands -73174564. Confirming a rental or booking with Roadtrip Africa in Uganda confirms that you have read, fully understand and accept the terms and conditions described below.
- The Terms & Conditions for car rental with a driver are slightly different. You can find them here.
Terms & conditions for self-drive car rentals
I. General & use of the vehicle
1. “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 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.
3. 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.
4. The Vehicle is to be operated only by the Hirer who have signed the rental agreement and his authorized travel companions. Any loss or damages arising from the use of the Vehicle by an unauthorized driver shall be borne by the Hirer.
5. Any losses or serious damages of the camping gear shall be charged to the Hirer at replacement value.
6. Any fine or penalty from the traffic police shall be settled by the Hirer.
7. The Vehicle is rented with a full tank of fuel - petrol for Toyota RAV4 and diesel for Toyota Landcruiser and Hilux - and shall be returned to the Owner with a full tank in order to prevent refuelling charges.
8. The Hirer is required to fill up on fuel only at larger gas stations, such as 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 take note that a Landcruiser and Hilux packed with luggage and camp gear is a heavy vehicle. The police, therefore, classify safaris vehicles as trucks, because of the longer brake distance.
- 50 km/ hour when driving through towns. Note that the main highways also pass through towns, so greatly reduce your speed.
- 30 - 40 km/hour inside the National Parks, depending on the tracks.
Our cars are equipped with car trackers, and for your own safety, we receive instant notifications when our vehicles drive beyond the allowed speed.
III. Restricted areas & recommendations
9. For your safety, the Hirer is not allowed to drive in the dark, which is before sunrise (approx. 6.30 AM) and after sunset (19:00 PM), unless the Hirer has specifically asked for permission and the Owner has agreed otherwise.
10. Travelling and driving to Kidepo National Park and in the Karamoja area is ONLY allowed with a Toyota Landcruiser and Hilux. All roads north of the Pakwach - Lira - Soroti - Mbale are off limits with a RAV4. Through our car trackers we can see if a RAV4 is driving in a restricted area. It means the hirer has breached the contract and would therefore be fully liable for any costs and loss of security bond.
11. The Hirer is not allowed to cross any international borders without prior written approval from the Owner and additional insurance coverage through the issuance of a valid COMESA yellow card.
12. Hirers are advised to install the free App Maps.me on their Smartphone before travel and download the Uganda Maps, so they can drive on GPS. And its strongly advised to buy a local sim card with airtime and internet bundle.
IV. Maintenance
13. All Vehicles are checked and serviced before being rented out and you will receive the Vehicle in safe and roadworthy condition. The Hirer shall return the Vehicle in the same condition as it was provided at the start of the rental.
14. You are responsible for the Vehicle during the rental period and you will use the Vehicle in accordance with good driving practices and in compliance with all laws. Your maintenance of the Vehicle includes checking of engine oil and other lubricants, coolant water, and tire pressure. We recommend to do so every time you are topping up fuel. The costs of the Vehicle’s maintenance during the rental period shall be covered by the Hirer. Failure to maintain appropriate fluid levels may result in engine damage, for which damage the Hirer shall be liable.
15. If any dashboard warning lights illuminate, the Hirer should consult the car symbol check list and, in case of doubt, contact a RTU representative.
V. Mechanical breakdowns & repairs
16. In case of a mechanical breakdown of the Vehicle which cannot be repaired within 24 hours and which is not the result of your negligence, fault or by that of an approved driver, a replacement Vehicle will be provided and paid for by the Owner on the shortest term possible. Kindly note that replacement Vehicles will have to come from Kampala.
17. In case the Vehicle needs to be repaired during the rental period, the Hirer ensures that:
a. RTU is contacted for authorization prior to any repairs to the Vehicle;
b. a receipt is issued and given to RTU upon return of the Vehicle;
c. When bringing the Vehicle to any garage, valuables should not be left in the Vehicle (even the car tool kit) as it is not uncommon for items to be stolen at the garage. Hirers are required to replace items lost or stolen from the Vehicle (including spare tires, jacks and other tools which come with the Vehicle).
VI. Accidents
18. In case of an accident, whether it is your fault or those of the third party, the Hirer shall always immediately notify RTU, take pictures of the damaged Vehicle and the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident, and process and clear a police report.
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, as it is not uncommon for unattended vehicles to be vandalized.
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. you have accepted our Terms & Conditions by having signed the online Rental Agreement;
b. RTU agrees that you and/or the approved driver were not at fault;
c. you have complied with the terms of the Rental Agreement;
d. you pay for the excess amount not covered by the RTU Insurance ( see clause 26).
23. In the event that 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 break in ( such as a damaged garage door);
b. you have processed and cleared a police report;
c. You have provided RTU with details of the incident
24. RTU will not waive your liability under clause 21 and the damages arising thereof will not be subject of 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 rollover.
c. Damage to the Vehicle is caused by lack of proper care/maintenance of the vehicle. For example, when you see the overheating symbol on the dashboard, you have to stop driving immediately.
d. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
e. Driving on restricted roads/areas.
f. Water submersion or saltwater damage is caused
g. Wrong fuel use
25. An excess fee applies of maximum € 250, 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. the following repair and recover costs:
i. 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. Consult the car explanation checklist for instructions. In the event that 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 account of the Hirer. Always call RTU for advice on which type of tires are suitable.
ii. Underbody coverage: damage to the underbody of the vehicle is considered a result of careless driving.
iii. Windows.
VIII. Liability
27. RTU shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, not be liable for any loss, damage or injury of any nature of the Hirer or the approved driver.
28. RTU 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 RTU’s control.
IX. Security bond
29. A security bond of € 500 is required through Credit card reservation. Upon return of the car, the vehicle will be inspected by our staff. When the vehicle and camping equipment are in acceptable condition, the Credit card freeze will be released. In case of strong doubts which cannot be verified on-site, the vehicle is brought to our workshop, and the bond, if any, partially or in full, will be charged.
X. Payment details and cancelation policy
Car rental only
30. When you have signed the contract, we send you an invoice which should be paid latest two weeks before the departure date. The invoice can be paid online by Credit Card, Bank transfer or Ideal ( Dutch customer only). There are no refunds in case of a last-minute cancelation or rescheduling, which is 14 days before your departure date or less. Take out travel insurance or cancelation insurance, if you want to be covered.
Car rental tours with accommodation
31. 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 14 days before departure. There are no refunds in case of a last-minute cancelation or rescheduling. Take out travel insurance or cancelation 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
32. For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, we adopt the cancelation policy of the Uganda Wildlife Authority:
a. 3 months / 91 days before trekking date: 70% refund
b. 46 - 90 days: 50%
c. 9 - 45 days: 25%
d. 0 - 8 days: no refund