12 day Bike Hike Paddle Uganda

The most epic adventure tour in Africa and the very first of its kind in Uganda! This expedition is a 12-day human-powered journey through the Southwest of Uganda; one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in East Africa. This trip combines hiking, cycling and (pack)rafting. You will climb volcanoes, cycling through Uganda’s breathtaking mountainous areas, paddle across stunning lakes and river and trek through the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the mountain gorilla.

We start strong with a hike up Mount Sabinyo, one of Uganda’s most spectacular peaks. Then we cycle  to Lake Mutanda, a hidden paradise surrounded by the Virunga Volcanoes. The following day, we switch to packrafts and paddle across calm waters on Lake Mutanda with views that will blow your mind. From the shores of the lake, the adventure continues to the edge of Bwindi Forest, where you hike among ancient trees and have a chance to see gorillas in the wild. Afterward, we end the expedition by rafting and packrafting down the Birira River, an untouched river few travelers have ever seen. This is Uganda’s first multi-sport expedition, made for real adventurers who want to explore off the beaten path, feel the power of nature and experience East Africa in a way that few people ever do. You won’t find this anywhere else in Uganda, as its truly an off-the-grid experience.

Welcome to Rwanda! Our skilled drivers will meet you at the airport and safely take you, your bike, and luggage to your accommodation. Arriving early? Take the chance to discover Rwanda’s capital city. Visit the local markets, art galleries or taste the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants.

 

Today begins with a meaningful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where we take time to reflect and learn about Rwanda’s dark history and the country’s journey of resilience and recovery. Afterwards, we will leave the city behind and begin our journey toward Kisoro in Southwestern Uganda. Along the way, we will cross the border and make our way into Uganda’s southwest. After 2 to 4 hours on the road, we will arrive at our next accommodation. Then it’s time to relax and get ready for this amazing adventure awaiting you!

 

Sabinyo is located in Mgahinga National Park. Here the Uganda Wildlife Authority will brief us about the hike. During the hike we are accompanied by their armed rangers. This is a precaution as buffalo, forest elephants and mountain gorillas live on the forested slopes of Sabinyo. It’s a tough climb, with steep sections sometimes supported with ladders. In the forest you can spot a variety of beautiful birds, possibly golden monkeys and if you’re really lucky there may be a chance encounter with the endangered mountain gorilla. The higher you go the better the views across southwestern Uganda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. The summit is 3669m high and is the exact point where the three countries Rwanda, Uganda and DRC come together. The descent is tough and you’ll be glad to arrive at your guesthouse, that’s right on the edge of the national park.

 

Hiking

Toughness		Distance	14km
Technicality		Elevation	+1300

 

Today is our first day on the bike! We descend from higher ground on the bumpy roads that are essentially lava bedrock. We cycle past the fertile fields and mountain communities and, if the group feels strong, we can do a d-tour via Lake Chahafi. On the southern shore of Lake Mutanda, we hop into our packrafts.

 

Cycling

Toughness		Distance	35km
Technicality		Elevation	+390 m / -780 m

Paddle

Toughness		Distance	4km
Technicality

 

The conditions on Lake Mutanda are usually calm in the morning and after an early breakfast we start paddling northbound on Uganda’s most beautiful lake. We pass a number of islands and if you wish you can go for a swim. The lake is safe and the water temperature is wonderful. On the northern shore our support vehicle awaits us with our bikes and we cycle to the village of Nkuringo on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

 

Cycling

Toughness		Distance	35km
Technicality		Elevation	430 m / -280 m

Paddle

Toughness		Distance	8km
Technicality

 

We’ve got a big hiking day ahead, crossing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP. This forest is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and although we won’t track them actively today, there is another chance to see them. The forest itself is mindblowing, with lots of monkey and bird species. We follow the Ivy River Trail and it’s a little rough and muddy on the first half, when we descend into the jungle. The path gets better halfway and we end this brilliant hike in the village of Buhoma.

 

Hiking

Toughness		Distance	13km
Technicality		Elevation	+340 m / -960

 

We hop back on the bike today towards the Birira River. It’s a tough day with lots of climbs and descents. The lush landscape and excited crowds will make up for the physical hardship. We stay close to the river that we will explore in the next couple of days.

 

Cycling

Toughness		Distance	60km
Technicality		Elevation	+1150 m / -1170

Hiking

Toughness		Distance	13km
Technicality		Elevation	+340 m / – 960m

 

The descent down the Birira River starts with a spectacular whitewater rafting section. This first day will take you through the jungle, in between countless tropical birds, past many local gin distilleries, over countless thrilling rapids. It feels somewhat like a lost world. After a long day, with lunch, on the water, we paddle gently to a place where we can set camp and stay for the night under the stars.

 

Paddle

Toughness		Distance	30-40 km
Technicality

 

 

Today we changed the big raft for our individual packrafts and descended further towards the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will see the landscape change enormously, from thick forest to savannah. Today we will have fewer rapids, but pass many Ankole cows and local kids, as we follow the river that swirls through this sandy earth. You will end up at the lodge, where a big meal, shower, cold beer and warm bed awaits you!

 

Paddle

Toughness		Distance	30-40 km
Technicality

 

 

An exciting day ahead as we ride our bikes through Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to 95 mammal species and over 500 birds. The road is wide and flat, going through open savanna. We might see elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and maybe even the famous lions that climb trees! Don’t worry — our support car will follow behind to keep you safe.

 

Cycling

Toughness		Distance	76km
Technicality		Elevation	+340 m / – 960

 

Today, we load the bikes onto the car and begin our 7–8 hour journey to Entebbe. The first few kilometers take us through the park, giving you one last chance to enjoy the wildlife along the way.

 

Depending on when your flight leaves you can do some sightseeing in Entebbe. Walk on the beaches of Lake Victoria or visit the zoo or botanical garden in one of the greenest and most peaceful cities of Uganda.