distance: 386km

4,167m climbing

85% off-road

6 days of riding


10 DAY LUXURIOUS GRAVEL ADVENTURE IN UGANDA

 

Luxury and adventure go hand in hand at this fantastic gravel tour in Uganda! We combined the best highlights of Uganda with excellent gravel riding and the best accommodation you can find. You will be traveling in our comfortable luxurious 4WD safari vehicles, cycling our newest carbon gravelbikes and having fine wine and dine moments at very special and unique locations.

 

This tour includes highlights such as an amazing boat ride on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot one of the largest hippo groups in Africa. You will be taken on an extraordinary safari drive to spot the rare tree climbing lions with black manes that can only be found in Ishasha. But expect up close encounters with buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, waterbucks, hyenas and leopards as well. And what about trekking the endangered mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable park? We love cycling but a meeting with these marvellous animals are, for the right reason, often indicated as a life changing experience. And to top it up, we will cycle between zebras and giraffes in Lake Mburo National Park.

 

Even without these activities you will experience some of the most unique and beautiful natural environments that Uganda has to offer. We’ll cycle past breath-taking lakes, through tropical rainforests and ride through vast tea and coffee plantations . You will experience the local culture and meet Uganda’s friendly locals on your trail while slaloming between magical crates lakes with a backdrop of Uganda’s massive mountains: the Rwenzoris.

Route Overview
Route Overview

Detailed itinerary

Day 01: Welcome to Uganda

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa as Uganda is being called. Our experienced drivers are waiting for you at the airport in order to transfer you, your bike and other luggage in a safe way to your guesthouse in Entebbe. There you can sit back, relax and get used to the African vibe. Meals are not included today.

 

Day 02: Cycling with a backdrop of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains

We will leave early in the morning to drive with our luxurious safari vehicle from Entebbe to Fort Portal (around 5 hours). Lunch will be at the famous Kyaninga Lodge, beautifully located on the rim of one of Uganda’s most stunning crater lake. After lunch we will cycle a lovely tour of 40 kilometers along the foot of Uganda’s largest mountain range, the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. If we are lucky we can even see the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Enroute there will be plenty of time to stop at a number of breathtaking panoramic views at one of the many crater lakes of this area. Don’t wanna stop for a picture? No worries, we will spend the night in luxury cottages also located on the edge of another beautiful crater lake. Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included.

 

Toughness Distance 40km
Technicality Altimeters +584 / -774 m

 

Day 03: Slalomming between crater lakes

Today a ride that involves an initial slope down after which a pretty flat route follows to the Northern entrance of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route will take us through Uganda’s central area for crater lakes: a beautiful environment which will steal your heart. The first half will take place on wide dirt roads and smaller fire roads. The following stretch will be on tarmac where you will have a good chance to spot wildlife next to the road. The last bit will be through the park and will be done in our vehicles. Our lodge is located in the middle of the park on the Southern hemisphere as we will cross the equator just before our arrival. We overnight in luxury rooms with animals roaming in and out of the camp and the sounds of hippos and hyenas accompanying our star-lit dinner. All meals are provided for.

 

Toughness Distance 95km
Technicality Elevation +472 / -937 m

 

Day 04: Straight through Queen Elizabeth National Park

We will start today’s adventure with a boat safari on Kazinga Channel. The early departure increases the chance to spot a lot of wildlife drinking water on the river banks. You might even spot hippos returning from their nocturnal grazing sessions on land. The channel holds the world’s largest concentration of these marvellous animals. On top of that it also attracts a varied range of birds and is home to numerous Nile crocodiles. After two hours it is time to change means of transport from boat to bike. Today’s exciting cycling route takes us directly through the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to 95 mammal species and over 500 bird species. We ride on a flat, wide gravel road through the savanna and have the chance to see wild animals such as buffaloes, elephants, several types of antelopes. Don’t worry, our vehicles will be driving right behind you and you don’t need to worry about being lunch for any animals. The last bit of the ride will be through the Ishasha sector of the park. This is the area of the rare tree-climbing lions of which the males have black manes. An official ranger will therefor accompany us to reach our final destination. We will sleep at a beautiful location in the middle of the park next to the Ntungwe river, safari-style in luxury tents. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner are organized.

 

Toughness Distance 80km
Technicality Elevation +398 / -417 m

 

Day 05: Climbing from savanna to jungle

A marvelous change of scenery today as we leave the flat savanna behind and climb up to the rainforest. On the way we will pass by some lovely tea plantations. Expect a challenging ride with just under 1,000 meters of ascending in order to reach Buhoma, world’s capital of gorilla tracking. But before we reach the tropical rainforest we will cycle through a couple of tea plantations. The high altitude is actually ideal for growing these crops. All meals will be provided today and our lunch will be in the middle of one of those tea plantation. An amazing experience! We will stay the night at one of the few lodges that are actually located inside Bwindi Impenetrable Park. You will be able to hear the gorillas as if they are sitting next to you.

 

Toughness Distance 69km
Technicality Elevation +1115 / -574 m

 

Day 06: Monkey trail

Today will be a life-changing experience for you. That’s how many people describe a visit to the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Leaving in small groups you will hike through the dense forest of Bwindi to find one of the families that can only be found in this corner of the world. You will be accompanied by experienced rangers who know the forest, the gorilla families and therefor can take you there quickly and effortlessly. But gorillas don’t stay at the same location for long so it can happen you will need to hike some hills and slide down some slopes for a while (sometimes even up to 4 hours) to be able to find them. Once your group has found the gorilla family you are only allowed to stay with them for one hour in order to limit human influence as much as possible. Lunch will be provided in your backpack and after the hike a 2-hour drive will take you to Ruhija, where you will stay in a super luxury lodge in the middle of the park. Breakfast and dinner are of course part of today’s deal as well.

 

Day 07: The lake of the 1,000 small birds

We will cycle straight through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in order to reach civilization again. Though we descend more overall than we climb, we still have some major hills to tackle today. Once out of the forest we will see some impressive terraced fields where the locals grow a variety of crops. Be sure to look out for island-dotted Lake Bunyonyi in the distance. Meaning “the place of little birds” the lake is believed to be Africa’s second deepest and has 29 islands of all shapes and sizes. We will have lunch on the shore of the lake and afterwards cycle a 20 kilometer trail along the lake edges. We will stay at a wonderful lodge that overlooks the lake. You will wake up with the mysterious mist of Bunyonyi floating on the lake, while fishermen are returning to the market to sell their catch of the night. All meals are included.

 

Toughness Distance 60km
Technicality Elevation +1217 / -1650 m

 

Day 08: Testing Lake Mburo Trails

Today a rest- and transfer day. After a hearty breakfast we will jump in our vehicles on our way to Lake Mburo National Park. Just after we have passed the city of Mbarara we will have lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre, a location devoted to the promotion of the Ankole tribe. If you feel like it, you can visit the small museum in half an hour. Quickly after leaving our lunch place you will reach Lake Mburo National Park. Our lodge is located very closely to the park entrance on the top of an ancient granite rock and is frequently visited by wild animals. Relax and overlook the park and its wildlife from your private luxury cabin. Rather do something active, then join a walking safari, horseback riding in the park or participate in an optional night game drive. Today all meals are catered for.

 

Day 09: Safari cycling

Wake up and have your breakfast when looking out over the park. In the early morning there is a high chance that animals have approached the lodge to graze. After breakfast we will do a cycling trip inside the park. Expect to encounter zebra’s, antelopes and buffaloes on the road and hopefully you will ride between a group of giraffes that was released in the park some years ago. We will make short stops at the hippo pool and Kazuma viewpoint. In the afternoon we will be back on the tarmac road for a 4-hour drive back to Entebbe. For the second time we will cross the equator where we shall make a short stop.

Toughness Distance 44km
Technicality Elevation +381 m / -381 m

 

 

Day 10: Departure from Entebbe

Depending on when your flight leaves you can do some sightseeing in Entebbe or even Kampala. 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. Or visit the capital’s highlights such as the Uganda mosque, Idi Amin’s torture chambers, Owino market and the Banange Brewery. Whatever activities you are planning for, we will make sure that you will be at the International Airport in time to catch your flight.

What is included

This gravel adventure includes:

Transport to/from airport

Transport and support by luxurious Safari vehicle with English speaking driver

9x Nights of accommodation in luxurious twin rooms with private bathroom

Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trip as indicated in the itinerary

Boat safari and half day drive safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bicycle cleaning and basic maintenance

English speaking guide and driver (ask for other languages)

AMREF emergency evacuation insurance

Snacks and water during the trip

Cycling safari in Lake Mburo National Park

This gravel adventure doesn’t include:

Tips for staff

Personal health/liability/travel insurance

Drinks during and after meals

Costs for optional activities

Early check-in (before 10am) on day 1

Optional activities other than Gorilla trekking, boat, cycling and drive safari

Rental of bike, helmet and/or GPS device

Flight tickets

Visa costs

Upgraded accommodation (single or self-contained)

Any COVID-19 related tests

Accommodation

Day 01: Boutique hotel in green environment

Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with this hotel, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in Entebbe.

 

Day 02: Family run lodge with stunning view

This family-run lodge is one of Uganda’s most widely praised exclusive retreats. It has a stunning location high on the rim of lake Nyinambuga, offering panoramic views across lake Rukwanzi and steep slopes lined in banana and tea plantations to the Rwenzori peaks.

 

Day 03: Lodge situated in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, this lodge is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains aptly described as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’.

 

Day 04: Wild and luxury safari camp

A luxury, eco-friendly camp located in Ishasha – famous for its tree climbing lions. It is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness.

 

Day 05: Intimate lodge inside Bwindi

This lodge is an intimate and charming property that commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. It’s one of the few lodges that is actually located inside the park.

 

Day 06: Luxury in natural environment

This lodge is built with natural, handmade furnishings for the discerning traveller who treasures class, serenity and relaxation in an “unspoilt” natural setting.

 

Day 07: Great resort with view over Lake Bunyonyi

This wonderful resort offers individually decorated, luxurious rooms, each boasting its own balcony with breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi views.

 

Day 08: Luxurious lodge build on ancient boulders

You will stay at a luxurious, family owned lodge in a magical setting adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Perched high on a rocky kopje, whose pre-Cambrian granite boulders were formed over 500 million years ago, it has spectacular views over a vast savannah landscape.

 

Day 09: Boutique hotel in green environment

Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with this hotel, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in Entebbe.

Optional activities & Costs
Optional activities:

Activity
Price
When

Entebbe Cycling Tour

USD 40,-
Day 01

Walking Safari Lake Mburo National Park

USD 25,-
Day 08

Horse Safari 1 hour Lake Mburo National Park

USD 75,-
Day 08

Shoebill Boat Safari

USD 40,-
Day 09

Cycling inside Lake Mburo National Park

USD 100,-
Day 09

Kampala or Entebbe city tour by car

USD 40,-
Day 09
Other tour costs

Service
Price

Rental Gravelbike aluminium local

USD 240,-

Gravelbike carbon rental excluding airport transport

USD 290,-

Accommodation upgrade to single room

USD 1,000,-

Early check-in or extra night Entebbe twin/double room

USD 330,-

Early check-in or extra night Entebbe single room

USD 300,-

Extra dinner Entebbe

USD 50,-

Extra lunch Entebbe

USD 40,-


dates & prices

Group Tours

This tour is only offered as a private tour

Private Tour Price PP

Groupsize

USD 20,499,-

USD 13,499,-

USD 12,350,-

USD 10,849,-

Category
Gravel tours, Gravelbike, Multiday Tour, Tours, Uganda