distance: 400km

5,400m climbing

90% off-road

7 days of riding


10 DAY GRAVEL ADVENTURE IN UGANDA

 

Are you adventurous enough to join our gravelbike tour in Uganda? Our gravelbike tour is brand new. Tested las year.. and man! What an adventure! Not only does this tour include a boat ride on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot one of the largest hippo groups in Africa, but it also includes a cycling safari in Lake Mburo National Park where you will be cruising between zebras, antelopes and warthogs. Did you know that this adventure can also be combined with a life-changing experience of visiting the mountain gorillas in Bwindi? Check out our optional activities.

 

Even without the optional activities you will experience some of the most unique and beautiful nature and wildlife that Uganda has to offer. We’ll cycle passed breath-taking lakes and through tropical rainforests full of monkeys,  followed by a thrilling cycling safari through one of Uganda’s most beautiful national parks to see lions, buffalo’s, elephants and much more. Experience 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. Can it get any better?

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: Transport & Rwenzori Views

A morning transfer of around 5 hours takes you to a small farm just passed Fort Portal on the edge of Kibale Forest. After lunch we will cycle in a beautiful lush green environment with a backdrop of snowcapped peaks of Uganda´s largest mountain range: the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. The 39 kilometer long ride takes you through small villages over wide gravel roads and some short single tracks that are not technical. The last bit to the lodge is a bit of a climb, but for good reason: the lodge is situated on the edge of a crater lake and offers a breathtaking view. All meals are included today.

 

Toughness Distance 39km
Technicality Altimeters +578 / -809 m

 

Day 03: From crater lake to safari park

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 first half will take place on wide dirt roads and smaller fire roads. The last stretch will be on tarmac where you will have a good chance to spot wildlife next to the road. Our lodge is located on the Southern hemisphere as we will cross the equator just before our arrival. We overnight safari-style, sleeping in tents, 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 +486 / -836 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 ot of wildlife drinking water on the river banks. You might even spot hippos returning from their nocturnal grazing sessions ons 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 cgange 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 bocks and maybe even the famous tree-climbing lions whose males sport black manes. Don’t worry, our vehicles will be driving right behind you and you don’t need to worry about being lunch for any animals. We will sleep at the border of the park, near the Ntungwe river. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner are organized.

 

Toughness Distance 76km
Technicality Elevation +354 / -336 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. We will stay the night at a guesthouse of which the proceedings go to keep the local hospital running. The manager of the guesthouse is a cycling freak and organizes annual cycling races. All meals will be provided today and our lunch will be at a local restaurant so we can experience the flavors of Uganda!

 

Toughness Distance 58km
Technicality Elevation +967 / -509 m

 

Day 06: Monkey trail

Another challenging day of climbing on wide gravel roads with a change of environment from a rural agricultural surrounding to a lush green jungle setting. We will be on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, thusly named for the thick stands of bamboo and ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plants that severely hinder direct access on foot. This is also home to half the world’s population of the highly endangered mountain gorillas. As we will be high we have some stunning views to take in. It is very likely that we will encounter a monkey or two, and if we are really, really lucky a family of mountain gorillas. We will start our day at 1,500 m and end it at 2,300 m, so expect a chilly evening when the sun goes down. Our cottages will be basic tonight, but with a superb view over the forest. Breakfast,lunch in the jungle and dinner at the lodge are all taken care of.

 

Toughness Distance 45km
Technicality Elevation +1525 / -630 m

 

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 Bunyoni 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. After that a relaxing 20-minute boat ride follows to the tranquil island where we will stay the night. The lodge on the island has special half open huts with an amazing view over the lake. Part of the proceedings of this accommodation go to the local community. All meals are included.

 

Toughness Distance 66km
Technicality Elevation +1408 / -1752 m

 

Day 08: Testing Lake Mburo Trails

We will leave after breakfast in order to digest some few good kilometers in order to reach Lake Mburo National Park. Lunch will be waiting for us at a lodge on a stones’ throw from the park entrance. It has a magnificent view over the area and is often visited by baboons and antelopes. After lunch it is time to explore the area a bit. Although technically we will be cycling outside the park boundaries, chances are high we will meet up with some zebras and warthogs. We will have a cozy dinner at the lodge afterwards. Haven’t had enough? Then maybe an optional night safari can satify your desire for adventure. Sleep tight with the savannah sounds of laughing hyenas and grumpy hippos on the background. All meals are included today.

Toughness Distance 33km
Technicality Elevation +440 m / -444 m

 

 

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 54km
Technicality Elevation +549 m / -549 m

 

 

Day 10: Departure from Entebbe

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.

What is included

This gravel adventure includes:

Transport to/from airport

Support vehicle

9x Nights of accommodation

Other transportation that is not optional

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

Bicycle cleaning and basic maintenance

English speaking guide and driver

AMREF emergency evacuation insurance

Snacks and water during the trip

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

Rental of bike, helmet and/or GPS device

Flight tickets

Visa costs

Upgraded accommodation (single or self-contained)

Accommodation

Day 01: Cozy guesthouse

Your first night in Uganda will be at a very cozy guesthouse with a spacious terrace overviewing a beautiful green garden.  The rooms are basic, but self contained. An ideal location to unwind and get used to all new impressions.

 

Day 02: Amzing lodge on a crater lake edge

It’s absolutely worth the challenging climb. Located on the edge of a beautiful crater lake this lodge offers an unique stay with a stunning view. The crater lake changes color during the day and from the lodge’s terrace you will be a spectator of a true colorshow during sunset and sunrise. The owner is Italian so don’t miss out on the woodstove baked pizzas.

 

Day 03: Adventurous safari tent

You will spend the night at a luxurious tented camp. Located on the border of the national park it offers superb possibilities to view wildlife. The twin safari tents are equipped with comfortable beds and charging sockets. You will sleep peacefully with the sound of hippos on the background.

 

Day 04: Cozy huts on the park border

This bushcamp is situated in a beautiful setting along a small river that is frequented by wildlife. Although it’s situated just outside the official borders of Queen Elizabeth National Park you are still surrounded by wildlife such as birds, antelopes, monkeys and an occasional elephant. The huts are basic but comfortable and the dining and bar area offer a great view of the environment.

 

Day 05: Beautiful view over bwindi national forest

This night you will sleep in a superb guesthouse located at the border of Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Its balcony offers a magnificent view of the park and (if you are very lucky) provides a first row seat for viewing mountain gorillas that come to forage outside of the forest.

 

Day 06: tents on the jungle border

We will spend the night at a camp which consists out of basic permanent tents. However its unique selling point is the magnificent view over the tropical rain forest. You will sleep with the sound of tropical birds and gorilla roaring at the background. Because of the high location of the lodge it might get chilly at night. Don’t forget to bring a sweater. The local population of red tailed monkeys will come to say goodbye the next morning after breakfast.

 

Day 07: Unique geodomes with splendid lakeview

Geodomes are thatched huts that are semi-open and offer a view of Lake Bunyonyi that is hard to beat. Relax at the lakeside or dive into the fresh water to wash away the red dirt. Don’t forget to taste their mouthwatering crayfish salad or chocolate rum balls.

 

Day 08: Safari tents in the park

Located at 5 minutes from the Lake Mburo park entrance, this lodge offers you a genuine safari experience. As it is located on the top of a huge rock you will see the vast savannah of Lake Mburo. You will hear the roaring sounds of wildlife at night and might even spot some antelopes and baboons walking up the rock during breakfast.

 

Day 09: Great guesthouse near Lake Victoria

Your last night in Uganda will be at a very cozy guesthouse with a spacious terrace overviewing a beautiful green garden. The rooms are basic, but self contained. An ideal location to unwind and relax and brag about your adventure at the campfire.

Optional activities & Costs
Optional activities:

Activity
Price
When

Bodaboda city tour

USD 40,-
Day 01

Entebbe city cycling tour

USD 40,-
Day 01 or 10

Chimpanzee tracking

USD 225,-
Day 04

Half day game drive

USD 100,-
Day 04

Gorilla tracking

USD 725,-
Day 06

Night game drive

USD 100,-
Day 08
Other tour costs

Service
Price

Rental Gravelbike aluminium local

USD 275,-

Gravelbike carbon rental excluding airport transport

USD 275,-

Accommodation upgrade to single room

USD 300,-

Accommodation upgrade to luxury room

USD 250,-

Backpack or Camelbak rent

USD 50,-

GPS device rent (Garmen Etrex 20)

USD 50,-

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

USD 70,-

Early check-in or extra night Entebbe single room

USD 60,-

Extra dinner Entebbe

USD 20,-

Extra lunch Entebbe

USD 15,-


dates & prices

Group Tour dates 2023

February 9th-18th

December 7th-16th

Group Tour Price PP

USD 2629,-
Early birds: USD 2375,-

Private Tour Price PP

Groupsize

USD 4699,-

USD 2950,-

USD 2629,-

Category
Gravelbike, Multiday Tour, Tours, Uganda
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