Wild Cycling Expedition in Uganda
Pedal over 400km and cross the equator on an all-terrain gravel biking adventure into the heart of East Africa
What's Included?
Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Ride dirt roads and wild savanna on a challenging self-powered journey, through the Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Safari from your saddle in Lake Mburo National Park, and hop on a boat in the Kazinga Channel, eyes open for elephants, buffalo and crocodile
Cycle past tea plantations and into the rainforest on a thigh-burny high-altitude ascent to Buhoma, the gorilla capital of the world
Rest your legs and stargaze at the night sky from characterful lodges and remote safari camps, then drift off to the sounds of the African bush
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Uganda!
Upon arrival, you'll be met at Entebbe Airport and transferred to a guesthouse on the edge of the city. You’ll then be able to relax into the local vibe and prepare yourself for the adventure ahead. Depending upon your arrival time it may be possible to do your bike fitting this evening.
Day 2
Road trip to Fort Portal then the pedalling commences
Driving
Cycling
In the morning you’ll hop in a van (approx. 5hrs) westwards towards your starting point at Fort Portal where you'll stop at a picturesque farm for some lunch. Time to get comfortable with your bike. The first ride involves some wide gravel roads through small villages against the backdrop of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. There are some short sections of non-technical single track and the ride ends with a small climb to your lodge for the night, situated on the edge of a crater lake.
Day 3
Ride across the equator
Cycling
Today is a big one! You’ll begin with an initial downhill section followed by a pretty flat long stretch to the end. The dirt roads start wide, then onto smaller fire roads before ending on paved tarmac. Keep an eye open for wildlife today as you progress further and further into the wild. The ride starts in the northern hemisphere and finishes in the southern hemisphere, where you'll camp at a bush lodge and enjoy a star-lit dinner.
Day 4
Boat safari and into Queen Elizabeth National Park
Safari
Cycling
You’ll rise early for a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel where lots of wildlife come to drink at the river bank. You might even spot hippos if lucky, returning from their nocturnal grazing. The Kazinga Channel is the world's largest concentration of these marvellous animals. It is also home to Nile crocodiles, snap snap. Afterwards you’ll hop back on the bike and pedal through Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to 95 mammal species and over 500 bird species. The terrain is a flat, wide gravel road through the savanna, with the support vehicle following closely behind. Keep your eyes peeled for buffalo, elephants or even tree-climbing lions. You’ll stop at a simple bush camp located near the Ntungwe River where you’ll bed down for the night in a wooden cabin.
Day 5
Up into the jungle
Cycling
Leave the flat savanna behind, passing tea plantations as you climb up into the rainforest to reach Buhoma, the gorilla capital of the world. The ride features some dramatic changes in landscape and scenery and will feature some extended ascents as you climb at altitude from 952m up to 1421m above sea level. Thigh-burny bliss. You’ll finish at a guesthouse run by a cycling enthusiast, where the proceeds help to fund the local hospital.
Day 6
Rest, ride or go looking gorillas
Rest your legs today, relax in your hammock and enjoy the beautiful view over Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Tomorrow is another big ride. Alternatively, if you'd like to stay on the move then there is a short but very hilly 30-40km ride out.
As an optional day trip (not included in the price, see FAQ section and Optional Extras) you can opt to go wild mountain gorilla tracking. These treks are kept to small group sizes with expert rangers guiding you through dense vegetation. It can take up to 4hrs of walking to locate the gorillas and a maximum of 1hr observation time permitted, keeping a respectful distance to minimise the impact of human presence. Note that early bookings and full payment are required in advance.
Day 7
Through gorilla country on the monkey trail
Cycling
Today is a short but tough climb on gravel and compacted dirt roads amidst lush green jungle. The route skirts the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, justifiably named for its thick ground cover of vine plants and bamboo. Half of the world's population of highly endangered mountain gorillas are located in this area and if you are really lucky then you may see a family near the roadside. You'll likely see other monkey species whilst cycling along. The riding involves an undulating first 15km or so and then a long climb spread over much of the remaining 35km as you gain some significant altitude to finish the day. You'll start the day at approx 1500m and end at 2300m above sea level so expect a chillier evening when the sun sets. Tonight you’ll sleep in simple canvas safari tents, with views over the forest.
Day 8
Ride to Lake Bunyonyi and Habuharo Island
Cycling
The day begins with more challenging riding through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with some sharp climbs thrown in as you rise to a maximum altitude of 2522m after the first 15km. From here you’ll descend down undulating roads for the majority of the day, with a tough climb around the 50km mark. Whilst tackling the hills today you'll leave the forest landscape behind and transition into terraced hills, sculpted for agriculture. Keep an eye out in the distance for Lake Bunyonyi appearing on the horizon. Known as the lake of 1000 small birds, it is believed to be Africa's second deepest lake. The ride ends at the water's edge where you'll enjoy a 20-minute boat crossing to the tranquil Habuharo island, your home for the night.
Day 9
Lake Mburo walking safari
Driving
Safari
Leaving the island behind, you’ll hop in the van driving northeast away from the Rwanda border. By lunchtime, you'll have arrived at the entrance to Lake Mburo National Park. In the afternoon you’ll get the chance to explore the area on foot on a walking safari where hopefully you'll see zebras and warthogs before kicking back at your atmospheric lodge.
Day 10
Safari ride at Lake Mburo
Cycling
Driving
Breakfast overlooking the edge of the national park provides the first wildlife-spotting opportunity of the day as animals often approach the bush camp to graze. The last ride is a comparatively shorter one along the border of the national park where you may see zebra, antelope and buffalo in the road. This afternoon there is a road transfer crossing back across the equator in to the northern hemisphere and onwards to Entebbe.
Day 11
Bye bye Entebbe
All good things must come to an end. Depending on the time of your onward flight (drop-off transfer included) you may have time to explore the beaches of Lake Victoria or visit the botanical gardens. Should you wish to book extra nights in Entebbe to extend your stay independently then contact your host in advance.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Entebbe Airport
Anytime on Day 1
Ends
Entebbe Airport
Anytime on Day 11
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Entebbe International Airport and transfer you to your guesthouse accommodation. On Day 11, your host will transfer you back to the same airport in time for your onward flight.
If you wish to arrive before the trip start date or stay on longer at the end, your host can arrange private airport transfers and guesthouse accommodation in Entebbe.
Travel options
There are connecting international flights to Entebbe from various major hubs in Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 11
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Aside from a wonderful array of fresh fruits, Uganda's staple foods are rice (maize flour dough), sweet potato, posho, beans, kalo (millet bread) and matoke (cooked green banana). These are typically combined with a beef, chicken or fish stew. The most famous street food in Uganda is the Rolex (rolled eggs), an omelette rolled in a flat Indian pancake, Kikomando (beans mixed with chapati, Indian pancake) and Nsenene (fried grasshoppers).
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Guesthouses and lodges
You’ll spend 6 nights in characterful, locally-owned guesthouses (in Entebbe and Bwindi) or rural lodges (near Fort Portal and at Lake Mburo) with twin-share or double rooms and private bathrooms. Each of these small businesses partner with our local host in Uganda and have their own unique charm. They also participate in the ongoing development of new cycling routes and sustainable tourism projects in the country.
Bush camps (safari tents and wooden cabins)
On some of the more remote days, you'll stay in safari bush camps, allowing you to get up close and very personal with nature. On Day 3 and Day 7 you'll stay in large twin-share safari-style tents with comfortable but basic furnishings. The camp on Day 3 features shared bathroom facilities. You'll also spend two nights in wooden cabins in similar bush camp style surroundings, Day 4 at Bull Bush River Camp and Day 8 on Habuharo Island. With Day 4’s accommodation also having shared bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked throughout the full trip for an extra charge, see Optional Extras. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
BIKE
- Gravel Bike (or front suspension MTB if preferred - please message your host in advance of departure to check on availability). Bikes are available in a range of frame sizes and come ready to ride, although you are welcome to bring your own pedals and seat should you wish.
- Giant Revolt 1, with 2x10 gears and hydraulic brakes and 40mm tyres
- Giant Talon 0 MTB, 2x10 or 2x11 gears with 29-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes
What do I need to bring?
CYCLING GEAR
- Helmet (compulsory to use - note that some are available in Uganda if you do not want to travel with your own)
- Cycling shoes (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
- Pedals and saddle if you would rather use your own (these will be fitted to the bike for you - some SPD pedals are also available from the host in Uganda)
BAGS
- Softshell waterproof duffel bag or rucksack
- Small daypack, bumbag or frame/handbar bag to carry basic essentials while riding
CLOTHES
- Padded cycling shorts
- Sports top or cycling jersey
- Fleece jacket or similar for the evenings
- Trousers/leggings for the evenings
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Cycling gloves
- Buff or neck scarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- Trekking clothes if booking optional extra activities
- T-shirts
- Underwear & socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Pajamas/something to sleep in
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel Insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Mosquito repellant
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable 1 litre water bottle
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Water purification tablets/treatment system
Gorilla Tracking Bwindi (Day 6)
Payable Before Departure
Gorilla Tracking Bwindi (Day 6)
… Per Person
Single/Double/Twin Room in Entebbe
Payable Before Departure
Single/Double/Twin Room in Entebbe
… Per Night
Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 493kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We even send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow tourers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although they're welcome too!
The price includes the rental of a high-spec aluminium framed gravel bike (Giant Revolt 1, with 2x10 gears and hydraulic brakes and 40mm tyres), the perfect companion for the varied terrain that you'll be tackling in rural Uganda. The local host has a small precious fleet of imported bikes and spare parts, including a full span of frame sizes.
Should you prefer to instead ride the tour on a front-suspension mountain bike (Giant Talon 0 MTB, 2x10 or 2x11 gears with 29-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes), then this option is also available, just specify with the host after booking.
As an optional extra, if you want to see these incredible animals in the wild then there is the possibility to do so on Day 6 when in Buhoma. Arranging this does require a bit of forward planning, however, so please request this optional extra early on with your host to avoid disappointment.
Gorilla viewing permits are limited and therefore subject to availability, with the distribution controlled by a governmental agency. If you request a permit to view the gorillas as part of your trip, this requires a non-refundable upfront payment of the full amount. No changes can be made to permits once requested - as per the rules set out by the Ugandan Government. Therefore if you change your trip departure date, or cancel your booking you will not get a refund on your permit.
Gorilla health is taken very seriously in Uganda. This means that if you are ill (even the slightest of colds), you will be unable to visit them. The government agency does not offer refunds so if this was to occur you will need to try and claim this on your travel insurance (please check that you are covered for such an eventuality).
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. As a guideline, we suggest budgeting for approx. 5 USD (or equivalent) per guide, per day of the tour. Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The support vehicle carries large 20L water bottles that will be refilled along the route. There will be multiple stops per day during the rides where you will regroup with the support vehicles and where you can refill your bottles.
Read our MBA guide to water filter bottles here
Yes. You can leave any excess luggage items in the hotel in Entebbe. You should only bring one softshell bag and a smaller backpack on the tour, and plan to leave any hard cases in Entebbe.
Yes, all travellers to Uganda, regardless of nationality, are required to apply for and obtain a visa prior to travel. British travellers can see the UK FCDO Uganda Travel Advice for a link to the online application form. A single entry visa costs approx. USD50 and are typically granted within 2/3 days. Travellers are emailed a document to download or print.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
