Uganda - safari mountain biking holiday 10 days

MOUNTAIN BIKE HEAVEN: UGANDA THE PEARL OF AFRICA

With the best climate in the world, thousands of kilometres of unexplored dirt tracks and friendly and helpful people, Uganda is THE mountain bike destination for those looking for a unique and off the beaten track active mountain bike holiday.  

The trip through West-Uganda will be the most unique and beautiful nature and wildlife mountain bike trip you will ever make. We'll cycle past breath-taking lakes and through the jungle of one of world's only habitats of mountain gorillas, followed by a thrilling safari ride on your iron horse through one of Uganda's national parks to see lions, buffalo's, elephants and much more. Experience local culture by riding through beautiful African villages and meeting its friendly inhabitants, while slaloming between magical crates lakes with a backdrop of Uganda's massive mountains: the Rwenzoris. Too much to mention!

But be aware, you'll have to work for it! We'll cycle from Fort Portal to Kisoro and will cover around 300km with quite some elevation metres. This is not for the faint-hearted, but very much do-able if you have an adequate fitness level.

TRIP ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival at the Entebbe airport 

Followed by transfer to a Guesthouse in Kampala.

If you arrive early you can explore the wonderful capital of Uganda. Visit the national museum, one of the many historical sites or go souvenir hunting at local markets.

Lodging on BB

Day 2: Transport & Rwenzori Views

We'll do a slightly easy ride around Fort Portal, not more than 50km where we will cycle along the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains and have some magnificent views. We will end up at Kyaninga Lodge watching the sun go down in one of Uganda's most untouched crater lakes.

(45 km and 600 hm)

Day 3: Crater Lakes

A 60km trip along Uganda's central location of crater lakes. These magnificent sceneries will steal your heart. During lunch brake you can actualy test out the water yourself. We'll arrive at the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can do a boattrip at sundown and see buffaloes, hippos, etc.

( 60 km / 900 hm)

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Lovely trip straight through the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes and lots of gazelle's, kobs and bocks. The trip will be relatively long (75km) but very flat.

(75 km / 200 hm)

Day 5: Climbing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Challenging route to the border of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Buhoma. Buhoma lies at 1400 metres above sea level. Today will be a preparation for what's to come on tomorrow.

(60 km / 930 hm)

Day 6: Along the border of Bwindi Impenetrable Park

Today's goal is to reach Ruhija. It will be tough since a lot of elevation metres need to covered. We'll cycle along the border of BINP. There's a good chance to spot monkeys on the road which cruising through the jungle.

(56 km / 1535 hm)

Day 7: From the jungle to Bunyonyi

Most of today's ride will be downhill, but expect an occasional nasty climb. We'll penetrate the impenetrable park and hopefully see some monkeys and if we are really really really lucky we might encounter the mountain Gorilla since we cycling through its natural habitat. The trip will end at the most beautiful lake of Uganda: Bunyonyi, where we can do some rope swinging and swimming.

(40 km / 690 hm)

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Mburo and restday

We will leave early in order to digest some few good kilometres in order to reach Lake Mburo National Park. We will have lunch at Igongo Cultural Center, which promotes the cultural heritage of south-west Uganda, particularly the Ankole, through artefacts, a cultural village replica and a heap of info. Soon afterwards we will approach Lake Mburo,  where we'll take up residence in a lodge with authentic safari experience. From the top of an imposing rock, you have a breathtaking view over the vast savannah of Lake Mburo. At night, you'll be surrounded by the sounds of the wildlife, and during breakfast, you might even be able to see antelopes and baboons climbing the rock.

Day 9: Cycling along the Mburo National Park and transport back to Entebbe

Wake up and have your breakfast when looking out over the park. In the early morning there is a high chance that animals might have approached the bushcamp to graze. After breakfast we will do a short cycling trip along the borders of the park*. Expect to encounter zebra’s, antelopes and buffaloes on the road! After lunch we will leave for a 4-hour ride back to Entebbe. For the second time we will cross the equator where we shall make a short stop.

(30 km and 340 hm)

Day 10: Transport the Entebbe airport

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 the second largest city of Uganda.