BIKES AND BITES
In Uganda, cycling is more than a low-cost means of transportation; it’s a passion. Every day, many Ugandans ride their bikes to work in the countryside, crossing long mountain passes in the highlands of the land, riding heavy old iron bikes, with ponchos and rubber boots or sometimes African sandals made out of old car tyres. This is perhaps why Uganda is fast becoming a popular destination for uphill cyclists. High altitude mountainous terrain and a passion for two wheels has been a perfect recipe for cyclists.
So, yes, cycling in Uganda means a lot of hills! But it also means unimaginable landscapes and views, and unforgettable people. Traveling across Uganda on a bicycle will allow you to stop in towns untouched by tourism where life has remained unchanged for generations. Villages of humble, hard-working ‘locals’, regional flavors, traditional music and customs. Whether you join an MTB or a road cycling tour, you’ll harvest a range of images and memories that will stay in your mind for a long, long time.
Crossing Uganda on a bicycle will take you to a lot of different regions. Depending on your route, you’ll cycle up to the high-altitude Kigezi highlands, where Lake Bunyonyi sits, to the coffee and tea region, to the mountains of Mgahinga or the Sothern boarder. You’ll cycle on the legendary mountain roads of Kabalaga and Kanaaba -the meandering high altitude roads at over 1990m.a.s.l – a physical but mostly mental test. During the ride, however, you’ll learn about coffee, tea and traditional sorghum production. You’ll visit our national parks and the most iconic sites in the country. Cycling in Uganda is one of the most wide-ranging adventures, cycling into the heart of both Uganda’s traditional countryside and it’s most exciting cities.
- Coffee Region
- Central and southwestern Uganda
- Lake Mburo conservancy area
- Lake Bunyonyi area
- Kisoro
- Day 1: Arrive to Kampala.
- Day 2: Ride to Masaka, 131 km.
- Day 3: Ride to Isingiro through Rakai, 174 km.
- Day 4: Ride through Lake Mburo NP to Mbarara, 68 Km
- Day 5: Ride to Kabale – ‘the Switzerland of Uganda’ mountain pass, 143 Km
- Day 6: Rest day at hotel around Lake Bunyonyi and adventure. Community and Coffee tour.
- Day 7: Ride to Kisoro, 76 km.
- Day 8: Ride to the foothills Mt Muhabura or to Lake Mutanda
- Day 9: Transfer back to Kampala, 483 km. (Transfer by car or chartered plane option available)
- Day 10: Morning city tour of Kampala. Free time.
- Day 11: Fly out.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL
Any time of year but we try and avoid Holy Week and from December 16th to January 6th which is the Ugandan holiday high-season
PRICES ARE PROVIDED
- UPON REQUEST
KEY LOCATIONS FOR CYCLING
- • Coffee Region (UNESCO)
- • Central and southwestern Uganda (UNESCO)
- • Lake Mburo conservancy area (Kumi)
- • Buganda Royal tombs Kasubi (UNESCO)
- • Lake Bunyonyi area (Sembabule)
- • Kisoro (Sembabule)
- OVERVIEW
- SAMPLE ITINERARY
- GALLERIES
- TRAVEL TIMES
- PRICES
- KEY LOCATIONS
BIKES AND BITES
In Uganda, cycling is more than a low-cost means of transportation; it’s a passion. Every day, many Ugandans ride their bikes to work in the countryside, crossing long mountain passes in the highlands of the land, riding heavy old iron bikes, with ponchos and rubber boots or sometimes African sandals made out of old car tyres. This is perhaps why Uganda is fast becoming a popular destination for uphill cyclists. High altitude mountainous terrain and a passion for two wheels has been a perfect recipe for cyclists.
So, yes, cycling in Uganda means a lot of hills! But it also means unimaginable landscapes and views, and unforgettable people. Traveling across Uganda on a bicycle will allow you to stop in towns untouched by tourism where life has remained unchanged for generations. Villages of humble, hard-working ‘locals’, regional flavors, traditional music and customs. Whether you join an MTB or a road cycling tour, you’ll harvest a range of images and memories that will stay in your mind for a long, long time.
Crossing Uganda on a bicycle will take you to a lot of different regions. Depending on your route, you’ll cycle up to the high-altitude Kigezi highlands, where Lake Bunyonyi sits, to the coffee and tea region, to the mountains of Mgahinga or the Sothern boarder. You’ll cycle on the legendary mountain roads of Kabalaga and Kanaaba -the meandering high altitude roads at over 1990m.a.s.l - a physical but mostly mental test. During the ride, however, you’ll learn about coffee, tea and traditional sorghum production. You’ll visit our national parks and the most iconic sites in the country. Cycling in Uganda is one of the most wide-ranging adventures, cycling into the heart of both Uganda’s traditional countryside and it’s most exciting cities.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Day 1: Arrive to Kampala.
Day 2: Ride to Masaka, 131 km.
Day 3: Ride to Isingiro through Rakai, 174 km.
Day 4: Ride through Lake Mburo NP to Mbarara, 68 Km
Day 5: Ride to Kabale – ‘the Switzerland of Uganda’ mountain pass, 143 Km
Day 6: Rest day at hotel around Lake Bunyonyi and adventure. Community and Coffee tour.
Day 7: Ride to Kisoro, 76 km.
Day 8: Ride to the foothills Mt Muhabura or to Lake Mutanda
Day 9: Transfer back to Kampala, 483 km. (Transfer by car or chartered plane option available)
Day 10: Morning city tour of Kampala. Free time.
Day 11: Fly out.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL
Any time of year but we try and avoid Holy Week and from December 16th to January 6th which is the Ugandan holiday high-season
PRICES ARE PROVIDED
- UPON REQUEST
KEY LOCATIONS FOR CYCLING
- • Coffee Region (UNESCO)
- • Central and southwestern Uganda (UNESCO)
- • Lake Mburo conservancy area (Kumi)
- • Buganda Royal tombs Kasubi (UNESCO)
- • Lake Bunyonyi area (Sembabule)
- • Kisoro (Sembabule)
Choose your Safari Packages
WHY BOOK
CYCLING TOURS DESIGNED BY CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS
Our team is made up of cyclists themselves who understand the passion and beauty of being in the saddle.
FRIENDLY TEAM
Your cycling guide and support team will be your new buddies as you explore the various terrains of Uganda.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Your cycling tour will be supported on the road by a professional team used to catering for the experienced international cyclist. Refuel stops will flow smoothly during the day leaving you to focus on your riding, nothing more.
CYCLING KNOWLEDGE
Years of riding and dedicated training has enabled us to develop and experience the best and most iconic routes that pass through some of Uganda’s most stunning landscapes.
REDUCED SHUTTLES
Like you, we prefer to be sat in the saddle, not in the back of a bus, hence why our carefully designed routes minimize the use of shuttles and transfers.
SAFETY
Your safety is of paramount importance and something that we don’t take for granted on Uganda’s roads. Ahead and behind we’ll be keeping watch over you to make sure that you can enjoy your ride and the stunning scenery that flies by.
Our routes have been carefully planned for maximum safety. We cycle mainly on alleyways, quiet streets and pavements. However in a big city like Kampala it will be unavoidable for us to cross the main road to get to another quiet street.
Safety is our #1 priority. Mystery Gorilla Saris will not to allow anyone who is a safety concern, on the ride. These include (but not limited to):
•Incompetence on bicycle
•Under influence
•Behaviour that is disruptive or prevents others from enjoying the ride
•Repeatedly ignoring Guide’s instructions
•Attempting to race, cycling faster than the Guide, etc.
Choose your Safari Package