Trekking & Cycling Adventures in Uganda

This round trip is for you who want great cycling experiences in magnificent nature and world-class animal experiences. Look forward to venturing out on Uganda’s country roads and experiencing the contrasting nature of the bicycle saddle and coming face to face with Uganda’s hospitable locals. Take a rainforest trek among wild gorillas and chimpanzees before your journey continues up Uganda’s equally challenging and legendary Rwenzori Mountains.

You will take part in a challenging cycling adventure of approximately 225 kilometers on Uganda’s country roads and experience a good handful of adventures in Uganda’s national parks. The trip is not for everyone and requires some good cycling habits and good physical shape.

The travel proposal starts in Kampala. Here you will experience the city in an untraditional way from the back seat to a motorcycle. After your visit to Uganda’s capital, the tour takes you further through one of Africa’s most beautiful and contrasting countries. During the trip, there will be transfers with means of transport that replace the cycling, this to get the most out of the time and give you the best experience.

You cycle through the country’s scenic surroundings and encounter several small villages along the way and visit some of the country’s most famous national parks. Also look forward to cycling experiences at Lake Mburo National Park and Lake Bunyonyi as well as an adventurous visit to the Batwa Pygmies. After your visit to these “forest guards” awaits one of the absolute highlights of the trip – a visit to Bwindi National Park, which has one of the world’s highest populations of endangered mountain gorillas.

After visiting the gorillas, cycle through part of Bwindi National Park, after which a classic safari awaits you in the Isasha area of ​​Queen Elizabeth National Park. After this safari, you will experience an exciting and not least challenging three-day trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains. The mountain range that follows the border with the Congo consists of a magnificent and varied nature. Then end your cycling adventure on the crater lakes next to Kibale National Park. From here you drive to the adventure city of Jinja, a drive of about 8-9 hours. The city is located at the mouth of the Nile from Lake Victoria. Here you can try rafting or kayaking on the Nile or take a bungee jump from a height of 44 meters across the river. You can explore the area on horseback or by mountain bike.

Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia – Arrival Entebbe

Departure from Scandinavia towards Kampala, Uganda’s capital, where you arrive late in the evening. Depending on the airline, there will be one or two stopovers along the way. On arrival you will be picked up at the airport and driven to the hotel, a drive of between 45 minutes and an hour. The rest of the evening is on its own.

Day 2: Experience Kampala from the back seat of a motorcycle

After breakfast at your guest house, you will be picked up and driven to the starting point for a different city tour of Kampala – from the back seat of a motorcycle. The driver also acts as your guide during the day. During the trip it is possible to quite freely plan and improvise the program together with your guide and the focus will be on seeing Kampala’s highlights; famous buildings, historical sites, religious monuments. During the drive you will meet the Ugandans face to face and a colorful experience is guaranteed throughout the day. At the end of the afternoon you are back at your guest house and the rest of the day can be used on your own. ( F )

Day 3: Cycling adventure and transfer from Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park (approx. 7-8 km by bike)

After breakfast, a relatively easy cycling day awaits. You start the day by cycling through Entebbe’s center to the city’s beautiful botanical garden. After your visit to the beautiful garden, drive about four hours to Lake Mburo National Park. At the entrance to Nshara Gate, you cycle the last bit, just over a kilometer, to your lodge. The rest of the day is on its own. ( F , L , M )

Day 4: Bicycle safari in Lake Mburo National Park (about 60 km by bike)

After breakfast, an exciting day in the park awaits by bike. The park is known for a variety of wild animals, but not large cats and elephants, which makes the park a perfect cycling destination. The Ankole people live in the national park and you have a chance to see them travel on some of the many roads in the park. The route takes you through the acacia forests of the savannah and Lake Mburo. Here you can be lucky enough to experience the park’s zebras, impalas, water buffalo, baboons, hippos and some of the area’s more than 300 bird species. The cycle path in the park can be adapted to individual wishes. The day ends in the afternoon in your lodge and after about 60 adventurous kilometers by bike. ( F , L , M )

Day 5: Lake Mburo National Park (approx. 13 km by bike) – Lake Bunyonyi with cycling adventure by the lake (approx. 40 km by bike)

After breakfast, cycle about 13 kilometers through several small villages to the Sanga Gate, another of the park’s entrances. Here a car is waiting and you drive south towards Lake Bunyonyi, a trip of about four hours through the country’s varied nature. Bunyonyi is a volcanic lake and a unique experience. The lake is Africa’s second deepest lake and measures 900 meters at its deepest point. Lake Bunyonyi is located 2100 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a green hillside landscape which makes it an ideal place to cycle. There are 29 islands on the lake and there are good opportunities to go on a canoe trip to the small islands by the lake. After arriving at the lake, you will have lunch before it’s time for a colorful cycling experience of about 40 kilometers on hilly terrain by the lake with several fantastic viewpoints along the way. You end your bike ride at your accommodation and the rest of the day is on your own. (F , L , M )

Day 6: Cycling adventure from Lake Bunyonyi – Kisoro (approx. 45 km by bike)

After breakfast you will experience an adventurous and challenging cycling day in hilly terrain. You cycle about 45 kilometers in the southwest corner of Uganda. The bike path goes through Uganda’s green highlands and you arrive after about four hours, depending on the number of stops along the way. You encounter several local villages along the way and arrive in the middle of the day at the rainforest Echuya. Here you have lunch and then visit Uganda’s Batwa people. This pygmy tribe also lives in the forest areas of Bwindi and Mgahinga respectively. The tribe moves around the area to teach and pass on their traditions to the tribe’s young people and children. They were early named by the other peoples of Uganda as “forest keepers”, as the central part of their culture has been to look after the forest and its animals. After this unique experience, you will be transported the rest of the way to Kisoro, where you can spend the rest of the day on your own. (F , L , M )

Day 7: Cycling adventure from Kisoro – Canoe trip on Lake Mutanda – Nkuringo (about 26-36 km by bike)

After breakfast you cycle seven kilometers and from there you can expect an hour and a half hike to Lake Mutanda. From here, an adventurous canoe trip of about three hours awaits. Your bike will be transported to the opposite side of the lake while you are on the lake. From Rwanjenje you take a bike ride of nine kilometers in hilly terrain. This journey takes just under three hours depending on the number of stops on the way. Upon arrival at Rubuguri Junction, the car is waiting to take you the last mile into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the day ends at the beautiful Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge. If you have good legs and are ready for a challenge, you can choose to cycle the last bit in about two hours. Lunch is taken on the bike ride. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is on its own in and around the lodge. Two wonderful nights await you in famous Bwindi National Park. (F , L , M )

Day 8: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nearly half of the world’s approximately 1,000 live mountain gorillas live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, according to the WWF World Wildlife Fund – approximately 400. The rest of Uganda’s mountain gorillas – about 200 – live in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the remaining 400 wild gorillas are distributed between Congo-Kinshasa and Rwanda. The number of mountain gorillas here means that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most important habitats for this impressive animal. There are 36 gorilla families here, of which eleven have contact with humans one hour a day and one family has contact with researchers, so that knowledge about the animals can be increased. The remaining gorilla families have no contact with humans at all, which is essential for the ecosystem. Admission to a gorilla tour of the park costs from $ 450 in low season and $ 600 in high season (the fee is included in the price of the trip). This money contributes to the protection and conservation of these magnificent and endangered animals, among other things by providing good conditions for the park’s keepers. In addition, the focus is on raising the living standards of the local population and, among other things, wells, water treatment plants and local schools have been built. In addition, several nature and animal rescue associations make a major effort to protect the habitats of the population and animals. Interest groups have focused on acquiring agricultural areas near the jungle, which has contributed to a natural distance between the local population and the gorillas’ habitat. This coordinated effort, together with government subsidies, has led to an increase in population from 780 to 1004 gorillas worldwide since 2010. One of the absolute highlights of the trip begins immediately after breakfast this morning, as you drive to the national park headquarters. Here is a briefing and information for today’s gorilla hike in the dense mountain rainforest, including distance to the animals (at least seven meters) and time with them (maximum one hour). Lunch is included in the food package today and the trip can take anywhere between two and eight hours, depending on where the gorilla family we have permission to visit has chosen to settle down the night before. The chances of a meeting are at least 95%. The rainforest is densely overgrown in many places and this day will require some of your physical fitness, among other things to tackle both deep gorges and steep uphills. In this both tough and sometimes quite muddy environment, good clothing and footwear are recommended – long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are needed to protect the skin from the sharp variability. The encounter with the mountain gorillas will still not be one for many, but the absolute highlight of the whole journey – to experience this mighty creature up close can certainly be one of the moments you will remember forever. ( The encounter with the mountain gorillas will still not be one for many, but the absolute highlight of the whole journey – to experience this mighty creature up close can certainly be one of the moments you will remember forever. ( The encounter with the mountain gorillas will still not be one for many, but the absolute highlight of the whole journey – to experience this mighty creature up close can certainly be one of the moments you will remember forever. (F , L , M )

Day 9: Incuro in Bwindi National Park – Buhoma (cycling distance 20 km)

An adventurous bike ride awaits you on the edge of Bwindi National Park. You experience the area and the 36,000 year old rainforest from your bike. There will be several beautiful vantage points and your cycling adventure will take you across country roads where tourists rarely move. You stop in the village of Nteko which is located at the edge of the national park. The village is a meeting and trading place for the many locals and on market days you get a wonderful insight into the tribal culture and trading habits. On the way to Buhomo you stop at Munyanga rainforest waterfall. After arriving in Buhomo, the rest of the day is on its own. ( F , L , M )

Day 10: Buhoma – Kihili – Ishasha area of ​​Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning, a transfer from Kihili to the Ishasha area of ​​Queen Elizabeth National Park awaits. The nearly 1,800-square-kilometer Queen Elizabeth National Park is, on good grounds, one of Uganda’s most popular national parks. The park is blessed with The Big Five: elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffaloes. The park is located along the equator in the western part of the country and offers classic safaris with savannah and forest areas that are so famous in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. The park consists of an exciting and varied bird life and it is possible to experience over 600 different bird species in the park. A great experience and specialty is lions climbing trees in the Ishasha area of ​​southern Queen Elizabeth.F , L , M )

Day 11: Safari in the Ishasha area and boat trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Since it is during the early morning that the animals are most active, your safari begins at sunrise. You may be lucky enough to see some of the park’s famous lions in the trees. In addition, you can discover buffalo, hippos, elephants, hyenas and many more savannah animals. Breakfast is eaten after the morning safari. In the middle of the day, you will be part of a three-hour adventurous safari cruise on the Kazinga Canal. The canal connects Lake Edward and Lake George and stretches 40 kilometers between the lakes. During the boat trip you can experience crocodiles and hippos from the boat deck. The day ends at your accommodation and the rest of the day is on your own. (F, L, M)

Day 12: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains – Samalira Camp (1667-3171 meters)

This morning begins with an early breakfast before the first rays of the sun. Then you need a transfer to the foot of the famous Rwenzori Mountains. A couple of adventurous days await you here, not least a challenging trek in the Ugandan Moon Mountains. The tour starts between 08:30 and 09:30 from Trekkers Hostel in the city of Kyanjiki. The first stage of the hike is just over two kilometers up the mountains to UWA Ranger Station (1727 m). The first part of the road is steep and you hike through the green tree areas before the mountains turn into alpine terrain. At UWA Ranger Station, a local ranger will tell you about the area, history, hiking trails in the national park and not least the rules that the traveler should be aware of during the hiking trip. After the briefing, you go further up in Uganda’s “moon mountain”. A challenging day awaits you with many beautiful vantage points. Along the way, you can enjoy the screams of chimpanzees in the valleys of the Rwenzori Mountains. In addition, you may be lucky enough to see markets in the trees along the way. After a few hours of hiking, the terrain opens up and there will be a great view of the valleys, and you can glimpse Lake George and Queen Elizabeth in the distance. At the end of the afternoon you arrive at Samalira Camp, which is beautifully situated at an altitude of 3171 meters. You walk about nine kilometers this day, of which six hours are trekking. The rest of the day you are on your own in the camp. ( and you can glimpse Lake George and Queen Elizabeth in the distance. At the end of the afternoon you arrive at Samalira Camp, which is beautifully situated at an altitude of 3171 meters. You walk about nine kilometers this day, of which six hours are trekking. The rest of the day you are on your own in the camp. ( and you can glimpse Lake George and Queen Elizabeth in the distance. At the end of the afternoon you arrive at Samalira Camp, which is beautifully situated at an altitude of 3171 meters. You walk about nine kilometers this day, of which six hours are trekking. The rest of the day you are on your own in the camp. (F , L , M )

Day 13: Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains – Samalira Camp – Kalalama Camp (3171 – 3515 m.)

A new day awaits you in the adventurous Rwenzori Mountains. After breakfast in the mountains, the trekking begins with a steep uphill and you cross a small stream. From here, the road goes 200 meters up over a mountain road from which you can see several of the giant heather trees. From the mountain you can see Kilembe village in the valley. The trip continues to Kalalama Camp at 3515 meters above sea level. After arriving at Kalalama Camp, you can enjoy the view of the town of Kasese and not least get a great view of Lake George. From the camp in a southerly direction you can experience the dramatic stone walls towards the top of the mountains Rwatamaguta and Karasimbi. Dinner is eaten at the camp. On this day, you fell seven kilometers in hilly and steep terrain. You should expect to spend five hours this day. After arrival, the rest of the day is on its own and dinner is served in the late afternoon. (F , L , M )

Day 14: Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains Kalalama Camp – Ranger Station – Rainforest in Kibale Forest National Park

On the third day of the trekking, you wake up early in the morning to a beautiful sunrise if the weather is clear. After breakfast, start the descent to an altitude of 2600 meters. From here you walk on paths surrounded by bamboo, as the climate is warmer here and a higher rainfall level makes the place ideal for bamboo trees. You have lunch at Sine Rock Shelter, named after a shooter who hunted the animals in the mountains and lived in the cottage for 30 years. Lunch is taken during the descent. You walk about 10-12 kilometers this day. The tour ends with a short visit to the local ranger station before transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. After arrival, the rest of the day is on your own in your camp or at your guest house. ( F , L , M )

Day 15: Bike ride on the Crater Lakes (about 42 km by bike)

After breakfast, head to the Kasiisi area. Here awaits the last turn of the journey. In the morning you cycle past the area’s three volcanic lakes and on the way you will see several small villages and a number of green tea plantations and several crater lakes. The bike ride takes about three hours and you ride mainly on a gravel road surrounded by beautiful nature. You have lunch and the afternoon is spent at the fascinating swamp areas Magombe and Bigodi. After an adventurous and active day, the rest of the day is on your own at your camp or guest house. ( F , L , M )

Day 16: Kibale chimpanzee trekking and trek in the rainforest

After an early breakfast, hike into the rainforest. The whole day is devoted to exploring and learning more about Kibale Forest National Park, which belongs to the national parks in the world with the highest population of free-living chimpanzees, about 1500. There are a total of twelve different species of monkeys in the rainforest, in addition to forest elephant, buffalo, wild boar and hippopotamus as well as antelope and deer, and no less than 325 bird species, among them some quite rare. Together in a small group, we set out to find one of the rainforest’s chimpanzee families, for which the chances should be good (95% – they are free animals). In addition to a fantastic encounter with the chimpanzees in the park, we pass several small crater lakes in the jungle on our way back to your camp or guest house. The rest of the day is on its own. ( F , L ,M )

Day 17: Transfer from Kibale National Park to Jinja

After breakfast, a longer drive awaits with a couple of break stops on the way. Depending on the traffic, you will arrive at the adventure paradise Jinja in the late afternoon. You are in the car about 7-9 hours this day. The rest of the day is on its own. ( F )

Day 18-19: Experience Jinja on your own

Jinja large now completely at your disposal with some exciting days in scenic surroundings. Jinja is located at the mouth of the Nile from Lake Victoria and is known as Africa’s adventure city number one with fantastic rafting and kayaking on the Nile on the menu, or, for those who long, a 44 meter bungee jump across the river. You can also explore the area on horseback or by mountain bike. The landscape along the beautiful Nile is unique and fantastic and the city is beautifully situated and is therefore also perfect for a few days of relaxation. The days are on their own. (F)

Day 20: Jinja – Entebbe airport

After breakfast you will return to Kampala and on to Entebbe Airport. Depending on your departure time with the flight, there may be waiting times in either Jinja or Kampala (check with your travel consultant).

Day 21: Arrival in Scandinavia

You come home to Scandinavia with a backpack full of beautiful and magnificent animal and nature experiences.

Overnight stays

Sixteen nights in a hotel / lodge