Gravel Adventure in Uganda

This 10-day gravel bike adventure loops out of Entebbe through some of western Uganda's most striking scenery, with around 90% of the riding on dirt roads, fire roads and short, non-technical single track. The route starts beneath the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains near Fort Portal, then passes crater lakes before dropping onto the savanna of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Riders cross the equator and cycle straight through the park, with a support vehicle close behind.

The second half climbs from savanna to rainforest, past tea plantations to Buhoma and the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half the world's mountain gorillas. The route then crosses the forest to island-dotted Lake Bunyonyi for a night in an island lodge, before finishing with a cycling safari among zebras, antelopes and giraffes in Lake Mburo National Park. Optional extras include gorilla and chimpanzee tracking and game drives.

Highlights:

• Gravel riding beneath the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and overnighting on a crater lake rim
• Cycling through Queen Elizabeth National Park, with possible buffalo, elephant and tree-climbing lion sightings
• Climbing from savanna through tea plantations to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• An island lodge on Lake Bunyonyi, reached by boat after a 20 km lakeside trail
• Cycling safari in Lake Mburo National Park among zebras, giraffes and antelopes
• Optional mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi

Surface and terrain:
Around 90% off-road on wide gravel, dirt and fire roads, plus short non-technical single track and some tarmac. Varies from flat savanna to challenging rainforest climbs, peaking at 2,300 m near Bwindi, with several days exceeding 900 m of ascent.

Weather:
Days are tropical, but evenings at altitude near Bwindi (2,300 m) can be chilly, so a warm layer is recommended.

Suitable for:
Fit, adventurous gravel riders comfortable with long dirt-road days, sustained climbing and basic accommodation, who want wildlife, rainforest and local culture rather than a purely cycling-focused tour.