Cycling the Wilds of Uganda

Uganda is one of Africa's most underrated safari destinations. This 10-day tour combines some of Uganda's most magical wildlife encounters, including the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking, with moderate-level cycling through highlands, savannahs and rainforests. By day, riders go off the beaten path for a deep dive into East African wilderness and local lifeways, and by night, unwind in some of Uganda's cosiest lodges.

The tour meets in Entebbe and drives north to Fort Portal, beginning cycling on red dirt trails through tea plantations and crater lakes. Riders then enter Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's prime safari destination, for a game drive and wetland boat cruise, spotting elephants, tree-climbing lions and wallowing hippos, before cycling directly through the park's savannah.

The route transitions into the green, rolling hills of southwestern Uganda, reaching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where riders take a break from cycling to trek into the misty rainforest in search of mountain gorillas. From there, the route cycles out into terraced agricultural fields to the island-dotted Lake Bunyonyi, before transferring north for a final cycling safari in Lake Mburo National Park, home to zebras, giraffes, buffalo and impalas, concluding back in Entebbe.

Highlights:

• Ride red-dirt roads through Fort Portal's tea plantations and volcanic crater lakes
• Game drive and boat safari on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Cycling safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park's savannah, spotting big game from the saddle
• Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe mountain gorillas in the wild
• Cycle through terraced hillsides to the island-dotted Lake Bunyonyi
• Final cycling safari through Lake Mburo National Park's zebra and giraffe-dotted plains

Surface and terrain:
Predominantly East Africa's iconic red-dirt roads, vehicle-width to single-track, ranging from smooth gravel to bumpy and cratered (dusty when dry, muddy when wet); occasional paved sections, no highways. Uganda's hilly terrain means undulating riding daily, though gradients are typically gentle (Day 5's climbs stay under 3%). Average climbing is 551m/day.

Weather:
Steady tropical climate year-round, no true winter or summer. January–February hottest (24–33°C, up to 40°C further north). Rains fall mid-September to November and March to May in the south; December–February and June–July are drier. Rain is possible almost any time.

Suitable for:
Rated "Active" difficulty. Suited to riders with a basic level of fitness and good bike handling skills for gravelly, bumpy dirt roads; Day 5's 75km stretch is the endurance test, though a shorter option and support vehicle are available. Group size 4–12, minimum age 18.