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Gravel bike adventure western Uganda

In Brief

Sign up for the coolest gravel adventure in Uganda and experience the country like never before on your gravel bike. With optional bucket list activity to visit the mountain gorilla!

Highlights:
- Unique journey on the gravelbike through Western Uganda
- Biking along breathtakingly beautiful lakes, through the jungle where mountain gorillas reside
- Experience the local culture and discover how Ugandans really live in the authentic villages
- Fully catered trip with professional accompaniment
3 /5
3 /5
4 /5
3 /5
December 06, 2023 / December 16, 2023
Gravel
[print_product id="PRODUCT_ID" mode="pdf" show_icon="no"]

2.399,00

10 days
400 km
Incl. lodging

Additional options

EVOC Travel Bike Bag Pro Rental for cycling vacations

For years, theEvoc Bike travel bag pro bike case black has been the solution for transporting almost any type of bike around the world. Cycle Travel offers this top bag for rent so your bike will arrive at its destination safe, secure and undamaged.

9,95

9,95

Rental Bicycle Navigation Computer Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2

Rent your bike navigation at low cost with us! The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2, Wahoo's top product, is very user-friendly and simple to use. If you rent the cycling navigation during a cycling vacation organized by or with Cycle Travel, we will deliver the cycling navigation installed including the GPX routes of this vacation pre-programmed into it.

25,00

25,00

Availability: In stock

Gorilla Tracking Uganda

Experience your ultimate life experience! This is on your bucket list to experience one! In Uganda, mountain gorillas (silverbacks) live in one of the few places in the wild. Go on a safari to see and meet them in real life with a local ranger

725,00

725,00

EVOC Road Bike Bag Pro rental bike case cycling vacation

This Evoc Road Bike Pannier Pro 300L is one of Evoc's best protective panniers. This pannier is perfect for safely transporting your valuable bike with a maximum wheelbase of 106 cm. You only need to remove your wheels and pedals. The sturdy construction is nevertheless lightweight and easy to travel with thanks to the handles and foldable wheels. Includes ROAD BIKE STAND to secure your bike extra tightly in the bag.

14,95

14,95

Details

GRAVEL BIKE ADVENTURE WEST UGANDA

With its beautiful nature and wildlife, the trip through Western Uganda will be one of the most unique gravel bike trips you'll ever make. We cycle past breathtakingly beautiful lakes, through the jungle where the mountain gorillas reside and also right through one of Uganda's most beautiful national parks where you can see lions, buffalo, elephants and many more animals. Experience the local culture and discover how Ugandans really live in the authentic villages we drive through. Slalom between the magical crater lakes with in the background the magnificent view of Africa's highest mountain range: the Rwenzori's. Too much to mention.

But beware, you will have to work for it. The trip goes from Fort Portal to Kisoro and covers about 400 kilometers with quite a few climbs. Not easy, but doable if you are fit and have some cycling experience.

 


If you want to know more about this trip, please email us: info@cycle-travel.nl

 

 

ITINERARY

DAY 01 WELCOME TO UGANDA

Welcome to the pearl of Africa, as Uganda is affectionately known. Our experienced driver will meet you at the international airport in Entebbe and transport you and your luggage safely to the hotel. After that, you can relax and get used to African vibe. [no meals included]

DAY 02 CYCLING WITH THE RWENZORIS IN THE BACKGROUND

We will leave Entebbe early in the morning to arrive in Fort Portal around lunchtime. After lunch we will drive a relatively short trip of about 39 kilometers along the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain Range with beautiful views. Along the way we will stop at a viewpoint over one of Uganda´s most beautiful crater lakes, where we can have a well-deserved drink. [breakfast, lunch and dinner included]

Heaviness: ** Distance: 39km

Technique: ** Altimeters: +578 / -809 m

DAY 03 SLALOM BETWEEN THE CRATER LAKES

A 95 kilometer trek through Uganda's center of crater lakes. The beautiful surroundings will steal your heart. Along the way we will stop for lunch on the edge of one of the lakes, where you can also take a refreshing dip. Through a challenging route over some singletracks we will eventually arrive at Kasese. From there we drive the van across the equator to the border of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel. Here you can spot many hippos, buffaloes and gazelles. We spend the night in furnished safari tents with the sounds of hyenas and hippos in the background. [Breakfast, lunch and dinner included]

Heaviness: *** Distance: 95km

Technique: **** Altimeters: +486 / -836 m

DAY 04 ACROSS THE SAFARI PARK

Beautiful drive right through the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to 95 species of mammals and over 500 birds. So there is a good chance that our paths will cross with those of elephants, water buffaloes, kobs, bucks and even felines. The follow car will therefore drive right behind us. The route is over a wide straight dirt road without many hills. Not technically difficult but the longest of the tour. [breakfast, lunch and dinner are included]

Gravity: * Distance: 76km

Technique: *** Altimeters: +354 / -336 m

DAY 05 CLIMBING FROM THE STEPPE TO THE JUNGLE

Today a challenging route to the border of Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Here lies Buhoma, Uganda's central spot for visiting the rare mountain gorilla. We climb from 950 meters to 1400 meters, tapping 1450 meters along the way. Beautiful route where you see both the environment and the climate change. We cross some tea plantations, before approaching the tropical rainforest. The high altitude is ideal for the growth of this crop [breakfast, lunch and dinner included].

Severity: *** Distance: 58km

Technique: **** Altimeters: +967 / -509 m

DAY 06 MONKEY TRAIL

Today's goal is to reach the mountain village of Ruhija. Quite a task: the route is short, but contains quite a lot of altitude meters. We will climb to an altitude of about 2300 meters. Because we cycle along the border of Bwindi Impenetrable Park, there is a good chance that we will encounter monkeys. The name of the park comes from the fact that the dense vegetation of bamboo, ferns and lianas make it almost impossible to enter the forest. Because we end at a high altitude it will be chilly at night. We sleep in wooden huts with a beautiful view over the forest. [Breakfast, lunch and dinner included].

Gravity: **** Distance: 45km

Technique: **** Altimeters: +1535 / -630 m

DAY 07 THE LAKE OF THE 1000 BIRDS

In the morning, we will descend right through Bwindi Impenetrable Park. If we are very, very, very lucky, we might come face to face with the famous mountain gorilla as we drive through his natural habitat. Lunch will be at Africa's most eye-opening and deepest lake: Lake Bunyonyi. The name means, "place of the little birds", a true paradise for the birdwatcher. After lunch we will drive along the lake, where we will have to face some steep climbs. By boat we will reach one of the islands on the lake where we will sleep geodomes. These are half open huts, made of natural materials with a terrace with a beautiful view of the lake. [breakfast, lunch and dinner included]

Gravity: **** Distance: 66km

Technique: **** Altimeters: +1408 / -1752 m

DAY 08 TRAVEL DAY & SHORT DRIVE AT RWAKOBO ROCK

Today is a travel day with a short round at arrival. After breakfast we jump in the car on our way to Lake Mburo National Park. Lunch is planned at Rwakobo Rock. This place is near Lake Mburo where we sleep in the camp close to the entrance of the park. The camp is regularly visited by wildlife and is also an ideal starting point for an optional night safari. [breakfast, lunch and dinner included]

 

Gravity: ** Distance: 33 km

Technique: *** Altimeter: +440 m / -444 m

DAY 09 LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK TRAILS

Wake up and have breakfast while looking out over the park. Chances are you will still see some wild animals grazing near the camp. After breakfast we cycle route along the park boundary. You can expect to see zebras, antelopes and water buffalo. The route is always a surprise because part of it follows game trails, which are constantly changing. We ride this trip accompanied by a park ranger. In the afternoon we head back to Entebbe, where we will cross the equator for the second time. [breakfast, lunch and dinner included]

Gravity: ** Distance: 54km

Technique: *** Altimeter: +549 m / -549 m

DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM ENTEBBE

Depending on the departure time of the plane, there may still be a chance to visit Entebbe or Kampala. The mosque of Uganda, torture chambers of Idi Amin, Owino mark and the Banange brewery are well worth a visit. If you prefer more peace and quiet, the beach at Lake Victoria or a visit to the botanical garden in Entebbe are options. Whatever your activities will be, we will make sure you arrive at the airport well in advance. [Breakfast included].


 

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

The gravel bike adventure includes:

  • Pick up and drop off to Entebbe airport
  • Transportation and follow car with English speaking driver
  • Boat crossing Lake Bunyonyi
  • Boat safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Bicycle safari at Lake Mburo National Park
  • 9 x nights accommodation in double bedrooms with shared bathroom
  • Meals as described above
  • Cleaning of bicycles and basic maintenance
  • English cycling guide
  • AMREF emergency transport insurance (flying doctors)
  • Snacks and water while cycling

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

The gravel bike adventure is exclusive:

  • Airline ticket
  • Tipping for staff
  • Extra charge for bringing your own bike
  • Visa costs
  • Personal travel/health/liability insurance
  • Meals not listed
  • Drinks during and after meals
  • Admission to National Parks (required only for optional activities)
  • Hire of a safari guide (only required for optional activities)
  • Rental of GPS devices
  • Optional Activities
  • Vaccinations*
  • Bicycle rental or bring your own bicycle**

*=Regarding vaccinations you will receive as an attachment a to do list with necessary vaccinations for visit to Uganda
**=This trip is offered excluding airfare, excluding surcharge for bringing your own bike.


 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES?

Actvity Price pp Day
Entebbe bike tour local €45,- Day 01 or 10
Gorilla Tracking €750,- Day 06 or 07
Night safari by car at Lake Mburo €125,- Day 08

 

Service Price pp
Bike rental (ex flight) €275,-
Accommodation upgrade to single room €300,-
Accommodation upgrading to double room with private bathroom €250,-
Early check-in (before 2 pm) / extra night single room €70,-
Early check-in (before 2 pm) / extra night double room €50,-

ACCOMMODATION

DAY 1: GREAT GUESTHOUSE NEAR LAKE VICTORIA
Your first night in Uganda will be in a very cozy guesthouse with a spacious terrace overlooking a beautiful green garden. The rooms are simple but self-contained. An ideal location to unwind and get used to all the new impressions.

DAY 2: GUESTHOUSE BELLA VISTA AT CRATER LAKE
You will stay in a lovely guesthouse situated right on a crater lake near Fort Portal. In the guesthouse you will immediately feel at home, not least because dinner is served at 19.00 hours at one large table for all guests. The heartwarming hostess enjoys interacting with her guests and putting you at ease.

DAY 3: ADVENTUROUS SAFARI TENT
Overnight in a luxury tented camp. Located on the edge of the national park, it offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. The two-person safari tents are equipped with comfortable beds and charging stations. You will sleep soundly with the sound of hippos in the background.

DAY 4: COSY HUTS AT THE PARK BORDER
Accommodation is located in a beautiful setting next to a small pond that is frequented by wildlife in the morning. Although it is just outside the official boundaries of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, you are still surrounded by wildlife including birds, antelope, monkeys and the occasional elephant. The cabins are comfortable and the dining and bar areas offer great views of the surrounding area.

DAY 5: STUNNING VIEWS OF BWINDI NATIONAL FOREST
This night you will sleep in a beautiful guesthouse located on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable NP. The balcony offers stunning views of the park and (if you are very lucky) a front row seat to watching mountain gorillas come foraging outside the forest.

DAY 6: TENTS ON THE JUNGLE BORDER
We will spend the night in a camp consisting of simple permanent tents. The unique selling point, however, is the magnificent view of the tropical rainforest. You will sleep with the sound of tropical birds and roaring gorillas in the background. Due to the high altitude of the lodge, it can get chilly at night. Don't forget to bring a sweater. The local population of red-tailed monkeys will come to say goodbye the next morning after breakfast.

DAY 7: UNIQUE GEODOMES WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE LAKE
Geodomes are huts with thatched roofs that are semi-open and offer views of Lake Bunyonyi that are hard to beat. Relax on the lakeshore or dive into the fresh water to wash away the red dirt. Don't forget to sample their delicious crayfish salad or chocolate rum balls.

DAY 8: RWAKOBO ROCK
Located 5 minutes from the entrance to Lake Mburo park, this beautiful location offers you a true safari experience. You'll enjoy a beautiful experience from this rock and hear the roaring sounds of wildlife in the background. You might even see antelopes walking across the property during breakfast.

DAY 9: GREAT GUESTHOUSE NEAR LAKE VICTORIA
Your last night in Uganda will be in a very cozy guest house with a spacious terrace overlooking a beautiful green garden. The rooms are simple but self-contained. An ideal location to unwind and relax and brag about your adventure by the campfire.


FLIGHT ADVICE:

 

Photos

Explanation sports level

MTB:

1star: beginner 50km2star
: above beginner 60km3star
: average 70km4star
: advanced 100km5star
: pro 160km



Road bike:

1star: beginner 50km2star
: above beginner 60km3star
: average 70km4star
: advanced 100km5star
: pro 160km



Level 1: Starter-Beginner;
You are just starting out in this sport, have no experience nor background as an athlete

Level 2: Beginner-Medium;
You are just starting with this sport, however you already have experience with other sports so you start with a good basic condition. You cycle 1 or 2 times a week.

Level 3: Average;
You are a sporty person, don't shy away from a challenge, exercise at least 2 to 4 per week, you can also already make some altitude gains and ride at higher averages.

Level 4: Advanced;
You are a trained athlete, you are looking for a challenge in sports, you are active at least 3 to 5 times a week, altitude meters and a higher average are not a problem

Level 5: Advanced/Performance oriented;
You train towards goals, challenges and also leave something for it you do not mind, you are driven and several times longer sport per week are no exception, you are performance oriented

Level 6: Advanced Plus;
As a highly trained person, you want to really test yourself to your limits, you seek challenges and are also willing to live for them, exercising is a part of your daily life.

Explanation luxury level

Level 0-1.5: Tour without overnight stay.

Level 2-2.5: Cycle Travel provides an overnight stay in a 2-star accommodation.

Level 3-3.5: Tour with overnight stays in the better bed and breakfast or 3-star hotel, hostel accommodations. Overnight stays on a half-board basis are a 3.5 rating.

Level 4-4.5: Cycle Travel provides a 4-star accommodation or boutique bed & breakfast. Optional full board booking (upgrade to level 4,5 appreciation).

Level 5-5.5: Cycle Travel will provide a more luxurious 4-star or 5-star accommodation or boutique hotel. We can upgrade the level of lunch, on-road catering or dinner to 5.5.

Level 6: Cycle Travel will provide a more luxurious 5-star accommodation, boutique hotel or luxury pop-up location. We can upgrade the level of lunch, on-road catering or dinner to 6+ level if required.

Explanation guidance level

Our team of passionate guides is always there for you. For any type of trip, event or clinic, Cycle Travel will provide the right accompaniment. We have an excellent network of professionals.

With the ranking from 1 to 6, we indicate to what extent the guidance is provided on a trip. Interested in an upgrade? Please let us know! Then we will gladly look for a suitable solution.

Level 0-1: a self-guided tour without guidance. Cycle Travel provides the routes on GPX.

Level 2-2.5: a self-guided tour without guidance including routes on GPX and tips for the road. Cycle Travel has a goody bag or contact person at the locations visited that you will receive as a traveler.

Level 3-3.5: a self-guided tour without guidance including routes on GPX and tips along the way. Cycle Travel has accommodation on the basis of a 3-star hotel or bed & breakfast. There is someone on site who is familiar with our clients and will be there for you personally (level 3,5)

Level 4-4.5: a guided tour including routes on GPX and tour guide on the bike or in a support car.Cycle Travel has accommodation based on a 4-star hotel, hostel or bed & breakfast. During a guided tour it is optional to book a mechanic and masseur. (The rating then comes to 4.5)

Level 5-5.5: A fully catered vacation with a complete support team consisting of tour guide, mechanic and masseur. There is provision for a support car including care en route during the rides. Accommodation will be in luxury chalets, hotels or boutique bed and breakfasts.

Level 6: The ultimate luxury cycling vacation with top locations and carefully selected accommodations. Only the very best counts for us and you as our client! Get carried away on a next level cycling vacation.

Explanation gravity level

We determine the heaviness of a trip broadly based on a variety of circumstances. Heaviness can be determined by distances or by the altimeters in distances. In addition, you already experience a ride on a gravel or mountain bike as "heavier" than a road bike ride.

Per category this is approximately what you may think of. Always negotiable with us are alternatives or adapted routes which also influence the heaviness.

Road Bikes - Race bikesDistance max - Distance MaxAltitude indication
Level 170 km700-1100
Level 280 km1100-1500
Level 3100 km1500-2200
Level 4120 km2200-2800
Level 5150 km2800-3800
Hors Category175+ km3800-5500
Mountain Bike - MTBDistance max - Distance MaxAltitude indication
Level 130-50 km700-1000
Level 240-60 km1000-1300
Level 350-75 km1300-1800
Level 455-90 km1800-2400
Level 560-100 km2400-3300
Hors Category150+ km3800-5500
GravelDistance max - Distance MaxAltitude indication
Level 130-50 km700-1000
Level 240-60 km1000-1300
Level 350-75 km1300-1800
Level 455-90 km1800-2400
Level 560-100 km2400-3300
Hors Category150+ km3800-5500