Road cycling holiday through Uganda

Why a road cycling holiday through Uganda will exceed your expectations

When people think of Uganda, they immediately think of safaris on bumpy dirt roads or mountain biking through the mud. What almost no one knows is that Uganda has undergone a massive transformation in infrastructure over the last ten years. Large parts of the country are now connected by perfectly tarmacked roads, often built by international road builders. This tarmac is of a quality that would make many a Belgian road user jealous: smooth, pothole-free, and with clear road markings. This makes a road cycling holiday through Uganda an unexpected gem for the pure cyclist.

The contrast while cycling is incredible. You whizz along on your narrow tyres over black tarmac, while jungle, banana plantations, or papyrus swamps pass you by on your left and right. You are right in the middle of raw African nature, but with the comfort of European roads. Another major advantage is the relative peace and quiet. As soon as you leave the capital, Kampala, traffic drops off drastically. On the main roads in the west and southwest, you can sometimes cycle for kilometres without encountering a car. You mainly share the road with pedestrians, other cyclists, and the occasional moped (boda-boda). This gives you the space to comfortably ride in an echelon, hit the corners well, and really get into your rhythm.

The best time to travel for a road cycling holiday in Uganda

Uganda lies on the equator, which ensures a stable and warm climate all year round. Yet timing is essential for road cyclists. Nobody wants to descend a mountain in a tropical downpour on slick 25mm or 28mm tyres. Therefore, as travel experts, we advise planning your road cycling holiday through Uganda during the two main dry seasons. The first and most popular period runs from December to February. The second good option is from June to August. During these months, the chance of rain is minimal, and the roads are dry and safe.

The temperature during these periods is perfect for endurance training, usually fluctuating between 24 and 29 degrees. Because Uganda is on a plateau (mostly above 1,000 metres), it rarely gets stiflingly hot like in the coastal regions of Africa. In the early morning, when we usually set off for our stages, it can even be chilly. A windproof jacket is certainly not an unnecessary luxury then. Avoid the months of April, May, and November. These are the peaks of the rainy season. Although the tarmac remains passable, the rain causes poor visibility and splashing dirt, which hugely increases the wear and tear on your road bike and compromises safety.

Equipment and preparation: Tyres and gearing

Because we are far from the inhabited cycling world in Uganda, your equipment must be bombproof. Although we cycle on tarmac, we recommend road bike tyres of at least 28mm wide. The tarmac is good, but there can always be some grit, sand, or a small stone on the road. A slightly wider tyre provides more comfort, better puncture protection, and more grip in the corners. Thoroughly check your tyres for cuts before departure and remove any small stones.

In terms of gearing, climbing gears are essential. A compact crankset (50/34) with an up to 32 or 34-tooth cassette at the back is not an unnecessary luxury for the steep sections in the southwest. Disc brakes are highly recommended due to the long descents and the better braking power in case of unexpected rain or dust. Also, bring the specific spare parts for your own bike. A derailleur hanger, spokes for your type of wheels, and specific brake pads are simply not available for purchase in Uganda. At CvA travel, we provide basic tools in the support vehicle, but specific parts are your own responsibility.

Food, drink, and recovery on the road

Cycling in the tropics consumes energy. Fortunately, the best sports nutrition in Uganda grows right along the side of the road. Uganda is known for its fruit. The small, yellow bananas (which are much sweeter than ours) and fresh pineapple are for sale on every street corner. They provide immediate sugars and minerals. During a road cycling holiday through Uganda, we regularly stop at local markets to replenish our supplies. Also, try ‘Gonja’, roasted plantain, which is a great source of slow-release carbohydrates.

For lunch, the famous ‘Rolex’ is highly recommended for a hearty appetite. This is a rolled-up chapati (flatbread) containing an omelette made with eggs, cabbage, tomato, and onion. It is nutritious, safe (because it is thoroughly heated), and available everywhere. Hydration is vital in this climate. Never drink tap water! We provide plenty of bottled water in the support vehicle. Add your own electrolyte tablets to this, because you lose a lot of salts through heavy sweating. In the evening, you can enjoy fresh Nile perch from the lake or a hearty stew with rice to help your muscles recover.