Safe Cycling Through Uganda

Safe cycling through Uganda: what you really need to know

Safe cycling through Uganda is often one of the first questions travellers have when thinking about a cycling trip through Africa. The image of busy traffic, wildlife, and unknown roads can sound daunting. In practice, cycling in Uganda turns out to be surprisingly safe, provided you approach it correctly. With local guides, carefully chosen routes, and on-road support, you cycle far away from busy roads and tourist hotspots. Precisely because you move slowly and visibly through the landscape, a sense of peace and an overview are created. This allows you to focus on the adventure, while safety always comes first.

Wildlife: am I a snack for the lions?

This is the question we often get with a wink, but which is a genuine thought: is cycling among wild animals safe? The answer is yes. We take no unnecessary risks. In the national parks where dangerous wildlife lives, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, we cycle exclusively under strict supervision.

We work together with official rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. They are armed and know the behaviour of the animals and the terrain in detail. They know exactly where the animals are and how close we can responsibly get. In addition, our own experienced guides always cycle at the front and amongst the group. This way, the surroundings are constantly scanned, and you can confidently enjoy that elephant or buffalo in the distance.

Always a safe safety net: the support vehicle

One of the most important safety pillars of our trips is the support vehicle. A vehicle always travels with the group (or nearby). This car is not only there to transport your luggage but serves as your personal safety net. Should you get tired, suffer from the heat, or sustain an injury, help is immediately at hand.

The car often keeps an appropriate distance so you don’t cycle in the dust and retain the feeling of freedom, but it is quickly on the scene in case of emergencies. In parks with wildlife, the car also provides an extra safety buffer. If a situation becomes too thrilling, or if you do not feel comfortable, you can always get in. This keeps the trip fun and safe for everyone.

Preventing and resolving mechanical breakdowns in Uganda

Safety also means you can rely on your equipment. Cycling in Uganda demands a lot from a bike due to the dust and bumps. That is why we use high-quality Specialized mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes that we have shipped from the Netherlands. These bikes are ‘Africa proof’ and are well maintained.

Our head guide was trained in the Netherlands in ‘advanced mechanics’. He has passed this knowledge on to the local team. This means our guides can resolve almost any technical defect on the road, often with simple tools. And what if a bike really cannot be fixed by the side of the road? We always have a spare bike in the support vehicle. So you will never be left stranded helplessly on the roadside.

Preparation for safe cycling in Uganda

Good preparation is half the battle. Before you travel, we have personal contact to discuss your expectations and fitness level. We ensure the group composition is balanced or recommend a tailor-made trip if that suits you better. This prevents you from having to cycle beyond your capabilities, which benefits safety.

During the trip, we ensure safe and clean accommodations. We choose lodges and guesthouses that are hygienic and where the food is good. Even when we camp (‘lazy camping’), we ensure comfortable conditions with good mattresses. This way, you start the new stage rested and fit every day.