Meet the face behind CvA travel: pleased to meet you, I am Claudia van Aken. Owner, founder and the face behind this travel company.
You have probably worked out straight away where the company name comes from. And that word “travel”? That comes, of course, from my adventurous spirit and my passion for seeing and discovering the world.
A few years ago that seed was planted.
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The first adventurous seeds were planted on (the hard slog up) Kilimanjaro. Later I stood, well wrapped up, knee-deep in snow on Mont Blanc. With goosebumps all over my body, both literally and figuratively, I loved that climb. It was incredibly hard, but at the same time I felt in every fibre of my body that this was something I wanted more of.
From an expedition on Aconcagua, shivering with cold in my tent during a snowstorm, to road cycling on several continents.
The road cycling started a number of years ago. First at home, then beyond the borders. But in France, on Alpe d’Huez, it was different. However much I wanted to ride with the other cyclists, however adventurous my spirit was, my body regularly let me down. It felt like a struggle. A struggle nobody understood. I wanted to, but it was hard going.
It was the painful reality that I was “once again” travelling with a company where you are tied to a fixed schedule. There was nothing I wanted more than to remove the shadow that physical limitation cast over a wonderful trip. My conviction grew that adventurous travel should be possible for EVERYONE. For you, and for anyone else prepared to overcome physical and mental limits.
In the meantime I was still working in paid employment and asking myself more and more often: am I happy with what I am doing? The answer was perfectly clear: “no, I am not”. The seeds slowly came up. I changed course. I made a radical decision. I gave up my job and decided to do what I enjoy.
Something to do with my passion, something to do with travel and adventure.
CvA travel was born, without yet knowing entirely what would follow.
We are now years further on and it is remarkable to see everything that has happened: the website is live, the trips are planned, the first trips have even been booked, there are excellent developments under way and – not unimportantly – I am happy. And the good thing is that our aim now is to make our travellers, so that is you, happy.
CvA travel is a travel company that goes beyond the traditional and believes in the magic of adventurous travel. Adventurous cycling trips that are accessible to active people of different levels – from the seasoned cycling adventurer to those still finding their way.
CvA travel is not just another travel company. We do things differently. How we shape that together with you? You can read about it in our core values, our mission and our drive to create memories that stay with you. But in the end, of course, it is about the experience itself. Would you like a taste of the CvA travel experience? Then have a look at our latest film alongside: cycling in Uganda. Let the people, the nature and the adventure inspire you – and get a first taste of the magic of a trip with CvA travel.
CvA travel is not just another travel company. We do things differently. Our mission is to create experiences you will treasure for ever. Does that match your adventurous spirit? Do you have questions? Would you like to know more? We are here for you.
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A trip stands or falls with the people you meet along the way. At CvA travel we work with a dedicated local team of guides, drivers and mechanics who make your trip a distinctive experience – with a smile, with enjoyment, knowledge and commitment. Uganda is where our heart lies – both literally and figuratively. In Kampala we have our own compound: the place where all our (e-)mountain bikes stand ready and are maintained, and from which we organise all our trips in Uganda and Rwanda. Everything arranged down to the last detail, locally run and personally delivered.
Michael is a guide and leads cycling trips through Uganda for CvA travel with great enthusiasm. With his spontaneous character, warm personality and extensive knowledge of the country, he makes for relaxed and personal trips.
Michael feels most at home on the hilly routes around Lake Bunyonyi, where nature, culture and impressive views come together. Along the way he is happy to share stories about local life and lets guests experience the real Uganda.
As a guide at CvA travel, Peter combines his passion for cycling trips with extensive technical knowledge of the bikes along the way.
Peter feels most at home on remote roads and hidden paths in East Africa. He enjoys taking travellers past the green landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the impressive views at Lake Mutanda. Always looking for new routes and distinctive places, he turns every ride into a small adventure. With his technical knowledge and calm presence, Peter makes sure guests set off with confidence.
Joseph is a guide at CvA travel and, when he is not out on a trip, supports the organisation of our trips in Uganda behind the scenes. In this way he helps to make sure every trip runs smoothly. With his calm manner, sense of humour and positive energy, Joseph brings a great deal of ease and good company to the group. He has a natural way of putting people at ease and is always ready to help.
Joseph enjoys introducing travellers to the nature, culture and hospitality of Uganda. His favourite routes run around Lake Bunyonyi, where green hills, fresh air and friendly local communities come together.
Abdul is one of our drivers whom you may meet on a trip with CvA travel. With more than 20 years of experience he knows Uganda like no one else and makes sure every drive is safe and relaxed. He has a great passion for Uganda’s wildlife and enjoys sharing his knowledge of animals and their behaviour along the way. Thanks to his experience he often knows exactly where distinctive animals can be spotted and talks enthusiastically about the nature and the national parks along the route.
Although Abdul enjoys being behind the wheel, he is just as happy to get on a bike himself. It is precisely that combination that means he understands well what makes a cycling trip distinctive.
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