20-Day Uganda Cycling Trip: Kidepo, Murchison Falls & Western Uganda

You fly from Amsterdam or Brussels to Entebbe. Once you arrive in Uganda, you will immediately experience the warm culture and the cheerful vibes of the Ugandan people. This feels like a warm welcome and is a perfect start to your holiday. Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Our team will be waiting for you after customs.

Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Meals: Not included today (most flights arrive late in the evening)

After a relaxing breakfast, you set off towards the east of Uganda, heading for the green slopes of Mount Elgon. Along the way, you pass lively towns such as Jinja and Mbale, where daily life unfolds colourfully along the roadside. En route, you take time for lunch and make regular stops to capture the landscape: rolling hills, vast fields, and small villages.

The route takes you gradually upwards, into the mountains. This is a journey of a few hours that takes you further and further away from the hustle and bustle. In the afternoon, you reach Kapchorwa and check into your accommodation. Afterwards, you explore the Sipi Falls on foot: a series of three waterfalls carving their way down the flanks of Mount Elgon. During the walk, you stroll through a wonderfully green environment past coffee plantations and simple homes, where you come into contact with the local people and get a glimpse into daily life.

Accommodation: Home of Friends Guest House (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Transfer: Approximately 4 hours (depending on traffic around Kampala)

After breakfast, you travel further northeast, towards the remote Karamoja region. The landscape changes visibly: the green hills give way to more rugged, open plains and vast savannahs. Along the way, you traverse different regions, each with their own character, communities, and traditional settlements. The drive provides a remarkable picture of Uganda’s cultural diversity. In the afternoon, you reach Moroto, situated at the foot of Mount Moroto, an impressive mountain range along the border with Kenya. This is the habitat of the Karamojong, a proud nomadic community with a strong connection to their cattle, traditions, and way of life. Optional – You can go for a walk, for example (wholly or partially) to the St. Lawrence waterfall on Mount Moroto. This hike starts right in the town and climbs up the mountain via a steep path. It is not an easy walk, but with the right shoes and fitness level, it is a beautiful adventure. The entire hike takes 5 hours. Another option is to take a bike ride through the rugged landscape.

Accommodation: Karatunga Arts
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Transfer: Approximately 4 – 5 hours

In the morning, you visit a local community and get acquainted with their culture and daily life. Afterwards, you set course for one of the most remote and pristine national parks in Uganda: Kidepo Valley National Park. The route takes you through a spectacular landscape of valleys, mountains, and vast plains. Along the way, you enjoy panoramic views over the Karamoja region, where nature and silence prevail. In the late afternoon, you arrive at the lodge, located right in the middle of this impressive nature reserve.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Transfer: Approximately 4 – 5 hour

You get up early for a safari in the cool of the morning, when the wildlife is most active. As the sun rises over the golden plains, the park comes to life. In the Narus Valley – the best place for wildlife spotting – you can see herds of buffaloes, elephants, and zebras grazing. Giraffes move gracefully through the landscape, and with a bit of luck, you will spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, or leopards resting in the shade of acacia trees. Kidepo is also known for its rich birdlife, with hundreds of species, including ostriches and rare birds of prey. In the afternoon, you visit a traditional manyatta of the Karamojong. Here you get a glimpse into their way of life, the construction of their homes, and their deeply rooted traditions. At the end of the day, you return to the lodge, where you can quietly let the impressions of this special day sink in.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After an early breakfast, you leave Kidepo and begin the journey towards Murchison Falls National Park. It is a long but varied day, where the landscape slowly changes, and you see more and more of Uganda’s vast savannahs and rural areas. Along the way, you enjoy panoramic views and the rhythm of daily life along the road. In Gulu, you make a stop for lunch, after which you continue the journey towards the park. In the course of the afternoon or early evening, you arrive at your lodge.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Transfer: Approximately 6 – 7 hours

Early in the morning, you set off for a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile in the savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park. As the first light turns the landscape gold, this is the moment when nature awakens and the animals are active. Together with your guide, you scan the vast plains. Elephants peacefully pass by, lions lie hidden in the tall grass, and Cape buffaloes stand massive and unperturbed in the field. Rothschild’s giraffes, hartebeests, waterbucks, oribis, and bushbucks are also frequently seen here. With a bit of luck, even a leopard might cross your path.    After lunch, you swap the savannah for the water. You take a boat trip upstream on the Nile, towards the foot of the waterfalls. The boat approaches within a few metres of the impressive ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, where the water comes together with enormous force. Along the banks, you see groups of hippos bobbing in the water and crocodiles lying motionless on the sandbanks. Over a stretch of about 17 kilometres, there is a good chance that elephants, waterbucks, and Uganda kobs will also show themselves at the river.   Moreover, this part of the Nile is a paradise for bird lovers. Species such as the Goliath heron, Egyptian goose, pelicans, kingfishers, and various hornbills feel right at home here. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the rare shoebill stork – one of Africa’s most extraordinary birds. Afterwards, you return to the lodge. There is time to relax and let the impressions of the day sink in peacefully.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, you drive to Murchison Falls. Originally, Murchison Falls were known as Kabalega Falls. Here, the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge just 8 metres wide, before crashing down 43 metres and continuing its journey westwards towards Lake Albert. It is the most powerful waterfall in the world, and you can feel it. The roaring water, the rising mist, and the panoramic views leave a deep impression. Also, take the time to walk to the top of the waterfall and experience this natural force from above.  After this visit, you leave the park and head towards Katambale Village, located in the west of Uganda. The route takes you past lively villages and colourful markets. Along the way, you see daily life passing you by: small stalls, playing children, and women carrying baskets. If something catches your curiosity, there is plenty of opportunity to stop along the way.

Accommodation: The Coffee Lodge at Clarke Farm
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Transfer: Approximately 4 – 6 hours

The cycling adventure in Uganda truly begins now. You ride between fragrant coffee plantations and rolling tea fields, through lush forests and along quiet country roads. The landscape is green, fertile, and varied. Along the way, you pass small villages where daily life takes place outdoors. Children run alongside and wave enthusiastically, residents greet you warmly. The contact is spontaneous and cordial, which is exactly what makes cycling here so special. You stay overnight in Fort Portal. Depending on your arrival time, there are various options for exploring the area. Optionally, you can visit the market in Muguzu, take a guided city walk, or visit the palace of the King of Tooro. The area outside the city is also well worth a visit. A trip to the Mabere ga Nyinamwiru caves and a walk to the crater of Lake Saka offer a beautiful introduction to the volcanic landscape of this region.

Accommodation: Royal Dutches Fort Portal
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

You wake up to the sound of singing birds and hippos in the water. In the morning, you will go on a chimpanzee trek through the Kyambura Gorge. This 100-metre-deep gorge, overgrown with tropical rainforest, cuts like a green fissure through the landscape. During the walk, you will search for chimpanzees. In addition, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and countless bird species live here. Moreover, there are crater lakes in the rainforest where, with a bit of luck, you might spot bright pink flamingos.    In the afternoon, you go on a game drive in the park, and there is a high chance of spotting the Big Four (excluding the rhino). Afterwards, you visit the salt lakes and meet a local community living within the park.    At the end of the day, you return to the Bush Lodge, where the evening peacefully transitions into night alongside the sounds of the savannah. 

Accommodation: Bush Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

The day begins with a special experience: a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. After a short bike ride to the jetty, you step aboard. Sometimes you might even encounter elephants on this short cycling stretch. From the water, you get a completely different perspective of the park. Bubbles on the surface betray the presence of hippos, crocodiles lie motionless on the banks, and buffaloes and elephants come to drink at the water’s edge. Warthogs and countless bird species can also be seen up close.

After the boat safari, you choose a short or longer cycling stage (approximately 50 to 75 kilometres) through the park. As you ride along the savannah roads, buffaloes, elephants, and even the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector might cross your path.

Accommodation: Embogo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

The landscape changes dramatically. The flat savannah gives way to a hilly area that becomes increasingly green and densely vegetated. Villages and tea plantations alternate; you see just how many shades of green Uganda has to offer.

The friendly greetings from the locals provide a burst of energy exactly when it is most welcome. Then the climb begins. On unpaved roads, you slowly ascend into the misty hills towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests and home to the majestic mountain gorillas. It is a challenging but exceptionally beautiful stage.

Accommodation: Ride 4 A Woman Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today can be tailored entirely to your own wishes. Relax at the lodge or choose a special optional excursion.

If you choose the gorilla trekking, an experience awaits that is hard to put into words. Impressive and unforgettable are just the beginning—what you experience here goes far beyond that. It is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world. The trek is costly, but every step and every encounter makes it more than worthwhile.

The mountain gorilla is a critically endangered species and is only found in the wild in three countries, including Uganda. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you trek into the dense rainforest. This is done with care and expertise, as other wildlife lives here besides gorillas. The journey takes you over steep slopes and through dense vegetation, where rangers sometimes clear a path with machetes. It is a physical effort: intense, warm, and adventurous.

And then, after a period of searching, the moment arrives—face to face with a gorilla. Just a few metres away, you stand opposite an imposing yet serene animal. An experience that will stay with you for a long time.

Wearing a face mask, you spend an hour in the proximity of the gorillas. You observe young animals playing, while a silverback vigilantly keeps an eye on the group. The sounds of the forest, the cracking of branches, and the deep grunting of a gorilla make the moment intense and unforgettable. Before you know it, the hour is over, and you return, full of impressions.

Prefer a cultural experience? Then the Batwa Experience is a remarkable alternative. During this excursion, you will meet the Batwa, the original inhabitants of the rainforest around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For centuries, they lived here as hunter-gatherers, closely connected to the forest. Guided by Batwa guides, you walk through the forest and discover their traditional way of life. They show how they hunted with a bow and arrow, which plants and herbs were used, and how the forest provided everything needed to survive. This allows you to experience the landscape from a unique, cultural perspective. Since the Bwindi forest was declared a national park in the early 1990s to protect the mountain gorillas, the Batwa have lived outside the forest. By sharing their stories and knowledge, they keep their culture alive.

Accommodation: Ride 4 A Woman Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Optional excursions:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi: € 800.00

• Batwa Experience: € 80.00

The route starts gently, on a rolling unpaved road that is ideal for warming up the legs. After a suspension bridge, the character of the stage changes. A steep climb presents itself, followed by a technical descent that requires concentration. This is a section that challenges you both physically and mentally.    Would you prefer to skip this tough part? That is, of course, possible. There is always an alternative available. Whether you cycle the full stage or cover a part by transfer, cycling through the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park remains a special experience. The dense vegetation, the filtered light through the trees, and the feeling of moving right in the middle of pure nature make this day unforgettable.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

From the lodge, you get on your bike for the final kilometres through the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You soon leave the dense forest behind and head towards Lake Mutanda. It is a tough stage, with a fair amount of elevation gain, but the reward is great. Lake Mutanda is tucked away amidst an impressive volcanic landscape on the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The tranquil lake is surrounded by small islands, where local farmers grow their coffee, bananas, and potatoes. The combination of clear water, terraces on the green slopes, and the surrounding volcanoes makes this one of the most remarkable landscapes in East Africa.   Upon arrival at the lodge, there is time to relax or head out onto the water. In a traditional canoe, you glide silently along the banks and between the islands. While enjoying the view of the mountains, you watch local life unfold along the waterfront. Along the way, you might spot monkeys and various bird species.

Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

You get up early for breakfast and drive to the headquarters of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here, at around 07:00, you receive a briefing and meet the rangers and guides who will accompany you during the trek. After that, you head into the park for golden monkey tracking. In the higher bamboo forests, you search for these playful and rare monkeys. Along the way, you walk through a unique landscape of dense vegetation and clearings, while your guide follows tracks and tells you about the habitat of these animals.

When you find the group of golden monkeys, you watch them move through the forest, search for food, and play with each other. The trek is generally less strenuous than a gorilla trek, but it can still be challenging due to muddy paths and steeper sections.

After this special experience, you travel further by car to Lake Bunyonyi. The lake is hidden among green hills and boasts no fewer than 29 small islands, surrounded by a landscape of terraces and lush vegetation.

You cover the final part of the route by bike, on rolling roads past villages and fields. Arriving at the lake, you board a boat for the crossing to Habuharo Island. Habuharo is an idyllic and wooded island with a secluded character. On the island, you can go swimming in the lake (this lake is safe for swimming), take a canoe trip, or simply enjoy the peace and the view.

Accommodation: Heritage Lodge, Habuharo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, the bikes are loaded onto the car, and you set off towards Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, you stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre, a cultural hub where the history and traditions of the Ankole region come to life. Take a look at the traditional huts for cattle and crop farming—the Bariisa and Abahiingi—which together paint a picture of rural life in the past. A visit to the museum itself is also an option, featuring an impressive collection of crafts and historical photos.

Upon arrival at your accommodation, you have the freedom to spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Perhaps you would like to stretch your legs with a walk in the area. The lodge is situated on top of a hill and offers a panoramic view over the rolling landscape of Lake Mburo National Park.

Accommodation: Eagles Nest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This day is all about a “cycling safari” in Lake Mburo National Park.

Together with a ranger, you get on your mountain bike for a special ride through the park. Cycling among wildlife remains a unique experience. Zebras graze on the savannah, giraffes curiously stretch their long necks above the scrub, and various antelope species cross your path. Along the way, you visit the Hippo Pool, where hippos hide in the water. Then the climb to the Kazuma Lookout Point awaits. At the top of this hill, you are rewarded with a spectacular view over a lake surrounded by vast savannah. Later in the day, you will take a boat trip on Lake Mburo.

Accommodation: Eagles Nest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This day is dedicated to the return journey. After breakfast, you get in the car for the drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, you pass the equator one more time. Later in the afternoon, you reach Entebbe, where there is still time to enjoy dinner. After dinner, you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast