Often described as the pearl of Africa, Uganda is a land of striking contrasts and quiet wonders. There is perhaps no better way to experience its essence than by bike. This guided bikepacking holiday through Uganda has been thoughtfully crafted for adventurous mountain bikers, gravel riders and e-mountain bikers – including those with little prior experience – who are eager to explore under their own steam, yet with the reassurance of an experienced local guide. With vehicle support limited to the essential transfers at the start and end of the journey, the route unfolds almost entirely on two wheels – allowing you to travel light, ride freely and connect deeply with the land, its people and its rhythm.
Your adventure begins in Entebbe, from where you set off by bike through a series of peaceful rural villages towards the serene Ssezibwa Falls. From there, you ride into the tropical Mabira rainforest and onward to the vibrant town of Jinja – a hub of adventure nestled on the banks of the Nile. You follow off-road trails along the river’s edge before a comfortable transfer takes you to Mount Elgon. Here, a steady climb brings you to the spectacular Sipi Falls, surrounded by coffee plantations and lush green hills. The journey concludes on the open plains of Karamoja and in Pian Upe National Park, where a cycling safari may offer thrilling encounters with giraffes, zebras or even cheetahs. An unforgettable route, rich in contrast and discovery – and a chance to truly experience Uganda from the saddle.
With CvA travel, your journey begins entirely on your terms. Choose your own departure date and adapt the itinerary to reflect your pace, your interests, and your preferred level of comfort. The 11-day sample itinerary shared here serves simply as inspiration – with highlights such as the dramatic Sipi Falls, the energy of Jinja, and the sweeping wilderness of Pian Upe National Park.
Would you prefer a slower tempo, a few well-placed rest days, or extra time to linger at the waterfalls or in the national parks? Perhaps you’d like to add a guided hike or spend an extra night at a favourite stop. Everything is possible – this is your journey.
For those who value ease and clarity, the suggested itinerary is also available as a ready-to-book option. The price of this sample trip is based on two people travelling together with a guide, in classic bikepacking style. Mountain bikes or e-mountain bikes can be hired through us, along with all the essential gear. Please note: vehicle support is limited to the transfers between Jinja and Mount Elgon, and from Pian Upe back to Kampala.
If you prefer a more supported experience, a back-up vehicle with driver can be arranged at any point. However you choose to shape your journey, we’ll ensure you discover Uganda in an adventurous and deeply memorable way – on two wheels, and entirely at your own pace.
Picture yourself pedalling through Uganda’s mesmerising landscapes on your mountain bike or e-mountain bike – past thundering waterfalls and along the meandering Nile. You’ll follow quiet trails and earthen roads, passing through rural communities and vibrant nature. This is no ordinary cycling trip – it’s a true journey through the soul of Africa.
The following day-by-day itinerary offers a detailed preview of what to expect on your guided bikepacking holiday through Uganda. Every day promises new impressions: from cycling beneath forest canopies and through local villages, to crossing rivers by boat and exploring national parks on two wheels. This suggested programme can be fully customised to suit your wishes.
Let this itinerary serve as inspiration for your journey through Uganda – a land of vivid encounters and unforgettable experiences. At the end of the 11-day trip, you may choose to return to Kampala by transfer or extend your adventure with one or more of the options listed under “Extensions”.
Your guided bikepacking holiday in Uganda begins with a flight from Amsterdam to Entebbe. On arrival, you’re welcomed by the warm spirit of Ugandan hospitality – a fitting introduction to the country known as the pearl of Africa. Our local team will greet you just after passport control.
Meals: not included
Accommodation: Yellow Haven Lodge
After breakfast, your journey on two wheels begins with a short boat ride to the starting point. You ride along earthen tracks through friendly villages and into the countryside, eventually reaching the peaceful Ssezibwa Falls – a place of natural beauty and traditional legend.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Bushbaby Lodge
Today you cycle from Ssezibwa to the Griffin Falls, following trails through rolling tea and sugarcane plantations. You then enter the Mabira rainforest, where birdsong and the chatter of monkeys accompany you. At Griffin Falls, there is an option to take part in a zipline experience – gliding through the forest canopy with views over the treetops and glimpses of eagles and bright-feathered turacos. In the evening, you settle in along the Nile at Wildwaters Camp Kalagala.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Wildwaters Camp Kalagala
Optional activity (not included):
• Ziplining €100 p.p.
After breakfast, you ride beside the Nile and cross to the opposite bank by canoe. You continue on rural tracks, past traditional villages and fertile landscapes, once again tracing the river. En route, you pass a series of waterfalls – from Kalagala and the mighty Itanda Falls to the more secluded Busowoko Falls. The surrounding rapids and islets attract a wealth of birdlife, including cormorants and other aquatic species. The day ends with your arrival in Jinja.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Nile River Explorers Camp
Today you explore Jinja, once a quiet fishing village and now the beating heart of Uganda’s adventure scene. The highlight here is white-water rafting – a world-class experience on the Nile’s famous rapids. If you prefer a gentler pace, relax by the riverside or take in the action from ashore – all with professional guides ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
For something slower still, join a tranquil sunset cruise along the Nile. Drift past lush riverbanks, colourful birdlife, and the very source of the world’s longest river.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Nile River Explorers Camp
Optional activities (not included):
• White-water rafting €180 p.p.
• Sunset cruise €45 p.p.
A relaxed morning transfer takes you from Jinja to Casa del Turista, located near the base of Mount Elgon and the graceful Wanale Falls. Today is all about slowing down and soaking in the tranquil surroundings – a pause that prepares you for the more demanding rides to come. Take time to explore the natural beauty around your lodge or simply unwind.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Casa del Turista – Wanale Falls
Today’s ride begins on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano straddling the Uganda–Kenya border. You ascend steadily through a landscape of banana groves, matoke terraces and coffee plantations. As you climb, the views unfold across the valleys below. Your day ends at the foot of the magnificent Sipi Falls, where you’ll stay in a lodge perched above the rushing water.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Sipi Falls Lodge
After breakfast, a guided walk takes you to all three of the Sipi Falls, each one framed by lush vegetation and offering a unique perspective of the landscape. Wooden bridges lead across bubbling streams, and the mist from the falls catches the light in a magical way.
In the afternoon, choose between two enriching cultural experiences. Coffee enthusiasts can join a farm-to-cup coffee tour hosted by a local family – an intimate look at the region’s prized beans and the traditions that shape them. Or opt for a visit to a nearby cave and connect with the Sabiny people through storytelling, local cuisine, games and dance. Whichever path you take, it adds meaningful depth to your guided bikepacking holiday Uganda.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Sipi Falls Lodge
Optional activities (not included):
• Hike to the Sipi Falls €40 p.p.
• Cave & Sabiny experience €20 p.p.
• Coffee tour €25 p.p.
This morning, you climb gently through the final foothills of Mount Elgon before descending along narrow, meandering tracks into the broad plains of Karamoja. The landscape becomes drier and more open as you approach the bridge that marks the entrance to Pian Upe National Park. With Mount Elgon and Mount Kadam in the distance, your ride ends at Kos Lodge – a secluded base where wildlife often roams freely.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Kos Lodge
Today brings a rare experience: a cycling safari through one of Uganda’s most remote and untouched national parks. Guided by a local ranger, you pedal quietly across the savannah in search of giraffes, zebras, antelope and, with a bit of luck, cheetahs. You’ll also visit the Napedet Cave to view ancient rock art and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in the wild – a memorable finale to your guided bikepacking holiday through Uganda.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Kos Lodge
After breakfast, a comfortable transfer takes you back to Kampala. Prefer to stay a little longer? Browse our carefully selected extensions to continue your adventure in Uganda.
Meals: breakfast
This tailor-made cycling journey through Uganda – tracing waterfalls and the iconic Nile – promises a truly unforgettable adventure. For this sample itinerary, we’ve selected comfortable mid-range accommodations that combine character with excellent value.
Perfect for adventurous cyclists who value independence with expert guidance, this journey is all about experiencing Uganda up close. Support vehicles are used only where essential – ensuring that most of your adventure takes place on two wheels.
Prefer added comfort with full support, including a dedicated vehicle, driver and guide throughout? That too is an option. Simply get in touch for a personalised travel proposal – we’ll be happy to craft your ideal journey.
Of course. Under the “Extensions” tab, you’ll find a range of ideas and inspiration to enhance your trip. Curious about the possibilities? Reach out or request a bespoke itinerary – we’ll take care of every detail, so you can fully immerse yourself in your cycling adventure.
See below what’s included in this sample trip – and what’s not.
Throughout this thoughtfully designed journey, you’ll stay in carefully selected mid-range accommodations that strike a harmonious balance between comfort, character, and value. Each property has been hand-picked not only for its location, but also for its atmosphere and sense of place.
After an exhilarating day in the saddle – whether pedalling past the cascading Sipi Falls or traversing the wide savannahs of Pian Upe National Park – it’s a pleasure to arrive somewhere that feels peaceful, welcoming, and rooted in its surroundings. Would you prefer a different style of lodging? We’ll be happy to tailor your overnight stays to match your individual travel preferences. Simply get in touch for a personalised proposal and explore how flexible your guided bikepacking holiday Uganda can truly be.
Many of the places we work with contribute directly to the wellbeing of nearby communities. As a guest, you’ll not only enjoy a memorable stay – you’ll also help support local livelihoods and sustainable development. It’s travel with purpose, without compromising on comfort or charm.
Below are two of the distinctive lodges we often include in this journey:
A peaceful retreat nestled along the shores of Lake Victoria. Its lovingly tended gardens, papyrus-lined inlets and abundant birdlife create an oasis of calm. Whether you swim in the pool, stroll through the grounds, or simply relax with a book as the breeze rustles the trees, this lodge is the ideal place to unwind before or after your cycling adventure.
Tucked away in lush greenery near a cave and waterfall, Mise Cave Lodge offers an intimate and earthy stay. Each room is simple, clean and comfortably furnished – the perfect retreat after a day outdoors. From your veranda, you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding hills. The warm hospitality here is genuine, and breakfast is served with care – a nourishing start to another day of discovery.
Would you like to extend your cycling adventure in Uganda or adapt your journey to suit your personal interests? Below, you’ll find a selection of inspiring travel extensions – and the possibilities go far beyond what is listed here. Each option can be enhanced with additional bike rides, allowing you to deepen your connection with Uganda’s landscapes, wildlife and culture. Whether you’re looking to relax by the shores of Lake Victoria, encounter rhinos or chimpanzees in the wild, or cycle off the beaten track in remote regions, we’ll craft a fully bespoke itinerary to match your wishes.
Explore the ideas below and contact us to shape your ideal guided bikepacking holiday Uganda.
Enrich your journey with a walking safari among Uganda’s only free-roaming white rhinos. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you’ll track these gentle giants on foot through a protected reserve dedicated to their conservation. Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild – an extraordinary and intimate encounter. You may also spot a wealth of birdlife and other animals as you walk through this pristine landscape.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: mid-range
Rhino trekking included
Price: on request
Bordering Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest offers adventurous cyclists a unique experience. Ride through a blend of rainforest and savannah on scenic, hilly trails. Afterwards, join a guided chimpanzee trek and discover the forest’s diverse primate life, including red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and baboons. This extension can also be combined with a visit to Murchison Falls for even more variety.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: mid-range
Optional chimpanzee trek
Price: on request
Experience one of Uganda’s most iconic natural wonders – the mighty Murchison Falls. Watch the Nile force its way through a narrow gorge before plunging into a roaring cascade. Take a boat cruise to the base of the falls and observe elephants, hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. A guided game drive offers further opportunities to spot giraffes, lions, buffalo and countless bird species.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: mid-range
Optional excursions
Price: on request
Round off your adventure with a lakeside retreat and a guided exploration of Uganda’s vibrant capital. Relax by the shores of Lake Victoria or discover Kampala from the back of a boda boda (motorbike taxi) with a local guide. Visit the Uganda National Mosque, explore the colourful taxi park, sample local dishes, and, if you like, experience Kampala after dark. A lively and fitting finale to your guided bikepacking holiday Uganda.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: mid-range
Optional city tour
Price: on request
Step off the beaten track and into the heart of rural Uganda on the Warrior Nomad Trail. Cycle through remote villages where traditions are strong, and hospitality is heartfelt. You’ll be welcomed with song, dance and shared meals – a truly authentic experience. The singletrack routes here offer rewarding climbs and thrilling descents, culminating at viewpoints over 2,000 metres above sea level.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local lodges or tents
Price: on request
Mount Elgon’s dramatic volcanic landscapes make it one of Uganda’s most scenic trekking destinations. Choose from several multi-day routes that take you through bamboo forest, alpine heathland and wildflower-strewn moorland. Spot monkeys, birds and, with luck, rare forest antelope along the way.
Options include:
• Bushiyi Trail (3 days) – A fast-paced ascent to Wagagai Peak, suited to fit and experienced trekkers.
• Sipi to Bushiyi Trail (4 days) – A varied route starting at Sipi Falls, offering changing landscapes and expansive views.
• Piswa Trail (6 days) – A longer, gentler route ideal for acclimatisation, with rich biodiversity and panoramic outlooks.
All treks include tents, sleeping gear, a cook, porters and an experienced guide.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Price: on request
Itching to set off on an extraordinary ride? Can’t wait to hop on the saddle and explore your dream destination at your own pace? Take a look at all our cycling journeys below – or get in touch to request a tailor-made adventure designed just for you.
We hope to see you soon.
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