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Cycling Tours in Uganda and Rwanda
Get the opportunity to explore and learn about numerous city suburbs, magnificent nature including wildlife, rolling hills, and remarkable dense forests, as well as hospitable communities, and historical and cultural sites, among others while on cycling tours to Uganda and Rwanda.
Cycling tours in Uganda and Rwanda are unique and adventurous safari experiences, which offer travelers remarkable up-close and personal encounters with nature. Located in East Africa in the equatorial region, Uganda and Rwanda are well-known East African safari destinations famous for a variety of safaris including cycling tours, gorilla trekking tours, and wildlife tours to mention but a few.
Cycling tours in Uganda and Rwanda are very inclusive, with groups of up to eight people. Still, you can enjoy a cycling tour in Uganda or Rwanda as an individual. If you are planning a cycling tour to Uganda or Rwanda, you may need to consult your tour operator so that the tour is added to your schedule and assist you in making all the necessary preparations. All required equipment, including bicycles, bicycle gear, and water, among others are provided during your cycling tour.
Get the opportunity to explore and learn about numerous city suburbs, magnificent nature including wildlife, rolling hills, and remarkable dense forests, as well as hospitable communities, and historical and cultural sites, among others while on cycling tours to Uganda and Rwanda.
When is the best time for Cycling Tours in Uganda and Rwanda?
Situated in the Equatorial climate zone, Uganda and Rwanda both share the same climate conditions; and while they can both be visited for cycling tours, throughout the year, the best time to visit these enthralling safari destinations is during the dry season from June to September and December to February. During this time, the vegetation is low giving clear views, and; cycling routes are dry and accessible. If you wish to go cycling in Uganda and Rwanda during the wet season, however, endeavor to pack warm clothing for the cold and rainy days and nights.
Best Cycling Trails in Uganda
There are various cycling tours in Uganda ranging from a simple 1-day cycle through the country’s vibrant city – Kampala to a 10-day journey across Western Uganda for experienced mountain biking enthusiasts. With over 150 biking routes, every region in Uganda offers a distinctive cycling experience; and the top cycling trails in Uganda include;
Kampala Cycling Tour
Located near the magnificent Lake Victoria, Kampala is a site for thrilling cycling tours. The city sits on several hills featuring lavish suburbs, well-tarmacked roads, towering buildings, and remarkable historical and cultural sites, among others. Kampala cycling tours offer various cycling trails; you can choose to explore a trail that takes you through the business center to explore the Gadhafi Mosque, Kabaka’s palace, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, schools, universities, etc.
Nonetheless, the most popular Kampala cycling trail is the one that takes you as far as the shores of Lake Victoria. About, 30 minutes away from the bustling city, enjoy riding through the best routes while you enjoy nature, and encounters with the locals. You can even visit some islands such as Ssese Islands, where you will also enjoy ferry crossings. Cycling tours in Kampala are fantastic and favor all kinds of riders including beginners. The routes are well-established and the city has adventurous trails and climbs that you will make your cycling tour exciting. Cycling tours in Kampala can go for about a day or two depending on your interests. other places to visit on Kampala cycling tours include Ssezibwa Falls in Mukono, Kalangala Island on Lake Victoria, etc.
Lake Mburo Cycling Tour
Cycling tours in Lake Mburo National Park are the best options for travelers who want to cycle amidst wildlife and enjoy the true game-viewing experience. Lake Mburo National Park is a small savannah national park located in western Uganda in the Kiruhura district. The park is famous for hosting the largest populations of zebras and impalas in the country; but is also home to giraffes, elephants, elands, topis, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, etc., and a profuse of bird species.
Cycling tours in Lake Mburo range from 2 to 3-day guided cycling tours and they offer cyclists spectacular rides through the diverse landscapes of the park with plenty of views and wildlife to explore. Lake Mburo National Park has numerous well-developed cycling trails that take travelers through its magnificent savannah plains, forested hills, and swampy valleys under the guidance of experienced safari guides and armed rangers to protect you from predators. Cycling tours to Lake Mburo National Park are often tailored to your interests.
Bwindi Cycling Tours
Besides offering “once-in-a-lifetime” safari experiences with the endangered mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is also a hub for exploratory mountain biking tours. Located in southwestern Uganda’s Kanungu district, Bwindi offers cycling tours under the management of “Ride for a Woman Uganda.” This women’s organization at supporting the women in the organization and the local community at large; and you can also do this by renting a bike.
While on cycling tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, riders will explore a 13-kilometer trail that begins from the Park Headquarters in the Buhoma sector; and meanders through a designated pathway. The trail takes you via the Ivy river and goes up to the Ntebeko village in the Nkuringo southern sector. The Bwindi cycling tour is organized either by Ride for a Woman or Buhoma Rest Camp and it often starts in the morning.
The 4 to 7-hour biking tour will allow you to explore Bwindi by bike and get you up close and personal with the park’s dense vegetation, creatures such as mountain gorillas, bushbucks, waterbucks, bush pigs, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and forest birds, as well the local Bakiga going on about their day.
Cycling Tour in Lake Bunyonyi
Located in the Kabale district, Lake Bunyonyi is also another impressive destination for thrilling Uganda cycling tours. The lake is surrounded by beautiful terraced hills and riders can ride downhill to the lake and enjoy its breathtaking scenery. Lake Bunyonyi is Uganda’s deepest lake, dotted with lovely islands and surrounded by lush greenery. The lake features amazing views of rolling terraced hills, a variety of colorful birds, and hospitable local communities, as well as comfortable safari lodges.
Cycling Tour in Lake Bunyonyi
Located in the Kabale district, Lake Bunyonyi is also another impressive destination for thrilling Uganda cycling tours. The lake is surrounded by beautiful terraced hills and riders can ride downhill to the lake and enjoy its breathtaking scenery. Lake Bunyonyi is Uganda’s deepest lake, dotted with lovely islands and surrounded by lush greenery. The lake features amazing views of rolling terraced hills, a variety of colorful birds, and hospitable local communities, as well as comfortable safari lodges.
Cycling Tour in Kibale Forest National Park
Uganda cycling tours in Kibale Forest National Park are also unbeatable! Located in western Uganda, the primate capital of the world has a lot more than chimpanzees and monkeys to show! Depending on your physical fitness, get the chance to explore the top-of-the-world route and visit the 5 explosion crater lakes. Cycling tours in Kibale Forest National Park will also treat you to encounters with a variety of birds such as turacos, weaverbirds, the Green Breasted Pitta and primates such as chimpanzees, olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and so many others.
You will also cycle through the neighboring villages to learn about the lifestyles of the natives living around the park. Most lodges in the park offer bikes for rent.
Cycling Tour around Mount Elgon
This cycling tour takes you through the best places in eastern Uganda. Mount Elgon is one of the best places in Uganda to go mountain biking and hiking. The mountain is also home to the magnificent Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon National Park. Several well-developed cycling trails connect the Sipi trading center to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa. This trail takes about one and a half hours and it offers track offers views of different Sipi waterfalls, as well as the far-reaching Karamoja plains. Bikes for rent are at Sipi River Lodge.
What you Need to Know when Cycling Tour in Uganda
New-quality bicycles may not be readily available in Uganda; hence, should try to bring one with you. However, you will need to discuss it with your airline first as some airlines are more flexible than others about carrying bicycles. Regardless, you can a durable second-hand bicycle from a few reputable dealers in the city for just about 70 dollars.
Motorized cars in Uganda tend to treat bicycles as if they didn’t exist on the road: sometimes they even force the scared riders to turn off the road unexpectedly, ending in a catastrophic fall. In cases like this, make sure that you carry a helmet and any protective gear that may be necessary for protection while on your Uganda cycling tour.
Finally, most of Uganda’s highways are normally in good shape, and buses will enable you to transport your bike on the roof for an additional fee if you are traveling by public means. The smaller roads, however, vary in condition and are often affected during the wet season.
Also, while planning a Uganda cycling tour, keep in mind that bikers face a formidable set of risks on African roads; one has to be vigilant about speeding buses and other private vehicles, among others.
Best Cycling Trails in Rwanda
Named, “the land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda is an exceptional destination for cycling tours. Offering off-the-beaten-track cycling experiences, Rwanda features true and endless cycling trails through its lively city and breathtaking countryside. Here are the best cycling trails in Rwanda;
The Congo-Nile Cycling Trail
Used for both cycling tours and hiking adventures, the Congo-Nile trail is arguably the best cycling trail in Rwanda. Launched in 2009, the 227-kilometer Congo-Nile trail begins from Gisenyi in the north on the shores of Lake Kivu through the tracks in Nyungwe Forest National Park and ends in Kamembe. The 5-day cycling trail offers incredible cycling as you appreciate the beautiful scenery of Lake Kivu, several coffee and tea plantations as well as, the local communities along the trail. Cyclists can expect to ascend and descend rolling hills at intervals of 1450m to 1800m above sea level. Daily stops are made for cyclists to refresh and relax, whereas resting camps are available along the trail.
While cycling through the Congo-Nile trail, do not expect a smooth journey as the terrain is quite difficult and thus is perfect for the more experienced cyclists. However, this is the best trail for nature lovers, hikers, and birders.
The Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycling Trail
The Twin Lakes Rwanda cycling trail is another adventurous trail to explore while on Rwanda cycling tours. This trail is a beautiful ride through communities with the Virunga volcanoes as a backdrop to the Twin Lakes. The twin lakes – Bulera and Rudondo are located between Musanze and Uganda’s border and are called so because they are close to each other (separated by a 1km wide stretch of land. The twin lakes cycling trail starts from your lodge and takes you through the amazing volcanoes and goes up to Musanze where the twin lakes are found. Visitors will be riding across the lush terrain while connecting with the locals in the communities along the trail. When you arrive at the lakes, you will explore them by canoe and enjoy views of birds such as kingfishers, darters, African fish eagles, etc.
The Kigali Cycling Trail
This cycling trail will take you through the dazzling capital of Rwanda – Kigali. Enjoy cycling through Africa’s cleanest city as you explore its towering skyscrapers, well-demarcated roads, local markets, museums, genocide memorial centers, and of course the lovely rolling hills.
What to Pack for your Cycling Tour to Uganda and/or Rwanda
- A pair of light clothing including shorts, leggings, and track pants.
- A rain poncho in case it rains.
- A pair of good comfortable cycling boots.
- A helmet for protection in cases of accidents. The helmet will be provided by your biking company or the safari lodge at which you are staying.
- A good camera and a pair of binoculars to capture photos and sights in the wild.
- Sunscreen for the scorching African sun.
- Insect repellent to protect you from insect bites
A bottle of drinking water.
