Discover Eastern Uganda by Bike
Have you thought of cycling in the Pearl of Africa for more than four days? This unique cycling adventure combines biking, hiking and exploring the beautiful waterfalls and mountain landscapes of Eastern Uganda.
Starting from Jinja, the journey takes you through quiet roads, villages, rice-growing areas, local communities and the changing landscapes of Eastern Uganda before reaching the Sipi Falls and Kapchorwa region. Along the way you will experience local life, mountain scenery and some of the most memorable cycling terrain in the region.
7-Day / 6-Night Itinerary
Day 1 — Jinja History by Bike
This great eastern bike safari begins from Jinja with a history-by-bike experience. Explore the town and its beautiful colonial buildings while learning why and how they were built. End the day at the Source of the Nile, where the Nile begins its long journey towards the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 2 — Jinja to Namutumba
After breakfast, begin the journey towards Sipi Falls. Cycle through the Eastern Ugandan countryside and stay overnight in Namutumba after approximately 76.8 km of riding.
Day 3 — Namutumba to Mbale
After breakfast at around 8:30 AM, cycle from Namutumba to Mbale. The quieter road gives you opportunities to stop for photographs of rice fields, local people, goats, birds and the surrounding wetlands. Take a tea break at Kadama after approximately 28 km, followed by lunch around Budaka at approximately 2:00 PM. Arrive in Mbale and check into your guest house, with an optional evening city walk.
Day 4 — Mbale to Sipi
After breakfast, cycle through Mbale town for the first 6 km before turning onto the Kapchorwa–Moroto Road. Enjoy rolling roads and hills, low traffic, fresh mountain air and viewpoints for photographs. The ride finishes with a challenging 2 km steep climb to Craw's Nest for the night. A stunning view of Sipi Falls welcomes you on arrival.
Day 5 — Sipi to Kapchorwa
Begin the morning with a visit to Sipi Falls and a coffee tour. At around 8:30 AM, hike through Sipi village to experience the waterfalls, banana and coffee plantations and local village life. Learn how coffee is grown, harvested and prepared. The hike takes almost three hours. After lunch, around 3:00 PM, cycle to Kapchorwa town and stop for photographs at the Kapchorwa viewpoint overlooking the Karamoja plains and Mount Kadam. After approximately 2 km, check into Noah's Ark hotel.
Day 6 — Kapchorwa Village Cycling
After breakfast, cycle through the rolling hills of Kapchorwa, an area famous for its marathon champions. Ride around villages and experience the magnificent hills and scenery while meeting local communities. After the ride, return to the hotel for the final night.
Day 7 — Kapchorwa to Jinja
Finally, drive from Kapchorwa to Jinja or Entebbe, depending on your programme, to wind up the adventure.
What Is Included?
- Snacks
- Soft drinks and drinking water
- Return transport to Jinja
- Good-quality mountain bike and helmet
- Professional guide
- 7 lunches
- 5 dinners
- 6 nights' accommodation
- Transfers to the starting point
- Tour fees at Sipi Falls
- Coffee tour
- Van for luggage transport and assistance when necessary
- Entrance and boat ride to the Source of the Nile
What's Not Included?
- Air ticket and visa
- Alcoholic beverages after the tour
- Clip pedals — bring your own
- Tips
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, although this can be arranged on request
- Accommodation upgrades beyond the accommodation provided
Tour Essence
- Experience mountain culture with a professional guide.
- Discover the beauty and history of Jinja.
- Enjoy views of Sipi Falls, cool forests and surrounding villages.
- Experience views towards Mount Elgon and Mount Kadam.
- See the Karamoja plains from the Kapchorwa viewpoint.
- Cycle in the land of Uganda's marathon champions.
Adventure At A Glance
Level: Hard
Cycling: 5 full cycling days within the 7-day / 5-night programme
Bike Type: MTB
Start Location: Jinja
End Location: Kapchorwa
Distance: 270.9 KM
Elevation: 4,055 M
Starting Time: 7:30 AM
A Safari With A Purpose
Your journey is more than an adventure. Through Adventure With A Purpose, your travel helps support community initiatives connected with Njeru Vision Kids Foundation.
