Unforgettable motorbike trip across Uganda

If you think city trips and East Africa don’t go together, think again. Sure, the cities here might be a bit more chaotic than Paris, Milan, or Barcelona, but that just means extra adventure!

You won’t be following a tour leader (with a little flag) like a herd of sheep, and there won’t be any Segways involved either. No, sightseeing in Kampala is done in true style. Hop on a boda, the East African motorbike, and explore the hectic yet vibrant streets of Kampala. From historic hotspots to hidden gems, it’s time to tick them all off!

Time to hit the Ugandan roads and head west. Grab some tasty snacks and plenty of drinks beforehand, or stop in one of the many villages you’ll pass along the way. Chances are, the scent of a fresh Rolex will have you instinctively hitting the brakes. This ‘roll-egg’ is a classic Ugandan snack—an omelette wrapped in a chapati, sold by the roadside in every village for just a few cents. After about five hours of riding, you’ll arrive at Uganda’s stunning crater lakes. "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the most beautiful lakes of them all!?"

Up and at it early! Time to get back on the motorbike, because today is all about safari! You'll ride along unpaved roads through remote landscapes, where village life unfolds along the roadside. The final destination of the day? Queen Elizabeth National Park! In the afternoon, you'll hop on a boat for a safari along the Kazinga Channel. This 32-kilometre-long waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward. From the village, you'll step onto a small boat and drift along the shores, taking in the wildlife from a whole new perspective.

Today, you’ll be tracking chimps and meeting them in Kalinzu Forest! This stretch of rainforest is often overshadowed by its bigger brother, Kibale Forest, where most tourists go, making it a more off the beaten track choice! Around 220 chimps call this forest home, which is special considering these incredible creatures are, unfortunately, endangered and rarely seen in the wild.

Today, the vast savannahs make way for the misty, impenetrable rainforest of Bwindi. After a cup of coffee and some fresh tropical fruit, it’s time to hop back on the motorbike! Keep your eyes peeled, you might just spot an elephant family along the way and give them a wave.

But… you’re not stopping in Bwindi just yet. Instead, you’ll ride a bit further south to the stunning Lake Mutanda. Nestled in the same region, this lake is so breathtaking that you’ll want to spend the rest of the day soaking it all in. And the journey there? Let’s not give too much away, but trust us, it’s a feast for the eyes!

Today is THE day, your visit to the gorillas! This is going to be an unforgettable trek. Depending on where the family is located, the hiking distance will vary between 3 and 7 hours, so make sure you have proper hiking gear, a well-prepared daypack with water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and layered clothing. A porter can be arranged at the starting point for $15, and it’s highly recommended.

Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have one hour to spend with them. Your group will consist of a maximum of eight people, tracking a single gorilla family. Don’t forget to put the camera down now and then—take a moment to truly observe these magnificent creatures.

Today, you’ll feel like Dian Fossey, experiencing just how extraordinary these critically endangered animals are. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of your trip—a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before hopping back on the motorbike for a new adventure. You’ll leave behind the towering volcanoes and mirror-like waters of Lake Mutanda and ride for about six hours to Uganda’s smallest wildlife park.

You’re leaving the savannahs behind and heading east through Uganda. Keep your eyes on the landscape, this ride is a real treat. As you go, the scenery becomes increasingly lush, with banana trees sprouting up all around. And when you catch sight of the famous Nile, you’ll know you’ve arrived. Welcome to the vibrant town of Jinja!

All good things must come to an end, and so does this incredible adventure through Uganda. Today, you’ve got a long motorbike ride back to Entebbe ahead of you. Depending on your flight times, there may be some time to relax at an accommodation before heading to the airport for your journey home.