The boda – Uganda is full of them. Everywhere you look, on every street corner, and lined up by the hundreds at traffic lights. And they’re incredibly useful too, transporting just about anything—people, animals, furniture, and food. This blog is for the true adventurers among us because how thrilling is it to explore Uganda on a boda…
Speaking of off the beaten track, this is it. Rent a boda in Uganda, hop on, put on your helmet, and off you go. Hours of driving on the orange roads, stop whenever you want, and LIVE the freedom. It sounds like a dream, I know, but for me, this is ultimate relaxation, and that’s what you want when you’ve just escaped the Netherlands, right? But it’s also a real adventure.
Two years ago, I bought my first boda. Completely happy, no more haggling over prices, and free to ride wherever I want. I love discovering new routes. This basically means I ride and see where I end up. Thank God for Google Maps and the friendly Ugandan people, who are always happy to point you in the right direction.
Now you might be asking yourself: can I do this as a traveler? Is it safe? I think so, although you do need to be cautious... Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Renting a boda in Uganda
Did you know that more than half of the boda-bodas you see driving in Uganda are rented? Every morning, drivers pick up their boda from a dealer, pay for the day, and keep the profits they make.
The last thing you want during your boda tour is to end up stuck in the middle of nowhere with a breakdown. That’s why it’s important to rent a boda from a reliable dealer! We’re happy to help with this, of course. From these dealers, you also get a helmet, which is definitely a good thing. P.S. Renting a boda per day usually costs no more than 5 euros!
Where to tour with your boda in Uganda?
Traffic in Uganda, especially on the main roads and in the middle of the cities, is not very pleasant. It’s very chaotic and busy. If you’re not used to this, I wouldn’t recommend starting there, unless you’re wearing a diaper… I love venturing off the main road into the villages, riding through the mountains, and alongside lakes and rivers. However, keep a few things in mind. These roads are much quieter, and sometimes you may go for a long while without encountering anyone or anything alive. Always make sure to have enough petrol, water, a charged phone, and a good layer of sunscreen. Even when it rains, you can expect some serious mud, and the boda can get pretty slippery. Just plant your feet on the ground and ride through it slowly.
What to wear during your boda tour in Uganda?
If you happen to fall, you don’t want to be in your swimsuit or dress, because you’ll be picking off off-road stones from your knees and arms. Make sure your legs are covered and wear closed shoes. Personally, I never wear long sleeves because it gets really warm, but MAKE SURE YOU APPLY SUNSCREEN. The lovely breeze and sunshine can be deceiving for our fair skin.
What if something goes wrong with your boda in Uganda?
The dealer will always provide you with their phone number. If you happen to break down somewhere, make sure you can call them. Never try to fix the boda yourself or take it to a local garage, as most dealers don’t appreciate that. This could end up making your boda tour unexpectedly more expensive. Always call the dealer and patiently wait for them or one of their staff to come and assist you. It might take some time, but in the meantime, don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views and discover the beauty Uganda has to offer!
Alone or together on the boda in Uganda?
For your own safety, it’s wiser not to go alone. In Uganda, you’ll sometimes see four people squeezed onto a single boda—but I wouldn’t recommend that either. If you’re not experienced with riding in Uganda, stick to a maximum of two people on a boda, especially when going off-road, as it’s much safer. However, you and your friends can each rent your own boda and tear up Uganda’s orange roads like a true biker gang!
Does this sound like music to your ears?
Pack your bags and go! Here you’ll find more information on how and what else you can do during your adventurous trip through Uganda! We can’t wait to see your photos and hear your stories about your epic boda tour…
Geraldine Kemper discovered beautiful Kenya with her boyfriend
"From vast hilly landscapes in Masaai land to the dry desert and hot springs at Magadi, staying with a Masaai family and sleeping in a tent among the wildlife, having breakfast with fresh pancakes in the morning sun and going to bed after a beer by the campfire, it was an unforgettable holiday within a holiday. "
- Geraldine & Freek
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