16 Day Uganda All Around Guided Motorcycle Tour

Day 1: Arrival - Entebbe

The international airport of Kampala is actually in Entebbe. Zebra Trails will pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel in Entebbe.

Day 2: Entebbe - Lake Mburo (233 km / 145 mi)

Starting in Entebbe is far more relaxed than starting in Kampala. Just outside Entebbe, the ferry from the peninsula to the mainland is taken. A pleasant start. A stop is made at the equator point for coffee. After lunch in Masaka, there is a short off-road section into Lake Mburo National Park. This park surrounds the lake of the same name and has one of the densest zebra populations in East Africa.

Day 3: Lake Mburo - Lake Bunyonyi (260 km / 162 mi)

The day starts with a nice off-road route towards Mbarara. After a short tarmac section, the route continues on a long gravel stretch towards the Tanzania border. After lunch, the highway towards Kabale is taken. The route climbs to above 2,000 meters. A short off-road ride leads to the accommodation, where a drink can be enjoyed overlooking the lake.

Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi - Ruhija (160 km / 99 mi)

There are several options today. A morning boat trip on the lake or a morning gravel road loop south of Bwindi National Park can be done. The afternoon continues through the edge of dense forest areas with many monkeys along the way. The day ends in the gorilla trekking village of Ruhija.

Day 5: Ruhija - gorilla trekking

The entire day is spent visiting the gorillas. Permits are arranged in advance. Only eight people per day are allowed to visit the three gorilla families. The visit is limited to one hour with the family. Each family sleeps in a different location every night. In the early morning, trackers locate the family. The group of eight visitors, led by a guide and rangers, is guided through dense forest using GPS coordinates. Walking time depends entirely on the location of the gorillas. This unique hour with the gorillas is worth every step. Alternatively, relaxation at the hotel, a walk around the forest village, or a guided nature tour is possible.

Day 6: Ruhija - Dave The Cave (185 km / 115 mi)

The ride goes into the highlands. Unpaved roads cross mountain ranges toward the hilly landscape along Lake Edward, where Queen Elizabeth National Park begins. A long unpaved road runs through the park, where wildlife is likely to be seen. Uganda is one of the few countries in Africa where motorbikes can be ridden through certain national parks. The stay is at one of the crater lakes in a local family-run eco lodge and campsite. The owner shares stories about community projects and local empowerment initiatives.

Day 7: Dave The Cave - Lake Nkuruba (135 km / 84 mi)

The day starts with a short gravel loop around the crater lakes. The route continues to the Kazinga Channel for a boat trip, where various wildlife can be seen along the shores. The journey continues along the Congo border before branching off on a gravel road to Lake Nkuruba, a small crater lake managed by the local community. Many monkey species live around the area.

Day 8: Lake Nkuruba - Hoima (226 km / 140 mi)

Local gravel roads lead to the main road. A short tarmac section is followed before branching off onto a long gravel road running beneath the Kibale Forest area. After lunch, the route returns to tarmac and continues north through rolling tea plantations. The overnight camp is located just outside Hoima.

Day 9: Hoima - Murchison National Park (135 km / 84 mi)

Murchison National Park is reached in the morning. Upon entry, caution is needed due to baboons on the road. Two activities are available in the park: a boat trip to the waterfall or a safari on the opposite side of the river. One activity can be done in the afternoon, and the other the next morning. Arrival is around midday.

Day 10: Murchison National Park - Masindi (87 km / 54 mi)

After either a safari or a boat ride, the journey continues back to Masindi for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Masindi - Kitgum (275 km / 171 mi)

The ride continues north toward Kitgum on a long but good road, reaching before sunset.

Day 12: Kitgum - Kidepo (140 km / 87 mi)

The route enters the far north near South Sudan. A short ride leads to Kidepo National Park in the northeastern corner of the country. The afternoon can be used for a safari or a night drive. The park is known for its high lion population. The lodge is located at the park edge.

Day 13: Kidepo - Moroto (268 km / 166 mi)

The northeastern region is rarely visited by tourists. Roads are challenging, and locals are not accustomed to foreign motorcyclists. The area is culturally rich with multiple tribes. Overnight stay is in a traditional local house in Moroto.

Day 14: Moroto - Soroti (212 km / 132 mi)

The day includes extensive gravel and off-road riding. Difficulty depends on weather conditions. The route heads south along the Kenya border on dirt roads before branching onto trails through a reserve area. The day ends in Soroti.

Day 15: Soroti - Entebbe (310 km / 193 mi)

The route enters the Lake Kyoga region and passes through a small village with boats crossing the lake. A gravel section leads to the main road toward the capital. The ride circles around Kampala before reaching the quieter Entebbe area.

Day 16: Entebbe - departure

End of tour.

Motorbikes

Riders use either the Kibo 250 or the Haojin 200, depending on availability.

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla Trekking costs are not included in the tour price. Six families in Bwindi National Park can be visited, with a maximum of eight visitors per family for one hour. Gorillas move daily, so trek duration can range from half an hour to several hours. The trek is done with a guide through dense jungle until the family is located. The cost for the full experience is approximately 850 EUR per person.

Gorilla and chimp permits

Both permits must be obtained well before departure. Details should be confirmed with Zebra Trails.

Difficulty and off-road

This trip does not reach significant altitudes. Slippery roads, especially after rain, may occur for a few days. Approximately 60 percent of the route is on asphalt roads, often in good condition. Most gravel roads are also in decent condition, with some sections on more challenging unpaved terrain.

Clothing

Mandatory items include a helmet, motorcycle jacket with protection, gloves, strong motorcycle trousers with protection or separate knee armour, and sturdy high boots. Sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, and a helmet with a visor or dust-protective glasses are recommended.

Bike rental deposit

Bike rental and deposit are included in the package. However, damage costs during the trip are not covered. If parts are damaged and cannot be repaired on site, they will be assessed at a garage, and costs will be confirmed after the trip.

Riding gear

Riding gear is not included and must be provided personally. A helmet is mandatory, and proper protective gear is strongly recommended as riding occurs daily.