Uganda Bike Ride 2013
An African Adventure!
Kampala – Jinja - Gulu
7th – 16th February 2013
Discover Uganda!This once in a lifetime bike ride takes place in Africa’s pearl, Uganda. The challenge begins in Kampala, the capital of this vibrant country, before following a bespoke itinerary taking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park and a boat journey along the River Nile.
Day 1 –Thursday 7th February
Board your BA flight from London to Entebbe, Kampala’s airport, arriving at 10pm local time. There will be a transfer to the Tick Hotel, just north of Kampala, to spend the night.
Day 2 – Friday 8th February
Entebbe to Jinja - 20km
After breakfast, transfer by bus to Jinja, Uganda’s second-largest town, situated 90km east of Kampala. Once a small fishing village, it is now a thriving commercial centre on the shore of Lake Victoria, near the source of the Nile. After lunch and individual bike fittings, there will be a late afternoon warm-up bike ride (approx 20km) along the banks of the Nile.
Day 3 – Saturday 9th February
Jinja to Kayunga - 55km
After a hearty breakfast we embark upon the first real day of the ride of our lives. The road to Kayunga provides a perfect introduction to our cycling challenge, as it passes through beautiful lush green agricultural land and small villages. Overnight we stay at Hotel Katikamu, Kayunga.
Day 4 – Sunday 10th February
Kayunga to Luwero - 83km
Cycling through rolling plantations, today we pass large working sugar cane plantations and plenty of smaller plantations growing bananas, mangoes, maize, coffee, avocadoes and the sweetest pineapples in the world. This is a unique opportunity to experience rural Uganda at its best. Overnight in Luwero.
Day 5 – Monday 11th February
Luwero to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - 105km
It may be the longest day’s cycling of the week, undulating through Ugandan countryside and discovering small villages, but it comes with a spectacular reward at the end of the day. Tonight we dine round a campfire under a breathtaking blanket of stars at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where we will spend the night. Here we will have the chance to see the awesome, near-threatened White Rhino, the most social of all rhino species.
Day 6 – Tuesday 12th February
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary toBudongo Forest - 86km
This morning we cycle to the incredible tropical Budongo Forest, inside the Murchison Falls National Park. Once inside the park, we cycle in the cool shade of gigantic trees in this lush slice of paradise, which plays host to 700 wild chimpanzees. After lunch we have the chance to join in a chimpanzee trek to experience this amazing primate first hand, in the wild. Overnight at the Budongo Eco Lodge.
Day 7 – Wednesday 13th February
Budongo Forest to Nile River - 55km
After waking up to the vibrant sounds of the Budongo Forest, we now make our way into the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, home to giraffe, elephant, buffalo and antelope such as Ugandan Kob and Oribi. After lunch we board a boat and take a leisurely ride up the Nile to the legendary Murchison Falls, spotting crocodile and hippo en route. Here we can hike to the top of the Falls and take in the stunning views, described by Lonely Planet as “so striking that it looks like an oil painting.”
Day 8 – Thursday 14th February
Murchison’s Falls National Park to Gulu - 55km
Our final day of cycling brings a further highlight. Not only do we spend more time travelling through the Murchison Falls National Park, we also get the chance to visit Koc Goma Primary School, which African Revival supports in Uganda. It is here that we can see some of the tremendous challenges that are faced by parents and children in this part of the world, and how they can be eased by fundraising projects such as this. When we reach Ngoya Town we will get back on our bicycles and cycle towards Gulu, where we will reach our hotel and prepare for our celebratory dinner.
Day 9 – Friday 15th February
Unlike with many other charity overseas challenges, we will get a chance to meet the children and see the schools you are raising funds to support. This morning brings the opportunity to visit Bwobomanam Primary School, supported by African Revival.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for true adventure, while raising money that will go directly to help build schools, buy books, train teachers and educate parents. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight home.
Day 10 – Saturday 16th February
Arrive early morning back in the UK.
Please note this itinerary could be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the Bike Ride Taking Place?
The bike ride is leaving from London Heathrow on the 7th of Feb flying to Kampala in Uganda, returning to London on the 16th Feb 2013.
How far will I need to cycle each day?
There are seven days of cycling, take a look at the attached poster to see how far each day. You do need to train, but believe us that it isn’t too bad and we will support you with training help and advice. We are going to so will be able to support you - as none of us are currently cyclists either!
Do I need my own bike?
You will be provided with, and individually fitted out with a bike once you reach Uganda.
What is the minimum sponsorship I need to raise?
The minimum sponsorship is £3,000. We ask for a deposit of £300 when you sign up. Again we will support you with your fundraising, last year our intrepid cyclists found all sorts of ingenious ways to raise this money.
Is Uganda safe?
You may be concerned that Uganda has been a country at war in the past decade. We can assure you that Uganda is now a peaceful country and has been certified safe by the Foreign Office?
Why should I sign up?
We can promise you a challenge within beautiful scenery, not only that we can guarantee that it will also be great fun! More than this, unlike with many other charity overseas challenges we can actually show you the children and schools you are supporting.
What do I need to do now?
To sign up and get a bit more information simply call or e mail Mandy on mandy@africanrevival.org or 020 8939 3190.
To register please fill out the following:
Registration Form
Medical Form