This is a collection of travel and adventure activities I performed (or almost performed) while living in Kampala, Uganda in 2022-2023. They are generally weekend escapes but some are a bit longer. Many involve a bicycle, some a car (private and hired) and ultimately just about anything else I could get my posterior into.
Visit the GPS tracks page for a list of GPS tracks that you can download to your phone (when available).
Lake Nabugabo Bike Packing+, Uganda
This is a 2-day cycling trip from Kampala to Entebbe ferry port (50km), a boat trip to the Ssese Islands with a sleep over. The next day a ride across the big island to another ferry port (35KM), a hop back to the mainland and then a final ride to Lake Nabugabo (27km).
The post includes a third day at the Lake Nabugabo Triathlon & Duathlon events. Read more & watch the video
Murchison Falls Safari, Uganda
This is a 4-day visit to Murchison Falls National Park, in Uganda, for a self drive safari. We stayed at the Red Chili Rest Camp for two nights and explored the jungle, savanna and river areas.
Punishment Island (Akampene), Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
This is a 4 hour paddle to Punishment Island (Akampene), in Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. We were staying at at the Paradise Eco-Hub for a few days (rather than the Byoona Amagara Island Retreat). Both are good locations to meet people, relax and eat well.
Lake Mburo National Park Safari, Uganda
This is a 4-day visit to the Lake Mburo National Park, in Uganda, for a self drive safari. It started at the Hyena Hill Lodge (our 2-night stop over on our way south to Lake Bunyonyi). We paid for a 24-hour park visit with our private car.
Nyero Rock Paintings, Uganda
This is a day trip to Nyero Rock Paintings in Uganda. It started at the Jinja Base Camp Backpackers/Hotel where I was spending some post-cycling down time next to the pool.
We hired a car/driver and set out at 7am and were back in Jinja by 6pm.
Source of the Nile Ride, Jinja, Uganda
This is my random 3-day adventures to the Source of the Nile in Uganda. It all started when I got a WhatsApp message concerning an outdoor event by Activate Uganda called ‘Source of the Nile Trail Run and MTB Challenge. To get to Jinja I decided to ride my bicycle for 9.5 hours from Kampala (see Maps & Facts).
Bushbaby Duathlon In Mukono, Uganda
This is a 1-day outing to attend the Bushbaby duathlon in Mukono, near Kampala. What is a duathlon? Per Wikipedia, “a duathlon is an athletic event that consists of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg and then another running leg in a format similar to triathlons. This off-road version uses mountain bikes and dirt tracks.”
MCU Mountain Bike Kampala, Uganda
For this adventure I decided to try one of the bi-weekly Mountain Club of Uganda cycling half-day outings from Kampala. Note that the area is renowned for its hills (hence not easy bike rides). The good news is that we break up into fast, medium and slow groups. I also only do the countryside rides (not the city rides).
Visit the GPS tracks page for a list of GPS tracks that you can download to your phone.
The above activities range from Easy to Hard.
Watch more 3 minute videos.