16 Day Uganda All Around Guided Motorcycle Tour

Overview

This 16-day Uganda motorcycle journey begins in Entebbe and takes riders across the country through a diverse mix of lakes, mountains, crater lakes, savannahs, and remote northern regions near South Sudan. The route combines paved and gravel roads, boat crossings, wildlife encounters, and national parks, including Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Kibale, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley, offering a unique opportunity to experience Uganda’s landscapes, cultures, and wildlife up close. The tour concludes back in Entebbe after a continuous north-to-south exploration of the “Pearl of Africa.”

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Entebbe
• Guided multi-day motorcycle expedition across Uganda’s national parks and highland routes
• An expert English-speaking lead guide riding with the group throughout the journey
• Support vehicle following the route for safety, logistics, and roadside assistance
• Full accompaniment of a professional mechanic for technical support during the tour
• Scenic wildlife encounters and cultural immersion
• 15 nights' accommodations throughout the 16-day journey in carefully selected lodges and camps
• Airport transfers included for a smooth arrival and departure experience

Itinerary

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 f

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Day 16: Entebbe - departure

    End of tour.

Ride Details

Terrain

60% asphalt

Bike

rental bike (Kibo 250 or HaoJin 250)

Mileage

2,626 kilometers / 1,632 miles

Daily rides

87 - 310 kilometers / 54 - 193 miles

Riding gear

not included: helmet (with visor or a good pair of glasses), motorcycle jacket with protection, gloves, (motorcycle) trousers with protection or separate knee armour, sturdy high (mountain) boots, sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen

Meals

breakfast included most days

Accommodation

With a few exceptions, during this trip you will stay in comfortable hotels or tented camps, mostly with breakfast included.

Getting There

If you want to get the full Uganda experience, this is your tour, from the volcanoes in the south to the plains in the far north. Zebra Trails will take you to the volcanoes in the south, where you have the opportunity to meet the mountain gorillas. Ride through the Queen Elizabeth National Park with wildlife on both sides of the road, visit the Murchinson park, and continue to the far north. Visi