Overview
The Uganda North-East motorcycle tour takes riders off the beaten path through one of the country’s most remote and untouched regions, combining diverse landscapes, rich culture, and wildlife encounters. Starting from Kampala, the journey explores eastern highlands, Mount Elgon, and the rugged Karamoja region, before reaching the wild and isolated Kidepo Valley National Park—one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas—offering a unique mix of scenic riding, cultural immersion, and authentic adventure.
Highlights
- Starts and ends in Kampala
- Guided adventure through remote northeastern Uganda with an expert English-speaking tour leader
- Explore diverse landscapes, including mountains, savannah, and off-the-beaten-path regions
- Experience authentic cultural encounters in lesser-visited local communities
- Enjoy scenic routes with ever-changing terrain and immersive wilderness surroundings
- Travel with full support, including backup vehicle, mechanic, and safety assistance
- Airport transfers are included for a seamless start and end to the journey
- 8 nights' accommodation in shared twin rooms in unique local stays
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Kampala
Zebra Trails will pick guests up from the airport if not already in the country.
Day 2: Kampala - Sipi (263 km / 163 mi)
Riding out of town will be the first challenge of the tour. The busy Kampala roads, especially during the morning rush hour, should be taken slowly and carefully. Once out of town, it will still be busy on the way to Jinja. This is the town where the first break will be enjoyed. It is also the source of the great Nile River. The route follows the main road for a bit more before branching off to gravel roads, which are less busy. Lunch will be in a small town at a very local restaurant. After a short break in Mbale, the route enters the mountain area and continues to the hotel close to the famo
Day 3: Sipi - Moroto (169 km / 105 mi)
After a short visit to the waterfall, the route continues on gravel roads heading north. It comes close to the border with Kenya. This is a remote area where not many foreigners travel. Apart from many tribal villages, there will also be wildlife encounters. Moroto is a Kara Tunga tribal town. Accommodation will be in a traditional guesthouse.
Day 4: Moroto - Kidepo (220 km / 137 mi)
The further north the route goes, the fewer villages are encountered and the more wildlife appears. There are no tarmac roads in the area, and most are good gravel roads. Kidepo National Park lies in the corner between Kenya and South Sudan. On the South Sudan side, it continues as Kidepo, and most of the park is located there. Accommodation will be in a lodge close to the park gate.
Day 5: Kidepo - Safari
This day can be used for a safari in Kidepo National Park. The park is well known for its high number of lions. Entry by bike is not allowed, so a local safari vehicle with a driver will be used. Guests not interested in the safari may relax at the lodge or take a short ride around the area.
Day 6: Kidepo - Gulu (227 km / 141 mi)
The route leaves the park and wildlife behind, following gravel roads for most of the way. As the route approaches Kitgum, the area becomes more populated. Lunch will be in Kitgum. In the afternoon, the journey continues on the main tarmac road to Gulu. This is a lowland area.
Day 7: Gulu - Soroti (210 km / 130 mi)
In the morning, the ride continues through a network of small gravel roads north of the highway. A short section of asphalt is used before returning to gravel roads. Soroti is entered from the north. It is a small town with many transiting visitors.
Day 8: Soroti - Kampala (270 km / 168 mi)
Gravel roads lead deep into the lake area, where a small village is located on the shore. Small boats will be rented to ferry across the lake. There are no regular ferries, so local people will be chartered to assist with crossing in fishing boats. On the south side of the lake, the main road is taken back to Kampala, which becomes very busy towards the end.
Day 9: Kampala - Departure
Transfer to the airport will be arranged if needed. Otherwise, farewell takes place at the hotel.
Ride Details
- Terrain
- 60% asphalt
- Bike
- rental bike (Kibo 250 or HaoJin 250)
- Mileage
- 1,359 kilometers / 844 miles
- Daily rides
- 169 - 270 kilometers / 105 - 168 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
What's included
- All airport transfers
- 8 overnight stays with breakfast included most days
- Motorcycle rent
- Support vehicle with a local driver
- Fuel for the support vehicle
- Accompanying mechanic in the support vehicle
- English-speaking tour guide on a motorcycle
- Third-party liability insurance for the motorcycle
Not included
- International flights
- Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
- Fuel for motorcycles
- All other meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Cost for a visa
- Entrance fee and transport for optional day trips to national parks
Accommodation
During this trip, you will stay in hotels and tented camps. Some hotels are basic, family-run accommodations, but are the nicest options in town.
Getting There
The far east of Uganda is an area not often visited by travellers. The least travelled but most impressive area of the country. About a decade ago, the area was still insecure because of tribal tension. Now the area is safe enough to travel to. After visiting the Sipi waterfall, cross the beautiful lands near the Kenya border and ride all the way up to the amazing Kidepo National Park. Return sout
