I chose to cross the border into Uganda at the smaller border crossing in Cyanika near Kisoro.
I didn’t want to have all my bags searched and go through the X-ray like they did when entering Rwanda as it was stressful trying to hide the drone. Even though I wasn’t going to use it in Uganda, I didn’t want to have to return to the border to pick it up in case it was confiscated.
It was a nice and easy border crossing that only took 15mins.
The lady at the Ugandan immigration didn’t ask me a single question.
I then rode the remaining 20km or so to Kisoro where I would start the Ugandan Cycling Trail.
As soon as I crossed into Uganda, I immediately noticed how friendly everyone was being. Everyone was smiling and waving to me as I rode passed, and no one was asking for money.
I immediately felt relaxed and at home.
Thanks for the nice welcome Uganda!
I was originally going to follow the Trans Ugandan Bikepacking Route but since I’d already visited many of the places on the route in Western Uganda when doing the safari with my brother, I decided instead to follow the Ugandan Cycling trail.
I spent the first few days weaving through the beautiful red dirt roads through small villages.
The locals are so welcoming and friendly. They are easily the most friendly people I’ve met in Africa so far. Always smiling and waving and generally happy people. It was a welcome change from Rwanda where I was constantly asked for money.
After a few days riding along the dirt roads I arrived at Lake Victoria where I took a free ferry to the Sesse Islands.
I rode along the main island for a day as it passed through massive Palm Tree plantations. By the end of the day, I arrived on the other side of the island and decided to spend a couple of nights camping on the Lakes edge while waiting for the ferry back to the main land.
I made Guacomole with my 20c avocados and went swimming in the lake. It was really relaxing.
The following day I took a ferry off the island towards Entebbe.
Once I arrived back on the mainland I rode towards Ggaba beach where I heard it was possible to take a fishing boat to Bule Landing site. This meant that I would skip riding through the congested capital city of Uganda, Kampala.
The boat ride was only 15 minutes or so but was fun.
Once off the fishing boat, I continued riding and arrived at the Ssezibwa falls which I read is one of the top 20 things to do in Uganda.
In fact, it’s a sacred place for some of the Ugandan people. When I was there I saw a group of people walk to the top of the falls, say a prayer, chant a song and then sacrifice 2 chickens and drop their blood into the falls.
It’s meant to make all their dreams come true of those that follow the ritual.
I camped the night right in front of the falls for free (I only had to pay the entrance fee to see the falls which was $8AUD).
I continued along the trail on the backroads and made my way to Jinja, the source of the nile river.
I managed to camp for $12AUD a night with the best view in town.
I decided to stay an extra day so that I could take in the beautiful view of the source of the Nile and play with the 2 puppies that lived there. They even slept right outside my tent for the 2 nights.
I also found a cafe that had WIFI and I booked my flight from Nairobi to Cameroon in October!
I continued following the Uganda Cycling Trail for the next few days until I reached the Kenyan border.
It was a really nice relaxing and easy ride through Uganda. The people were so friendly and the food was delicious, nespecially all the fresh fruit and rolex’s (Omelettes rolled in Chapatti for $1AUD).
A nice and easy peaceful trail is exactly what I needed after my frustrating time dealing with the kids in Rwanda.
Now I’m ready for a real adventure though. Something a bit more challenging.
I’m extremely excited to continue my journey into Kenya. I’ve been dreaming about riding the Kenya Bikepacking Odyssey since I was in Australia.
I’m looking forward to riding with African animals again and getting some time in some more remote places.
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