Are you the type of traveler looking for the ultimate challenge? Would you like to mountainbike, hike and paddle your way through the Ugandan Jungle? Then this itinerary is for you!
The Southwest of Uganda is blessed with towering volcanoes, picture-perfect lakes and evergreen jungles teeming with elusive wildlife. The 11-day Ridges, Rivers and Rainforests Expedition is a human-powered journey slicing through the heart of this wild, untamed land. You’ll conquer the Sabinyo volcano, trek Bwindi’s jungle with its mountain gorillas, pack raft dreamy Lake Mutanda, paddle the wild Birira River, and cross the world-famous savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Hands down, the most epic adventure in East Africa!
- A 250 km human-powered journey across Southwest Uganda
- Hike, cycle and (pack)raft across 3 national parks
- Explore places that rarely see outsiders
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Kigali
Welcome to Rwanda! Our friendly drivers will be waiting at the airport to get you, your bike, and your gear safely to your stay. Got some extra time? Explore Kigali! Wander bustling markets, check out local art, or dive into the city’s food scene at one of its many restaurants.
Meals: -
Accommodation: Chez Lando
Room type: twin rooms with shared bathroom
DAY 2
Kigali visit
We start the day with a powerful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, pausing to reflect on Rwanda’s history and its inspiring path of resilience. From there, we head out of the city toward Kisoro in southwestern Uganda. Crossing the border, the journey takes 2–4 hours before we reach our next stay. Time to unwind and gear up for the incredible adventure ahead!
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel
Room type: twin rooms with shared bathrooms
DAY 3
Climb Sabynyo
Today’s adventure takes us to Sabinyo in Mgahinga National Park. After a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, we set off with armed rangers for safety since buffalo, forest elephants, and even mountain gorillas roam these slopes. The hike is steep (sometimes with ladders!) but the forest is alive with birds, golden monkeys, and maybe even a rare gorilla sighting. As you climb higher, sweeping views open over Uganda and Virunga National Park in the DRC. At 3,669m, the summit marks the meeting point of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. The descent is demanding, but your cozy guesthouse on the park’s edge awaits.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp grounds
Room type: twin rooms with shared bathrooms
Hike: 14 km / 1300 m up and down / 7-8 hours
DAY 4
Cycle to lake Mutanda
Today is our first day on the bike. We descend from higher ground on the bumpy roads that are essentially lava bedrock. We cycle past the fertile fields and mountain communities and, if the group feels strong, we can do a d-tour via Lake Chahafi. On the southern shore of Lake Mutanda, we hop into our packrafts and paddle to Gahiza Island, a picture perfect retreat with possibly the best view in Uganda. Wind down and enjoy the tranquil vibes of this unique spot.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mutanda Eco Community Centre ground
Room type: twin rooms with shared bathrooms
Bike: 35 km, 390 m up / 780 m down
Paddle: 4 km / 1.5 hours
DAY 5
Paddle lake Mutanda
The conditions on Lake Mutanda are usually calm in the morning and after an early breakfast we start paddling northbound on Uganda’s most beautiful lake. We pass a number of islands and if you wish you can go for a swim. The lake is safe and the water temperature is wonderful. On the northern shore our support vehicle awaits us with our bikes and we cycle to the village of Nkuringo on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Or do something today that you will remember the rest of your life: go track the wild mountain gorillas in their natural environment. The hike through dense vegetation can take up to 4 hours. Once they have been located, trackers are allowed to observe for a maximum of 1 hour. After this, you will be transferred to your next accommodation.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Nkuringo Forest Resort
Room type: twin rooms with shared bathrooms
Paddle: 8 km / 3 hours
Bike: 20 km, 430 m up / 280 m down
DAY 6
Ivy Trail
We’ve got a big hiking day ahead, crossing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP. This forest is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and although we won’t track them actively today, there is another chance to see them. The forest itself is mindblowing, with lots of monkey and bird species. We follow the Ivy River Trail and it’s a little rough and muddy on the first half, when we descend into the jungle. The path gets better halfway and we end this brilliant hike in the village of Buhoma.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation: KBwindi Guesthouse
Room type: twin rooms with private bathrooms
Hike: 13 km / 340 m up / 960 down / 8 hours
DAY 7
Cycle to Birira River
Today we’re back on the bikes, heading toward the Birira River. It’s a challenging day full of climbs and descents, but the lush scenery and welcoming crowds make every pedal worth it. We stick close to the river, getting a first glimpse of the wild waters we’ll be exploring over the next couple of days.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Kigezi Forest Resort
Room type: twin rooms with private/shared bathroom
Bike: 60 km, 1150 m up / 1170 m down
DAY 8
Overnight rafring day 1
Today we descend the Birira River, starting with an exhilarating whitewater section. Paddling through lush jungle, we weave past tropical birds, local gin distilleries, and countless thrilling rapids. It feels like stepping into a lost world. After a long day on the water, with a riverside lunch, we glide to a perfect spot to set up camp and spend the night under the stars.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Camping along Birira river
Room type: Tents
Paddle: 30-40 km
DAY 9
Overnight rafting day 2
Today we swap the big raft for our individual packrafts and continue down the Birira River toward the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The landscape transforms before our eyes—from dense forest to open savannah. There are fewer rapids today, but plenty of Ankole cows and smiling local kids along the sandy riverbanks. Our day ends at the lodge, where a hearty meal, hot shower, cold beer, and cozy bed are waiting!
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Ishasha Pride Lodge
Room type: Furnished twin tents with shared bathrooms
Paddle: 30-40 km
DAY 10
Cycle Queen Elizabeth
An exciting day on the bikes as we ride through Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to 95 mammal species and over 500 birds. The road is wide and flat, winding through open savanna, where we might spot elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and maybe even the famous tree-climbing lions! Don’t worry—our support vehicle follows close behind to keep everyone safe.
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Bush Lodge
Room type: Twin tents with comfortable beds with shared bathrooms
Bike: 76km
DAY 11
Transfer to Entebbe
Today we load the bikes onto the car and set off on a 7–8 hour journey to Entebbe. The first stretch takes us through Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving one last chance to spot wildlife along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy some sightseeing in Entebbe—stroll the beaches of Lake Victoria, or visit the zoo or botanical gardens in one of Uganda’s greenest and most peaceful cities.Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinnerAccommodation: -
What To Know
Do you want to plan this trip? Amazing! These are some more things to know:
- $3.385 per person
- This price is for group trips with a minimum group size of 4 people. The max group size is 12 people. Are you a smaller group than 4 people? It is possible to book this itinerary, at a slightly higher cost.
- Do you want to join an existing group trip? We have multiple start dates in 2027 for group travel. Get in touch!
- Included: guides, transport, accommodations, all meals apart from dinners in Kigali and Entebbe, all activities, national park fees and rangers, pack raft and raft hire, support vehicle.
- Excluded: international flights, bike hire, tourist visas, personal expenses, tips, gorilla tracking permits
Requirements
All participants must:
- The minimum age is 16 years old, unless specifically discussed otherwise with us. Children need to be fit enough for this itinerary.
- Be prepared for different weather types. The tropical reainforest is called that for a reason!
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