Lake Victoria Island Cycling Tour from Kampala
5

Lake Victoria Island Cycling Tour from Kampala

By Red Dirt Uganda
Recommended by 97% of travelers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 16-99
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Use of bicycle
  • Use of helmet
  • Local guide
  • Soda
  • Snacks
What's not included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Entry/Admission - Shoebill Birdwatching Tour Mabamba Swamp


Start:
  • Beach House Gardens, Kampala, Uganda
    The starting point is at Beach House Garden (findable on Googlemaps) next to Kampala University Chartered in Ggaba. We can organize pick/up from and drop off to any hotel in Kampala region for an additional fee.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 69830P2

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 69830P2

    From
    $57.02
    per adult (price varies by group size)
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Kampala, Uganda
      The starting point is at Beach House Garden (findable on Googlemaps) next to Kampala University Chartered in Ggaba. We can organize pick/up from and drop off to any hotel in Kampala region for an additional fee.
    • 1
    • 2
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Red Dirt Uganda
      185
      Kampala, Uganda
      Joined in May 2016
    • gregorysA5857TJ
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour in western Uganda
      Great tour with a fantastic pair (guide/driver). Equipment and bike are in very good state. It worth going with Red Dirt. 200km/+2100m:
      Written September 13, 2024
    • anitastoll
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      15 day Uganda and Rwanda Mtb tour
      The two weeks.spent biking through Uganda/Rwanda were exceptional. The route was excellent, both from a biking perspective, but also so far as showcasing the best of both countries. The organization was top notch, from selecting accommodation with heaps of character, to the support from Robin at the office. However, last, and most certainly not least, both Francis our Mtb guide and Brian, were absolute gems and such great guides and guys. Thank you guys for making this trip everything it was!
      Written May 12, 2024
    • nothing1278
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sublime mountain biking trip through Uganda/Rwanda
      We did the 15 day mountain biking trip from Fort Portal in Uganda to Kinun on Lake Kivu in Rwanda. It was an unbelievable experience with great mountain biking: single track, jeep track, dirt roads - minimal tar road. Red Dirt are a very professional company - thanks Francis and Brian for making our trip memorable. Red Dirt showcased the areas that we cycled through exceptionally well - amazing accommodation as well as accommodation locations. We had an absolute blast cycling through places like the crater lakes, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable forest to name a few. Highly recommend this cycling trip!!!!!
      Written April 16, 2024
    • 60lornaw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      It was amazing ! I feel priviledged to have seen such a beautiful country by way of climbing and cycling
      Red Dirt Uganda enabled me to have an incredible and life changing experience ! Robin Josso coordinated my trip so carefully and considerately . I was travelling alone and wanted to combine the cycling with climbing Marguerita Peak in the Rwenzori mountains . The professional services of the treking guides and then the guides for the bike ride were outstanding . Accomadation and food was first class ,and transport coordination was brilliant !
      Written April 15, 2024
    • B7887MLannemariev
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great bikepacking adventure with Red Dirt Uganda!
      We went on a 6-day bike packing adventure with Red Dirt Uganda, which was customized to our wishes. RDU did an amazing job and prepared a terrific route of ~350 kilometers, with amazing guesthouses and good gravel bikes! Their service - in person and digitally - is really good. If you need something or if something is missing, they are very accessible! They also very eager to become even better - asking for feedback a lot and take it to heart. 10/10 would recommend!
      Written January 11, 2024
    • flem16
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Entebbel/Lake Victoria by bike!
      I had a great time with Lawrence exploring the peninsula by bike. The opportunity to get out and see the local community and get in a bit of exercise after several days of flying was welcomed. I'd highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see Entebbe in a different way... and get some great views of Lake Victoria
      Written January 4, 2024
    • siobh_nb670
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A fun-filled muddy adventure!
      We did the Lake Victoria one day cycle tour with Lawrence and had the best time. It was raining in the morning so the tracks were slippery and muddy which made for a few small falls and lots of laughs! It was so nice to be off the beaten tourist track, engaging with the local people in the villages and trying all the local foods together. Lawrence was full of interesting stories and useful tips on how to best manoeuvre the mountain bikes over the muddy terrain. This tour was definitely one of our highlights of our journey through East Africa!
      Written November 22, 2023
    • Liv_milc
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Recommend it a 100%
      It was great! James was an amazing guide and we had a lot of fun. It was really hot but that’s part of the experience 😊 The bikes were great and top notch. We really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it a 100%.
      Written February 21, 2023
    • CharlieBeau
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      If you're looking for a bit of an adventure without having to travel far
      Cool way to spend the weekend! When a friend visited from Cape Town he wanted to do a tour within Kampala. Red Dirt was recommended to him. We met our guide at 8 am for the short boat ride across Lake Victoria from Ggaba to Bole / Mukono. He organised the boat rides, kept us safe and ordered the all-important rolex. Take your bike - or Red Dirt can lend you one - for a 20+ km bike ride. I loved the stretch of village trails. You would never think that you are so close to Kampala. If you're looking for a bit of an adventure without having to travel far, I recommend this half day tour. It's a great way to unwind and an ideal way to get a glimpse of rural Ugandan life. I came back feeling super relaxed... (and dusty and sweaty 😆) Alternatively, if you have your own bike, you can take part in their sister company Bike Shop Uganda's free Sunday bike rides.
      Written November 15, 2022
    • I3989OZgailg
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unique activity to see Uganda
      We had a great bike trip! Zaga was our guide and he was friendly and made sure everything went smoothly. We loved seeing the farms and houses and stopping for a rolex. I would recommend starting earlier in the morning to beat the heat.
      Written October 26, 2022
    • Marcel v
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent bikes! We did two fantastic road bike morning safari tours in the surroundings of Lake Mburo NP. Great guide.
      We rented our bikes with Red Dirt for two morning safari bike tours in the surroundings of Lake Mburo national park. We did not go into the park with the bikes (which costs another $30 per bike on top of the parkfees; we did visit the park with our car though) as outside of the park there are far more tracks of the main roads and there is also lots of wildlife to see. Red Dirt had arranged a very friendly and knowledgeable guide for us and, last but not least, the bikes where of a very high quality!
      Written August 7, 2022
    • B4587TKaarons
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Custom Gravel Adventure!
      I reached out Red Dirt Uganda with the desire to have a gravel adventure from Kampala. Thies and the team were incredible and the put together a destination ride complete with a boat shuttle, remote roads and villages, a coffee stop, and a waterfall. This trip was one of my top highlights from my time in Kampala.
      Written August 4, 2022
    • Trek307928
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous riding over red gravel and single track between wildlife and flora of beautiful Lake Mburo NP
      We did a fantastic 3 day cycling on gravel and other red dirt roads around and in Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda. The guides know a lot of trails, both relatively smooth gravel/'murram' roads as well as single tracks that are rocky and hilly (and thorny, so good that we have spare tubes, tyre repairs and tubeless tyres for those). Both inside and outside of the park, we saw a lot of wildlife - so actually the ride in the park is not really needed except if you want to see giraffes (we saw plenty of zebra and antilopes outside of the park, too). We also absolutely loved the Rwakobo Rock eco-friendly accomodation: it’s one of the best we’ve ever seen in Uganda. The wonderfully friendly staff, the nice food, the fabulous views from the restaurant and pool, etc - the experience of climbing up the hill with the bikes then arriving at that pool to freshen up is amazing!
      Written August 1, 2022
    • Poggenbeek
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Biking and on safari in the pearl of Africa
      What a fantastic and wonderful bike tour we have made these past two weeks! Our group consisted of couples. We were overwhelmed bij the beauty of Uganda, the variety of the scenery (one day the savannah with a flat terrain,the next day climbing through the banana plants and villages to the rainforest) and than at once you are dazzled by the view on the top of the mountain, knowing that you’re going to ride through this beautiful scenery. The Ugandan people are very kind and cheerfully and children are greeting you everywhere “how are you?”. The program is well balanced and the rides can be made as tough as you want. So there is a challenge for everyone. We inserted several excursions which where all a good choice (game drive where we spotted lions and a leopard, trekking with the gorilla’s, a shoehorn bill boottour through the swamps, tour through Kampala on a boda boda etc etc). Expert driver Robert and great Guide Zaga made the trip extra memorable: together we had a lot of fun and we felt like a family.
      Written June 11, 2022
    • Birdinkie
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great bike experience
      IT was a wonderful, well organised trip . Beautiful surroundings, good hotels, lodges etc. Good food and the best bike guides!!!
      Written April 15, 2022
    See all 185 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles100 reviews
    Excellent
    93
    Very good
    4
    Average
    3
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    Anna F
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Couples
    Our guide Shedrack was extremely helpful, welcoming and interactive. He was knowledgeable and able to tailor the tour to our needs. He was extremely patient when we struggled with sections of the cycle but was also great at encouraging us, without ever feeling rushed. The tour was amazing and it was great to see the rural side of Kampala and what he called “the real Uganda”. We got to see some of the local bird life and try the local food. When we mentioned about trying Jackfruit and seeing some monkeys, Shedrack made sure this happen without any difficulty. He imparted knowledge on the local area as well as the country as a whole. He also shared some information about Rwanda which was the next country on our visit.
    I would highly recommend this tour to anyone in the Kampala area, it was worth the money we spent!
    Written August 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Awesome review, thanks!!
    Written November 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Aleksander T
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Solo
    Really nice trip, got to ride on a boat in Lake Victoria, went to a resort location, pool swimming available for some 10$. Bike road is fun. Guide Shadrack is knowledgeable about culture and nature. Has interesting stories to tell. Very friendly and good cycling partner. Would definitely recommend to try this out!
    Written December 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for the review!
    Written December 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Mick Lee
    Juba, South Sudan4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2022
    Francis was a great tour guide who made sure we had correctly sized bikes before even arriving in Uganda. He also assisted with a pickup/drop off from our hotel for a very reasonable price.

    The ride itself was excellent and provided a great experience of seeing small family and village life. The trails went through tropical fruit plantations and had some great downhill speed areas. It was a wonderful experience with the added touch being a short boat ride across Lake Victoria to start the ride.

    Highly recommend this trip and for those wanting more, longer or multi day bike ride tours are also available.
    Written February 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Awesomness! So happy to hear this! Hope to ride with you again when you come back to Kampala
    Written February 24, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Murray A
    Montreal, Canada143 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2024 • Friends
    I always find it difficult selecting and organizing a tour from far away, but from the first email, Francis and his team made it so easy. We were promptly picked up from our air b n b and brought to the take off point. The bikes were high end and in great shape. One of my friends on our tour chose the ebike, which was perfect for what was a pretty challenging 70 km round trip to the falls (James even brought along a spare battery for her). Cycling through the villages and tea plantations and seeing how people really live here provides what I think is an unmissable aspect of any visit to Africa. It was heartwarming to see the smiling happy kids run out to greet us (tip - bring along some candies to give to the kids along the way to make it easier to take their photos). James did stop along the route, as needed to pick up fresh bananas, and water for us. One of the (many) highlights of the trip was lunch. I've never heard of a rolex (not the watch version), but its now my go to lunch - YUM.
    Written October 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for this wonderful and detailed review! It’s truly appreciated. James had an amazing time with you as well on the Ugandan Red Dirt trails!
    Written November 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Rebecca G
    Cape Town, South Africa10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2025 • Solo
    An all round wonderful experience. The riding was exciting, the scenery beautiful and my guide, Michael, was gracious.
    I booked the tour online and the processs was painless. Robin rapidly responded to my emails and questions and arrangements were thorough and clear. The bike I rode was in great condition: a Giant hardtail 29er with easily adjustable seat post. It rode very well. Michael was considerate and I never felt under pressure as we road through forest, farms and hamlets. The trails were AMAZING! Dirt road rapidly gives way to a multitude of single track paths which we linked together going up and down with beautiful view stops and a cooling breeze from the lake. We took a welcome break for some fresh rolex and a cold coke in a village before wending our way along new trails back to the boat and back to Entebbe.
    I'm looking forward to returning with family for a multiday trail with Red Dirt!
    Written February 6, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    So happy you liked the tour! Welcome back anytime!
    Written February 13, 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Karen S
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Family
    An absolutely unforgettable experience. The beauty of the place is unparalleled, with serene views that take your breath away. The boat ride was an amazing journey in itself, offering a unique perspective of the lake's vast expanse. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly, adding depth and warmth to the adventure. If you're around Kampala, this is a must-do activity. Highly recommended!
    Written October 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Fantastic feedback! Thanks
    Written October 24, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    J.P. Beck
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022
    It was a great tour and fun to just take a boat and it seems like you are hours away from the big city. Beautiful ride through the woods and nature, Francis was a great guide, the bike I got was a good one and the tour was a little hilly but doable and it made it even more fun. So I can easly recommend that tour.
    Written October 30, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Great review! Thanks.
    Written October 31, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Maurice K
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023
    Yesterday, I did a daytrip to the island, actually a peninsula, guided by James. James genuinely cares for the safety and well being of his guests. He is also an excellent guide, identifying all kinds of animals and plants. We were a group of 4 expatriates, with different riding experience and we got along well. This trip is accessible to anyone with regardless of your level of fitness and your cycling experience.

    The bikes were as good as you can get, all with 29 inch wheels with disk brakes and XT 1X10 drivetrain. I highly recommend this trip.
    Written February 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks Maurice for the review! Very happy that you liked it. James says hi! Small detail, the bikcycles we are using are 2x10 or 2x11 gears.
    Written February 18, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Lisanne
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022 • Solo
    Great experience! I cycle a lot in the Netherlands, but what I experienced during this ride cannot be compared to anything else. I took the route to the ssezibwa falls (70 km incl retour) with a private guide, and that was great fun. Everything was very well taken care of, and above all, a day to remember. Furthermore, what a nice people the Ugandans are!
    Written June 12, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Wonderful review! We are so happy that you liked it! ❤️
    Written June 13, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Dave M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2023 • Solo
    I was skeptical about this having all 5-star reviews, but it really lived up to it. It was an incredible morning taking the ferry across the lake and then biking around beautiful farmland and villages outside of Kampala. Shadrack is an amazing guy and was a great guide -- we had really good conversations along the way. Be prepared for a little mud (wasn't too bad) and some strenuous effort (also wasn't too bad, but I cycle a lot).
    Written December 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    So great to hear! Little secret: it was one of Shedrack’s first times to lead a tour all by himself. He followed our guide training programme and after having ridden along with a senior guide, was finally allowed to ride alone. And guess what: he loved the tour with you. Thank you so much
    Written February 17, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Lake Victoria Island Cycling Tour from Kampala provided by Red Dirt Uganda

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