Biking in Uganda
 

Hi everyone

I just found this forum and have lived in Uganda for the last two years with a motorbike. If anyone needs any info on this part of the world then please don't hesitate to get in touch

glad to know. Somewhere next year we'll hope to pass Uganga on our RTW. No definited timeszchedule. Will be in touch by then. Tnx in advance:thumbup1:

sure thing, just let me know

Uganda
 

I have just about ridden everywhere you can go in Uganda, sensational country with sensational people, so many hidden gems, which I suppose why Hemmingway called it the Pearl of Africa !!

Kampalaric - I'd be interested to know how easy it would be to buy a motorbike in Uganda, ride it around for a month or so and then sell it. Just something basic like a Honda or Chinese bike (125-150cc or so). I'm guessing Kampala would be the best place to buy it??

Also, driving around the country do the police or military at checkpoints give you any trouble re: papers, or registration or anything like that?

In general is it a fairly hassle-free place to buy a bike and ride?

Thanks

Uganda
 

I think buying a bike in Uganda & keeping it in Uganda would be very easy (But check with someone who knows for sure) as for the Police checkpoints, they are a non event & you will have a trouble free trip. The police are told to help tourists in anyway possible & not annoy them, & I have spent alot of time in Uganda in the last 2 years & from experience found this to be correct.
Cheers
Paul

@PaulD: Hi Paul, if I remember correctly, Uganda got that nickname when Churchill (not Hemingway) visited the country as a young politician at the beginning of the last century, but he himself was reporting (without citing the source) a phrase by Stanley (Henry) who was there some 20 years before.

Yeh your right !!!! Hemingway had 2 plane crashes first at Murchinson Falls & the 2nd at Butiabia i think (so this is what I mixed up) Fantastic country all the same !!

yes i think so Uganda is great Motorbike land, therefore go I to Uganda in End of 2014.

Tour Plan: from Tanzania Mwanza over the Lake (with MV Augusta) to Bukoba then to Uganda Gorilla Trecking (Bwindi is this a good Idea?) and rest will see.

Best

Hi

I've just been offered a trip out to Uganda in early February - Fantastic!!!

Unfortunately, it won't be long enough (12 days) to warrant shipping a bike out so does anyone have info on renting a bike for a short trip up and down the country. It doesn't matter what the bike is (well, maybe not a 50cc but I don't need a GS either) I'll be based in Kampala

Thanks in anticipation

Pike

As a newbie, I hope I'm not breaking any advertising rules with this post. Its meant to be for information only. Huge apologies if it does

Anyway, just to say that ugandabikesafaris.com/ were all booked up and unable to rent me a bike. I eventually got sorted by emailing karibu@kariburwanda.com. They have been very helpful but as I say, I'm not trying to endorse anyone - just putting info out there.

Pike

Just to echo other contributors, Uganda is a fabulous country to visit. The wildlife is prolific and varied. But be warned you need deep pockets to go Gorilla trekking. Although well organised they charge $500 per head and that was three years ago. Hopefully all the money goes to the right places. But I am sure you will enjoy it.

Welcome to Uganda
 

Hi all,
I have lived in Uganda (Kampala) for the past 6 yrs and it is all that the others have stated... I recommend it as a stand alone trip (3 weeks) or a vital part of the N-S trip. My email is ianineurope@btinternet.com and I will help any lonely, stranded or sober bikers with their problems. Good contacts at repair centre for bikes and great social. Also know the local bike sellers and can help avoid the idiots if you are looking to buy here.
I also have good experience of all countries south of here.
If you are passing through drop me a line - cold beer guaranteed.
Parky

Well, did I ever mess up!
The bike I agreed to rent was a XL250 but on the day a 125 turned up.
No front brake, no brake light and a dangerously worn chain
I've got old bikes so I wasn't expecting perfection but the chain was going to fail very soon and you could push the bike along with the front brake on. And fundamentally, a tired 125 wouldn't be very safe on major roads coz it would only do ~65kph
I haven't been able to source another bike (other than a boda) so I couldn't do the trip. I've just rented a car and will drive up to Mbale.
Hugely disappointing and obviously, I withdraw my previous recommendation
Ho hum - if these things were easy, they wouldn't be as much fun
Pike

Addendum

Well, I had a great time in Uganda despite not doing any riding, which was bitterly disappointing. However, I did manage to hook up with Parky the day I flew home. An absolutely top chap who showed us around a few bars and the bike repair district of Kampala. (Lots of lovely old FS1Es!!)
I've now got to go away and think through my options for a longer trip next year - I might not rely on local rental this time!!! Although having said that, I think Parky may be in a position to help out with this later in the year.
I can only say, if you're in town, look him up whether you need assistance or not

Cold in the UK, innit?

Cheers

Pike