Cycling independently in Uganda

I plan on going on a cycling trip this October in Uganda for 5 weeks.

I haven't found any partners, so I'll be going by myself. I have heard so many good things about Uganda and its people, that I don't want ot miss it. I have a few questions though:

1. When I'm off the tourist spots, will I be able to socialize with locals and maybe NGO workers along the way? I fear I might get bored between tourist spots (in the tourist places I'm sure to get friendly with other backpackers).

2. How muddy does it get in October? will I be able to cycle and do all sort of activities (swimming, hiking etc.)?

3. Where is it safe to swim? I have an ironman contest coming up on the 27th of Feb, and I plan to cycle, run and swim in Uganda. Are there enough safe lakes along the way?

Thanks in advance,
Yaron

Hi Yaron,

I assume that you will travel definitely in October through Uganda or are you still flexible?

I also plan to cycle through Uganda but can only go Mid Nov - Mid Dec.

didi

unfortunately, I'm not flexible. The academis year start on the 2nd of November and I have time off tile then.

It would be lovely if you could move your trip to be during October.

Uganda is wonderful to cycle through, especially in the southwest, it's so scenic. You won't have any problem meeting lots of locals, they'll come out to greet you in hordes. Sometimes I'd have a hundred kids running along next to my bike. It's nice to get off the main roads, Lake Bunyonyi has some nice side paths to cycle. Just whenever you stop, watch your stuff, ask a kid to watch it and pay him a little.

If you've got any questions, write me at emjacobs2001@yahoo.com.

aloha,
ecoej