explore the trails in uganda and rwanda

active adventures in africa

Red Dirt is the #1 expert for cycling and adventurous sports tours in Uganda and Rwanda. We specialise in off-road cycling, mountain biking, self-guided tours, bikepacking and gravel biking, but offer other fantastic active adventures, such as hiking, trailrunning, (pack)rafting and triathlon as well. Since 2016, we have been showing adventure-lovers the red trails of Africa on our surprising and cultural immersing trips. Join the ride of your life and experience the spectacular nature, encounter unique wildlife and share laughs with the wonderful local community.

Discover our adventures

Cyclist passing a waterbuck during a cycling tour in Uganda

Wildwater rafting at Buriri River in Uganda during the Bike Hike Paddle Multisports Adventure Tour

Trailrunning near Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda with local champions

Cycling on the red dirt trails of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

Check out our tours

Adventure
Business ride
Charity challenge
Chill
Coffee tour
Culture & local experience
Wildlife & nature

15 day cycling adventure through Uganda and Rwanda

Happy Tourists

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 233 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   RC 
 
 
 
 Verified Top experience
Was a fantastic cycling experience Red dirt had it covered Both the information in advance and the quick response to the questionsWe had a combination trip of people who cycle and and others who don't cycle. They had another program, Safari program, also arranged very well.We the cyclists had two guides and the Safari group one, in the evening we arrived at one of the most fantastic lodges in beautiful locationsLots of wildlife seen, the gorilla and chimpanzee trackings were superb.Cycling uniquely a fantastic method to get close to the animals and the Ugandan population
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Helen D 
 
 
 
 Verified Exceeded Expectations
Incredible trip, exceeded expectations. Prior to the trip I was nervous as we were the only 2 on the tour and the amount of miles on the bike we had ahead of us. Kip and Brian, our cycle guide and driver were amazing. They were very supportive and we felt safe throughout. Plus they were incredibly kind and we shared many laughs over the 10 days, it felt more like travelling with friends. Looking forward to returning Uganda, the scenery was beautiful, Safaris were great, you really get up close to the animals and the warm welcome from Ugandans was unforgettable. Thank you to everyone at Red Dirt for making the trip possible 😁
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Homeoftours 
 
 
 
 Verified A wonderful trip in pearl of africa
Ronald was excellent and best guide. Always joking with us. That was my ideal trip ...i would recommend it to everyone to make my trip...
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   RC W 
 
 
 
 Verified Uganda with red dirt; great
Beautiful location. Great guidance. Good bikes. Brilliant problemsolving and a lot of flexibility in guidance. And what a great country.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Reitromud 
 
 
 
 Verified From the savannah to the tropical rainforest in Uganda.
We are with the children a beautiful experience richer after our trip in Uganda.Thank you Red Dirt for the flexibility in the preparation/collaboration.Brian our guide was also a super plus. Thanks to his knowledge, he gave us a deeper insight into Uganda. Partly because of Brian's local experience we were able to experience Uganda more, ... visit chimpanzees, taste the street food and visit a local school / well.Thanks!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bianca Meger 
 
 
 
 Verified genuinely memorable experience.
My bicycle trip in Uganda was a genuinely memorable experience. The scenery was beautiful throughout—lush landscapes, wide open stretches, and a real sense of being immersed in nature.Michael, my guide, was exceptionally kind and attentive. He did a great job keeping an appropriate pace, checking in regularly, and offering support whenever it was needed. His calm, considerate approach made the ride feel comfortable and well-organized from start to finish.One of the highlights was riding through local villages and having the chance to interact with people along the way. It added a meaningful cultural element to the trip and made the experience feel authentic rather than purely scenic. The birding was also outstanding,plenty of sightings and a great variety that made every day feel special.Overall, it was a lovely, well-supported cycling adventure that combined beautiful nature, genuine community encounters, and excellent birdwatching.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Faithalicious_x 
 
 
 
 Verified A great tour with James
Had a fantastic half day tour with my guide James. The bike was in pristine condition, lots of gears, pumped up wheels - essentially new. I was given a helmet too. I felt safe at all times.We spent 3 hours riding round the various trails. I’m definitely more of a leisurely cyclist but James didn’t mind at all, he even encouraged me to get walk with the bike if I needed to on some of the hillier/slippery parts.The nature was super beautiful. Plantations, forests, beach. An added bonus was experiencing James’ friendly relationships with the locals and children. And a yummy rolex to top everything off!Would highly recommend this tour as a way of seeing more of Uganda outside the bustling city
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Fabrice P 
 
 
 
 Verified Don’t miss this experience
Everything was as expected, interesting and professional guide and a great tour in magnificent nature and cool villages
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   luke 
 
 
 
 Verified Great trip! James was an awesome tour guide.
Great trip! James was a great guide. Nice roads and beautiful views. Take some hard candies along to share with the local kids that will inevitably chase you.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   klaas kroot 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic 8-day gravel bike trip through Uganda – an unforgettable adventure!
We made an 8-day trip through Uganda via Red Dirt on the gravel bike with six cycling friends, it was without a doubt one of the most special experiences we have ever had. The route took us through breathtaking landscapes / vistas and to places, villages / hamlets where you would never go with a regular tour. The wildlife experiences were unforgettable: elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras – all up close in their natural habitat. We even saw a whole colony of chimpanzees, both on the ground and swinging high through the trees. Because we traveled on the gravel bike, we experienced everything even more intensely and really came into contact with the real Uganda. The warmth and hospitality of the people have deeply impressed us. Just think of all the children who ran with us in their slippers, schoolchildren who started singing and dancing en masse, music that sounded from every street corner, but also all the stalls / shops and crafts on the streets often of 'red dirt'. The journey was a real challenge from a sporting point of view, tough climbing, from mud tracks, stony paths, dirt roads and single tracks through the tall grass and bushes in the wildlife parks. No day or route was the same, from rugged gravel strips to winding paths through nature – each stage had something unique and never stopped surprising.The guidance was excellent. Both the driver and our bike guide had one goal: to make our trip as fantastic as possible. Their knowledge, care and enthusiasm completed the adventure. In addition, Red Dirt has been great in supporting us on the journey but also in our desire to support local charities, including a cycling club that offers children structure, distraction and a meal, and a hospital that we were able to support during our visit. The gravel bikes we had rented were of a very good quality, no one had broken or punctured, while this was sometimes different with rangers accompanying us:-). The care from Red Dirt along the way was bizarrely good, from drinking stops, snacks (bananas, bounty’s,...). The energy bars and energy drinks we brought ourselves were almost unnecessary. Of course, there are always things we would do differently next time. For us, that would mainly mean that we would plan/shorten the travel distances by bus even more tightly and make the program just a little less full. That does not detract from the unforgettable experience.It is impossible to put into words how impressive this trip was. That’s why we like to refer to the photos and especially the videos – they tell the story much better. If you want to know more, feel free to send a PM! Joris, Bas, Joep, Gerrit, Alfons and KlaasFantastic 8-day gravel bike trip through Uganda – an unforgettable adventure!We did an 8-day gravel bike trip through Uganda with six people via Red Dirt, and it was without a doubt one of the most extraordinary experiences we’ve ever had. The route took us through breathtaking landscapes and viewpoints, and to places you would never reach on a regular tour.The wildlife encounters were unforgettable: elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras – all from incredibly close in their natural habitat. We even saw an entire colony of chimpanzees, both on the ground and swinging high through the trees. Traveling by gravel bike made everything feel even more intense and allowed us to truly connect with the real Uganda. The warmth and hospitality of the people left a deep impression on us. Think of all the children running alongside us in their slippers, school kids bursting into song and dance, music coming from every street corner, and the endless stalls, tiny shops, and street-side crafts along the often “red dirt” roads.The trip was also a real athletic challenge: tough climbs, muddy sections, rocky paths, sandy roads, and single tracks weaving through tall grass and bushes in the wildlife parks. No day or route was the same. From rugged gravel sections to winding trails through nature – every stage had something unique and kept surprising us.The support was excellent. Both the driver and our cycling guide had one goal: to make our trip as incredible as possible. Their knowledge, care, and enthusiasm completed the adventure. Red Dirt also supported us wonderfully, not only throughout the trip but also in our wish to contribute to local good causes, including a cycling club that provides children with structure, distraction, and a meal, as well as a hospital we were able to support during our visit.Of course, there are always things we would do differently next time. For us, that would mainly mean planning or shortening the bus transfers a bit more efficiently, and making the schedule slightly less packed. But none of that takes away from the overall experience.It’s impossible to capture in words how impressive this journey truly was. That’s why we’re happy to refer you to the photos and especially the videos – they tell the story far better. If you’d like to know more, feel free to send me a PM!Joris, Bas, Joep, Gerrit, Alfons & Klaas
  
 
  
  
 
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why ride with us?

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Stress-free

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Leave no traces

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Safety

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We love cycling

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Improving lives

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Regional promotion

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Life changing experience

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Awesomeness

You just focus on enjoying your adventure!

We understand a new destination like Uganda can feel a bit uneasy. Our well documented preparation guide, personal booking contact, daily trip briefings, experienced and English speaking guides and drivers will make sure you’ll feel at ease so you can focus for 100% on enjoying your adventure.

We are visitors of a beautiful natural environment

The adage ‘Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but skid marks, kill nothing but time’ really applies to Red Dirt. But it doesn’t stop there. We feel it’s our responsibility to take a pro-active role and be an example of how we can organize our activities with limited impact to the environment. Some examples: we expel single use plastic, find valuable destinations for our waste and support local nature programmes.

Safety is our key priority

Being the first cycling tour operator in Uganda and Rwanda means that we have trained all our staff ourselves. Safety is a number one priority and all our staff has received a certified first aid training. Our massive med kit in our support vehicles is well stocked. And we have emergency evacuation plans during all our rides which include medical emergency evacuation through our partnership with the flying doctors.

We are cyclists and dot4 is running through our veins

We are cyclists who love what we do and wanna have a good time. Just like you! Do you remember the last time you were truly enjoying a bike ride, cycling with a smile from ear to ear, shouting at the top of your lungs, secretly grinning from the inside or having goosebumps on a flowy downhill? Those are the moments we want to achieve and share with you.

We create social and economical impact through our tours and capacity building projects

Through our tours we try to create impact to all of those who are part of the journey. We create exciting, meaningful and rewarding careers for our staff and shared wealth for owners, employees and partners alike. We target at improving the lives of our customers, suppliers and the wider community. This means you, our local guides and the lady who sells G-nuts at the corner of the street.

Promoting Uganda and Rwanda as premium adventure destination

East Africa is a potential heaven for adventure seekers. But not many know this. We want to change this and promote Uganda and Rwanda as a premium cycling and active holiday destination. By continuously exploring new trails, discovering new highlights, testing thrilling activities and designing new tours we will take the world by surprise and exhibit what awesome things the region has to offer.

We want to create everlasting memories that you can share with your close ones

Red Dirt is the #1 cycling tour expert in Uganda and Rwanda. Since 2016 we are showing adventure-lovers the red trails of Africa on our surprising and culture immersing trips. Join the ride of your life and experience the spectacular nature, encounter unique wildlife and share laughs with the wonderful local community.

We run that extra mile and add that little bit of special sauce

We want to hear you say the word ‘awesome’ at least a few times a day during our tours. Not only because all the great stuff you will see, but also because of our outstanding service. We will go that extra mile to make sure you will have the dream cycling holiday of your life through attention to detail, reliability, being available and responsive to your needs and always being open towards change and improvement.

More about us

your questions, answered

Are your packages customizable?

Yes, Red Dirt is actually specialized in tailor made journeys. All tours that you can find on our website are customizable. Or we can design something from scratch. Whether you would like to go for a self-supported bikepacking tour or a fully organized luxury multisports activity, we can organize it for you, your family or a large group of friends. We’d love to get in touch with you to learn about your specific wishes so together with you, we can design the adventure of your life!

How can I book a trip with your company?

When you are interested in one of our tours, you can best reach out to us by phone, whatsapp, email or through our tour request form on our website. One of our staff members will then get in touch with you to discuss your wishes and requirements, answer all your questions and advise you if needed. Based on your feedback we will compile a non-binding quote that includes all the info you need: a detailed itinerary overview, description and links to the accommodations we are suggesting, a clear “what’s included and what’s not included” section, a structured price calculation and options for add-on services or activities. If you are okay with the quote, you will need to fill in a registration form and we will send you an invoice for an advance payment. Once paid, we will start making preparations for your tour and you can start looking forward to the adventure of a lifetime!

What type of tours do you offer?

Red Dirt is an expert in cycling tours such as mountain biking, gravel biking, bikepacking, self-supported cycling tours, and e-bike tours. Since 2026 we have expanded our services with other adventure activities such as hiking, trailrunning, multisports tours, triathlon, packrafting and wildwater rafting. Basically, if it’s active and adventurous, we are game.

What destinations do you cover?

Red Dirt organizes adventurous tours and events in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. Can’t choose? You can also combine more destinations in one single tour!

Are Uganda and Rwanda safe to travel?

Yes, Uganda and Rwanda are definitely safe to travel. Both countries have been stable for decades. Rwanda even has one of the lowest crime rates in Africa.

Do you offer group, solo or private travel options?

Yes! Red Dirt offers scheduled group tours as well as private tours for solo travellers, families or large groups. Private tours can be fully customized to your personal wishes and requirements.

Why should I visit Uganda and/or Rwanda?

Okay, do you have a minute to spare? There are so many reasons why Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania are excellent destinations for adventurous travel. The natural environment, its climate and natural wonders allow for excellent off-the-beaten-path journeys. Think about all the activities you can do at Lake Victoria, the Nile river, Kilimanjaro, countless national parks. Pick your choice of different climates in one journey: misty jungles, snowcapped mountains, crater lake districts, endless savannah, rocky lava scenaries, lush green tea hills, beautiful white beaches. And we haven’t even talked about the extraordinary wildlife. Where else can you combine mountaingorilla trekking with a eye-to-eye moment with a lion, followed by a wonderful safari in a stampede of zebras? Then there’s the hospitable community, the inspiring culture, the easiness to travel around, the weather, the safety…..

When's the best time to cycle?

Cycling can be done year-round in Rwanda and Uganda. However, if you don’t like rain and a bit of mud you might wanna dodge the heavy rains during the rain season (March-May and October). The high season from June to August attracts a lot of visitors, so best to try to avoid travelling in those months if you are not keen on crowds. And finally, you should plan your visit in Rwanda in April well as this month contains a national week of mourning to remember the genocide period.

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