“ ROUND THE LAKE“
18 days and 2300 km. around Lake Victoria from day to day
Day 0 departure from Europe to Nairobi in Kenya.
day 1 arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to Motorsafaris base Naivasha.
We do not know what time everyone will arrive. We use this day to get to know each other, the crew and the motorbikes. We take a test drive through the area.
Day 2 Naivasha - Kitale 300 km.
We follow the B53 through the hills along Eldama Ravine. Trucks take the busy A104. We will have to go through busy Eldoret a big town where all the traffic has to pass through. After Eldoret we brabh North on our way to Kitale. Last border place to Uganda on the west and when you head north you enter the dessert. We have a hotel at the entrance of Kitale.
day 3 Kitale - Kapchorwa near Sipi Falls.
On our way to Uganda we use a very small border-post at Suam The actual border is a river, we cross a small bridge and we are in Uganda. Changing money on the street and we are on a mountain-pass on Mount Elgon. An adventurous road which is closed in rainy seasons. For us bikers its a challenge but we will make it. Kapchorwa is the first town in Uganda and we stay in a relaxed camp with bungalows and great food.
day 4 Kapchorwa - Jinja source of the river Nile 160 km.
Today we see Lake Victoria at an interesting point. The source of the river Nile was first seen by western explorers in 1862. That is only 150 years ago ! Imagine how busy it is now. We will stay in a camp next to the river. The mighty Nile river, 6650 km. long its the longest river on earth. Starting in Lake Victoria and ending in the mediterranean see in Egypt.
Day 5 Jinja - Kampala 90 km.
We leave after lunch so there is time for a boat ride. Traffic around Kampala is extremely busy. We are in Kampala to see the nightlife. The best in Africa maybe. Eat and drink in town. Its never boring.
Day 6 Kampala - Lake Mburu 250 km.
Day 7 Lake Mburu - Lake Bunyonyi 236 km.
For the ones who booked, family day with the Gorillas. Breakfast at 7 a.m. Packed lunch. At 8 o'clock present at the rangers, briefing and on the road. You never know how long it takes. Departure to Lake Bunyonyi in the afternoon. A short drive, 2 hours of dirt road through the mountains and then nice asphalt to the photogenic lake.
Day 8 restday
Day 9 Lake Bunyonyi-Gisenyi 150 km. RWANDA
We leave on smooth asphalt for a nice road to the border. Coffee and a market in Kisoro. An original gift for the home is an African kitenge. A colorful piece of fabric. You can always make a tablecloth or pillow from it. In Kisoro there is a big market for customers from Congo. Then the border with Rwanda. As a group, we bring a fixer that guides us from office to office. And clear the motorbikes. They work well together Uganda and Rwanda in one office. Friendly atmosphere. We are in Rwanda.
Day 10 Gisenyi-Kibuye 120 km.
Spectacular view of Lake Kivu with the mysterious Congo across the lake.
The new Kivu Belt Road leads along Lake Kivu to Kibuye. We take a local guide on the motorbike and follow the Congo-Nile trail. It is an old road through villages and fishing villages. Spectacular dirt road. Nice views.
Day 11 Kibuye - Kigali 130 km.
Many hills today through dense forests and past small villages on the way to the capital Kigali. Kigali is a big city with many head offices of all kinds of multinationals.
Day 12 Kigali-Biharamulo 285 km.TANZANIA
We leave the luxury of the city on the way to Tanzania. The border is grim, unfriendly, but we always get through it. The landscape in Tanzania is a reflection of the border: dry, barren and boring. The first 50 km. is the worst road in Africa with huge holes in the asphalt. It is amazing how a country can be completely different from another. Kenya exuberant. Uganda dedicated, Rwanda modern, Tanzania back in time. Africa on the way to the future.
Day 13 Biharamulo-Mwanza 235 km.
After departure beautiful views of the mountains and the new asphalt road. Then through large rice fields and lunch in Gold-diggers-town Geita after the roundabout left. Cross the Kamwanga Ferry to Mwanza, beautifully situated on Lake Victoria. Mwanza is a nice town to walk around. That is possible in the afternoon or the following morning. Cheap clothes, shoes and rags.
Day 14 Mwanza-Musoma 225 km.
We leave at 10 a.m. A boring road along Lake Victoria. Speke gulf named after the discoverer
of Lake Victoria in 1867. Only 160 years ago the first white man (John Speke) walked around
here. Stanley (photo) was the first white man who walked around the lake.
Nice views. Overnight stay in a "renovated" villa with nice staff and good food.
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Day 15 Musoma - Maasai Mara 180 km. KENYA
After crossing the border we are in Kenya. We quickly turn off on the dirt road to the Maasai Mara. This road is a challenge for the motorbikes and drivers. We leave civilization and are on our way to the most beautiful nature reserve in Kenya; the Maasai Mara.
Day 16 Maasai Mara safari day
The most beautiful safari you can do in East Africa.
Take $ 150 and enough gigabyte with you! This is without a doubt the most beautiful park in East Africa. We could not skip this. Riding past it without visiting is a mistake. Everyone will agree after today ...
Day 17 Maasai Mara - Naivasha 250 km.
Day 18 Naivasha to the airport by car
Day 19 arriving in Europe
Changes in the itinerary are always an improvement!