Tour Overview:

During this tour, we train at more than 2’000 meters above sea level, running the same routes as Uganda’s elite endurance runners and World champions. We’ll make day trips up the hills of Mount Elgon and to Northern region –  to the slopes of mount Kadam and Moroto. We cross rivers, explore waterfalls, venture into rural villages, search for wild life and enjoy the subalpine landscapes of the peaceful countryside. Every second day we’ll find ourselves not only in totally different landscapes, but also with different tribes and cultures: Sebei, Karamojongs, Tepeth, Dodoth. Ethnography alongway with sport is a brilliant combination! The Mount Elgon region is one of the most beautiful areas in Uganda, and having a run through it is simply magical. You will see the villages, valleys, rivers, cliffs and  waterfalls on the way. Last but not least, this fantastic adventure tour also offers you the opportunity to go for some epic whitewater rafting on the Nile river and to bike through some of Uganda’s most remote rural areas!

Included in the price:

• Two weeks of workouts with a professional coach
• Transfers around Uganda in a comfortable mini bus or 4x4 Landcruiser
• Three meals a day (European or mixed kitchen)
• Accommodation in comfortable and clean guesthouses or lodges
• Activities indicated in the itinerary
• Fees for National park’s and other sightseeing
• Professional safari guide and running coaches
• Rented equipment for trekking, cycling or water walks
• Mineral water and snacks

Day 1: Meet at the Entebbe airport and transfer to Jinja

Accommodation: Lodge on the shore of the Nile, Jinja

Day 2: Acclimatization day in Uganda

Short morning and evening runs in a pine forest along the Nile river. Explore a close by village. Swimming at sunset.

Accommodation: Lodge on the shore of the Nile, Jinja

Day 3: Swimming and Whitewater Rafting on the Nile river

Today we have two adventures on offer: swimming or rafting on the Nile river. Swimming distances may vary from a few hundred meters to 5 km. Rafting distance from 10km to 20km. A morning run along the Nile river banks is also highly recommended. We will also visit the spectacular Busowoko and Itanda falls, these two majestic roaring waterfalls of the River Nile are located 27 kilometers away of Jinja. They are a known to be real challenges for kayakers and rafters, being graded at the highest level of difficulty.

Accommodation: Lodge on the Nile river, Jinja

Day 4: Overland Drive to the Karamoja region

We wake up early for some  stretching, running and to get ready for a 4–5 hour road trip to the northern community of Barawa. We will visit the Karamoja museum in Moroto town on the way. The Museum displays cultural and ancient natural heritage of the Karomoja region. We will arrive in Kapchorwa before sunset, in time for some easy jogging and light exercise.

Accommodation: Home of Friends Guesthouse, Kapchorva

Day 5: High Altitude Training in Kapchorwa

Intensive training in Kapchorwa. Morning: progressive run, exercise and core workout. Evening: jogging. Kapchorwa is located on the northern slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, at an altitude of 1.900 m. above sea level. It has stunning views over the Karamoja plains and the Bisina and Kyoga lakes. In the local Kupsapiiny language the name of the town literally means “Home of friends”.

Accommodation: Home of Friends Guesthouse, Kapchorva

Day 6: High Altitude Training in Kapchorwa

Intensive training in Kapchorwa. In the morning, we might want to go for some track speed workout. And let’s do some easy evening jogging along Kapenguria forest’s edge bordering Mount Elgon National Park, which we’ll explore another day.

Accommodation: Home of Friends Guesthouse, Kapchorva

Day 7: High Altitude Training in Kapchorwa

Intensive training in Kapchorwa. Let’s dedicate our morning to run uphill to the neighboring village of Teryet where the national running stars usually train. The center has a range of training facilities and accommodation for athletes, including running tracks, an athletes’ hostel, a swimming pool, a gym, and both elementary and secondary schools to enable athletes to pursue their education while training. We are more than welcome to explore the training center and to communicate with its residents. Evening: exercise and stretching

Accommodation: Home of Friends Guesthouse, Kapchorva

Day 8: High Altitude Training in Kapchorwa

Intensive training in Kapchorwa. In the morning we will do some light jogging on “Champions Trail”, and in the evening, will venture further into the surrounding countryside and pass small farming communities before a tough climb on the tarmac back up to Kapchorwa town. This track reaches 2.100 m. above sea level and can be used for a long run or fartlek.

Accommodation: Home of Friends Guesthouse, Kapchorva

Day 9: Trekking and wildlife watching on Mt. Elgon

Trekking on Mount Elgon (4.321 m.), a solitary volcanic mountain on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya. The mountain’s highest point, named “Wagagai”, is located entirely within Uganda. Although there is no verifiable evidence of its earliest volcanic activity, geologists estimate that Mount Elgon is at least 24 million years old, making it the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa.
Accommodation is organized at Mudda Cave Camp (3.500 m.) Spectacular scenery is the main attraction for hikers on this often neglected mountain. There is also a chance to see forest monkeys, small antelope, or even elephant and buffalo. A checklist topping 300 birds includes many species not recorded elsewhere in Uganda. Morning and evening explorational guided runs will be provided.

Accommodation: Mudda Cave Camp

Day 10: Running adventures, coffee tour and waterfalls

Hiking, climbing, caving and coffee touring day with local guide around Sipi Falls. Running adventures in tropical forest included of cource. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls found at the foothills of Mount Elgon, just at the edge of Mt. Elgon National Park. They are of a huge tourist attraction. The highest fall drops from an altitude of 100 m. Trace the story of coffee from seed to cup, at a small family farm. Sipi Arabica Coffee is a world-renowned coffee. Learn about its origin and how local farmers maintain plantations organically. Acquire traditional roasting skills so you can make your own cup of tasty Arabica coffee.

Accommodation: Home of Friends Guesthouse, Kapchorva

Day 11: Immersion to Karamoja’s culture

An unique opportunity for an immersive running and cultural experience in an unspoiled natural environment – we’re going to Moroto district! Home of the Tepeth hunters and gatherers tribe. We’re kindly invited not only to run on their land, but also to sing and dance with them, listen to the stories of elders and play traditional Karamojong games. Spending two nights at high altitude eco camps.

Accommodation: High altitude eco camp, Moroto

Day 12: A bicycle safari through the Karamoja land

let’s discover Uganda’s untamed Northeast by bike. We’ll follow the cattle paths of the nomadic warriors and learn about the pastoral culture, cycle over community trails through the villages and interact with indigenous communities, ride over abandon colonial roads through Uganda’s true wilderness, enjoy the views of the fast wilderness. A bicycle safari through Karamoja land is the best way to immerse yourself into Uganda as it is. During this  cultural cycling ride we’ll take a look with one eye on another amazing savannah scenery which is the Kidepo valley, where we can possibly witness the magnificent herds of elephants and buffaloes.

Accommodation: High altitude eco camp, Moroto

Day 13: Journey back to the Nile valley

After our morning run we’re getting back to the Nile valley. Tonight we will be having fu and eat great food at the source of the Nile – the longest river on our planet. But before that we’ll be seduced to have our farewell evening, we have a final  run in the local pine forest and probably catch some Nile perch in the backwaters of the river.

Day 14: Farewell or resting day

Today we are driving back to Kampala, Entebbe or Jinja in the morning. Or just rest before the start of the next running safari.