Quad Biking in Uganda
Quad Biking in Uganda : Jinja has always been referred as “the Adrenaline capital of East Africa” given its adventurous water experiences. Travelers to Jinja have opportunities to take part in breath-taking activities along and on the River Nile such as water rafting, Bungee jumping, Tubing, Kayaking, horseback riding and lastly the Quad biking experiences. To participate in these activities, travellers need about 1 or 2 days Jinja safari tour package or you can combine. This Jinja safari can be combined to a mountain gorilla safari
Quad biking is one of the most exciting activities to engage in while on a Uganda safari. Quad biking is also organized in other parts of Uganda for example in Ssese islands but Jinja is the most popular destination. What makes Quad biking special in Jinja, is the opportunity to experience the African countryside and mingle with local people as they go about their daily activities. Most African safaris occur in the African wilderness, inside a safari vehicle and with limited opportunities to experience the African rural life. Quad biking in Jinja is done mainly in the villages, forests, tea/sugar plantations and the banks of the Nile River. Not in the congested and noisy towns or trading centers by the main roads but to areas rarely visited by tourist.
Quad biking in Jinja is organized by All Terrain Adventures located in Jinja at the main gate of the Bujagali falls about 7 kilometres downstream from the start of the River Nile. Quad biking is arranged between 1- 4 hours. All Terrain Adventures provides all the required equipment including guides, helmets, overalls and goggles and bandana. No previous experience with the bikes is required and they run safaris with 1 guide for every 5 clients but if necessary they may be able to add extra guides if required. The exercise begins with a briefing and free training lessons at the practice circuit for about 30 minutes before starting of the safari. The topics covered during the briefing are generally about how to manage the bike on the road. Things like how to change gear, maintain stability, remain on track and look out for local kids crossing the road. Apart from general safety measures, participants are also warned about unnecessary overtaking/competition (as tempting as it is) and killing local animals. Quad biking is open to individuals from about 7 years and above. Kids Quads from about 7 years old to a maximum of 12 years old ride on supervised circuits. It is hard to say just how old children need to be before they can ride themselves and if can assess that quickly on the first training circuit, children have safely participated in the kids Quads Circuits and shorter safaris. Children can probably ride themselves on the River Ride safari from about 8 – 9 years old depending on how they manage the training / practice circuits. Young children may ride with the guide or parents – small helmets and overalls are available 10,000/= per child.
There is no limit to the number of participants and the activity can go on for up to 4 hours. No minimum number, it can be 1 or more participants. Maximum group size is approximately 20 and after you start the trip, you can be split into large groups depending on faster and slower riders. Depending on the results of the training, a trip is designed taking into consideration the ability of the rider. To that end Bikers are put into three categories – expert riders, beginners and children. Participants are than assigned either manual or automatic bikes.
After the briefing and training, bikers are fitted with overalls helmets and other safety equipment. The group then follows the lead biker in an organized line. All paths go through the countryside, but different routes are taken while going and coming back. While on the track, expect to meet and bypass “boda bodas” (motorcycles), waving kids, people in their gardens, girls from the well or women carrying their babies with a load on their head. It is very rare to meet vehicles because the routes taken are off the main roads/highways. During the stops along the Nile, watch as women wash clothes by the river banks or little children swim through very powerful currents and rapids with only a jerry can. The guide will share with you the history of the river, Jinja town and the three power dams along the Jinja stretch of the Nile.
Things to know when planning a Quad biking safari in Uganda
Quad biking costs between US$50 to US$130 depending on the route and hours.
In order to feel comfortable during the activity, bikers need loose/light clothing (preferably a tracksuit or legging). The Quad biking Company (All Terrain Adventures) can provide the overalls and gumboots to protect against mud and watery surface but you can come with your own. Cameras must be kept in dust and water resistant bags.
The best time to go for quad biking in Jinja is during the rainy seasons of Uganda. The more mud in the ground, the better as sliding makes the activity more exciting. Moreover, during the rainy season, the countryside is very scenic with a lot of activity and beautiful singing birds everywhere. The dry season makes the track very dusty and a nightmare for bikers at the back of the group who may find themselves covered with dust on completion.
Although riding in mud is exciting, it is good to exercise caution. The Quad Bikes have large tires that can throw mud right into the face of the next biker.
In order to have the most comfortable experience, it is important to pack a bottle of eater, cream to protect against the sun, a Camera, closed shoes (not open sandals) and the right clothes like long trousers, we supply everything else for your drive-yourself African safari adventure.
Safari start times to suit you between 8.30am and 5.00pm.
All levels – novice to expert.
One person on each ATV Quadbike. We have some larger ATVs and my be able to carry a passenger with a guide, depending on availability.
