Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Oct 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
Uganda, Rwanda, & Burundi

Hi All -

A friend and I just booked flights in/out of Kampala, Uganda for February.

We have a month to travel and we want to ride down to Rwanda & Burundi and back. We're hoping to buy bikes in Kampala within 1-2 days of arrival. We're looking for 250-400cc dirt bikes, either new china bikes or used branded bikes. Our budget is $2,500 USD/bike.

Would love to get an opinion on whether that's realistic or not? Any issues with foreigners owning motorcycles in Uganda, licensing, crossing borders, etc?

Also if anyone has a contact or knows a dealer there who might be able to help, or even the name of a neighborhood where we should start shopping, that would be much appreciated!

Thanks guys!

Pete
Hood River, OR
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Oct 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
Hi Pete, I rode through Rwanda and Uganda a while back and had a good time. In Kampala there is a high end place called Speke Hotel. Next to this hotel is a pizzeria owned by an Italian fellow. When I arrived at Speke Hotel I saw a large bike (650cc maybe) out front. It belonged to the Italian. He invited me to his pizzeria for a glass of wine and a chat. He can hook you up with other Ugandan riders (a club I think). His mechanic installed a new tire I had carried from Namibia for a couple $$. This guy is in the know and can set you up. On the other side of the hotel is a notorious disco. If you go there, watch your wallet- and I mean it! There were serious troubles in Burundi when I was there. Refugee camps dotted the countryside in Rwanda. Have fun. Kampala is a great town.
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Oct 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by hook View Post
Hi Pete, I rode through Rwanda and Uganda a while back and had a good time. In Kampala there is a high end place called Speke Hotel. Next to this hotel is a pizzeria owned by an Italian fellow. When I arrived at Speke Hotel I saw a large bike (650cc maybe) out front. It belonged to the Italian. He invited me to his pizzeria for a glass of wine and a chat. He can hook you up with other Ugandan riders (a club I think). His mechanic installed a new tire I had carried from Namibia for a couple $$. This guy is in the know and can set you up. On the other side of the hotel is a notorious disco. If you go there, watch your wallet- and I mean it! There were serious troubles in Burundi when I was there. Refugee camps dotted the countryside in Rwanda. Have fun. Kampala is a great town.
Hell yeah!!! That's the kind of info I'm looking for. I will track down the Italian and/or the moto club. And I will definitely hit the disco (with my cash in my sock). Thanks Hook!

I've heard Burundi has settled down considerably in the last few years. We will ask around carefully before heading that way.

Seriously man, great tips! Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Oct 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
Pete, the name of of the restaurant is Mammamia Pizzeria. It is actually built into the Speke Hotel. Safe trip!
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
I think you would have better luck buying a bike in Kenya as the selection will be much bigger, and it is only a long days ride to Kampala.

My info is a few years old, but if you do go to Kampala there are a few bike shops around with some tatty 250s etc. I can't remember the exact location, so I would suggest you try John, the Australian owner of Backpackers and he should be able to point you in the right direction.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Oct 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
Thanks for the tip Matt. We've already booked flights in/out of Kampala so a couple of worn out 250s are probably in our future I've got an email in to John so hopefully we'll hear back from him.

I did track down the motorcycle club that Hook was referring too. It is called the Uganda Bikers Association. Uganda Bikers. It is a motorcycle club made up of both expats and ugandan nationals. The club has a charitable mission.

These guys have been really helpful and friendly. I'm feeling much more confident about our ability to secure a bike with their help.

Thanks again guys.

Pete
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: South Africa
Posts: 162
Just check on your VISA regulations...

At some point, if you had a Burundi stamp, you had issues being allowed in other countries after that. I'm sure Rwanda and Uganda is fine. I'm convinced DRC will not allow you entry after Burundi...

Just make sure.
__________________
Dawie du Plessis
www.pictureafrica.org
www.photographersa.co.za
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Putney, UK
Posts: 161
Chris at Jungle Junction

It may be an idea to speak to Chris at Jungle Junction in Nairobi, Kenya.

He's the go-to-guy for all things overlanding with motorbikes. Helluva knowledgeable. Has an amazing overlander campsite with a fully kitted out bike workshop.

Don't have his contact details I'm afraid.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Yarm
Posts: 25
I'm planning on heading up through burundi to rwanda from tanzania, it would be great to know if you did actually end up going or any other info about the current situation you may have

cheers, mike
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
Hey man, yep we're definitely going. Flights booked, vaccination shots taken. Found bikes through a guy named Donato Laboke who's with the Uganda Bikers Association. He's charging a flat rate advisory fee that's quite reasonable and then the rental and deposit go to the bike owners. We've got one yamaha 600 for sure, and we're still waiting to find out if the other bike will be an XR600 or a 750 Africa Twin. Probably the XR but they're still trying to get it through customs. Current plan is to loop through northern uganda, then go down through rwanda and burundi, across to tanzania, and then either cut back to kampala through western tanzania or if we have time, complete a loop around lake victoria through kenya. If we go for the lake vic loop option, we may leave the northern uganda tour for the end of the trip instead of the start. We'll stop and do some touristy stuff en route like check out the gorillas, rafting, safari, etc. Plus we'll want to make sure we toss back our fair share of s at night. So time might run a little short. We haven't done much planning yet aside from flights and bikes. Will figure out the details when we get to kampala and can chat with some folks who know the terrain.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 18 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
oh yeah, trip dates are jan 30th to feb 28th... so check in with me in march and I'll have some info for ya.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Zimbabwe - Malawi -Burundi -Rwanda without carnet !!! omar mansour sub-Saharan Africa 2 20 Aug 2009 11:17
Safety Goma, DRC (Rwanda & Burundi border areas) Travelbug sub-Saharan Africa 2 23 May 2009 07:26
Cross from Uganda into Rwanda ghenk Route Planning 2 12 Nov 2007 18:42
Fancy Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi etc? Bundubasher 4 wheel Overland Travel 1 3 Nov 2006 12:02
Fancy Uganda,Rwanda, Burundi etc? Bundubasher sub-Saharan Africa 0 31 Oct 2006 10:09

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:30.