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Your challenge:
You are no riders.
Your are pathfinders.

This is not a race on an existing map. This route is a first-ever expedition through one of Africaโ€™s least explored regions.

  • 800km / 10.900m net in climb / 3% paved
  • Starting and Finishing point: ARUA
  • Borderlands of South Sudan and DR Congo
  • Along the Nile River
  • Wildlife and Open Landscapes of the Murchison Falls Ecosystem
  • Home of the White Rhino
  • Living Cultures and Tribes
  • 22nd to 28th November

The Race

This is the very first 800 km self-supported gravel race across the West Nile of Uganda.

The starting and finishing points will be inย ARUA, the largest city in the region, and it is designed for trailblazers to ride through raw, untamed landscapes, embrace the challenge, and experience a journey that is as demanding as it is unforgettable.

This event introduces the region responsibly and without exploiting it. It builds visibility while strengthening local systems. Each rider contributes to the region.

Frequently Asked

Yes. This race is fully self-supported, which means riders must rely entirely on themselves and publicly available resources along the route. No pre-arranged assistance, support crews, or outside help is allowed. Riders are responsible for all food, water, repairs, navigation, and rest, and must plan carefully to complete the course safely and within the official cut-off times.

Yes. The race can be completed solo or in pairs. Solo riders compete independently.


Pairs must ride together for the entire duration of the race, staying within sight and distance of each other at all times. Pair members may share equipment, food, and decision-making, but may not receive outside assistance.

Both categories follow the same self-supported rules and course.

The route covers approximately 800 km with around 10,900 m of total climbing. The course is predominantly gravel and dirt, with only about 3% paved roads. Expect rough surfaces, remote sections, rolling hills, sustained climbs, and constantly changing conditions.

No. Only traditional human-powered bicycles are permitted. E-bikes or any motor-assisted devices are not allowed and will result in disqualification. This ensures fairness and maintains the self-supported spirit of the race.

Navigation is by GPS only. The route is not marked, and riders must follow the official track provided.

This is a fully self-supported race, so riders are responsible for their own food and water throughout the course. Supplies must be obtained from publicly available sources such as local shops, markets, restaurants, or water points along the route. There are no aid stations provided by the organizers, so careful planning and resupply management are essential and part of the challenge.

Accommodation: Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation during the race. Pre-bookings are not permitted. Camping is also an option.

Closer to the event dates, we will share some recommended places to stay, but ultimately, each participant is free to choose where they would like to stay.

Yes. There are checkpoints, and GPS tracking is mandatory for all riders.

Yes. Safety and medical support are provided to ensure rider well-being throughout the event. All participants are tracked via GPS devices, which allow organizers to monitor progress and respond to emergencies. While riders are responsible for their own safety, designated checkpoints and emergency contacts are in place along the route. Medical assistance can be dispatched if needed, but riders should carry basic first-aid supplies and be prepared for self-care in remote sections.

Riders may encounter livestock, dogs, monkeys, baboons, birds, and other small wildlife along the route. In certain remote sections, particularly near the banks of the Nile and across the Murchison Falls National Park area, sightings of larger wildlife โ€” including members of the Big Five โ€” are possible but sporadic.

The route is planned to avoid high-risk areas, but riders must remain alert at all times, especially near water sources, in low light, and in remote sections. Wildlife should always be respected, and riders should keep a safe distance and follow any local guidance or instructions.

Ugandans are extremely welcoming and friendly, but many communities are very religious and culturally traditional. To ensure a positive experience, riders should be respectful at all times.

Riders should:

  • Ask permission before taking photos of people, homes, or livestock.

  • Respect local customs, places of worship, and private property.

  • Avoid discussing politics or sensitive topics with locals.

  • Keep noise levels low and avoid disturbing ceremonies or gatherings.

  • Leave no trace: take all trash with you and minimize impact.

Being polite, considerate, and friendly will help you enjoy the hospitality Ugandans are known for and maintain positive relations throughout the race.

To finish in your category, you must complete the full route within the cut-off time and collect the official stamp at every checkpoint. Missing a stamp means no category finish.

Yes, the race winner earns the rare right to name one of the newly reintroduced white rhinos at Ajai Wildlife Reserve.

Registration is already open, see the main page

Traveling from Europe to Uganda is quite straightforward, but usually involves one international flight with a connection.

Entebbe International Airport is the main gateway to Uganda, located near the capital Kampala.

Total journey: 10โ€“16 hours (depending on connection)

Europe / Africa connections

  • KLM via Amsterdam
  • Brussels Airlines via Brussels
  • Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
  • Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (Please note that this airline often delays luggage, with bags frequently arriving on the following day rather than on the same flight)

Entry Requirements

  • You need a visa for Uganda
  • Apply online for an e-Visa before traveling
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months
  • Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory
  • Recommended vaccination: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid

โ€œAs one of the first riders to test this course, I can say: itโ€™s raw, diverse, and seriously challenging. The track pushes you in every section. If youโ€™re among the first daredevils to join this race, youโ€™ll experience something truly exceptional.โ€

Michael Adriko Justo – West Nile Cyclist Club

Interested?

Use the form to get in contact with us, or send a mail to info@racethenile.com

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