Marije Boot (Netherlands), Tour of Karamoja 2022 – Marije participated for the second time in Uganda’s annual wilderness bicycle event and this year she brought a friend along.
Whats the Tour of Karamoja?
The Tour of Karamoja is an annual cycling tradition through the wilderness of Uganda. The route takes you through the most untamed landscapes of the Karamoja region, located in the outermost northeastern corner of the country, next to Kenya and South Sudan. During this route you will get to know the culture, the wild landscape and the wildlife.
The purpose of the bike tour is to connect culture, nature and education, including raising money for the education of young women to work in tourism and hospitality.
A tough but magical bike ride
If Marije and Adwin had to describe the bike ride in two words, it would be the words “difficult” and “magical”. Marije cycled full all seven days and Adwin only took a rest on day six. They were not the only ones: although a few people dropped out due to personal circumstances, more than a dozen brave people left on their bicycles. The cyclists were accompanied by the organization of the tour, who took along a mobile village consisting of all sleeping gear, outdoor toilets, tents and ‘kitchens’ during the ride.
While cycling it sometimes seemed like you were cycling the Tour de France because there were such large numbers of children standing along the road watching. While the pace of this tour may be a bit slower than the Tour de France, the children were amazed to watch the clearly
During such a trip you learn a lot about the culture and you notice how welcoming everyone is. The most special moment in this was when they were welcomed to a special meeting where all the tribes of the region had gathered. Normally only the oldest tribal men are allowed to attend a specific ritual, but for the tour they made an exception. For example, all participants experienced a special sacrificial feast, during which the blood of the animals was drunk.
In this way, the tribes hoped for prosperity for the time to come. At the end of the evening, the cyclists slept in a dried up river bed, right next to the village. The sacrificial feast lasted well into the night, with much talking and partying by the local population. Where the cyclists are not normally waiting for a night in which they do not sleep a wink, this was such a special experience that it should not spoil the fun.
The cycling tour was organized to create opportunities through tourism, unite tribes and give girls the opportunity to get an education. Join the next edition and signup at www.tourofkaramoja.org.
For the fourth time I have visited the beautiful land of the Karamoja, with its beautiful people. For the second time I joined the Tour of Karamoja, the 7-day cycling trip through the hills and valleys in Uganda and Kenya.
Last Year we had the pleasure to host Dutch fashion designer Jan Boelo for 4 days in Karamoja for an inspirational trip. This month his story was featured in Marie Claire magazine and the designer wrote a beautiful story about his #DiscoverKaramoja experience and the creation of a garment based on the iconic Karamojong sheet.
Watch Stage 4 of the Tour of Karamoja Uganda’s ultimate wilderness bike challenge through Warrior Nomad Trail epic landscapes of Jurassic Kaabong. Learn more about the event and register for the next edition 15-23 April 2022 on the Tour of Karamoja page.
After being and travelling in Uganda for a while, I can say that the 4 Days Karamoja Safari Tour has been my most beautiful and impressive experience I have done here (and probably in my life).
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Testimonial: Tour of Karamoja, Heavy but Magical
Marije Boot (Netherlands), Tour of Karamoja 2022 – Marije participated for the second time in Uganda’s annual wilderness bicycle event and this year she brought a friend along.
Whats the Tour of Karamoja?
The Tour of Karamoja is an annual cycling tradition through the wilderness of Uganda. The route takes you through the most untamed landscapes of the Karamoja region, located in the outermost northeastern corner of the country, next to Kenya and South Sudan. During this route you will get to know the culture, the wild landscape and the wildlife.
The purpose of the bike tour is to connect culture, nature and education, including raising money for the education of young women to work in tourism and hospitality.
A tough but magical bike ride
If Marije and Adwin had to describe the bike ride in two words, it would be the words “difficult” and “magical”. Marije cycled full all seven days and Adwin only took a rest on day six. They were not the only ones: although a few people dropped out due to personal circumstances, more than a dozen brave people left on their bicycles. The cyclists were accompanied by the organization of the tour, who took along a mobile village consisting of all sleeping gear, outdoor toilets, tents and ‘kitchens’ during the ride.
While cycling it sometimes seemed like you were cycling the Tour de France because there were such large numbers of children standing along the road watching. While the pace of this tour may be a bit slower than the Tour de France, the children were amazed to watch the clearly
During such a trip you learn a lot about the culture and you notice how welcoming everyone is. The most special moment in this was when they were welcomed to a special meeting where all the tribes of the region had gathered. Normally only the oldest tribal men are allowed to attend a specific ritual, but for the tour they made an exception. For example, all participants experienced a special sacrificial feast, during which the blood of the animals was drunk.
In this way, the tribes hoped for prosperity for the time to come. At the end of the evening, the cyclists slept in a dried up river bed, right next to the village. The sacrificial feast lasted well into the night, with much talking and partying by the local population. Where the cyclists are not normally waiting for a night in which they do not sleep a wink, this was such a special experience that it should not spoil the fun.
The cycling tour was organized to create opportunities through tourism, unite tribes and give girls the opportunity to get an education. Join the next edition and signup at www.tourofkaramoja.org.
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My second time on the Impressive Tour of Karamoja
For the fourth time I have visited the beautiful land of the Karamoja, with its beautiful people. For the second time I joined the Tour of Karamoja, the 7-day cycling trip through the hills and valleys in Uganda and Kenya.
Dutch Fashion Designer travels Karamoja for Inspiration
Last Year we had the pleasure to host Dutch fashion designer Jan Boelo for 4 days in Karamoja for an inspirational trip. This month his story was featured in Marie Claire magazine and the designer wrote a beautiful story about his #DiscoverKaramoja experience and the creation of a garment based on the iconic Karamojong sheet.
Watch: Tour of Karamoja, Bike Challenge – Episode 4
Watch Stage 4 of the Tour of Karamoja Uganda’s ultimate wilderness bike challenge through Warrior Nomad Trail epic landscapes of Jurassic Kaabong. Learn more about the event and register for the next edition 15-23 April 2022 on the Tour of Karamoja page.
From Hiking Mt Moroto to Nomad Bush Camp with Karamoja Warriors
After being and travelling in Uganda for a while, I can say that the 4 Days Karamoja Safari Tour has been my most beautiful and impressive experience I have done here (and probably in my life).