Embarking on the Tour of Karamoja is an epic adventure that needs careful planning. To ensure you overcome the challenges and enjoy the successes of this amazing bike race, we’ve put together an essential packing list. From high-performance cycling gear to essential survival items, this guide will help you pack smart and have a memorable experience in the heart of Karamoja.
Essential equipment
Mechanical sound bicycle
GPS Navigation Device
At least 3 litres drinking liquids capacity per rider. Extra bottles or camelbacks are recommended.
Energy gels, Dehydration tablets and other preferred supplements. Test these before the event to find which one suits your digestive system best.
Mobile phone with Ugandan SIM, loaded with internet and minutes for calling
Helmet, sunglasses and gloves (gloves are a must)
High Sun Protection Factor (+30) cream
Personal first aid kit
Tubeless bicycle repair kit
Chamois Cream (to help heal those soar bums)
The bicycle
The Organisation reserves the right to perform inspections on all bicycles before departure from Kampala to the starting point. The failure to comply with the below regulation could result in a participant not being allowed to start the event.
Tubeless: All bicycles are required to have a working and tested tubeless setup and riders need to carry a tubeless repair kit and be knowledgeable of how to repair.
Mechanical sound: All bicycles are required to be in mechanical mint condition to be able to withstand the tough road conditions of the tour.
Puncture repair is not included in this so you will need to bring the necessary tools. During the stage, you should have, at least a compact bicycle repair kit containing the following items:
Quick link / chain breaker
Tire leavers
Spare break pads
Cable ties
Multi-tool with a knife
Tire sealant
Tubes + Tire patch kit *
Strong tape (Gaffer or Duck)
Spare tubeless valve
Tubeless (dyna)plugs
Needle and thread
Piece of old tire sidewall
Valve core tool
* 9/10 times, the sealant or (dyna)plugs will be able to seal punctures. But in those occasions where the tire is thorn beyond the capability of the commons tubeless tools, a tube is the only rescue. A needle, thread and piece of old tire sidewall is also for the worst care scenario.
What to wear during cycling
A rider not wearing a helmet at any stage of the race will be disqualified
Appropriate riding attire, including a shirt, must be worn at all times
Eye protection is very strongly recommended
Fully enclosed footwear must be worn
High Sun Protection Factor (+30) sunblock is very highly recommended; very little tree cover exists along the route.
Water/drinks bottles
Extra water storage like a camel back or extra bottle cages on your frame.
Light jacket/windbreaker/raincoat
Base layer
Mobile phone in water/sweatproof pouch
Hand gloves
Bib short
Compact First Aid Kit
It is absolutely necessary that riders ensure that they are fully prepared to deal with emergencies they may encounter. Each team should carry the following items during the race at a minimum:
First Aid Dressings x 3 (Sizes 2, 3 and 4 recommended)
Wound cleaning (iodine)
Adhesive first aid plasters x 5
Any riders on specific personal medications are responsible for supplying and carrying such medication.
What to carry when flying back
For those flying back from the finish line, the aircraft are small in size and therefore have much smaller luggage holds than most typical airlines.
The maximum checkin luggage allowance is 15 Kgs in soft sided bags.
Personal items like handbags, small umbrellas, walking sticks, coats, small bag pack can be stored under the seat in front of passenger or in an overhead bin where applicable. These items must not exceed 5 Kgs and are part of the checking luggage allowance.
What to carry when driving back
Pack your belongings in a pad- lockable duffel bag or soft suitcase weighing maximum 25Kg if you are not flying back from the finish in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Tour of Karamoja was a fantastic adventure that combines a tough physical challenge with an off the beaten track adventure in less visited Karamoja Northeast Uganda.
Check out the first free bi-weekly Tour of Karamoja – Preparation ride which took place on Sunday 16th January 2022 in Uganda’s capital city Kampala. The ride was organised by Red Dirt Uganda and Bike Shop Uganda. Join the next ride on Sunday 30th January. Sign up for the Facebook event to receive regular updates.
Watch the first episode of the Tour of Karamoja – Bike Challenge 2021 video series. Uganda’s multi-stage wilderness bike event. A truly off-the-beaten-path adventure to raise awareness for East Africa’s most remote areas and thereby create opportunities for its host communities through culture and adventure tourism along the Warrior Nomad Trail initiative.
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What to Pack for the Tour of Karamoja
Embarking on the Tour of Karamoja is an epic adventure that needs careful planning. To ensure you overcome the challenges and enjoy the successes of this amazing bike race, we’ve put together an essential packing list. From high-performance cycling gear to essential survival items, this guide will help you pack smart and have a memorable experience in the heart of Karamoja.
Essential equipment
The bicycle
The Organisation reserves the right to perform inspections on all bicycles before departure from Kampala to the starting point. The failure to comply with the below regulation could result in a participant not being allowed to start the event.
Bicycle repair kit
Puncture repair is not included in this so you will need to bring the necessary tools. During the stage, you should have, at least a compact bicycle repair kit containing the following items:
* 9/10 times, the sealant or (dyna)plugs will be able to seal punctures. But in those occasions where the tire is thorn beyond the capability of the commons tubeless tools, a tube is the only rescue. A needle, thread and piece of old tire sidewall is also for the worst care scenario.
What to wear during cycling
Compact First Aid Kit
It is absolutely necessary that riders ensure that they are fully prepared to deal with emergencies they may encounter. Each team should carry the following items during the race at a minimum:
What to carry when flying back
For those flying back from the finish line, the aircraft are small in size and therefore have much smaller luggage holds than most typical airlines.
What to carry when driving back
Pack your belongings in a pad- lockable duffel bag or soft suitcase weighing maximum 25Kg if you are not flying back from the finish in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Items to carry for all riders
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Testimonial: Tour of Karamoja Physical challenging, off-the-beaten-track adventure
Tour of Karamoja was a fantastic adventure that combines a tough physical challenge with an off the beaten track adventure in less visited Karamoja Northeast Uganda.
Photos first Tour of Karamoja Preparation Ride
Check out the first free bi-weekly Tour of Karamoja – Preparation ride which took place on Sunday 16th January 2022 in Uganda’s capital city Kampala. The ride was organised by Red Dirt Uganda and Bike Shop Uganda. Join the next ride on Sunday 30th January. Sign up for the Facebook event to receive regular updates.
Watch: Tour of Karamoja 2021, Video series – Episode 1
Watch the first episode of the Tour of Karamoja – Bike Challenge 2021 video series. Uganda’s multi-stage wilderness bike event. A truly off-the-beaten-path adventure to raise awareness for East Africa’s most remote areas and thereby create opportunities for its host communities through culture and adventure tourism along the Warrior Nomad Trail initiative.
Join The Spirit of Karamoja event in Kampala
Join us for a day of celebration, connection, inspiration, and commitment to Karamoja’s thriving future.