Find answers to questions raised by aspiring and signed-up riders for the Tour of Karamoja 2023 event.
Where can I find answers to Frequently Asked Questions?
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page HERE. And have a look at the event news page for updates like this one HERE.
Where can I download the Riders Manual?
The riders manual contains a lot of information that can help you to plan your participants. We only provide this information to pre-registered people. Click HERE to download it as well.
What does the registration and payment process look like?
After pre-registration, successful applications will receive the final registration form and payment details. Find the ticket options, upgrades, terms and conditions HERE.
Booking process
The process goes in chronological order as following:
Participant: fulls in the pre-registration form on the website.
The TOK23: committee reviews the registration and can ask for more clarification or send directly an invitation for full registration. This invitation is accompanied by the Riders Manual with comprehensive information.
The TOK23: Sends invitation for full registration to the participant
Participant: fills in the full registration form online
The TOK23: reviews the registration and can ask for more clarification or proceeds to sending an invoice.
TOK23: Sends an invoice to the participant with payment details
Participant: Makes the payment and sends payment details / slip to TOK23
TOK23: Confirms payment by email to the participant
When are we receiving the invoice after full registration?
Invoices are sent to the fully registered participants starting from Monday 7th August.
Upgrades
The tour offers a standard package with two categories of accommodation upgrades being 1) camping 2) hotel. Learn more about the inclusions and exclusions on the TICKET PAGE.
Payment options
The Tour of Karamoja offers the following payment options. The funds need to be received in USD and transaction fees are for the sender.
Credit card: VISA and Mastercard
Bank Transfer
Bank Cash Deposit (Uganda)
MTN Mobile Money
What does the security situation look like?
The TOK23 committee keeps a close eye on the security situation in the entire region and works in close cooperation with the government security and immigration agencies, local government and especially the
These are for Uganda: Ministry of Internal Affairs, Uganda Police Defence Force, Uganda Police, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and District Local Government. And for Kenya: Kenya Police and Kenya County Tourism Agency who coordinate on our behalf with their agencies.
The event is obligated to get security clearance of these bodies in order to be allowed to start the event. This process includes joint route planning, risk management and allocation of security officials during the event.
The current security situation is positive for the event to take place. In case the situation changes, the TOK23 Committee reserves the right to change the route and or the accommodation equivalent to the original plan. Participants will be updated accordingly and any additional logistics will be managed by the organisation.
The event has a dedicated security person who is in close contact with the relevant bodies. The TOK23 committee conducts daily security briefings. And the riders are accompanied by government security officials on the trail.
What are the event timings, start, finish, and available pre-tours?
Transport during the event
The event organisation includes in the price: luggage, bicycle transport and people transfers only during the event. To and from the event transport of bicycles and people can be booked as an add-on.
Event timings and transport to – from the event
7 Classic Stages + 1 Day Cycling Safari Version
The full 7-stage Tour of Karamoja experience, includes 7 classic stages plus an additional 1 day voluntary Cycling Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park. This makes a total of 8 days on the saddle.
The event logistics partner offers personal transport with space for a bicycle and luggage to the starting point and from the finish for the full 7 stage version.
The participants arrive at the starting point the day before the event on Friday, 20th Oct.
The peloton departs on Saturday 21st October from Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
Arrives on Friday 27th October in Kidepo Valley National Park.
The riders will be free to join the Cycling Safari in the Park taking place on Saturday 28th October.
Departure from Kidepo on: Sunday 29th October
3-5 Stage Version
Participants can join the group transport TO the starting point of the 5 Stage version but not from the finish in Moroto. One can also join the group transport FROM the finish in Kidepo Valley National Park. But not to the start in Kotido. But If there is enough interest for the shorter versions, the TOK23 committee can support in organising logistics.
5 Classic Stages version
The 5 stage format starts together with the larger peloton in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and includes all the 3 day cross-border stages in Kenya. The finish takes place at the western slopes of Mount Moroto in Uganda with easy transportation back to Kampala.
The participants arrive at the starting point the day before the event on Friday, 20th Oct.
The peloton departs on Saturday 21st October from Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
Arrival in Moroto on Wednesday 25th October.
Departure from Moroto on: Thursday 26th October
2 Classic Stages + 1 Day Cycling Safari Version
The 2 stage format starts in Kotido town and provides a long weekend (Thurs, Frid, Sat) packed with two classic 100Km stages and a finish. The third day is a Cycling Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park.
The stage departure day is on Thursday 26th October from Kotido.
Arrives on Friday 27th October in Kidepo Valley National Park.
The riders will be free to join the Cycling Safari in the Park taking place on Saturday 28th October.
Departure from Kidepo on: Sunday 29th October
What’s the best bike for the tour?
The terrain of the tour is widely varied from rocky and bumpy climbs and fast descents, to soft sandy dry river crossings, hard-packed gravel, and the worst-case scenario of sticky muddy sections.
The organisation, therefore, recommends a sound and well-serviced bicycle with a chain in mint condition, smooth rolling bearings and a sufficient gear range to climb steep sections as well as pedal during long descents.
Shock-absorbing front shocks are a minimum requirement for a comfortable event. Full suspension or saddle shocks will give you the ultimate luxury but are not necessary. Tires more thin than 35mm are not recommended, which are especially uncomfortable on soft sand, rocky climbs and rough descents.
In general, we advise hardtail or full-suspension mountain bikes and gravel bikes with front suspension. Cyclocross or single-speed bikes are not recommended.
The organisation reserves the right to perform inspections on all bicycles before departure from Kampala to the starting point. 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.
Repair kit: All riders need to carry a bicycle repair kit to be able to do small repairs themselves or to help other riders to do so.
Which fitness/competitiveness can one join?
In order to fully enjoy all of this it is important that you have some amount of cycling kilometres in your legs…but don’t despair…you will all still make it.
The international singletrack difficulty grades for mtb comprises out of six difficulty ratings, ranging from S0 – S5. The TOK23 trail rating is S3,S4 and S5.
Expert Mountain Bike Ride (S3)
The stages are graded as ‘Expert Mountain Bike Ride’ on the upper scale of S3 – S5. The grading is based on rides of more than 5 hours or 915m of elevation gain. Requires very good fitness. Advanced riding skills necessary. A few portions of the Trail may require you to push your bike.
Training tips
So begin your training latest today…don’t start with 100 km…start with a small distance, maybe 20 km and then slowly increase the distance every time you ride by perhaps 5 km. In the beginning, ride maybe 3 times a week at a very relaxed pace. Listen to your body and don’t overdo the riding. Slowly after some weeks of training, you will start feeling stronger and it can be time to add on the mileage.
The most important thing about this tour is that you need to train on a bicycle to get ready. Running doesn’t work on the same muscles you need for cycling, but it’s great to combine both exercises. It’s also important to build your confidence in riding a bicycle with gears offroad, climbing hills, riding on small paths, rocky terrain and soft sand.
The fun of enjoying the tour is being able to climb the hills as well as ride the flat sections. We, therefore, advise you to build strong legs as well as endurance. A great way to do so is by attending spinning classes or doing climbing training on an indoor bicycle. Of course, the most fun and confidence comes from challenging yourself outdoors.
Temperature
Heat is also one of the known challenges faced by riders of the tour and it has defeated the fittest participants. But don’t worry, it’s all bout being prepared by rehydrating yourself timely. The air evaporates your sweat quickly, so you might not realise it as you normally do. It’s therefore important to drink rehydrating drinks. The tour, therefore, has 3 stops during a stage where you can refill your bottles with water. The 16K m an hour is based on the several hills climbed and we try to mix the stages with views where you would like to stop. As well as colourful community experiences.
What’s the duration of the tour, stage distances, and stage duration?
There is a comprehensive overview of the stages and distances on the website. Please visit the TRAIL PAGE.
Average time per stage
The daily departure time is 7:30AM and the average arrival time is 3-4PM.
The average time on the saddle is 6hrs. The time excludes the average time of 1 hour for Lunch and 2 stops of 30 minutes for refreshments.
Do you have prices for Ugandan citizens?
Yes we do have, please find all information in the RIDERS MANUAL as well as listed below:
Standard camping tickets
Full event
Residents and Foreigners: $1150
East African Citizen: UGX 2,200,000
South circuit
Residents and Foreigners: $795
East African Citizen: UGX 1,490,000
North circuit
Residents and Foreigners: $495
East African Citizen: UGX 950,000
What does the cyclist support look like?
Bicycle repairs
We will have a mechanical support vehicle that will follow the course to assist with mechanical problems and help you make it to the finish in the best possible condition.
We are not able to carry spare wheels for you during the week from stage to stage.
If you need to buy bike parts during the week if necessary, the mechanical service will be at the Race Village and at the start and finish line. Find out more about the event partners HERE.
Puncture repair is not included in this so you will need to bring spare tubes (with appropriate valves) and tools. During the stage, you should have at least the requirements listed below under ‘What should be in my repair kit’?
Health
Motorbikes with experienced first aid workers will follow the riders full time during each stage. The motorbikes are able to quickly respond to any emergency and provide first aid. In case the rider cant continue riding, he/she will be transported by vehicle to the finish. An experienced medical nurse is present in the vehicle to give the necessary attention.
In case there’s need of immediate medical attention, beyond what the medical nurse can give, the casualty will be transported to the nearby hospital, health centre or airstrip based on the needs.
Emergency response: The medical service of the Tour of Karamoja will consist of experienced doctors, first aid volunteers, emergency response workers, and ambulances.
Air Evacuation: The ticket price includes AMREF Air Evacuation Response for incidents that require medical attention beyond the capacity of the emergency response team and local medical facilities.
Withdrawal of unfit rider: During the race, Tour of Karamoja Medical Officer reserves the right to withdraw a rider who is not considered physically or mentally capable of continuing.
Feed and drinks
There will be 4 feed stations per stage including at the finish line. All feed stations throughout the Tour of Karamoja will be stocked with a variety of different products to help you fuel and keep you hydrated during your ride. From a variety of drinks, sweet and savoury whole foods, there will be something to suit everyone’s taste.
Morning snack station
Lunch station
Afternoon snack station
Finishers station
Guides
The peloton of riders is always assisted by a team of local guides and volunteers who’ve participated in the event several times. The peloton naturally will be divided in different groups based on speed. Due to the supported nature of the event, we have a limit of groups which can be accompanied by motorbikes with first aid, security and guides.
Cut-off time
The cut-off time for each stage is 4:30PM. Riders must complete every stage inside the set time in order to maintain the safety of the rider and the support team as a whole.
Should you overrun the cut-off time during a stage, you are obligated to get into the broom wagon vehicle which follows the race.
The average speed required to complete the stages within the time limit varies between 14 and 18 km/h, but generally, it means riding an average of 16 km/h depending on the length of the stage and ascent.
Security
The event has a dedicated security person who is in close contact with the relevant bodies. The TOK23 committee conducts daily security briefings. And the riders are accompanied by government security officials on the trail and at the resting places.
Communication
Every group will be accompanied by a Radio Telephone transmitter. These are in touch with the following vehicles. The following vehicles are in touch with the organising committee.
Can we rent bikes?
TOK23 works with service providers for bike rental. We rent out hard-tail Mountain Bikes which are suitable for the terrains and have the required specifications. Bikes are available in different sizes, female and male design.
Riders can rent a bike for 8 days including transport to-from the event and daily bike check. Read more about the prices on the event TICKET PAGE.
What will happen to the Jersey’s ordered the last event? And for this event?
Unfortunately, the supplier of the previous event failed to deliver the jerseys. We have sorted a new service provider and the jerseys of last year as well as this year will be delivered one month before the event.
The design doesn’t have any dates printed, which means that it can be enjoyed by the event participants as well as riders who are cycling the Warrior Nomad Trail outside of this event.
Is there any fundraising for Matany Girls’ School?
The organisation aims at raising funds for 20 vulnerable girls from host communities along the trail to offer them life-changing vocational training at Matany Girls’ Vocational School (MAGVS).
MAGVS is the only community-based vocational school for girls in Karamoja that offers quality and relevant skills training programs to vulnerable girls and out-of-school youth.
Fundraising: Engage your friends, colleagues and family to sponsor $1 for each Km you ride. 563 Km = $563 that fully sponsors one girl for a six months vocational course including internship, coaching and East African certification.
Embrace your inner Warrior Nomad with the new Tour of Karamoja cycling jersey. Designed to take on the challenging Karamoja terrain, this premium jersey is built for both performance and purpose.
Saturday 21st October 2022 – The Dutch ambassador flagged off the Tour of Karamoja and launched the Warrior Nomad Trail. Through eco-tourism development Kara-Tunga Tours fosters peace, prosperity, conservation and creates jobs in the Karamoja region. Additionally, the Tour supports 20 girls to access education through Ride 4 Girl Child initiative.
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Tour of Karamoja Q&A – 4th August 2023
Find answers to questions raised by aspiring and signed-up riders for the Tour of Karamoja 2023 event.
Where can I find answers to Frequently Asked Questions?
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page HERE. And have a look at the event news page for updates like this one HERE.
Where can I download the Riders Manual?
The riders manual contains a lot of information that can help you to plan your participants. We only provide this information to pre-registered people. Click HERE to download it as well.
What does the registration and payment process look like?
After pre-registration, successful applications will receive the final registration form and payment details. Find the ticket options, upgrades, terms and conditions HERE.
Booking process
The process goes in chronological order as following:
When are we receiving the invoice after full registration?
Invoices are sent to the fully registered participants starting from Monday 7th August.
Upgrades
The tour offers a standard package with two categories of accommodation upgrades being 1) camping 2) hotel. Learn more about the inclusions and exclusions on the TICKET PAGE.
Payment options
The Tour of Karamoja offers the following payment options. The funds need to be received in USD and transaction fees are for the sender.
What does the security situation look like?
The TOK23 committee keeps a close eye on the security situation in the entire region and works in close cooperation with the government security and immigration agencies, local government and especially the
These are for Uganda: Ministry of Internal Affairs, Uganda Police Defence Force, Uganda Police, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and District Local Government. And for Kenya: Kenya Police and Kenya County Tourism Agency who coordinate on our behalf with their agencies.
The event is obligated to get security clearance of these bodies in order to be allowed to start the event. This process includes joint route planning, risk management and allocation of security officials during the event.
The current security situation is positive for the event to take place. In case the situation changes, the TOK23 Committee reserves the right to change the route and or the accommodation equivalent to the original plan. Participants will be updated accordingly and any additional logistics will be managed by the organisation.
The event has a dedicated security person who is in close contact with the relevant bodies. The TOK23 committee conducts daily security briefings. And the riders are accompanied by government security officials on the trail.
What are the event timings, start, finish, and available pre-tours?
Transport during the event
The event organisation includes in the price: luggage, bicycle transport and people transfers only during the event. To and from the event transport of bicycles and people can be booked as an add-on.
Event timings and transport to – from the event
7 Classic Stages + 1 Day Cycling Safari Version
The full 7-stage Tour of Karamoja experience, includes 7 classic stages plus an additional 1 day voluntary Cycling Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park. This makes a total of 8 days on the saddle.
The event logistics partner offers personal transport with space for a bicycle and luggage to the starting point and from the finish for the full 7 stage version.
3-5 Stage Version
Participants can join the group transport TO the starting point of the 5 Stage version but not from the finish in Moroto. One can also join the group transport FROM the finish in Kidepo Valley National Park. But not to the start in Kotido. But If there is enough interest for the shorter versions, the TOK23 committee can support in organising logistics.
5 Classic Stages version
The 5 stage format starts together with the larger peloton in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and includes all the 3 day cross-border stages in Kenya. The finish takes place at the western slopes of Mount Moroto in Uganda with easy transportation back to Kampala.
2 Classic Stages + 1 Day Cycling Safari Version
The 2 stage format starts in Kotido town and provides a long weekend (Thurs, Frid, Sat) packed with two classic 100Km stages and a finish. The third day is a Cycling Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park.
What’s the best bike for the tour?
The terrain of the tour is widely varied from rocky and bumpy climbs and fast descents, to soft sandy dry river crossings, hard-packed gravel, and the worst-case scenario of sticky muddy sections.
The organisation, therefore, recommends a sound and well-serviced bicycle with a chain in mint condition, smooth rolling bearings and a sufficient gear range to climb steep sections as well as pedal during long descents.
Shock-absorbing front shocks are a minimum requirement for a comfortable event. Full suspension or saddle shocks will give you the ultimate luxury but are not necessary. Tires more thin than 35mm are not recommended, which are especially uncomfortable on soft sand, rocky climbs and rough descents.
In general, we advise hardtail or full-suspension mountain bikes and gravel bikes with front suspension. Cyclocross or single-speed bikes are not recommended.
The organisation reserves the right to perform inspections on all bicycles before departure from Kampala to the starting point. Failure to comply with the below regulation could result in a participant not being allowed to start the event.
Which fitness/competitiveness can one join?
In order to fully enjoy all of this it is important that you have some amount of cycling kilometres in your legs…but don’t despair…you will all still make it.
The international singletrack difficulty grades for mtb comprises out of six difficulty ratings, ranging from S0 – S5. The TOK23 trail rating is S3,S4 and S5.
Expert Mountain Bike Ride (S3)
The stages are graded as ‘Expert Mountain Bike Ride’ on the upper scale of S3 – S5. The grading is based on rides of more than 5 hours or 915m of elevation gain. Requires very good fitness. Advanced riding skills necessary. A few portions of the Trail may require you to push your bike.
Training tips
So begin your training latest today…don’t start with 100 km…start with a small distance, maybe 20 km and then slowly increase the distance every time you ride by perhaps 5 km. In the beginning, ride maybe 3 times a week at a very relaxed pace. Listen to your body and don’t overdo the riding. Slowly after some weeks of training, you will start feeling stronger and it can be time to add on the mileage.
The most important thing about this tour is that you need to train on a bicycle to get ready. Running doesn’t work on the same muscles you need for cycling, but it’s great to combine both exercises. It’s also important to build your confidence in riding a bicycle with gears offroad, climbing hills, riding on small paths, rocky terrain and soft sand.
The fun of enjoying the tour is being able to climb the hills as well as ride the flat sections. We, therefore, advise you to build strong legs as well as endurance. A great way to do so is by attending spinning classes or doing climbing training on an indoor bicycle. Of course, the most fun and confidence comes from challenging yourself outdoors.
Temperature
Heat is also one of the known challenges faced by riders of the tour and it has defeated the fittest participants. But don’t worry, it’s all bout being prepared by rehydrating yourself timely. The air evaporates your sweat quickly, so you might not realise it as you normally do. It’s therefore important to drink rehydrating drinks. The tour, therefore, has 3 stops during a stage where you can refill your bottles with water. The 16K m an hour is based on the several hills climbed and we try to mix the stages with views where you would like to stop. As well as colourful community experiences.
What’s the duration of the tour, stage distances, and stage duration?
There is a comprehensive overview of the stages and distances on the website. Please visit the TRAIL PAGE.
Average time per stage
The daily departure time is 7:30AM and the average arrival time is 3-4PM.
The average time on the saddle is 6hrs. The time excludes the average time of 1 hour for Lunch and 2 stops of 30 minutes for refreshments.
Do you have prices for Ugandan citizens?
Yes we do have, please find all information in the RIDERS MANUAL as well as listed below:
Standard camping tickets
What does the cyclist support look like?
Bicycle repairs
We will have a mechanical support vehicle that will follow the course to assist with mechanical problems and help you make it to the finish in the best possible condition.
We are not able to carry spare wheels for you during the week from stage to stage.
If you need to buy bike parts during the week if necessary, the mechanical service will be at the Race Village and at the start and finish line. Find out more about the event partners HERE.
Puncture repair is not included in this so you will need to bring spare tubes (with appropriate valves) and tools. During the stage, you should have at least the requirements listed below under ‘What should be in my repair kit’?
Health
Motorbikes with experienced first aid workers will follow the riders full time during each stage. The motorbikes are able to quickly respond to any emergency and provide first aid. In case the rider cant continue riding, he/she will be transported by vehicle to the finish. An experienced medical nurse is present in the vehicle to give the necessary attention.
In case there’s need of immediate medical attention, beyond what the medical nurse can give, the casualty will be transported to the nearby hospital, health centre or airstrip based on the needs.
Feed and drinks
There will be 4 feed stations per stage including at the finish line. All feed stations throughout the Tour of Karamoja will be stocked with a variety of different products to help you fuel and keep you hydrated during your ride. From a variety of drinks, sweet and savoury whole foods, there will be something to suit everyone’s taste.
Guides
The peloton of riders is always assisted by a team of local guides and volunteers who’ve participated in the event several times. The peloton naturally will be divided in different groups based on speed. Due to the supported nature of the event, we have a limit of groups which can be accompanied by motorbikes with first aid, security and guides.
Cut-off time
The cut-off time for each stage is 4:30PM. Riders must complete every stage inside the set time in order to maintain the safety of the rider and the support team as a whole.
Should you overrun the cut-off time during a stage, you are obligated to get into the broom wagon vehicle which follows the race.
The average speed required to complete the stages within the time limit varies between 14 and 18 km/h, but generally, it means riding an average of 16 km/h depending on the length of the stage and ascent.
Security
The event has a dedicated security person who is in close contact with the relevant bodies. The TOK23 committee conducts daily security briefings. And the riders are accompanied by government security officials on the trail and at the resting places.
Communication
Every group will be accompanied by a Radio Telephone transmitter. These are in touch with the following vehicles. The following vehicles are in touch with the organising committee.
Can we rent bikes?
TOK23 works with service providers for bike rental. We rent out hard-tail Mountain Bikes which are suitable for the terrains and have the required specifications. Bikes are available in different sizes, female and male design.
Riders can rent a bike for 8 days including transport to-from the event and daily bike check. Read more about the prices on the event TICKET PAGE.
What will happen to the Jersey’s ordered the last event? And for this event?
Unfortunately, the supplier of the previous event failed to deliver the jerseys. We have sorted a new service provider and the jerseys of last year as well as this year will be delivered one month before the event.
The design doesn’t have any dates printed, which means that it can be enjoyed by the event participants as well as riders who are cycling the Warrior Nomad Trail outside of this event.
Is there any fundraising for Matany Girls’ School?
The organisation aims at raising funds for 20 vulnerable girls from host communities along the trail to offer them life-changing vocational training at Matany Girls’ Vocational School (MAGVS).
MAGVS is the only community-based vocational school for girls in Karamoja that offers quality and relevant skills training programs to vulnerable girls and out-of-school youth.
Learn more about the campaign on the RIDE4GIRLCHILD PAGE.
Raise 1 USD per KM
Fundraising: Engage your friends, colleagues and family to sponsor $1 for each Km you ride. 563 Km = $563 that fully sponsors one girl for a six months vocational course including internship, coaching and East African certification.
Donate individually or start a fundraiser
Donwload individually to the campaign here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ride4girlchild-2023
Start your own fundraiser and get a link to be shared with your friends, family and colleagues by clicking here: GoFundMe.
Where can we download the stage GPX files?
View and download all GPX files from the website as well: www.kara-tunga.com/tour-of-karamoja/trail or visit the KOMOOT event page for more easy access as well
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