FAQ

We expect all riders at 3 PM on Friday 25th October 2024 in Karita. This enables riders to check their bikes, put up camp and join a short ride at 5 PM to loosen the muscles. Diner and opening programme starts at 7 PM.

To avoid traffic in Kampala, we advise to leave at 6 AM. From Jinja onwards the traffic reduces and you can move freely to Karita. You can get breakfast in Jinja and Iganga and we advise to have lunch in Mbale before proceeding to Karita.

The road is tarmac from Kampala up to the Chepsikunya village whereafter the road turns east around Mount Elgon towards the Kenyan border. The last 53Km are fair when dry but of poor quality when it rains.

Find the guest house in Karita on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DbU45PBWNvfY3o3r7

Telephone contact for inquiries: +256 781 283 494 (Christine)

To avoid traffic in Kampala, the group transport leaves at 6 AM. From Jinja onwards the traffic reduces and we can move freely to Karamoja. You can get breakfast in Jinja and Iganga and we advise to have lunch in Mbale before proceeding to Karita.

The contact person for the group transport is: Robert +256 789 206 839 and +256 754 076 185

We expect all riders at 3 PM on Friday 25th October 2024 in Karita. This enables riders to check their bikes, put up camp and join a short ride at 5 PM to loosen the muscles. Diner and opening programme starts at 7 PM.

• Departure point 1: The group transport will leave at exactly 6 AM from Endiro Coffee Muyenga, located at Tank Hill Road in Kampala.
• Departure point 2: The next stop will be at the parking of Lugugo Shopping Mall opposite Cafe Javas.

Bicycles should be dropped-off at Google Maps address ‘135 Kalungu Rd 1 Kampala, Central Region‘. Reach out to the contact person: Joseph at +256 756 073 721.

Directions

• When coming from Kabalagala: Take Ggaba road and branch left opposite Hass Petroleum Bunga onto Kibaale Rd. Then continue onto Nanjala Rd until you reach the destination.
• When coming from Munyonyo/Speke Resort: Take Ggaba road towards Kabalagala and branch right at petrol station Oryx Energies Bunga. Branch directly left onto Nanjala Rd until you reach the destination.

Entrance of the compound

All participants are required to have valid travel documents to cross the border from Uganda to Kenya and Back. The appropriate documents are one of these (including Electronic Versions):

• Multiple-entry East-Africa VISA
• East African Work Permit
• East African Citizenship / ID or Passport

Deposit

A 20% deposit payment within 14 calendar days of receiving the invoice is obligatory to reserve your seat.

Instalments

Payment is possible in four (4) instalments, which includes the obligatory deposit and full payment before the deadline 31st August 2024.

After pre-registration, successful applications will receive the final registration form and payment details. Find the package options, upgrades, terms and conditions HERE.

Learn more about the inclusions and exclusions on the packages page HERE.

The Tour of Karamoja only accepts payment through bank transfer. The funds need to be received in USD and transaction fees are for the sender.

In the case that Tour of Karamoja 2024 is unable to happen or restricted due to state health guidelines, natural disaster, or other reasons, registrants will receive a partial refund based on how far out from the event cancellation occurs, according to the scale HERE.

• Bicycle + Helmet Rental: The Tour of Karamoja offers gravel bikes and mountain bikes for hire. You will be able to book your bike during the full registration. Read more on the packages page.
• Transport to the starting point: Group transport to the starting point is included in all packages. The vehicle(s) depart from Kampala’s capital city.
• Post-event transfer: Book post-race transfer from Kidepo Valley National Park to Kampala by air or road. You will be able to book the transport also during the full registration. MORE
• Cycling Jersey, Massage Service: All these extra’s can be booked during the full registration. Read more on the packages page.

All participants are required to have valid travel documents to cross the border from Uganda to Kenya and Back. The appropriate documents are one of these:

• Multiple-entry East-Africa VISA
• East African Work Permit
• East African Citizenship / ID or Passport

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, and 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’?

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:

• Quick link and chain breaker

• Tire leavers + extra pieces

• Spare break pads

• Cable ties

• Multi-tool or bike repair tools

• Tire sealant

• Tubes

• Pre-glue patches / Tire patch kit

• Gaffer tape or Duck tape

• Super glue or shoe glue

• Spare valve

• Tubeless plugs / Car plugs

• Curved needle and thread

• Piece of old tire sidewall

• Valve core tool

• Small multitool knive / leatherman

• High volume pump

• Dynaplug

• Oversized plug (car)

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.
• Repair kit: All riders need to carry a bicycle repair kit to be able to do small repairs yourself or to help other riders to do so

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:

Equipment

• GPS Navigation Device
• At least 3 litres drinking liquids capacity per rider. Extra bottles or camelbacks are recommended.
• Mobile phone with Ugandan SIM, loaded with internet and minutes for calling
• Helmet and gloves (gloves are a must)

First Aid Kit – containing a minimum of:

• Foil survival blanket
• First Aid Dressings x 3 (Sizes 2, 3 and 4 recommended)
• Adhesive first aid plasters x 5
• Sun-block with a minimum SPF factor of 30
• Any riders on specific personal medications are responsible for supplying and carrying such medication.

• Valid Passport / National ID
• East Africa VISA or similar document
• General vaccination book
• Comfy clothes for hot and cold weather
• Shoes
• Slippers / sandals
• Headlamp
• Blanket, Sleeping bag, Mattress cover
• Large powerbank
• Chargers
• Extra batteries
• Toiletries (bio degradable)
• Quick drying towel
• Padlock (bag / suitcase)

• A rider not wearing a helmet at any stage of the race will be disqualified
• All helmets must comply with international ‘ANSI’ standards
• 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
• Water camel back
• A windbreaker/gilet
• Base layer
• Mobile phone in water/sweatproof pouch
• Hand gloves
• Bib short

Any amount is welcome to support the girl child.

Sponsor a Kilometer: For 1 EURO or USD per kilometer, you can help provide a girl with six months of vocational training, including internship, coaching, and certification.

This is a great way to engage your colleagues, friends and family to support the cause. We advise the following platforms to help you collect funds while promoting on your social media and other ways: GoFundMe and KickStarter.

Contact us for any questions, ideas or if you would like content to enrich your fundraising campaign. Don’t worry if you’re new to this—we’ll provide all the support you need, including photos and post ideas to help you get started.

Donations can be deposited or transferred to the following US Dollar account registered in Uganda. Share the proof of payment with projects@kara-tunga.com and receive a confirmation letter.

Account name: Kara-Tunga Foundation
Account number: 3100097318
Currency: US Dollars
Bank name: Centenary Bank
Bank branch: Moroto
Bank address: P.O. Box 111 Moroto, Lia Street
BIC /SWIFT Code: CERBUGKA XXX

Donors will receive an official letter of gratitude and also student progress updates via email by Matany Girl’s Vocational School.

Riders will be accommodated at Matany Girls’ Vocational School during the tour. They will be able to see the institute, meet with graduates and the school administration.

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

You will find the summarised race information on the event homepage and detailed information on the trail page on the website. GPX files are downloadable from the trail page.

The definitive GPX files will be sent by Newsletter and in the even Whatsapp Group. Be aware that the elevation gain shown by the GPX might change depending on which device (system, brand, ..) you’re using to read it.

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 18km/h, but generally, it means riding an average of 16km/h depending on the length of the stage and ascent.

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.

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 training you will start feeling stronger and it can be time to add on the mileage.

Find Tour of Karamoja ambassadors who organise group rides in the participants Whatsapp Group (you will get an invitation after pre-registration).

Connect to friends and get motivated  by joining the Tour of Karamoja Strava Club.

The international singletrack difficulty grades for mtb comprises out of six difficulty ratings, ranging from S0 – S5.

Expert Mountain Bike Ride (S3 – S5)

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. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.

S3 Trails
Trails that include blocked singletracks, hairpin turns and tricky traverses. Loose scree and slippery terrain comprise the majority of the trail. Good command of the bike, excellent balance, unbroken concentration and controlled braking skills required.


S4 Trails
Very steep and physically demanding sections of trail. Demanding root passages and very loose scree is to be expected. Exceptional riding skills are required, such as the ability to independently maneuver the front and back wheels, as well as perfect braking technique and balance. Only extremely experienced mountain bikers should attempt S4 trails.




S5 Trails
Incredibly demanding trails that very few attempt. Expect seriously tight hairpin bends, blocked terrain, scree slopes, jumps and extreme steepness. Little to no braking time demands exceptional bike control. You will likely have to push/carry your bike at numerous points, although the steepness of certain sections may render this incredibly difficult.

Explore the detailed trail HERE and learn more about the scale on the website of Komoot.

The 407.1 Km trail is divided in 4 stages and has total of 2,660 of climbing. It starts from Matany Girls’ and finishing at Kidepo Valley National Park.

The 298.2 Km trail is divided in 4 stages and has total of 1,940 m of climbing. It starts from Karita and finishing at Matany Girls’.

The 705 Km trail is divided in 8 stages and has total of 4,600 of climbing. It starts from Karita and finishes at Kidepo Valley National Park.

Read more on the Accommodation page.

• Hotel packages: The full event has 5 hotel nights and 5 lazy camping* nights. The lazy camping arrangement requires riders to bring their own pillow and mattress. There are two hotel packages available: 1) The Budget Hotel package offers basic room options including 2 nights of Lazy Camping in Kidepo Valley with linnen. 2) The Comfort Hotel package offers standard room options including 2 nights of Ensuite Safari Tent in Kidepo Valley with linnen.
• *Lazy camping package: A spacious 3x3m canvas dome tent with a mattress. Riders are required to bring their own pillow and sleeping bag.
• Camping package: Bring your own camping gear and enjoy the most affordable event package.

• Single room: One room for one rider. The price is for the room.
• Shared Double room (ideal for a couple): One room for two people with a double bed to share. The indicated price is per room and only one person has to pay for the room.
• Shared Twin room (ideal for friends): One room for two riders with 2 separated beds. The price is for the bed, each rider pay for his/her bed. Roommate name can be shared with us through the Accommodation Section of the Full Registration Form that you will receive before the event. If no specific roommate, you can indicate to be willing to share with another rider of the same gender.

Do you want to share a room with a friend? Both of you need to book a shared package.

• Enter the name of your roommate on the Accommodation Section of the Full Registration Form that you will receive after Pre-Registration. The organisation will do its best to follow your request. However, the form does not guarantee a shared room.
• Your roommate also needs to register the same type of accommodation package.
• Booking a Shared Room Without a Specific Roommate is not possible.

Your entry fee includes breakfast at the camp, packed lunch during the ride and dinner at the next camp. The event catering is at the same location of hotel packages rooms. It’s only at Savannah Lodge in Kidepo Valley where breakfast is included in the hotel package because the event village is at a different location.

• Dietary requirements: If you have any specific dietary requirements, let us know when filling in your “Personal Information” in the Full Registration form.
• Feed stations: products on feed stations are not gluten-free (energetic barres, cereals bars or cookies). But there are plenty of different items that you will be able to eat like fresh fruit, cheese, potatoes etc. We advise you to bring with you enough gluten-free bars for all stages.

All pre-registered participants will be receiving key information for their event via email.

Follow @karatungatours for updates on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Youtube

Your medical certificate needs to be uploaded during the full registration process and must be less than one year old. Your certificate is not validated until you receive a confirmation from the Tour of Karamoja organisation per e-mail.

You can find a medical certificate template in English HERE.

• Emergency response: The medical service of the Tour of Karamoja will consist of experienced doctors, first aid volunteers, emergency response workers, and ambulances.
• Emergency phone number: will be put in place so that each participant can easily, in case of any major medical emergency, inform of their situation and do so 24/7 during the entire event.
• Air Evacuation: The packages price includes AMREF Air Evacuation Response for incidents that require medical attention beyond the capacity of the emergency response team and local medical facilities.

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.

There is a mandatory daily Riders Briefing taking place in the evening before each stage.

The Technical Director will present a summary of the next stage at the Daily Safety Briefing. The following day’s stage will then be presented to the participants, which will include:

• Essential information on the route
• Timing
• Weather forecast
• Road conditions
• Other important safety information

Any last-minute changes to the stage will be communicated during this briefing. It is mandatory that all participants attend the Safety Briefing.