Sarah Clewlow

Putting pen to paper about Uganda has been a real struggle, the simple reason is I just didn’t know what to say!

I asked someone yesterday “what do you remember about Uganda” they took a deep breath and said “ I am struggling “.

After chatting for a while we exchanged stories and I managed to reminisce quite easily about our 10 days there.

Uganda is tagged as the pearl of Africa. Something initially we all struggled with after such a magical time in Rwanda.

Why did we struggle? I think the simple reason for me was the first day experiences people had put a dampener on the country, taking days for it to redeem itself, but redeem itself it did.

Day one as we crossed the border, everything changed. From the welcoming, overpopulated excitement of every Rwandan we passed . A country where it was virtually impossible to go for a wild wee, as literally someone would appear. To more sparse open lands and a less than warm welcome.

Most riders experienced some level of animosity as we entered a new land, From being hit by sticks, having rocks thrown at them or people feigning an attack. I was one of the lucky ones.

However, it put doubt in my mind every day for the first few days, waiting for something the happen and questioning in my mind people’s intentions as I cycled past. I hated being like this, I wanted to ease into a new country and give people a chance.

Thankfully as the days passed, the people changed and so did my mindset.

The roaring encouragement from the roadside returned and so did my enthusiasm for the country.

Morning’s became my favourite part of the day. The stunning sunrises, people going about their day, preparing for work and school, and of course the temperatures were cooler.

As we edged closer to the equator the sun scorched your skin, with UV levels stronger than I had ever experienced. One day it nearly took me off my bike, but the chefs hosed me down as I limped into camp!

Not only did the scenery change, the heat increased, the roads worsened and the rains came. Thankfully I avoided the down pours as I had chosen a room upgrade.

As the rains cleared, my enthusiasm returned and I left Uganda with far more positive vibes than when I had entered. The landscapes truly allow them to tag themselves as the pearl of Africa.

Uganda is now well behind me and we are already talking about entering Tanzania in only a few days. Kenya has been totally different again, but more to follow on that later!

Where equator crossings become equally hilarious, I was introduced to Bush Camping and fatigue set in.

Country four is nearly complete and I think the update will

Happen way sooner than Uganda. Kenya so far has been epic ….