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Kasanje Bike Park

An adventure worth the ride

This plan shows the network of trails through the forest
This plan shows the network of trails through the forest

Did you know that Uganda has exactly one bike park—and that it’s only about 50 kilometers outside Kampala? What sounds like a short trip on paper quickly turns into a small adventure, and honestly, that’s part of the magic.

There are two main ways to get there. One option includes a ferry crossing; the other is an “roads only” route. We chose the second—and spent nearly two hours navigating mostly unpaved dirt roads. It’s bumpy, dusty, and occasionally tests your patience, but it also offers beautiful rural scenery and a real sense of going somewhere special.

 

 

💡 Tip: Go on a weekend. That’s when the small community café is open—and you’ll be glad it is.

This is the skill track
This is the skill track

 

 

A Park Built for Everyone

What makes this bike park truly special isn’t just the tracks—it’s the philosophy behind it.

The park is completely free and meant to stay that way forever. Their promise is clear: there will never be an entrance fee. No gates. No fences. Just a simple welcome sign and open access for everyone.

The park is deeply woven into everyday community life. One of the village’s main water-collection routes runs right through the park. Children walk past with their yellow jerrycans, sometimes pausing on their way home to climb, swing, or play on the beautiful wooden playground nestled inside the grounds. It’s not a space set apart—it’s a shared space.

That openness and community-oriented approach makes the park feel alive, grounded, and genuinely welcoming.

 

 

And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a place unforgettable.

A very fun weekend trip
A very fun weekend trip

 

What to Expect at the Bike Park

Here’s what you’ll find once you arrive:

  • 🚴🏾 A skill track, a pump track, and three larger loops with different difficulty levels

  • 🌳 Two shaded seating areas where you can relax or eat your own snacks

  • One small café (open on weekends) serving African tea, sodas, and chips for around 10,000 UGX

  • 🔧 A bike shop with accessories (planned, but not yet open)

It’s simple, thoughtfully designed, and focused on function rather than flash.

 

 

The cafe - open on the weekends
The cafe - open on the weekends

The Journey Is the Adventure

This bike park is a wonderful place—but it’s important to see the journey as part of the experience. If you expect smooth highways and a quick drive, the dirt roads might dampen your motivation. If, however, you embrace the ride as an adventure, the destination feels even more rewarding.

 

 

In a country where accessible recreational spaces are rare, this park stands out—not because it’s polished, but because it’s open, inclusive, and rooted in community.

Bring your own snacks and drinks
Bring your own snacks and drinks
Expect to drive the main part on a road like this
Expect to drive the main part on a road like this