Mountain bike around mount Kilimanjaro, individual or group’s size
The trail around Africa‘s tallest mountain and highest volcano is 230 miles long and involves 16000ft of climbing. It takes us through solitary rainforests, fertile fields of crop and through wild, dry acacia rich savannah, which is the home of the Masai. The tracks around the cloud shrouded, snow-capped roof of Africa are mainly dusty, sometimes rocky, with a few asphalt roads. We spend a night in a Masai cultural village to get to know their customs, songs and dishes. On a safari in Arusha National Park see some of Africa´s amazing wildlife. Two packages are available: with a local mountain bike guide only, you carry your own luggage during the rides or, a comfort option where a backup vehicle is always around so distances can be shortened to individual needs.
Day 1
Arrival Kilimanjaro, transfer to Hotel. After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport you are welcomed by your tour guide. Transfer to your first accommodation the Key´s Hotel. (D)
Day 2
Bike Tour around Moshi. This day is for your acclimatization. After adjusting the bikes your guide will ride with you along the lower slopes of the volcano and around town. (12-25 mi., hg +1000-3000ft. gravel/tar). Distances and climbs can be adjusted. (B,D)
Day 3
Bike Tour Moshi – Lake Chala. The route is on uneven paths, mainly over farmland of the Chagga people. A long climb leads to Marangu, one of the gateway points to Kilimanjaro. Banana and coffee plantations change with little villages. The kids have a ball and come running to the road calling “Mzungu”. Towards the end an 8 mile downhill takes us back into savannah country to a beautiful lodge at Lake Chala, offering swimming, birding and game viewing on foot. (B,L,D) (44 mi., hg +3600 ft., gravel tracks/tar)
Day 4
Bike Tour Lake Chala – Rongai. We are heading further north anti-clockwise around the volcano. In the higher regions we see good farming practice of water and soil saving agriculture of the locals. We ride close to the Kenyan border climbing gently to higher altitude. The last 6 miles are on tar and steep. In the afternoon we arrive at our cozy chalets. This is one of the starting points leading onto the mountain. If you want to get a taste of what it’s like you can go for a walk. (B,L,D) (40 mi., hg +3300 ft., tracks/tar)
Day 5
Bike tour Rongai – Olpopongi Masai village. Cross the northern ridge of Kilimanjaro to the highest point of the tour at 6300 ft. Our tires will reach their limit, because nobody can escape the large acacia thorns. During the last miles we might spot some game. At Masai cultural village of Olpopongi we will sleep in typical rondavels. (B,L,D) (62 mi., hg +3300 ft., gravel tracks)
Day 6
Bike tour Olopopongi – Momella. In the morning we will ride between Mt. Kili. and Mt. Meru. During the hilly and dusty ride we might spot elephants, zebra, antelope, and buffalo. Stay at the charming Momella Lodge. In the late afternoon we will head for Arusha National Park in a 4×4. Giraffe, zebra, buffalo and elephant are the large animals, monkeys and countless birds are the little animals in the park. (B,L,D) (28 mi., hg +1000 ft., gravel tracks)
Day 7
Bike tour Momella – Moshi. Through acacia and shrub landscape we head back to Mt. Kilimanjaro. A steep climb brings us back into Chagga territory. Banana and coffee plantations are accompanied by little Settlements. We will descend for lovely Weru Weru River Lodge. In the evening we can celebrate the circumnavigation of Africa`s highest mountain with some cold Kilimanjaro beer. (B,L,D) (56 mi., hg +4500 ft., gravel tracks/tar)
Day 8
Saying farewell. After breakfast, relax by the pool or join the guide for a walk through Moshi. A transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport ends this adventurous trip.
Note:
Accommodation subject to availability*
There are different extension possibilities:
- NEW: Since 1.1.2018 it is now possible to cycle in the National Park and therefore onto Mt. Kilimanjaro!Climb onto Africa’s highest Mountain to Uhuru Peak at 19430 ft. Description on the next page. There is a discount when booking both tours.
- You can also visit the amazing national parks – Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti with its massive zebra and wildebeest migrations.
Contact us and we create your individual Extension. For this tour we offer hard tails for hire.