
Tanzania
Tanzania - Cycling around Kilimanjaro
Tanzania - Cycling around Kilimanjaro
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Smoke
Tour type
Individual
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Lodge
Overview
On this bike tour you experience the landscape and people around Africa's highest mountain. On forest trails and dirt roads you ride from Moshi via West Kilimanjaro and Nalemoru to Rongai and Lake Chala, through rainforest, plantations and dry steppe, to Marangu – with time for colourful markets and encounters.
On this tour, you'll experience the landscape and the people surrounding Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. You'll cycle through rainforests, banana and coffee plantations, dry steppes, and past crystal-blue lakes. Immerse yourself in the life, the landscape, and the people around Kilimanjaro. The route takes you through rainforests, banana and coffee plantations, dry steppes, and past crystal-blue lakes. Along the way, you'll have plenty of time to explore the colorful markets and encounter curious locals and cheerfully singing school groups. The contact with the people who live on and from Kilimanjaro makes this tour truly special. And you'll always have the imposing giant, the "Roof of Africa"—the 5,895-meter-high Kilimanjaro—in view. And who knows, perhaps you'll want to conquer it yourself afterward? You can, of course, book that through us as well!
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Smoke
Weru Weru River Lodge, Abendessen
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and taken to your accommodation near the town of Moshi at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Today you will meet your guide, who will give you all the information about your upcoming tour and perform a bike fitting with you. If you arrive in the morning or afternoon, you will have enough time for a short test ride through the nearby coffee plantation and the surrounding villages.
Smoke
Day 1
Weru Weru River Lodge, Abendessen
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and taken to your accommodation near the town of Moshi at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Today you will meet your guide, who will give you all the information about your upcoming tour and perform a bike fitting with you. If you arrive in the morning or afternoon, you will have enough time for a short test ride through the nearby coffee plantation and the surrounding villages.
Day 2
West Kilimanjaro
Osiligilai Maasai Lodge, full board
approx. 55 km
After breakfast, you'll begin your journey. Today, your route takes you from the greener southern slopes of Kilimanjaro to the drier western side of the mountain. You'll start by cycling through coffee and banana plantations, exploring the fertile areas of southern Kilimanjaro. As you head west, you'll cross drier open plains and acacia woodlands. These plains are home to an impressive variety of wildlife and offer spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Moshi is the home of the Chagga people, while the plains of western Kilimanjaro are home to the nomadic Maasai people, who live in close coexistence with the surrounding wildlife. For this reason, this area is also known as Maasai Country. Once you reach your overnight stop, you'll enter a region where wildlife roams freely. Road surface: asphalt, dirt, and gravel roads.
West Kilimanjaro
Day 2
Osiligilai Maasai Lodge, full board
approx. 55 km
After breakfast, you'll begin your journey. Today, your route takes you from the greener southern slopes of Kilimanjaro to the drier western side of the mountain. You'll start by cycling through coffee and banana plantations, exploring the fertile areas of southern Kilimanjaro. As you head west, you'll cross drier open plains and acacia woodlands. These plains are home to an impressive variety of wildlife and offer spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Moshi is the home of the Chagga people, while the plains of western Kilimanjaro are home to the nomadic Maasai people, who live in close coexistence with the surrounding wildlife. For this reason, this area is also known as Maasai Country. Once you reach your overnight stop, you'll enter a region where wildlife roams freely. Road surface: asphalt, dirt, and gravel roads.
Day 3
West Kilimanjaro Farms – Simba Farm
Simba Farm, full board
approx. 40 km
Your ride today takes you through the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, considered one of Tanzania's best-kept secrets. Bordering Amboseli National Park, Enduimet serves as a protected migration route for wildlife, including African elephants. The area is primarily inhabited by the Maasai people, but there are also large populations of other tribes such as the Chagga, Meru, and Pare. The ride begins on vast plains dotted with acacia trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you cycle. The closer you get to the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, the greener the landscape becomes, with extensive agriculture taking place here. Today's ride ends at Simba Farm, situated amidst vast fields of wheat and barley overlooking the plains of western Kilimanjaro. Originally known as Simba Estate, this farm was established in the early 20th century and now covers 7,000 hectares, offering breathtaking views of Maasai country. The road surfaces consist of asphalt, dirt roads and gravel roads.
West Kilimanjaro Farms – Simba Farm
Day 3
Simba Farm, full board
approx. 40 km
Your ride today takes you through the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, considered one of Tanzania's best-kept secrets. Bordering Amboseli National Park, Enduimet serves as a protected migration route for wildlife, including African elephants. The area is primarily inhabited by the Maasai people, but there are also large populations of other tribes such as the Chagga, Meru, and Pare. The ride begins on vast plains dotted with acacia trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you cycle. The closer you get to the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, the greener the landscape becomes, with extensive agriculture taking place here. Today's ride ends at Simba Farm, situated amidst vast fields of wheat and barley overlooking the plains of western Kilimanjaro. Originally known as Simba Estate, this farm was established in the early 20th century and now covers 7,000 hectares, offering breathtaking views of Maasai country. The road surfaces consist of asphalt, dirt roads and gravel roads.
Day 4
Nalemoru Village
Snowcap Cottages, full board
approx. 66 km
Today you'll cycle towards the northeast side of Kilimanjaro to the village of Nalemoru, near the Kenyan border. The Rongai Route to Kilimanjaro begins in Nalemoru. Your ride today takes you through beautiful, open farmland with breathtaking views of the plains of West Kilimanjaro behind you. You'll cycle through several lively towns and ascend the foothills of the mountain to the Rongai Forest. Your ride ends at Snowcap Cottages, located right on the edge of the Rongai Forest. On a clear day, you can enjoy stunning views of the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi of Kilimanjaro. The road surface consists of asphalt and dirt tracks.
Nalemoru Village
Day 4
Snowcap Cottages, full board
approx. 66 km
Today you'll cycle towards the northeast side of Kilimanjaro to the village of Nalemoru, near the Kenyan border. The Rongai Route to Kilimanjaro begins in Nalemoru. Your ride today takes you through beautiful, open farmland with breathtaking views of the plains of West Kilimanjaro behind you. You'll cycle through several lively towns and ascend the foothills of the mountain to the Rongai Forest. Your ride ends at Snowcap Cottages, located right on the edge of the Rongai Forest. On a clear day, you can enjoy stunning views of the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi of Kilimanjaro. The road surface consists of asphalt and dirt tracks.
Day 5
Rongai – Lake Chala
Accommodation at Lake Chala, full board
approx. 64 km
After a few strenuous days, this day will be more relaxed and enjoyable. You'll descend gently to Lake Chala, a unique caldera lake fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro. You'll have time to enjoy the lake and its diverse flora and fauna. Afterwards, you'll spend the night by the lake, sharing stories around a campfire. If you arrive at Lake Chala early, you can go kayaking.
Rongai – Lake Chala
Day 5
Accommodation at Lake Chala, full board
approx. 64 km
After a few strenuous days, this day will be more relaxed and enjoyable. You'll descend gently to Lake Chala, a unique caldera lake fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro. You'll have time to enjoy the lake and its diverse flora and fauna. Afterwards, you'll spend the night by the lake, sharing stories around a campfire. If you arrive at Lake Chala early, you can go kayaking.
Day 6
Marangu Area
Marangu Hotel, full board
approx. 35 km
Today's ride begins with an uphill climb on a gravel road. The route then continues on a paved road through plantations towards Marangu village at the foot of Kilimanjaro. This section is challenging, with some short, steep climbs. As you cycle through Marangu village, you'll pass banana and coffee plantations, and the friendly Chagga people will wave and shout "Jambo!" as you go by. Before reaching your lodge, you can make a detour to the famous Kinukamori Falls. There, you'll have the opportunity to walk down to the base of the falls. During your visit, a local Chagga guide will tell you a short history of the area, its people, their traditions and customs, and the mystical legend surrounding the falls. Finally, you'll arrive at the lodge where you'll spend the night. Road surface: asphalt and dirt road.
Marangu Area
Day 6
Marangu Hotel, full board
approx. 35 km
Today's ride begins with an uphill climb on a gravel road. The route then continues on a paved road through plantations towards Marangu village at the foot of Kilimanjaro. This section is challenging, with some short, steep climbs. As you cycle through Marangu village, you'll pass banana and coffee plantations, and the friendly Chagga people will wave and shout "Jambo!" as you go by. Before reaching your lodge, you can make a detour to the famous Kinukamori Falls. There, you'll have the opportunity to walk down to the base of the falls. During your visit, a local Chagga guide will tell you a short history of the area, its people, their traditions and customs, and the mystical legend surrounding the falls. Finally, you'll arrive at the lodge where you'll spend the night. Road surface: asphalt and dirt road.
Day 7
From Marangu to Moshi
Weru Weru River Lodge, Vollpension
approx. 49 km
You'll spend your final day cycling on a dirt road, sometimes muddy, with plenty of climbs and descents. You'll delve deep into the dense Kidia Forest, experiencing its charm and rich flora and fauna. Afterwards, you'll continue towards the bustling town of Moshi. You'll cycle along secondary roads through the suburbs and outskirts of Moshi Town to the Weru Weru River Lodge, marking the end of your 7-day cycling adventure around Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a celebratory dinner to mark your achievement. Road surface: asphalt and dirt road.
From Marangu to Moshi
Day 7
Weru Weru River Lodge, Vollpension
approx. 49 km
You'll spend your final day cycling on a dirt road, sometimes muddy, with plenty of climbs and descents. You'll delve deep into the dense Kidia Forest, experiencing its charm and rich flora and fauna. Afterwards, you'll continue towards the bustling town of Moshi. You'll cycle along secondary roads through the suburbs and outskirts of Moshi Town to the Weru Weru River Lodge, marking the end of your 7-day cycling adventure around Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a celebratory dinner to mark your achievement. Road surface: asphalt and dirt road.
Day 8
Departure from Moshi
You will sleep well and rest in your hotel. Transfers from the hotel to the airport or another departure point in Moshi will be arranged for you.
Departure from Moshi
Day 8
You will sleep well and rest in your hotel. Transfers from the hotel to the airport or another departure point in Moshi will be arranged for you.
Zanzibar extension
Extend your Tanzanian adventure with a break on the Indian Ocean! White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the unique flair of the "Spice Island" offer the perfect contrast to your action-packed days on the mainland. Whether you simply want to soak up the sun, stroll through the winding alleys of Stone Town, or experience the exotic scents of the spice plantations – we'll create your personalized beach extension in Zanzibar, tailored to your exact wishes.
Zanzibar extension
Extend your Tanzanian adventure with a break on the Indian Ocean! White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the unique flair of the "Spice Island" offer the perfect contrast to your action-packed days on the mainland. Whether you simply want to soak up the sun, stroll through the winding alleys of Stone Town, or experience the exotic scents of the spice plantations – we'll create your personalized beach extension in Zanzibar, tailored to your exact wishes.
Price from
€2,248.00
Services
What's included
Meals and camping equipment as per itinerary
Airport transfers in Moshi by private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Car support during the tour
Mineral water and non-alcoholic drinks during the tour
All parking fees in the national park are collected at the gates.
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
personal expenses and tips
meals and drinks not mentioned
sleeping bag
drinks
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Gentle
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This is a moderate bike tour that requires no special prior mountain biking experience. However, mountain biking experience is advantageous, as the route leads along narrow forest paths and dusty/rocky tracks. The tour requires a good level of fitness, but the moderate daily stages are manageable even for cyclists of average fitness. During the bike tour, the group is accompanied by a support vehicle that also transports all equipment and provisions. However, the vehicle cannot accompany the group at all times, as some sections of the route are impassable for vehicles. It is always within easy reach of the group, though, and can be quickly reached in case of emergency. The provided mountain bikes are in good condition and well-maintained. Basic repair equipment for breakdowns and helmets are provided. However, you are also welcome to bring your own bike.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
