Kilimanjaro Bike Tour to the summit

Today we will ride at West Kilimanjaro. Mountain biking in this game reserve in Tanzania is a fun and thrilling way to explore the wilderness. If you love adventure and are confident on a bike, then this experience is perfect for you!

Distance: 50 km / 31 miles
Riding time: 6 hours
Elevation gained: 600 m / 1,968 ft

Accommodation: Park View inn Hotel

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Riding time: 4 hours
Elevation gained: 1,150 m / 3,773 ft

This day marks the start of our journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. After breakfast we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Marangu Gate, the entrance to the Kilimanjaro Park. At the gate we will complete the required registration and then drive the rest of the way to our starting point; Kilema gate. From here, we will then start riding through the lush rainforest that flanks the lower parts of the mountain, spotting some Colobos and blue monkeys. We will enjoy all of the fascinating flora and beautiful flowers until we reach the camp, where your tent and a hot dinner will already be waiting for you. This is the only night we will spend camping.

Accommodations: Kilema Camp

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Riding time: 4 hours
Elevation gained: 620 m / 2,030 ft

We will continue our journey up the mountain today on a steeper trail. The day will be a combination of riding and some hike-a-bike. We will reach our mountain hut at Horombo in time for a hot lunch and plenty of time to relax in the afternoon. We will need the rest as we get ready for the days to come!

Accommodations: Horombo Hut

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Riding time: 2-3 hours
Elevation gained: 280 m / 920 ft (up and down)

Today we have an important acclimatization day. We will have the choice to ride or hike up to 4000 m / 13,150 ft and return back to Horombo hut for a hot lunch. The trail is quite rocky, so many people prefer to hike, leaving their bicycle at the hut. Those you like to mountain bike usually carry their bikes up and then ride down. We will spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the magnificent views.

Accommodations: Horombo Hut

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Riding time: 6-7 hours
Elevation gained: 1000 m / 3200 ft

We will start the day with a hike-a-bike and then continue with riding toward the alpine desert. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano and we will get to ride through volcanic rock while getting unforgettable views of Mount Mawenzi and Kibo. The last bit up to Kibo Huts is challenging as we reach higher elevations, but going “pole pole” (slowly and steady) is the way. We will be rewarded with a hot dinner at Kibo hut before an early bed time to get ready for or summit day.

Accommodations: Kibo Hut

Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
Riding time: 8-12 hours
Elevation gained: 1200 m / 3900 ft, descent: 2,175 m / 7,135 ft

SUMMIT DAY! We will wake up around midnight for our summit push. We have the option to hike with or without our bike up to Uhuru Peak. If you choose to take your bike, you can hire a summit porters to help you carry it. We will aim to reach Gilman’s Point (5,756 meters /18,885 ft) by dawn, the first of three official summit points of Mount Kilimanjaro. We will then follow the edge of the crater and stand at Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kibo and the roof of Africa! After taking pictures and enjoying the precious moment, we will start our descent down to Horombo hut. Below 5.000 m / 16,400 ft you can get on your bike as it is not as sandy anymore. Still you need to be very careful. Because you will need some energy to make it to the summit, we recommend leaving your bike at the hut or hiring an extra summit porter for that. From Kibo hut, where you will celebrate with our team and get a well-deserved hot lunch, we will be cycling down to Kilema gate.

Horombo – Kilema gate

Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Riding time: 5-7 hours
Elevation of descent: 1880 m / 6050 ft

Today will be our victory lap! The whole ride will be an exhilarating descent 6000 ft downhill! We will ride all the way back down to the main gate to a prepared lunch. We will receive summit certificates and take our last photos with the team. We will then drive back to the hotel for some much earned rest.

Accommodation: Park View inn Hotel

The day is left free to wind down before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.