bicycletrailtz - Tumblr blog

[bicycletrailtz]

[bicycletrailtz]

The ultimate BIKE and HIKE To The Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Day 1: Kilema Gate (1950m) To Horombo Hut (3705m)

Distance: Approximately 16 km

Habitat: Montane forest

Distance: Approximately 7 km

Habitat: Moorland

Meet your guide and embark on your transfer to the Marangu gate, which takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are required to register at the Park office. After signing-in and registering at the Marangu gate, we drive to the Kilema gate.

Upon arrival you will ensure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) and do a final check on your mountain bike. You will then start the first route section of 16km, (with your guide also on a mountain bike) from the Kilema gate (1 950m) to the Horombo hut (3 705m) on a 4×4 track. Bikers with good fitness levels, mountain biking skills and subject to road conditions, will be able to cycle all the way to Horombo hut.

It is important to remember that the biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too quickly. We will be stopping regularly and to give your body the maximum time to adjust to the higher altitudes. We will aim to reach Horombo hut at around 15:00pm.

We will stop at Horombo Hut for a short break, before commencing on a downhill cycle to Kilema camp. Descending approximately 800m over 7km, the track has a lot of loose rocks and it is important to control your speed and avoid unnecessary risks!

Upon arrival your porters will have your tent set up at camp and in the evening bring a small bowl of washing water to your tent. The cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this camp.

Day 2: Kilema Camp (2950m) To Horombo Hut (3705m)

Distance: Approximately 7 km

Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, make sure your duffel bag are packed and we cycle from the Kilema camp to Horombo hut. The trail is steep and has a lots of loose rocks at certain areas. Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.

We arrive in time for a late lunch at Horombo hut. After lunch collect our bikes and go for an 1,5-hour acclimatization cycle up to Zebra rocks (4 040m) and back.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at Horombo hut.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day to Cycle High & Sleep Low. Horombo Hut (3705m) To Kibo Hut (4730m) To Horombo Hut (3705m)

Distance: 9.6 km up and 9.6km down

Habitat: Alpine desert

After an early breakfast, meet your guide and start your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. The first 3 km of the trail is very rocky and cycling will be very difficult as this section is very stony and eroded. You will be forced to push and carry your bike for some sections, but after about 3km the trail improves and cycling will once again be possible.

The “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo) is relatively flat and cycling is much easier. However high altitudes, low oxygen levels and cold conditions make the 7km section towards Kibo hut strenuous and challenging.

The final km before reaching Kibo hut is especially strenuous. You will once again be reminded to slow down and drink enough water! Upon arrival to at Kibo hut lunch will be served.

After lunch we will embark on an awesome Kilimanjaro Mtb downhill, descending nearly 800m over 7km. The final 3km descend down to Horombo hut is very technical and challenging.

Dinner and overnight at Horombo hut.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3705m) To Kibo Hut (4730m)

Distance: Approximately 9.6 km

Habitat: Alpine desert

Early wake and make sure your duffel bags are packed and ready to go. After breakfast, meet your guide and we head back up to Kibo hut. Again the first 3km would require you pushing and carrying your bike a lot, with the final 7km to Kibo hut offering a good biking trail.

We will enjoy lunch and then aim to rest. At around 16h00 depending on how you feel it is possible to hike partially up the summit path to orientate yourself for the summit attempt later that night.

Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. There are platform toilets behind the hut.

The summit (Uhuru Peak) is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, thermal clothing etc for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask.

Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible, until 22h00

Day 5: The Summit Night

KIBO HUT (4730M) TO UHURU PEAK (5895M) TO KIBO HUT (4730M)

Cycling time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 3 to 4 hours to descend to Kibo hut,

Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 31 km descent

You will rise around 22h00, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. The section just before Gillman’s point known as “Jamaica rocks” is very steep with a lot of stone scree, boulders requiring a great physical and mental effort.

From Horombo hut up to Gillmans point the trail cannot be cycled and you will have to push your bike up to the Jamaica rocks, however from Jamaica rocks to Gillmans point, you will have to carry your bike (or if you are not up to it – arrange for a porter to carry your bike). With oxygen levels close to 9.5%, this is probably the most demanding section of the entire route.

From Gillman’s Point the trail can be cycled again and you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Depending on snowfall, mountain bikers with high fitness levels and expert technical mountain biking skills, will be able to cycle most of the trail from Gillman’s Point to Uhuru peak.

Upon arrival to Kibo Hut enjoy a late breakfast and then pack your gear in your duffel bag for the porter to carry down.

KIBO HUT (4730M) – KILEMA GATE (1950M)

Distance: 25KM

You will then embark on the world’s ultimate downhill mountain bike roller coaster ride:

Starting at Kibo hut at 4730m you will descend down to the Kilema gate 1950m distance approximately 31km, descend approximately 3000m in only 3 hours!

TOUR INCLUDED

Two nights accommodation Hotel in Moshi ( before and after the climb) including breakfast and Dinner.

Mountain Bike and Mountain Guide

Arrival and Departure transfers from the airport

Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents (or hut fees for Marangu route)

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

All Park fees & Rescue Fees

All meals on the Mountain (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Crisis management and safety procedures

Boiled water on the mountain

Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDES

International flights (from/to home)

Entry Visa to Tanzania

Imported/premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Laundry (Available at the hotel)

Personal Items (souvenirs, travel insurance, Visa fees, etc.)

Tips for guides, porters, and cook

Activities/day excursions not specified in the itinerary

NOTE:

The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.

All prices are based on shared accommodation.

Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote

[bicycletrailtz]

7 Days 360° Kilimanjaro Cycling experience - the ultimate unveiling de TRAILS and TRIUMPHS over the base of Kilimanjaro.

Overview

This adventure takes us through solitary rain-forests, fertile fields of crop and through wild, dry acacia rich Savannah, which is the home of the Maasai. 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 Maasai cultural village to get to know their customs, songs and dishes.

Total Distance: 370km

Path: Off road & paved road

Highlights: Amazing scenery, Maasai culture, wildlife can be seen

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to Park View Hotel in Moshi town situated on the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Today you will meet your guide who will brief you about your upcoming tour and together you will do the bike fitting. For those arriving on the morning or afternoon flight, you will have ample time to go for a quick warming up ride through the nearby coffee plantation and surrounding villages.

Accommodation: Park View Hotel

Day 2: Moshi to Tingatinga Village | 72 Km

Our ride today takes us from the greener southern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro towards the more arid western side of the mountain. Your ride today will initially take you through coffee and banana plantations as you cycle through the more fertile areas of southern Kilimanjaro but as you head west you will cycle through the more arid open plains and acacia woodlands. These plains support a remarkable variety of wildlife and spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. While Moshi is home the Chagga people west Kilimanjaro plains are home to the nomadic Maasai people who co-exist with the surrounding wildlife and it is why this area is known as the Maasai Lands. Your ride today will be on both dirt and tarmac roads and you will finish the ride at the Tinga Tinga village where you will be spending the night.

Accommodation: Olpopongi Maasai Village.

Road Surface: Tarmac, dirt and gravel road.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Tingatinga to Simba Farm | 48km

Our ride today takes us through the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area which is one of Tanzania’s best kept secrets. Enduimet borders Amboseli National Park and serves as an important migratory route for wildlife including the African elephants. This area is inhabited primarily by the Maasai people but there are large populations of other tribes such as the Chagga, Meru and Pare people. Your ride starts off on the wide open plains dotted with acacia trees but it gets greener as you approach the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro where a lot of cultivation takes place. Your cycling tour today ends at Simba Farm which is situated on top of the vast wheat and barley fields overlooking the west Kilimanjaro plains.

Accomodation: Simba farm camp

Road Surface: Tarmac, dirt

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Simba Farm to Nalemuru Village |66km

Today you will be cycling towards the north east side of Mt. Kilimanjaro to Nalemoru village near the Kenyan border. Nalemoru village is where the Rongai route up Kilimanjaro starts off. Your ride today takes you through beautiful open farmlands with breathtaking views of the west Kilimanjaro plains behind you. You will cycle through several vibrant towns as you head up the foothills of the mountain towards the Rongai forest. Your ride today ends at the Snowcap Cottages which are nestled right on the edge of the Rongai forest. On a clear day you can enjoy amazing views of Kilimanjaro’s Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Accommodation: Snow cap camp

Road Surface: Tarmac and dirt road

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 5: Nalemuru to Lake Challa | 64km

Today you will enjoy a downward hill ride towards the beautiful Lake Chala, a crater lake lying right on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Lake Chala is one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. Fed entirely by underground springs from Mt Kilimanjaro, the turquoise blue and green waters are surrounded by diverse plants, trees and wildlife. The camp where you will be spending the night is situated on the edge of this mystical caldera lake, against a dramatic volcanic backdrop providing the perfect place to unwind and absorb the serenity and tranquility of the area.

Accommodation: Lake Challa Safari camp

Road Surface: Tarmac and dirt road

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 6: Lake Challa to Marangu Village | 24km

Today’s ride will be short but challenging as you ride up to Marangu village in the foothills of Kilimanjaro. As you cycle through Marangu village you will pass banana and coffee plantations along the way as well as the friendly Chagga people who will be waving and shouting “Jambo!” as you cycle by. Before getting to your camp you will take a detour to the iconic Ndoro waterfalls where you can stretch your legs and walk down to the base of the waterfalls. While here, a local Chagga guide will give you a brief history of the area and ancient Chagga cave, the people, their traditions, and customs as well as the mystical legend about the waterfalls. After spending some time refreshing by the waterfalls you will finish the last downhill stretch of your ride towards the camp / hotel where you will be spending the night.

Road Surface: Tarmac and dirt road

Accommodation: Camping at Mountain Kilimanjaro Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: Marangu Village to Moshi | 49km

You will be wrapping up your last day of cycling by traversing the villages and plantations on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The first half of the ride will be comprised of several steep ascents and descents followed by a second half which is a gradual downhill ride towards the bustling and vibrant Moshi Town. You will cycle through the suburbs and outskirts of Moshi Town on the back roads as you head towards the Park View Hotel which marks the end of your incredible 6-day journey around Mt. Kilimanjaro, on two wheels. You will seal of the evening with a nice celebratory sparkling Champagne to toast to your achievement.

Road Surface: Tarmac and dirt road

Accommodation: Park view Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

TOUR INCLUDED

Entry Fees

Bike & Helmet

Accommodation at the lodge or hotel

Pick up/ Transfer to the Airport

Supportive vehicle

Tour guide and Bike mechanic

Packed lunch box

Mineral water per person

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDES

Tipping for your crew

Item of the personal nature i.e. Laundry services available at your hotel

International flights

medical insurance

[bicycletrailtz]

This excellent cycle tour takes in the incredible sets of waterfalls that surround the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Spend a day visiting the Materuni waterfalls. Cool off in the water after an exciting ride and then enjoy the downhill trip back to base. Combine this with a coffee tour for a great day out!

We first pass through the city of Moshi and its vibrant streets that will lead us to dirt road that will take us on a cultural experience with the most famous Mt. Kilimanjaro’s inhabitants, Chagga people. We will see their everyday life; farming, preparing food outside and kids going to school, as well as experience their great sense of hospitality. Lush coffee, banana and corn plantations will surround us on the way and a coffee making process tour can be included on the trip. The steep and rough road will take us to Materuni village where we will have a chance to eat local food and rest.

[bicycletrailtz]

Immerse yourself in an unmissable experience

For a true Tanzanian adventure, look no further than the Chemka Hot Springs MTB Tour Kilimanjaro, a culturally immersive day tour with discovery at its heart. Glide through sugarcane fields, savor cool drinks at local cafes, and finish with a truly unforgettable afternoon of swimming and wildlife watching at the Chemka Hot Springs. You’ll treasure these memories of Tanzania for life!

Your atmospheric adventure begins in Moshi, where you’ll have the option to try a local tea and chapati at a coffee house before the tour kicks off. You’ll soon get to know your welcoming guide and their love for the local area as you begin the downhill ride out of the city. Once past the police checkpoint (a standard point on all main roads in Tanzania), you’ll emerge into the awe-inspiring countryside where sugarcane fields sway imperceptibly in the sunshine.

You’ll sense the pace of life beginning to change as you share the road with the semi-nomadic herdsmen leading their cattle, sheep, and goats to graze in the fields. Locals will greet you as you glide past, and everywhere you look your eyes will be enchanted by spectacular scenery - not least the view of Mount Kilimanjaro looming over the landscape. Bike past breathtaking baobab trees and towering termite mounds as you cross a beautiful blue river and make towards the oasis of trees ahead. You’ll stop at a lovely local cafe for lunch and a refreshing drink.

[bicycletrailtz]

Lemosho starts in lush, fertile rainforest. It is the first ecological zone you encounter on Kilimanjaro (we will trek through four). The route heads up and across the Shira Plateau, which used to be Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed. Then, we make our way north to Moir Hut, which serves as a great acclimatization day due to short hikes than can be done in the nearby Lent Hills.

Next, we climb high up and over Lava Tower before dropping into Barranco Valley, one of the prettiest areas on the entire trail. We climb the intimidating Barranco Wall and then circle along the southern circuit to Karanga and high camp Barafu Hut.

The summit attempt is made from Barafu in the early morning hours, often during the full moon. This is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. But once the sun comes up, so can most of your extra layers. After the summit, the descent follows the Mweka trail.

[bicycletrailtz]

Nicknamed the "Whiskey" route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route.

On an overall comparisoin of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost.

The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.

[bicycletrailtz]

[bicycletrailtz]

Who Are We?

Easy Cycling in Tanzania is possible! Welcome to Bicycle Trail Tanzania. We are long-time experts in organising self-guided cycling tours for everyone. Explore a captivating region under your own power and at your own tempo. From easygoing to avid, all activity levels are welcome and fully supported! 

Your adventure. Your day. Your pace.

Why Bicycle Trail Tanzania?

At Bicycle Trail Tanzania we design one of a kind cycling holidays, for all types of bike enthusiasts. We pair our favorite routes with authentic local experiences, charming hotels and our guides’ passion for details. We carefully design guided and self-guided experiences for groups or individuals who, like us, believe cycling is the best option to explore the world.