Cycle around the base of Africa's tallest mountain and
highest volcano.
Description
This adventure takes us through solitary rainforests, 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.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to Keys Hotel near 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 test ride through the nearby coffee plantation and surrounding villages.
(Meals: Dinner included)
DAY 2: Moshi - Sanyaa Juu
We ride along the volcano through wide and deep river streams. We are in a very fertile area with countless small farms. Later we arrive in deeper plains, where the mountain slopes merge with the plain.
Distances: 42 km, altitude gain 600 m
Overnight stay: tent or House of Westkili Lodge
DAY 3: Sanyaa Juu - West Kilimanjaro
Today we ride into the steppe and meet the Masai for the first time. Probably the best-known ethnic group in East Africa lives in the vast plains in the south of Kenya and in the north of Tanzania. The Maasai remained faithful to their ancient traditions. Examples of this are the semi-nomadic way of life and their striking clothes. With some luck we meet giraffes or zebras in the afternoon.
Distances: 30 km, altitude gain 650 m
Overnight stay: tent or maasai lodge
DAY 4: West Kilimanjaro - Kamwanga
Through hilly Massailand we drive to Kamwanga, a small village at the northern foot of Kilimanjaro. We enjoy a fantastic view of Amboseli National Park in Kenya and the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. We camp at a schoolhouse, which is located just outside the village.
Distances: 45 km, altitude gain 1100 m
Overnight stay: tent in Kawanga
DAY 5: Kamwanga - Lake Chala
We leave the Masai steppe and reach the vegetation-rich east side of the Kili. Fields and cedar forests are our temporary companions. On the Tanzanian / Kenyan border, we are now heading slightly downhill. Only a few river valleys of the Kilimanjaro provide short, mostly steep gradients. Our camp is located on the beautiful Lake Chala, a crater lake with crystal clear water, which invites to a bath.
Distances: 88 km, altitude gain 600 m
Overnight stay: tent at lake Chala
DAY 6: Lake Chala - Marangu
Today we are already tackling our last bike stage. First we drive about 15 km up until we arrive on a wide road. We follow this dirt road and enjoy the ride through the lush green vegetation. Beside us are many locals with simple bicycles or on the road. After another 15 km we reach the village of Marangu.
Distances: 30 km, altitude gain 700 m
Overnight stay: tent
Summary
Number of Days: 6
Total Distance: 370km
Path: Off road & paved road
Highlights: Amazing scenery, Maasai culture, wildlife can be seen