Tanzania - Kilimanjaro 360 degree

Come and experience an exciting, challenging and unforgettable Cycling tour around the largest free standing mountain in the world, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Over 6 days of cycling you will experience some of Tanzania's most beautiful landscapes, vibrant villages and wonderful cultures. From the Maasai people who inhabit the arid western plains of Kilimanjaro to the Chagga people who inhabit the foothills of the mountain you will get to discover, experience and learn about these wonderful cultures first hand. While on your journey you will traverse vast open grasslands rich in wildlife, lush green forests, farmlands, villages and towns. This will be one of the most challenging but satisfying journeys you will ever make. As the saying goes, if you don't want to climb Kilimanjaro, cycle around it!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to Moshi town situated at 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 Sugar cane plantation and surrounding villages.
Accommodation: Panama Hotel
Meals: Dinner Included

Day 2: Moshi Town to Tinga Tinga Village | 77km

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 Ngabobo village where you will be spending the night.
Road Surface: Tarmac, dirt and gravel road
Accommodation: Olpopongi Maasai Village 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Tinga Tinga Village to West Kilimanjaro Farms | 27km

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.
Road Surface: Tarmac, dirt and gravel road
Accommodation: Camping at Simba Farm 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: West Kilimanjaro Farms to Nalemoru 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.
Road Surface: Tarmac and dirt road
Accommodation: Camping at Snowcap Cottages.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Nalemoru Village to Lake Challa | 64km

Today you will enjoy a downward hill ride towards the beautiful Lake Challa, a crater lake lying right on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Lake Challa 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.
Road Surface: Tarmac and dirt road
Accommodation: Camping at Lake Challa Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Lake Challa to Marangu | 29km

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 Kinukamori 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, 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 where you will be spending the night.
Road Surface: Tarmac and dirt road
Accommodation: Camping at Marangu Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Marangu 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 Panama 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 dinner and sparkling wine to toast to your achievement.
Road Surface: Tarmac and dirt road
Accommodation: Panama Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: Depart Tanzania

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.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Highlights: Amazing scenery, Meeting Chagga and Maasai people, Cave tour, Hiking to the Waterfalls, Coffee tour, Chagga Museum, Campfire, Canoeing, Cycling on Mt Kilimanjaro, abundant wildlife.

Pricing for Kilimanjaro 360 degree cycling adventures (per person)

1 Person 2300 USD 
2-3 Persons 1800 USD
4-5 Persons 1700 USD
6-9 Persons 1500 USD
10 Persons and more 1300 USD