The trail around Africa’s tallest mountain and highest volcano is 230 miles long and involves 16000ft of climbing.it 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. On a safari in Arusha National Park see some of Africa’s amazing wildlife. Two packages are available: with a local mountain bike guide only, you carry your own luggage during the rides or a comfort option where a backup vehicle is always around so distances can be shortened to individual needs.
ROUTE ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrival airport, transfer to hotel
After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport you are welcomed by our tour guide. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
DAY 2: Bike Tour around Moshi
This day is for your acclimatization. After adjusting the bikes your guide will ride with you along the lower slopes of the volcano and around town. (12-25 miles hg 1000-3000ft gravel/tarmac). Distances and climbs can be adjusted
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 3: Bike Tour Moshi – Lake Chala
The route is on uneven paths, mainly over farmland of the Chagga people. A long climb leads to Marangu, one of the gate to Kilimanjaro. Banana and coffee plantations change with little villages. The kids have a ball and come running to the road calling “Mzungu’’. Towards the end an 8 miles downhill takes us back into savannah country to a beautiful lodge at Lake Chala, offering swimming, birding and game viewing on foot. Distance: (44 miles, hg ; 3000ft gravel tracks/tarmac).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 4: BIKE TOUR LAKE CHALA – RONGAI
We are heading further north anti-clockwise around the volcano. In the higher regions we see good farming practice of water and soil saving agriculture of the locally. We ride close to the Kenyan border climbing gently to higher altitude. The last 6 miles are on tar and steep. In the afternoon we arrive at our cozy chalets. This is one of the starting points leading onto the mountain. If you want to get a taste what it’s like you can go for a walk. Distance 40 miles hg-3300ft, dust road/tarmac).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: BIKE TOUR RONGAI – OLPOPONGI MAASAI VILLAGE
Cross the northern ridge of Kilimanjaro to the highest point of the tour at 6300ft. Our tour tires will reach their limit, because nobody can escarp the large acacia thorns. During the last miles we might spot some game. At Maasai cultural village of Olpopongi we will sleep in typical rondavels. Distance 62 miles, hg +3300ft, gravel tracks/tarmac.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6: BIKE TOUR OLPOPONGI – MOMELLA
In the morning we will ride between Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. During the hilly and dusty ride we might stop elephants, zebras, antelopes, and buffalos. Stay at the charming Momella Lodge. In the late afternoon we will head for Arusha National Park in a 4*4. Monkeys and countless birds are the little animals in the park. Distance 28 miles, hg+1000ft, gravel tracks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 7: BIKE TOUR MOMELLA – MOSHI
Through acacia and shrub landscape we head back to Mt Kilimanjaro. A steep climbing brought us back into Chagga territory. Banana and coffee plantations are accompanied by little settlements. We will descend to our lovely lodge. In the evening we can celebrate the circumnavigation of Africa’s highest mountain with some cold Kilimanjaro beer. Distance 56 miles, hg+4500ft gravel tracks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 8: SAYING FAREWELL
After breakfast, relax by the pool or join the guide for a walk through Moshi. A transfer to Airport ends this adventurous trip.
Meals: Breakfast
- English speaking bike guide
- 7 nights – 2 hotel, 2 chalets, 3 lodges, in Olpopongi cultural village guest share communal ablution facilities, in all other accommodation guests have their own bathroom with shower/toile
- 7 breakfast, 5 lunch, 7 dinners
- All entrance fees for sightseeing program
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Visa fees for Tanzania (approx. 50 – 100 USD on arrival)
- Tips
- Drinks
- Meals not mentioned above
- In comfort package (surcharge $ 100) permanent back-up as well as transport of bikes
- MTB hire bike, 27 speed front suspension scott bikes available.
AFRICA’S BIG FIVE
Come across the term Big Five which refers to the five big game, i.e., African Lion, African Leopard, African Elephant, Rihno and Cape buffalo.
PROFESSIONALS SAFARI GUIDES
The success of each safari generally relies upon your guide who performs two fold responsibility as your driver.
NEW SAFARI FLEET
We have the best customised fleet of 4 x 4 vehicles fully equipped with wifi, GPRS tracking devices and air-conditioning so as to enhance the safari experience for all our customers for having an authentic Safari experience in East Africa.