Itinerary
Your adventure begins when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation near Moshi, situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After you have had time to rest, we will meet later in the afternoon for a trip briefing and technical preparation. We will check the bicycles, go through riding and safety recommendations, and take you through the itinerary so you know what to expect during the expedition.
If you arrive early in the morning, we can also help you make the most of your first hours in Tanzania before the afternoon briefing.
Cycling: None
Meals: As arranged
Overnight: Chanya Lodge, Moshi
After breakfast, we begin our first day in the saddle with a transfer towards Kidia Village, one of the historic settlements on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From here, we begin cycling through the lush landscape of the Kilimanjaro foothills.
The route takes us into Kidia Forest, where the dense canopy provides opportunities to spot Black-and-White Colobus monkeys.
As the ride continues, you will pass through traditional Chagga villages, farmland and forest tracks before reaching Marangu.
The route combines dirt roads, forest tracks and rolling terrain, giving you your first taste of the changing landscapes around Kilimanjaro.
We finish the day in Marangu, where you can relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day’s ride.
Distance: 30 km
Terrain: Rainforest tracks, dirt roads and rolling hills
Highlights: Kidia Forest, Colobus monkeys, Chagga villages and mountain landscapes
Elevation: Approximately +950 m ascent / -150 m descent
Meals: Full board
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort
After breakfast, we leave Marangu and begin cycling through the agricultural landscapes surrounding Kilimanjaro.
The route passes through lush plantations where coffee, avocado and mango trees create a distinctly tropical environment.
As we descend, the scenery begins to change. Dense vegetation gives way to more open landscapes, with views towards Lake Chala near the Tanzania–Kenya border.
The day’s ride finishes with a rewarding descent towards Useri in Rombo, where you can relax after a long day in the saddle.
Distance: 55 km
Terrain: Gravel roads and scenic descents
Highlights: Coffee and banana plantations, Lake Chala and changing landscapes
Elevation: Approximately +850 m ascent / -700 m descent
Meals: Full board
Overnight: Maktau Mountain Lodge
Today’s ride is shorter but packed with spectacular scenery.
We ride along the international border between Tanzania and Kenya, passing through rural landscapes before entering the Rongai Forest.
The forest provides a dramatic contrast to the open plains you will encounter later in the expedition. Tall pine and eucalyptus trees create a cool, peaceful environment as you ride deeper into the forest.
Throughout the day, views towards Mawenzi Peak, one of the distinctive peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, add to the scenery.
By the end of the ride, we reach the Kikelelwa area, where we spend the night close to the mountain and gather around the campfire.
Distance: 35 km
Terrain: Border trails and forest roads
Highlights: Tanzania–Kenya border, Rongai Forest and views of Mawenzi Peak
Elevation: Approximately +1,100 m ascent / -300 m descent
Meals: Full board
Overnight: Snow Cape Cottage
Today marks one of the biggest changes in scenery of the expedition.
Leaving the greener northern slopes of Kilimanjaro behind, we move into the broad, open landscapes of West Kilimanjaro.
The environment becomes increasingly dry and open as we enter the plains traditionally inhabited and used by Maasai communities.
Along the route, you may encounter Maasai pastoralists tending their cattle and experience the scale of this remarkable landscape.
On clear days, the views can stretch towards Amboseli National Park in Kenya, creating a spectacular cross-border panorama.
We finish the day at Kambi ya Tembo, where you can relax and watch the sunset over the African landscape.
Distance: 60 km
Terrain: High-altitude desert, dirt roads and open plains
Highlights: Maasai country, open savannah and views towards Amboseli
Elevation: Approximately +400 m ascent / -650 m descent
Meals: Full board
Overnight: Kambi ya Tembo Tented Lodge
We begin the day cycling through the Enduimet Wildlife Area and surrounding Maasai grazing plains.
This is a particularly immersive part of the expedition, where the road becomes a pathway through a living landscape of people, livestock and wildlife.
The route continues across the Ngasurai Open Plains, an important ecological landscape connecting wildlife areas between Kenya and Tanzania.
Keep your eyes open as you ride. Depending on conditions and animal movements, you may encounter wildlife such as elephants, giraffes and gazelles.
Much of today’s route follows dirt and gravel tracks, making it a rewarding day for riders who enjoy getting away from conventional roads.
As we approach Longido, the isolated volcanic form of Mount Longido dominates the horizon.
Rising to approximately 2,637 metres above sea level, Mount Longido provides a dramatic backdrop as we complete the day’s ride.
Distance: 61 km
Terrain: Dirt, gravel roads and a final tarmac section
Highlights: Enduimet Wildlife Area, Ngasurai Open Plains, Maasai landscapes and Mount Longido
Elevation: Approximately +350 m ascent / -500 m descent
Meals: Full board
Overnight: Longido Mountain Lodge
Today takes us deeper into remote Maasai landscapes.
The route winds through expansive acacia plains and mountain environments, with views towards several major landmarks including Mount Longido, Mount Meru and Ol Doinyo Lengai.
This is a true backcountry cycling day, with off-road and gravel riding across rolling terrain.
The surrounding wildlife landscape can provide opportunities to spot animals from the saddle, including giraffes, zebras, impalas, ostriches and other species.
The route includes continuous ups and downs, making this a physically rewarding day for adventure cyclists.
Our support team will provide water, energy snacks and fresh fruit at designated stops to help you stay fuelled throughout the ride.
We arrive at Ketumbeine in the afternoon for a well-earned rest.
Distance: 50 km
Terrain: Off-road and gravel routes
Highlights: Maasai landscapes, Mount Longido, Mount Meru, Ol Doinyo Lengai and wildlife
Elevation: Approximately +600 m ascent / -450 m descent
Meals: Full board
Overnight: Ketumbeine Motel
We cross the landscape between Mount Ketumbeine and Mount Gelai as we make our way towards Lake Natron.
Ahead of us, the distinctive volcanic cone of Ol Doinyo Lengai dominates the horizon.
Known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai, this active volcano provides a remarkable backdrop as we descend towards the Rift Valley.
The open landscape also provides opportunities for wildlife sightings, including giraffes, zebras, ostriches and wildebeest.
As we lose elevation, temperatures rise significantly. The Lake Natron basin is hot and dry, so staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun is particularly important.
The final section of the route becomes more technical, with loose gravel, rocky tracks, sharp corners and possible seasonal river crossings.
We take these sections carefully and maintain a steady pace.
After a lunch stop along the route, we continue towards Lake Natron, completing one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the cycling expedition.
On arrival, it is time to relax, enjoy a cold drink and take in the extraordinary landscape surrounding the lake.
Distance: 72 km
Terrain: Gravel, rocky tracks and technical sections
Highlights: Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Rift Valley landscapes and wildlife
Elevation: Approximately +450 m ascent / -1,200 m descent
Meals: Full board
Overnight: Maasai Giraffes Eco Lodge / camping
After several demanding days of cycling, today is a chance to slow down and enjoy Lake Natron.
The morning is reserved for rest, relaxation and time at the lodge before lunch.
In the late afternoon, when temperatures begin to fall, you can choose to enjoy one or both of the optional activities available in the area.
Sunset Flamingo Walk & Bird Watching
Take a relaxed guided walk towards the shores of Lake Natron and experience the dramatic landscape surrounding the lake.
Lake Natron is particularly known for its population of lesser flamingos, creating an extraordinary scene when the birds gather around the lake.
This is also an excellent opportunity for photography as the evening light changes across the landscape.
Ngare Sero Waterfall Hike & Swim
For something more active, take a guided hike through a volcanic gorge following a freshwater river to Ngare Sero Waterfall.
The trail leads to natural pools beneath the waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Note: The waterfall hike involves walking and wading through water. Suitable water shoes or sandals with good grip are recommended.
Cycling: Rest day
Optional activities: Flamingo walk, bird watching, waterfall hike and swim
Meals: Full board
Overnight: Maasai Giraffes Eco Lodge / camping
After breakfast, we pack the bicycles and cycling equipment onto the support vehicles and begin the next chapter of the journey by 4×4 safari vehicle.
We climb out of the Great Rift Valley, travelling through the rugged landscapes of the Loliondo Highlands and passing through Wasso, a major Maasai settlement in the area.
By midday, we reach Klein’s Gate, providing access into northern Serengeti.
From here, the cycling expedition transforms into a classic Tanzania safari.
We begin an afternoon game drive through the northern and central Serengeti plains, keeping an eye out for wildlife including lions, leopards and elephants.
Cycling: None
Activity: 4×4 transfer and afternoon game drive
Highlights: Loliondo Highlands, Wasso, Klein’s Gate and Serengeti wildlife
Overnight: Heritage Luxury Tented Camp / Thorntree River Camp
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring Serengeti National Park.
We leave early to make the most of the morning, when wildlife activity is often particularly rewarding.
Depending on the season and animal movements, the safari may provide opportunities to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, along with predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas.
The game drive continues across the diverse Serengeti landscape, including open plains, riverine environments and rocky kopjes.
We stop for a bush picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing our afternoon game drive.
As the sun begins to fall, we return towards camp for sundowners and dinner around the campfire.
Cycling: None
Activity: Full-day game drive
Highlights: Great Wildebeest Migration, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants and Serengeti landscapes
Overnight: Heritage Luxury Tented Camp / Thorntree River Camp
We start the morning with an early sunrise game drive.
The early hours offer beautiful golden light across the Serengeti and can provide opportunities to observe predators and other wildlife during their morning activity.
After a bush breakfast, we begin our gradual journey out of the park, continuing to look for wildlife along the way.
The landscape changes as we leave the open Serengeti plains behind and climb towards the cooler, greener Karatu Highlands.
Along the way, you will pass agricultural areas and coffee-growing landscapes before arriving at your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Cycling: None
Activity: Morning game drive and transfer
Highlights: Serengeti sunrise, wildlife viewing and Karatu Highlands
Overnight: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge / Country Lodge
Our final major adventure begins with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
The crater is an immense volcanic caldera containing a remarkably concentrated wildlife ecosystem.
We spend approximately six hours on a crater floor game drive, looking for some of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife.
Depending on the day’s sightings, you may encounter lions, elephants, hippos, flamingos and other wildlife, with opportunities to search for the endangered black rhino.
A picnic lunch is served during the safari before we begin our ascent from the crater.
In the afternoon, we continue towards Arusha, where we spend our final night of the expedition.
Cycling: None
Activity: Approximately 6-hour Ngorongoro Crater game drive and transfer
Highlights: Ngorongoro Crater, black rhino, elephants, lions, hippos and flamingos
Overnight: Parrot Hotel, Arusha
After breakfast, you have time to relax or explore Arusha before your departure.
If your flight schedule allows, you can browse local artisan markets or enjoy some final time in Tanzania.
We will arrange your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international departure.
Your 14-day journey from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro through Maasai country, Lake Natron, Serengeti and Ngorongoro comes to an end.
Cycling: None
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: Kilimanjaro International Airport
