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 Masai people. (This ia a Tour not a race).
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival Kilimanjaro, transfer to Hotel
After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport you are welcomed by your tour guide. Transfer to your first accommodation Hotel.
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 mi., hg +1000-3000ft. gravel/tar). Distances and climbs can be adjusted. (B,L,D)
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 gateway points 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 mile downhill takes us back into savannah country to a beautiful lodge at Lake Chala, offering swimming, birding and game viewing on foot. (B,L,D) (44 mi., hg +3600 ft., gravel tracks/tar)
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 locals. We ride close to the Kenyan border climbing gently to higher altitude. The last 6 miles are on tar and quite 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. (B,L,D) (40 mi., hg +3300 ft., tracks/tar)
Day 5 Bike tour Rongai – Olpopongi Masai village
Cross the northern ridge of Kilimanjaro to the highest point of the tour at 6300 ft. Our tires will reach their limit, because nobody can escape the large acacia thorns. During the last miles we might spot some game. At Masai cultural village of Olpopongi we will sleep in typical rondavels. (B,L,D) (62 mi., hg +3300 ft., gravel tracks)
Day 6 Bike tour Olopopongi – Momella
In the morning we ride between Mt. Kili. and Mt. Meru. During the hilly and dusty ride we might spot elephants, zebra, antelope, and buffalo. Stay at the charming Momella Lodge. In late afternoon we head for Arusha National Park in a 4×4. Giraffe, zebra, buffalo and elephant are the large animals, monkeys and countless birds are the little animals in the park. (B,L,D) (28 mi., hg +1000 ft., gravel tracks)
Day 7 Bike tour Momella – Moshi
Through acacia and shrub landscape we head back to Mt. Kilimanjaro. A steep climb brings us back into Chagga territory. Banana and coffee plantations change with little settlements before we descend for lovely Weru Weru River Lodge. In the evening we can celebrate the circumnavigation of Africa`s highest mountain with some cold Kilimanjaro beer. (B,L,D) (56 mi., hg +4500 ft., gravel tracks/tar)
Day 8 The tour Concluded
After breakfast, relax by the pool or join the guide for a walk through Moshi. A transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport ends this adventurous trip.
There are different extension opportunities: Climb onto Africa’s highest Mountain to Uhuru Peak at 19430 ft. You can also visit the amazing national parks – Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti with its massive zebra and wildebeest migrations. Look on Northern circuit safari on webb.
Note: Troughout the tour you will be escorted by 4x4 SUV Truck.
