Kilimanjaro 360º challenge

You will be transferred to Machame gate, which is the starting point of your cycling trip. From there, dirty and gravel road will take you first through the rain forest, banana and coffee plantations, home of the Chagga people. But as you are heading west, you will find yourself on a windy part of the mountain with more open-air plains, and acacia woodlands. This is the land of Maasai people, and you will be able to experience the differences among different tribes and their cultures in Tanzania. You will pass by Ngabobo and Tinga Tinga village and drive on the border of the National park, crossing the paths and native land of different animals.

Cycle through the Sinya and Ngasurai open plains, which serve as a wildlife corridor for animals moving from Amboseli National Park in Kenya to the Enduimet wildlife management area in Tanzania. The route will be completely off-the-beaten-path with no tarmac. If it is a clear day you will be able to see magnificent views of Mt.Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, and Mt. Ol Doinyo Lengai.

This day will be one of the most challenging on the tour.  You will cycle uphill on the dirty and rocky road to climb the Shira Plateau of Mt. Kilimanjaro, one of its three peaks and reach helipad on 3700 meters high. From there you will enjoy a beautiful view of the top of Kilimanjaro and its Kibo peak covered with snow on one side, and endless Maasai land on the other. After the rest, you will enjoy the much easier ride down, back to the Simba farm campsite where you will be spending the night. 

Today’s route takes you through the north-eastern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro which borders Kenya. You will pass through vibrant villages, farmlands, and end on the enter of the Rongai trek route to Kilimanjaro in the Nalemoru village. The village is located on the border with the Rongai forest, conservation center for a lot of tree species that you can see.

After a couple of tough days, this one will be more relaxing and enjoyable. We will take a smooth downhill ride to Lake Chala, unique caldera lake, fed by underground springs from Mt. Kilimanjaro. You will have time to enjoy the lake and its great diversity of life, forest, plants, and birds.

From the lake Chala in front of you will be one more challenging route. You will cycle on the dirt, sometimes muddy road with a lot of uphills and downhills. You will go deep in the dense forest and feel its charms, its rich flora, and fauna. The ride will end in Kahawa Shambani campsite in Uru village where you will spend the night.

The final day of this cycling challenge will take you uphill towards Mweka Gate, the starting point of your trip. After a long ride around the whole Kilimanjaro mountain, you will enjoy easy relaxing ride back to the Moshi on the tarmac road. In the town, you will have dinner, time to relax or to explore the city’s nightlife.