The 5 Days Kilimanjaro Biking Tour Itinerary
Cycling to the Uhuru Peak? If your goal is to reach the summit via the Kilema Route, you will meet your porters at Horombo and proceed to the summit. For those not interested in summiting, you will meet your porters at Londorosi Gate.
Day 1: Kilema Gate (1950m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
Cycling time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 16 km
Habitat: Montane forest Horombo Hut (3705m) – Mandara Hut (2715m) Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.6 km
Habitat: Moorland
On the first day, meet your guide and transfer to the Marangu Gate, a journey taking about 45 minutes. The route passes through the charming village of Marangu, nestled on the lower slopes of the mountain. Upon reaching the park gate, all hikers must register at the Park office. After the necessary sign-in and registration at the Marangu Gate, we proceed to the Kilema Gate.
Upon arrival, double-check that you have all your daypack items, including drinking water, lunch pack, and extra clothing. Take a final check of your mountain bike before embarking on the initial 16 km route section from the Kilema Gate (1,950m) to the Horombo Hut (3,705m) on a well-maintained 4×4 track. Fit and skilled bikers, subject to road conditions, can cycle all the way to the Horombo Hut.
Remember, ascending too rapidly is a major cause of altitude sickness. Hence, we make regular stops to allow your body ample time to adjust to higher altitudes. Our aim is to reach the Horombo Hut around 15:00 pm. Here, you’ll leave your mountain bike for the night and descend on foot to the Mandara Hut (2,700m / distance 11.7 km) for overnight stay. Ensure your headlamps are in your daypack, as you can expect a late arrival at Mandara Hut. Dinner will be served around 20:00 pm.
The Mandara Hut comprises a collection of wooden A-framed huts set in a serene forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar-generated lighting.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2715m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
Hiking time: 4 hours Distance: Approximately 11.6 km
Habitat: Moorland Horombo Hut (3705m) – Zebra Rocks (4040m) – Horombo Hut
Cycling time: 1 hour uphill and 20 minutes downhill
Distance: Approximately 2 km uphill and 2 km downhill
Habitat: Moorland
From the Mandara Hut, the trail meanders through a brief stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater, and emerges into the transition from rainforest to moorland. We’ll make a short detour for a scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater, offering a breathtaking view of the majestic Kibo Crater on a clear day, showcasing its magnificent glaciers basking in the morning sun.
Once you enter the open moorland, you’ll be treated to the sight of Kilimanjaro’s remarkable plants, including the endemic giant lobelia, reaching heights of up to 3 meters, and the towering giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can grow up to 5 meters.
Arrive at the Horombo Hut in time for a late lunch. Afterward, collect your bikes and embark on a 1.5-hour acclimatization cycle up to Zebra Rocks (4040m) and back.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night at the Horombo Hut.
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Kibo Hut (4703m)
Cycling time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
After a hearty breakfast at the Horombo Hut, it’s time to continue your Mount Kilimanjaro biking adventure. Prepare for a challenging day of cycling as you make your way to Kibo Hut, located at an elevation of 4,703 meters.
The trail from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut is a steady uphill climb through the alpine desert habitat. As you pedal through this barren and rocky landscape, you’ll be amazed by the sheer grandeur of the surrounding mountains.
It’s important to pace yourself and listen to your body during this ascent. Our experienced guides will ensure that you have plenty of rest stops along the way to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Remember to stay hydrated and fuel your body with snacks to maintain your energy levels.
Arriving at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, you’ll have some time to rest and prepare for the final push to the summit. Take this opportunity to relax, enjoy a nourishing meal, and get a good night’s sleep to maximize your chances of a successful summit attempt.
Day 4 – Summit Day: Kibo Hut (4703m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
Cycling time: Approximately 1 hour uphill and 4 to 5 hours downhill
Distance: Approximately 9 km uphill and 23 km downhill
Habitat: Glacial zone, alpine desert, moorland
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for – the summit day! Wake up before midnight and prepare yourself for a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. Put on your warmest layers, grab your headlamp, and start your ascent towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The cycling portion of today’s journey is limited to the early stages. The terrain becomes more challenging and steep as you approach the glacial zone. You may need to dismount your bike and continue on foot as you navigate the rocky and icy paths towards the summit.
As the sun begins to rise, painting the sky with vibrant hues, you’ll feel a surge of determination and excitement. Push yourself forward, one step at a time, until you reach the iconic Uhuru Peak. Standing at an impressive 5,895 meters above sea level, you’ll have conquered the highest peak in Africa.
Take a moment to savor this extraordinary achievement and capture memories with breathtaking photos. The panoramic views from the summit are simply awe-inspiring, with vast expanses of glaciers and the African continent stretching out before you.
After spending some time at the summit, it’s time to begin your descent. This is where the cycling adventure truly picks up. Get back on your bike and enjoy a thrilling downhill ride, taking in the stunning landscapes and the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.
Return to Kibo Hut to collect your belongings and continue the descent to the Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night. The descent can be physically demanding on your knees and muscles, but the joy of the journey and the memories made will fuel your determination.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
Cycling time: Approximately 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 27 km
Habitat: Moorland, rainforest
On the final day of your Mount Kilimanjaro biking adventure, bid farewell to the Horombo Hut and embark on the last leg of your journey. The trail takes you through the moorland and lush rainforest, offering a stark contrast to the rugged terrain you’ve experienced higher up the mountain.
Enjoy the refreshing coolness of the forest shade as you cycle downhill, savoring the sights and sounds of the vibrant ecosystem surrounding you. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as monkeys and various bird species, adding a touch of wilderness to your descent.
Arriving at the Marangu Gate, you’ll be greeted with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Take a moment to reflect on your incredible journey and celebrate your achievement of cycling Mount Kilimanjaro.
Our team will be waiting for you at the gate to congratulate you on your successful expedition. After completing the necessary procedures at the park office, we’ll transfer you back to your accommodation, where you can relax, reminisce, and share your remarkable stories with fellow adventurers.
Cycling to the summit of Kilimanjaro:
Embarking on a Mount Kilimanjaro cycling adventure is a truly extraordinary experience. From the challenging uphill climbs to the exhilarating downhill descents, every moment is filled with awe-inspiring beauty and a sense of achievement. The combination of cycling and trekking allows you to immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Kilimanjaro while pushing your limits both physically and mentally.
With our expert guides, well-maintained routes, and a commitment to safety and sustainability, we ensure that your Mount Kilimanjaro biking adventure is not only thrilling but also responsible and enjoyable. So, gear up, embrace the challenge, and let the majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro unfold before you as you embark on an unforgettable biking journey.
Biking through the Kilema Route
Discover the exhilarating world of Mount Kilimanjaro biking on the incredible Kilema mountain bike route, running parallel to the renowned Marangu route. Originally intended for emergency medical evacuations and transporting supplies to the Horombo Hut, the Kilema trail continues to serve these purposes to this day.
The trail leading from the Kilema Gate to the Horombo Hut Camp is a well-maintained 4×4 murram/gravel road, usually in excellent condition, ensuring a smooth cycling experience.
With the introduction of the Kilema Route, cycling on Mount Kilimanjaro has become more accessible and enjoyable. Previously, hikers would embark on Mount Kilimanjaro biking tours/safaris via pedestrian routes. However, the Kilema Route stands as the only dedicated cycling route on the mountain, exclusively designed for cyclists.
Although it may be a relatively new offering, our expert guides possess the knowledge and skills to safely guide you and your bike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, standing tall at an impressive 5,895 meters.
Embarking on Mount Kilimanjaro biking and cycling tours not only provides an excellent physical workout but also offers fun and recreational opportunities. Our eco-friendly bikes ensure minimal impact on the environment, allowing you to enhance your climbing experience while staying environmentally conscious.
