A very special way to summit Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is by mountain biking to its highest peak of Uluru. Join this 10-day Kilimanjaro mountain biking adventure and support local women by having them in your team—they will be your guides, porters, chefs, and waiters on this trip. Apart from reaching the iconic Uhuru peak at 5,895 m (19,340 ft) above sea level, you’ll also spend some time getting to know the Tanzanian way of life by going on a cultural tour, bathing in hotsprings in the jungle, and exploring the city. While you’re on the trek, instead of sleeping in tents and camps as most people who trek Kilimanjaro do, you will spend just one night in camp and the rest in huts.
Welcome to Tanzania! Your guides will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to Moshi, the capital of Kilimanjaro region and the coffee-producing center of the country! Moshi is a fantastic base for exploring Tanzania’s natural wonders, including Kilimanjaro, several waterfalls, natural springs, and tropical forests. Go through a briefing with your guide and make sure you’re all ready for the Kilimanjaro biking tour!
Accommodation: Hotel
Moshi sits at an altitude of 700-950 m (2,300-3,120 ft), but before starting your Kilimanjaro climb, you will do an acclimatization hike. This will help you adjust more easily and gradually to higher altitudes. A part of the day will also be dedicated to a cultural Chagga tour on bike—the Chagga people are the third-largest tribe in Tanzania and they settled on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will learn about their way of life, food, and agriculture.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel. Meet your team and drive to Marangu gate. The drive (1-2 hours) takes you through the village of Marangu on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the gate, you will be registered at the Park Office and the luggage will be weighed. Then it’s 30 more minutes of driving to the Kilema gate (1,950 m / 6,400 ft). Make sure you have all your daypack items with you (3L of drinking water, lunch pack, and extra clothing are a must!) and do a final check on your mountain bike. You will then start cycling the first route section through the lush rainforest, spotting monkeys and birds in trees along the way. Reach the camp (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), where tents will already be set up for you.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles, 4 hours
Altitude gain: 1,150 m / 3,773 ft
Today’s trail is steeper, in some parts you might want to prefer to get off the bike and hike. Other parts you will cycle until you reach the Horombo huts (3,720 m / 12,200 ft) for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing and getting used to new altitudes and surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Horombo hut
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles, 4 hours
Altitude gain: 620 m / 2,030 ft
In order to acclimatize, cycle or hike up to 4,000 m (13,150 ft). The trail is quite rocky and many people prefer to hike and leave their bicycles at the hut. Those who would rather bring their bike, they can usually carry them up and then ride down. Return back to Horombo Hut for lunch and relax the rest of the day. You are still in the heather and moorland zone of the Kilimanjaro climb.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Horombo hut
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles, 2-3 hours
Altitude gain: 280 m / 920 ft
Start the day by carrying your bikes and hiking with it because of rocky terrain. After a while, hop on back to your saddle, as the trail becomes flatter and sandy. Leading across the heath and then reaching the alpine desert with its volcanic rocks. It will probably be quite windy. You’ll have enough breaks to drink and eat some energy bars, giving you plenty of energy for this challenging leg of the climb. The last bit up to Kibo Huts is going to be physically challenging, but by going “pole pole” (slow and steady), you will reach the Kibo hut (4,700 / 15,430) and be rewarded with a hot dinner. Hit the hay early, as you’ll start the summit climb at midnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Kibo hut
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles, 6-7 hours
Altitude gain: 1,000 m / 3,200 ft
Today’s the day you reach the top! Start around midnight for the summit push. Your guides usually hike from here to Uhuru Peak, but if you prefer, you can take your bike, and your summit porters will help you out. The aim is to reach Gilman’s Point (5,756 m / 18,885 ft) by dawn—the first of three official summit points. Following the edge of the crater, you will soon stand at Uhuru Peak! Congrats! Once you’ve taken in this moment and the accomplishment you’ve just achieved, it’s time to descend back down. Get on your bikes (best below 5,000 m / 16,400 ft as it’s not as sandy anymore) and descend down to Kibu hut. Here is where you’ll have a delicious lunch and once you’re recharged, keep cycling down to Horombo hut.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Horombo hut
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles, 8-12 hours
Altitude gain: 1,200 m / 3,900 ft
Altitude loss: 2,175 m / 7,135 ft
Enjoy one last descent down to Marangu gate, the point where you started your adventure. You’ll get to zoom past all the different habitats and ecosystems back to the gate. Once you’re there, you’ll be transferred to the city of Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles, 5-7 hours
Altitude loss: 1,880 m / 6,050 ft
After 6 days of biking and climbing, you deserve a relaxing day at the wonderful hotsprings before heading back home. These hotsprings are a beautiful oasis surrounded by lush jungle, perfect for a refreshment. Go back to Moshi and spend the last afternoon there as you wish—maybe do a bit of souvenir shopping.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Your Kilimanjaro adventure has come to an end. Your guides will take you back to the airport, but feel free to stay longer and explore the beautiful country.
Meals: Breakfast
This is what your guides can organize for you as an extension of your Tanzanian trip:
Let us know if you’re interested upon booking.
What you get on this adventure:
Please contact us in advance about any dietary restrictions or allergies. Vegetarians and mild allergies are easily accommodated. Vegan, gluten-free diets, and severe food allergies can be taken into account.
What’s not included:
In order to join this Kilimanjaro biking tour, you have to be in good shape and able to bike and hike for 6 days in a row. The Marangu Route you will be climbing is 72 kilometers (45 miles) long—generally speaking, it’s an easier route compared to some other Mount Kilimanjaro trekking routes, but the bigger challenge here is altitude. Read more about that in “Is reaching the top guaranteed?” part.
On average, you will be cycling around 10 km (6 miles) per day, for 4-5 hours, except for the summit day when you will cover 12 km (13 miles) over 8-12 hours. You have a day-by-day mileage, altitude, and time breakdown in the itinerary.
While your guides do not offer e-bike rental, you’re welcome to bring your own e-bike and equipment!
As long as you pedal on two wheels, you can book this adventure. A guide will explain the different mountain bike techniques and body positions to get you feeling comfortable on the trail. You will progress at a level that is consistent with your comfort. There will be some steep and rocky parts of the trail, and whenever you feel like it’s too much, you can just get off your bike and push it up.
There’s also always the option of taking an e-bike with you—while your guides do not offer e-bike rental, you’re welcome to bring your own!
Rising up from the ground to 5,895 m (19,340 ft) above sea level, Uhuru Peak is the highest free-standing peak in Africa—and as such, it should not be underestimated. You’ll be climbing the Marangu Route, the oldest and most well-established route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s often referred to as the “Coca Cola” route and remains the most popular one until today. A major pro of this route is that you spend nights in huts as opposed to sleeping in tents.
Still, the Marangu Route has the highest failure rate of any of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro and only 50% make it to the very top of this short trek. So you will have an additional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts, which is especially useful for climbers with no prior experience in high-altitude climbing. This increases the success rate to 90% because it reduces the risk of suffering from altitude sickness.
Keep in mind that guides will be by your side every step of the way, carrying an oxygen bottle to provide maximum help in the unlikely event that you suffer severe altitude sickness. In general, apart from the acclimatization day, the most important thing is to be in decent shape, to do some day-hike and walking beforehands, and to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate during your climb! It’s also recommended to consider taking DIAMOX, but consult your doctor first.
During the tour, your team will constantly be monitoring your emotional and physical well being. Every morning and every evening, your oxygen level will be checked. Altitude sickness can set in at any time and usually presents in the early stages as a headache, some nausea, a loss of appetite, insomnia and quickened heartbeat. Usually most cases are treated with rest and pre-treated with hydration and acclimatization days. However, if the symptoms worsen, you will be evacuated to a lower altitude or off the mountain to receive medical treatment. One of the guides and one porter will walk off the mountain with you and your gear.
You’re allowed to bring one duffel bag or backpack on the trek that will fit all your clothes and climbing gear. Please don’t bring suitcases or wheeled bags because porters carry your luggage on their shoulders or heads. The maximum weight of your luggage is 15 kg (30 lbs). Don’t over pack and make sure not to go over that limit. If you need anything from the lists below, let your guides know and they can help rent it.
In general, bring comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking, wool, fleece, or synthetic material. Do not bring cotton blends. Please dress respectfully—it’s culturally appropriate and recommended in Tanzania to cover shoulders and ensure any skirts or pants are past the knees. Full-length tights while hiking are fine. Here’s a list of clothing we recommend you bring:
Here’s a list of toiletries:
Here’s a list of other equipment we recommend you bring:
Expect diverse weather during your Kilimanjaro trek in late June to early July and late September to early October. As you ascend through climate zones, temperatures vary widely. Base temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C, while Kibo crater averages -7°C, dropping to -26°C. Kilimanjaro features five ecological zones, from rainforest to arctic.
Climbing seasons are July to September and December to February, offering dry, clear conditions for better summit chances. June to October is the driest but slightly colder. Rainy seasons from March to May and October to December mean fewer climbers, lush landscapes, and more snow atop the peak, ideal for photographers.
Tipping is customary and appreciated on your Kilimanjaro trek. While your trek costs cover National Park fees, tipping the local team – guides, porters, and other crew members – is a meaningful way to show gratitude for their exceptional work. Tips significantly impact their lives and help support their families. The standard minimum is about 15% of your total trip cost per person, shared among the team. However, if service doesn’t meet expectations, tipping isn’t obligatory. Generous tipping is welcomed for outstanding service.
Tipping is a historical tradition, recognizing crew efforts. This is crucial, especially after the pandemic’s impact on tourism and rising costs of living in Tanzania.
To express gratitude, many also donate gear post-trip. Quality mountain gear is often unaffordable for local team members, making gear donations invaluable. Daily recommended tip rates vary:
Tipping usually happens in US-Dollars on the climb’s last day during a Kilimanjaro tipping ceremony, involving an envelope for each member of the crew.
Participants will eat a combination of local Tanzanian dishes and more western-style dishes. Breakfasts typically include porridge, breads, eggs, pancakes and fruit. Lunches and dinners range from traditional Tanzanian staples of rice, beans, chapati (pancakes) and ugali (maize porridge), to coastal Tanzanian beef stews and vegetable curries, to more western soups, pastas, fried fish, stir fries, and salads.
You will be accompanied by a team of chefs who will prepare meals for you in accordance with the altitudes you’re climbing. We also recommend bringing along some of your favorite snacks, especially granola or protein bars.
Note for anaphylactic participants: Your guides will control the diet and take very careful precautions with allergies, but due to a number of other hikers on the mountain, some risk of cross-contamination exists. If you are comfortable with that, you can be accommodated on the program.
As you will be drinking lots of water during your Kilimanjaro biking climb, you will be urinating a lot. Also, high altitude makes you urinate more frequently, even more so if you’re taking Diamonix. Using a female urinating device (a funnel) will be a great option to make it easier when there’s no bush or rock to hide behind! A portable toilet tent will be available for the night that you’re camping out, but all other nights you will be using the toilet in the hut.
Regarding keeping your body clean on the mountain, you will be given a bowl of hot water in the mornings and once you reach the accommodation after hiking. Using wet wipes for “washing” your body is what most women do. You will probably not be able to give your hair a proper wash during your Kilimanjaro trek, so dry shampoo may be an option. Regarding your period, even if you don’t expect to have it during the climb, the altitude can mess with your hormones and induce it. Make sure to bring enough tampons and other sanitary products you might need.
Please do not leave any toilet paper, wipes, etc. on the mountain. Pack biodegradable (compostable) disposable bags to put your hygienic rubbish in. You can get rid of these mornings before heading off.
Group sizes and prices:
Kilimanjaro mountain biking can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your Kilimanjaro mountain biking tour starts in Moshi, Tanzania. To get there, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Once you get there, your guides will come pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Airport transfer at the end of the tour is also included in the price of the trip!
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance is compulsory—your guides will require a copy of your travel insurance and you will also have to carry a hard copy of your insurance certificate.
Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Tanzania, please refer to Tanzania’s foreign travel advice.
Regarding Tanzania’s general entry requirements, here’s a list of what you need:
The risk of contracting Malaria in Tanzania is decreasing every year. It’s highly unlikely you will contract malaria on your Kilimanjaro biking tour, simply because it is too high and too cold for mosquitoes that pass malaria. However, there are still some areas of higher risk, such as lakes. The most important thing is to protect yourself by sleeping under mosquito nets, using repellants, and wearing long trousers and shirts, especially in the evenings and at nights. If you want to take more precaution there are several medicines for prevention: Malarone, Doxycycline, Lariam and more. Please consult with your doctor before beginning any of these.
Regarding the dress code in Tanzania, it’s best to dress modestly and accordingly. While the cities are a bit more relaxed, it’s important to show respect at all times. Shorts and skirts should cover the top of the kneecaps, tops should cover your shoulders. While tight leggings or yoga pants are fine for the climb, for Zanzibar loose-fitting pants, capris and long skirts are preferred. Also try to avoid tank tops or spaghetti straps there. Bikinis are fine when swimming at beaches in front of resorts, when at local water-holes or other locations where locals are present, it is best to fully cover yourself. However, in tourist places like Hotsprings people are already used to seeing visitors wearing bikinis.