RIDING GIANTS

WHY THIS ITINERARY?

Mountain bike on Kilimanjaro! For those that love adventure and really want to get the heart pumping then this is a great add on to any safari that allows you to have a taste of the high altitude, see one of the prettiest parts of Kilimanjaro, West Kilimanjaro and even hike on Mt Meru. Alpine meadows, open plains with wildlife, thick afro montane forest and some amazing rides!

DESCRIPTION

Starting on the Western side of Kilimanjaro National Park, this hike explores the Shira Plateau – the oldest of the 3 volcanoes on Kilimanjaro and then the cycling takes you to the plains at the base before heading over to Mt Meru’s slopes to explore on foot and bike. Finale is village rides all the way back to Kilimanjaro airport (but note we can connect to Arusha etc).

HIGHLIGHTS

Riding Kilimanjaro! The Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo, crossing the Shira plateau, Shira Cathedral, the moorland, heath, afromontane forest, plantation forest, farmland rides, Enduimet with wildlife, Mt Meru hiking, wildlife such as giraffe on fott, amazing birds and butterflies!

ITINERARY

DAY 1

On arrival (ETA 9am) you are met and transfer to a nearby lodge to change clothes and store away any items that are not needed. We then transfer to West Kilimanjaro (2 hours) by safari landcruiser to the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, and area called West Kilimanjaro. For those that have seen Kilimanjaro or maybe even hiked her majestic peak, then you will know that it is a massive sentinel on the earth's crust.. And today we mountain bike the Shira plateau! The bikes are serviced and we transfer up to the edge of the Shira plateau and we rise early to ensure the very best views. Once on the edge of the plateau we have a bush breakfast before we ride up to the end road at almost 3,800 meters before splitting into advanced and regular riding tracks. The way down is exhilerating, care must be taken and yet for those who remain on the rescue road, it can be a very controlled ride too. We then head down to a farm at the base of the forest zone for a scrumptious lunch, and once again options to ride exist before we all meet back at the tented lodge. Dinner & overnight Simba Farm (full board).

DAY 2

After the previous day's adventure we change up the scenery to day and after breakfast we meet our bikes at the edge of a wilderness zone call Enduimet WMA. After some setup adjustments we ride! The first section is mostly downhill all the way to the Amboseli eco system (on the Tanzanian side) and once down on the plains meet our team for a bush lunch under an acacia tree. The heat of the afternoon passes and we can then ride on into the plains looking for the last of Africa's great Tuskers (elephants) before then heading back to our lodge. Note: as this is the first day there are potentially two ride options this afternoon (long + short) and vehicle support is always available. Dinner & overnight Simba Farm Lodge (full board).

DAY 3

Today's ride is more about a safari, a journey from one place to another. Droppping down from the slopes of Kilimanjaro we pass ancient cones which were part of the first world war theatre of war, we cycle through Maasai land all the way towards Mt Meru. We aim to reach here for late lunch and then in the afternoon there is time to relax or even ride some more! This creative lodge is Maasai themed huts that are comfortable and even has an infinity pool and yoga spaces. A great spot to re energise, relax, or for those that need more exercise then the options are there! Dinner and overnight Original Maasai Lodge (fb).

DAY 4

Breaking it up today we head into Arusha National park to hike deep into the slopes and heart of Mt Meru. A giant of a volcano that blasted out sideways some 8,000 years ago, these thickly forested slopes are dripping in lichen covered trees with a plethora of widlife and insects. A trek up into this giant is a must and you set out with picnic lunches (you can opt to leave early and return for lunch too) and can spend the best part of the day hiking and even some game drives around the Momella lakes as well. A lovely way to spend an active day. Dinner & overnight Original Maasai Lodge (fb).

DAY 5

Our final ride is takes us all the way back to the airport, where there is a lodge to change and freshen up. Not before a lovely sunrise breakfast and ride though! The two rides this morning are clearly defined to be easier or tougher, and both great options for fun village settings, mixed tracks all the way back to the Kilimanjaro airport. At the lodge a well deserved shower and some lunch before departure is a solid plan.

END OF SERVICES

INCLUDES  

• Support vehicle with fridge (water + some soft drinks)

• Picnic hamper with teas / coffee

• Meals as noted in itinerary

• Mountain bike with front suspension (send size info in advance, failure to do so may result in a smaller or larger bike than you are used to) - current stock is Titan Racing Drone ELITE model + Giant Fathom. Full suspension and electric on request (additional payment).

• Water bottle

• Cycling helmet WFR certified bike guide + small first aid kit

• For a full list of includes and excludes please refer to your tour operator as itineraries in this region can be complicated and require many moving parts.  

WHAT TO WEAR/ BRING  

• Sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Buff or lightweight neck gaiter (for keeping out dust)

• Rain shell

• Mid layer down (very cold mornings)

• Long sleeve t shirt 

• Hiking trousers (zip off style are recommended so you have shorts too)

• Mountain biking shorts (padded a good idea)

• Your own peddles if clips are to be used (you can request in advance for our double sided ones too)

• Waterproof trousers Socks Trail or hiking boots

• Water bottle for extra water

• Small backpack

• Small first aid kit