Join Kizza Adventures for a thrilling 9-day bike tour on Kilimanjaro's scenic Lemosho Route, available in 2024, 2025, and 2026. This unique adventure combines the challenge of mountain biking with the iconic climb to Africa's highest peak. Starting from the lush rainforests and moorlands, you'll cycle through diverse landscapes, including high-altitude deserts and rocky terrains, all while being guided by our expert team. Experience the breathtaking views of Mount Meru, the Shira Plateau, and the Western Breach as you acclimatize to the altitude. The Lemosho Route offers the best conditions for a cycling ascent, providing a perfect blend of adventure and safety. Your journey culminates with a final push to Uhuru Peak, where you'll conquer Kilimanjaro and savor the thrill of reaching 5,895 meters on two wheels. With Kizza Adventures as your trusted tour operator, you'll enjoy personalized attention, top-notch equipment, and a seamless experience from start to finish. This Kilimanjaro bike tour is ideal for adventure seekers looking for a one-of-a-kind way to explore the Roof of Africa. Book your spot for 2024, 2025, or 2026, and embark on the ultimate Kilimanjaro biking adventure.
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and taken to the Londorossi Gate at the height of 2,250 m. After the necessary registration has been completed, a bumpy drive will take you into the dense rainforest, from where your adventure commences. The moderately steep track makes its way through an unsplit natural forest to the Big Tree Camp (2,780 m). You will be accompanied by an armed ranger for the first 2 days of your tour as wildlife can be found in the area. You have an overnight at Big Tree Camp.
We will continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we hike through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we will reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we will catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
We will explore the Shira Plateau all day long. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we will divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. We can have different walks on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
We will begin this day by climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we will descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although we will begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
After sleeping below the Great Barranco Wall, we get our chance to tackle this hurdle. Don’t worry…It’s much easier than it looks. Continue up until we will reach just below the Heim Glacier and then head down through the Karanga Valley. This is the last place for our porters to gather water. They will collect enough water for the remainder of the ascent here. We will settle at the Karanga Camp. After lunch, we can spend the afternoon doing light exploring or resting while taking in the views of Mawenzi’s towering spires.
As we wake up in the morning, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting out to today’s destination which is Barafu Camp. Most of this day will be spent walking through very dry deserted terrain, with Kibo ever present on our left side. After approximately 3 to 4 hours, we will reach Barafu Camp, where we will have an early dinner and night as the highlight of our trip is only a few short hours away. At this point, we have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
This day starts particularly early. We’ll be up with the sunrise in order to begin the most challenging day than all days that we will spend on the mountain. After 5-7 hours of climbing the scree and ash paths of the Kibo, we will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. From here we will then hike down to the Crater Camp which lies at an altitude of 5730 m, making it the highest camp on the mountain. If the weather conditions are good, Crater Camp offers us staggering views of the surrounding glaciers.
Our final ascent begins in the early morning hours with the first signs of the sunrise. Though this walk is just two hours long, the high altitude ensures that it is particularly slow and arduous. After ascending 170 meters or so we will reach the summit of Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Now standing on the “Roof of Africa” we will be able to see the surrounding summits and landscapes in all their glory – a truly special experience. Arriving at Uhuru peak we will find our bike at the peak where we will spend some few minutes taking photos. We will then ride down to Stella Point then Kibo hut for Lunch. After lunch we will ride down to Horombo Hut. Today cycling from Uhuru to Kibo 30% to 40% Icecap vegetation and 15% to 20% is alpine desert and from Kibo to Horombo 100% “Alpine desert vegetation.
After breakfast, we will make our final bike riding down to Kilema gate across the alpine and the rainforest, then we will be transferred to Marangu gate for check out. A vehicle will meet us at Marangu gate to drive back to your hotel in Moshi. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
