You've heard about the Kenya Bike Trail OG. This is its bigger brother, and it's not just two extra days bolted on. The XL is a different journey altogether: the same raw landscapes and freedom, plus new terrain around Lake Bogoria and a closer encounter with wildlife at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Hard days, real recovery.

This Kenya cycling tour pairs a serious physical challenge with proper recovery every evening. You'll ride an average of 100 km a day, climbing roughly 10,000 meters of elevation across the full trip. This isn't a relaxed cycling holiday, it's a demanding adventure built for experienced riders. You're never on your own out there: our team meets you mid-morning to restock water and food, we set up a proper lunch stop, and we check in again in the afternoon. Every night ends in a lodge of a solid standard, with a full sit-down dinner at the restaurant. No tents, no camping, but a real bed and a meal you've earned.

Lake Bogoria: new ground, even for OG riders.

The two extra riding days aren't filler. They take you to Lake Bogoria, an area even OG alumni haven't seen. Hot geysers, a lake that can't be contained and a landscape that shifts the rhythm of the whole trip.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy: face to face with the last white rhinos.

During the resting day, there's time for a game drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the last white rhinos on earth. These aren't animals you watch from a distance, you get closer than you'd expect, and it changes you.

11 days, 8 rides, a story for life.

In total, the XL spans 11 days, including 8 days of riding trough Kenya's wildest, most remote corners. More time, more encounters, more to tell. If the OG is an unforgettable journey, the XL is the one you'll tell stories about for the rest of your life.

Who is this cycling trip for?

This tour is built for experienced cyclists who want a real physical challenge by day without giving up comfort by night. Already rode the OG? Lake Bogoria and Ol Pejeta open up a side of Kenya you haven't seen yet. New to Adventure Bike Trails? You'll know exactly what you're signing up for: a serious adventure, not a camping trip, not a luxury safari.

What is included

Meals

Full board: breakfast and dinner at the hotel, lunch on the road.

Accommodation

9x luxury lodge, 1x cosy guesthouse

Support

Guides, support vehicle, mechanic and first aid on the road.

Extras

Safaris, souvenirs, personal expenses, bike rental, single supplement, ...

Choose your dates

23 September 2026 - 3 October 2026 5 – 15 Jun 2027 - 15 June 2027

Registrations

Open now

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Physical preparation

What's the challenge level of this trip?

The XL is a serious adventure for experienced cyclists: 8 riding days, averaging 100 km a day, with around 10,000 metres of total elevation gain across the trip.

What preparation is recommended?

We recommend training for time in the saddle, not just distance. Being able to comfortably cover the daily riding distance, with room to spare, is a good starting point, but just as important is being able to do this several days in a row. Build your training around consecutive long rides, so your body gets used to the fatigue that builds up day after day.

What if I can't keep up the pace during a ride?

On our trips, everyone rides at their own pace. Groups naturally form around similar speeds, and there's always a rider from our team at the back of the pack. So you can ride alone if you prefer, but you can also always stay with one of our team members. And if it really isn't working out? No problem: our support vehicle is always there for you to hop in for a while.

Bike & gear

What type of bike do I need?

For Kenya, we recommend a mountain bike. Although the terrain alternates between paved and unpaved, there can still be some tough sections. Front suspension is recommended, and full suspension adds extra comfort. Make sure your bike is in full working order before departure — nothing is more frustrating than a broken bike on the road.

Can I rent a bike on location?

Yes. For the XL, this costs €400. Our bikes are Thompson brand and undergo full maintenance before and after every trip, so they're always in top condition at departure.

Is maintenance provided along the way?

Yes, a mechanic is present for the entire trip, but as support for exceptional cases, not as a replacement for your own basic skills. We expect you to be able to handle basic repairs yourself, such as fixing a flat tyre. If something comes up that you can't solve on your own, our mechanic is there to help.

What equipment should I bring myself?

A helmet is mandatory, proper cycling shoes and cycling clothing are strongly advised. It's difficult to find the right spare parts in Kenya so also bring: water bottles, a derailleur hanger, spare brake pads, a spare chain, 4 inner tubes, spare spokes, a spare tyre, a multitool (ideally with a chain breaker), tyre levers, a small bottle of chain oil, and a mini pump with a puncture repair kit. Optional: a suspension pump and tyre sealant. In short: everything you might need during a multi-day trip.

Health & safety

What vaccinations or malaria prevention do I need for Kenya?

Contact your doctor for this — everyone's situation is different. We do cycle through malaria areas on this trip, so we recommend bringing malaria tablets. Insect repellent with at least 50% DEET will be your best friend on this trip.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Yes, including repatriation cover.

What happens in case of a medical incident or injury on the road?

We always have a designated first-aid responsible with us. Minor incidents are handled by this person directly; for more serious incidents, we go to local hospitals and arrange repatriation, which is exactly why insurance is required. Our team knows exactly how to handle these situations, and a careful rider usually never needs them.

Is this trip suitable if I have a medical condition?

Check with your doctor, who can assess this best. Do always let us know about any medical condition you have, so we can prepare as well as possible. We'll also be upfront: this is a physically demanding trip, and even the support vehicle isn't always comfortable, think this through carefully before signing up.

Practical & logistics

How do I get to the starting point?

We take care of you from the moment you land in Nairobi. If you land on an evening flight, we arrange a taxi to a hotel, and our driver picks you up the next morning for the transfer to the start. If you land in the morning, we pick you up directly from the airport.

What's the arrival and departure protocol?

You let us know your flight details, and we pass them on to our drivers. They make sure to be on time both for pick-up on arrival and for your departure, so you never miss your flight. We welcome you at the starting lodge for a briefing and to assemble your bike.

How much is the single supplement, and how does room allocation work?

The single supplement for this trip is €475, and ensures you have your own room where possible. Without it, room allocation is based on gender and age. You can also let us know during the trip who you'd prefer to room with (or not), we'll take that into account.

How does the payment structure work?

Once we're certain the trip will run, we send a payment request for the deposit. Your booking is confirmed once this deposit is paid. At the same time, we send the payment request for the remaining balance, which is due at the latest 2 months before departure.

What are the cancellation terms?

These are fully explained in our Terms and Conditions.

Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

Yes. This comes with an administrative fee of €100, must be reported at least 2 weeks before departure, and the new participant must meet our participation requirements (18+, in good physical condition, etc.).

Who guides the trip?

Our team consists of experienced guides. There's always someone on the bike who knows the route inside out, and someone in the support vehicle. Guidance is provided in English and Dutch. When we bring along volunteers, they're always trained by one of our experienced staff members, so the team always knows what to do in any situation. Sigge and Joel, in fact, each have over 15 years of experience.

Can I join without a partner or friend?

Absolutely. Our group is always a great mix of solo travellers and couples or groups of friends. Everyone's welcome, and in the evenings there's always a chance to get to know everyone during group activities, or simply relax in your room. Our trip is an individual group trip: you're welcome to join group activities and ride together, but you don't have to. The choice is entirely yours.

About the destination

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Yes, but it's a straightforward e-visa. We're happy to help you with this. Apply at least 3 weeks before departure to make sure everything is in order.

What's the weather/climate like during this period?

We always plan our trips outside the rainy season, though the occasional tropical shower can never be fully ruled out, it's usually not a big deal. Temperature is harder to predict, as we're sometimes at significant altitude (around 25°C) and sometimes lower, where it can reach 30–35°C. These temperatures feel different in a tropical climate, but it's always manageable.

Kenya Bike Trail XL