This is where it all began.

The Kilimanjaro Bike Trail was Adventure Bike Trails' very first expedition — back in 2011, when Sigge decided to share what he'd discovered on his solo journey with others. Since then, it has become the trail that defines us: raw, challenging, and utterly unforgettable.

15 days through Tanzania's most spectacular landscapes. 11 riding days that push your body and reward your spirit. Two rest days to catch your breath, look around, and take it all in. And nights under a sky so full of stars you'll question everything you thought you knew about darkness.

You cycle through remote villages where tourists never go. You share the road with local traffic — cows, goats, children on school runs. You feel the dust, the heat, the effort. And every evening, as you set up camp, you realise you're exactly where you're supposed to be.

This is not a holiday. This is an expedition. And it's the best thing you'll ever do on a bike.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Physical preparation

What's the challenge level of this trip?

The Kilimanjaro Bike Trail is one of our toughest trips: 11 riding days covering 1,143 km, spread across 15 travel days with 2 rest days. Challenge level 4/5.

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.

How should I build up my training?

To be well prepared, start training regularly early on, and increase the intensity as the departure date gets closer. Riding often gets your body used to long distances. It should become second nature to cycle at least 3 times a week, with at least one of those being a long ride.

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

There's no fixed pace during the rides, everyone rides at their own speed, and groups naturally form based on similar pace. There's always someone from our team riding at the back, so you can join them at any time. And if it really isn't working out, our support vehicle is always there for you to hop in.

Bike & gear

What type of bike do I need for this trip?

This trip can be ridden on either a mountain bike or a gravel bike. That said, a mountain bike is a lot more comfortable on this route.

Can I rent a bike on location?

Yes. Bike rental costs €50 per riding day, for this trip (11 riding days), that comes to €550.

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 full packing list is included with the registration guide. In the meantime, think of: a helmet (mandatory), proper cycling shoes, cycling clothing, water bottles, a derailleur hanger, spare brake pads, a spare chain, inner tubes, spare spokes, a spare tyre, a multitool, tyre levers, chain oil, and a pump with a puncture repair kit. In short: everything you might need during a multi-day trip.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear, or can I rent it?

You don't need to buy or lug your own camping gear along. We offer tent rental (€9/night), sleeping bag rental (€4/night), and sleeping mat rental (€3/night), for the 6 camping nights on this trip, that comes to €54 for the tent, €24 for the sleeping bag, and €18 for the mat. Bringing your own gear is of course also an option.

Health & safety

What vaccinations or malaria prevention do I need for this route?

Contact your doctor for this. We do cycle through malaria areas on this trip, so be sure to ask about this specifically.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Yes, this is mandatory, including repatriation cover, just like on all our other trips.

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.

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 very demanding trip, think this through carefully before signing up.

Practical & logistics

How do I get to the starting point?

This trip departs from Arusha. We pick you up from the airport and take you to the start.

What's the arrival and departure protocol?

The same as on our other trips: 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 does the rest day with the Ngorongoro Crater game drive work exactly?

This game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater is fully arranged by us. The price isn't included in the trip cost, as this is an optional activity, you choose for yourself whether to join.

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, that's possible. We do need to know this at least 14 days in advance, and the new participant must meet all of our participation requirements.

What happens if there aren't enough registrations?

Just like on all our other trips, the trip would be cancelled well in advance in that case.

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.

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.

About the destination

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

May still falls at the tail end of the rainy season in Tanzania. That means the occasional heavy shower is possible, but otherwise this is a pleasant period for cycling.

Kilimanjaro Bike Trail