Kilimanjaro 6 Days Downhill Mountain Bike
Kilimanjaro 6 Days Downhill Mountain Bike
Overview
The Kilema Mountain bike trail runs parallel with the Marangu route. The Kilema route is mainly used as an access road by vehicles to bring supplies to the Horombo hut and to evacuate medical emergencies from the Horombo hut. The route from Kilema gate to Horombo hut is a 4 x 4 gravel road, which is usually in fair condition.
Whether you reach the summit depends almost exclusively upon one factor: Your acclimatization. Our whole itinerary is geared towards one single day, that is to say, summit day.
There will be many occasions on which we will need to manually push the bikes. Riding them the entire way would theoretically be possible, but would use far too much energy. We need to save most of this for the day of the summit, and our climb of 1200m. There is more than enough time for this, as we will set off shortly after midnight. As a reward for reaching the summit, we have a complimentary souvenir photo in store for you as well as a nearly 5000m descent. You’re guaranteed to be talking about this for a long time afterward.
The Kilema route (with the first night at the Kilema camp) option is shorter, less strenuous, and involves more mountain biking, compared to the Kilema route option with the first night at Mandara hut. However, it is more expensive, as the first night is spent camping in tents and the rest of the nights are spent in the Marangu route’s A-frame huts.
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
2-4 pax | 5+ pax |
---|---|
US $5,750 | US $5,250 |
Included/Excluded
- Two nights accommodation Hotel in Moshi ( before and after the climb) including
- Breakfast and Dinner.
- Mountain Bike and Mountain Guide
- Arrival and Departure transfers from the airport
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents (or hut fees for Marangu route)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees & Rescue Fees
- All meals on the Mountain (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
- International flights (from/o home)
- Entry visa into Egypt
- Imported/premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal Items (souvenirs, travel insurance, Visa fees, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Activities/day excursions not specified in itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrived in Tanzania and transferred to the Lodge
A Nature Horizons team member will be waiting for you at your arrival time. You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to your Lodge in Moshi town situated on the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Today you will meet your tour guides, who will brief you about your upcoming tour and guide you through the bike fitting.
DAY 2: Kilema Gate (1950m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
Meet your guide and embark on your transfer to the Marangu Gate, which takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are required to register at the Park office. After signing in and registering at the Marangu gate, we drive to the Kilema gate.
Upon arrival, you will ensure that you have all your daypack items (containing drinking water, your lunch pack, and extra clothing) and do a final check on your mountain bike. You will then start the first route section of 16km, (with your guide also on a mountain bike) from the Kilema gate (1950m) to the Horombo hut (3705m) on a 4×4 track. Bikers with good fitness levels, mountain biking skills, and versatility will be able to cycle to Horombo hut.
It is important to remember that the biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too quickly. We will be stopping regularly and to give your body the maximum time to adjust to the higher altitudes. We will aim to reach Horombo hut at around 3:00 pm. We will stop at Horombo Hut for a short break, before commencing on a downhill cycle to Kilema camp. Descending approximately 800m over 7km, the track has a lot of loose rocks and it is important to control your speed and avoid unnecessary risks!
Upon arrival, your porters will have your tent set up at camp and in the evening bring a small bowl of washing water to your tent. The cook will prepare dinner before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can drop to freezing points at this camp, so it will be important to pack accordingly.
Kilema Gate (1950m) – Homboro Hut (3705m)
Cycling time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 16 km
Habitat: Montane forest
Horombo Hut (3705m) – Kilema Camp (2950m)
Cycling time: 30 minutes
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Habitat: Moorland
DAY 3: Kilema Camp (2950m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
After breakfast, make sure your duffel bag is packed and we cycle from the Kilema Camp to Horombo Hut. The trail is steep and has a lot of loose rocks in certain areas. Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.
We arrive in time for a late lunch at Horombo hut. After lunch collect our bikes and go for a 1.5 hour acclimatization cycle up to Zebra rocks (4040m) and back. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Horombo hut.
Kilema Camp (2905m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
Cycling time: 2 to 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Habitat: Moorland
Horombo Hut (3705m) – Zebra Rocks (4040m) – Horombo Hut
Cycling time: 1 hour up and 20 minutes down
Distance: Approximately 2 km up and 2 km down
Habitat: Moorland
DAY 4: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY: Cycle High and Sleep Low | Horombo Hut (3705m) – Kibo Hut (4730m) – Horombo Hut (3705m
After an early breakfast, meet your guide and start your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. The first 3 km of the trail is very rocky and cycling will be very difficult as this section is very stony and eroded. You will be forced to push and carry your bike for some sections, but after about 3km the trail improves and cycling will once again be possible.
The “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo) is relatively flat and cycling is much easier. However high altitudes, low oxygen levels, and cold conditions make the 7km section towards Kibo Hut strenuous and challenging.
The final km before reaching Kibo hut is especially challenging. You will once again be reminded to slow down and drink enough water! Upon arrival at Kibo Hut lunch will be served. After lunch we will embark on an awesome Kilimanjaro Mtb downhill, descending nearly 800m over 7km. The final 3km descent to Horombo Hut is very technical and challenging, followed by dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut (3705m) – Kibo Hut (4730m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
Cycling time: 4 to 5 hours up and 1 hour down
Distance: 9.6 km up and 9.6km down
Habitat: Alpine desert
DAY 5: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)
We’ll wake early and make sure our duffel bags are packed and ready to go. After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide and we’ll head back up to Kibo Hut. Again the first 3km will require you pushing and carrying your bike a lot, with the final 7km to Kibo hut offering a better biking trail.
We will enjoy lunch and then aim to rest. At around 16h00, depending on how you feel, it is possible to hike partially up the summit path to orientate yourself for the summit attempt later that night. Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo hut, a stone-built block house that has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. There are platform toilets behind the hut.
The summit (Uhuru Peak) is now 1195m farther up, and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, thermal clothing, etc for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible, until 22h00.
Horombo Hut (3705m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)
Cycling time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9.6 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
DAY 6: The Summit Night: Kibo Hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)
You will rise around 22h00, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. The section just before Gillman’s point known as “Jamaica rocks’ ‘ is very steep with a lot of stone, and boulders requiring a great physical and mental effort.
From Horombo hut up to Gillmans point the trail cannot be cycled and you will have to push your bike up to the Jamaica rocks, however from Jamaica rocks to Gillmans point, you will have to carry your bike (or if you are not up to it – arrange for a porter to carry your bike). With oxygen levels close to 9.5%, this is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. You will be doing the Kilimanjaro shuffle and move very slowly.
From Gillman’s Point, the trail can be cycled again and you will normally encounter snow up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Depending on snowfall, mountain bikers with high fitness levels and expert technical Mountain biking skills will be able to cycle most of the trail from Gillman’s Point to Uhuru Peak.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut.
Again, mountain bikers with expert technical cycling skills should be able to cycle from Uhuru peak to Gillmans’ point. It is impossible to ride the first section from Gillman’s point down to Kibo hut. Cycling will only be possible for the final 1 to 2 km before reaching Kibo hut.
Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, enjoy a late breakfast and then pack your gear in your duffel bag for the porter to carry down.
Kibo Hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)
Cycling time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 3 to 4 hours to descend to Kibo hut,
Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 31 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
DAY 7: Kibo Hut (4730m) – Kilema Gate (1950m)
You will embark on the world’s ultimate downhill mountain bike rollercoaster ride:
Starting at Kibo hut at 4730m you will descend to the Kilema gate 1950m – distance approximately 31km, descend approximately 3000m in only 3 hours!
Kilema Gate (1950m)
Cycling time: 3 hours
Distance: 25 km.
Riding Level: Challenging
Path: Gravel road
Highlights: Cycling on Mt Kilimanjaro
DAY 8: Departure
Wake up and prepare to board your flight home! Your guide will be with you up until we drop you off at the airport.
END TOUR
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Moshi (Before Hike)
Accommodation during hike
Mountain Hut
TREKKING PACKING LIST
Trekking Packing List
Head and Hands:
- Cap or hat to wear while walking in bright sun
- Wool or fleece cap or hat to keep your head warm
- Neck warmer to protect your throat from catching cold
- Uv protection sunglasses
- Warm wind and waterproof gloves
Upper body:
- Dri fit trekking shirts
- Thermals
- Warm trekking shirts
- Hiking hoodie
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower body:
- Trekking pants
- Trekking shorts
- Thermals and inners
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Slippers or sandals
- Gaiters
- Microspikes
Other items:
- Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by porters.
- Day rucksack to be carried personally.
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main bag.
- One or two-liter water bottle.
- Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
- Sleeping bag, 4 seasons.
- Torch, ideally head torch.
- Digital Camera and a spare battery and battery charger
- Toilet paper, quick dry towel,
- Toothbrush
- Large handkerchief/bandana for neck
Mountain biking:
- Waterproof/windproof jacket comfortable for riding.
- Long Thermal tops and bottoms for both riding and sleeping
- Fleece Jacket or Jumper
- Cycling Clothing – Long and short sleeve tops, full and half cycling shorts. Arm and leg warmers if you use them, thermal cap for under helmet
- Full Fingered gloves suitable for minus degrees’ temperatures, half fingered gloves
- Warm Hat (for off the bike)
- Buff or Bandana for face protection against dust
- Knee and Elbow Pads are highly recommended
- Helmets are COMPULSORY. We supply if you are hiring from us
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen
- Basic Toiletries, Chapstick, Moisturizer, Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes for those times it’s too cold to shower
- A Travel Towel
- Sleeping Bag (Rated 3 Season) Highly recommended from Oct to March. At a minimum a sleeping sheet will be good. Hotels give blankets but don’t always provide sheets. In peak seasons blankets can be limited. Can be hired in Kathmandu
- Socks (thick and thin)
- Cycling Shoes – We recommend mtb shoes with walking soles not stiff ones or any shoe you are comfortable to both pedal and walk in. There are some river crossings where you could possibly get wet feet, so bring some lighter fast drying shoes as there is nothing worse than riding with cold and wet feet! Or pack some flip flops in your day pack.
- Flip Flops or Sandals for around the Teahouses
- Hiking boots or walking shoes (For Throng La Only)
- Waterproof Pack Cover
- Day Pack for carrying personal belongings while riding
- Camelbak (2lt) or Water Bottles
- Head Torch
- Personal Medicines, rehydration salts
Bringing Your Own Bike
We recommend the following specifications: –
- Full Suspension 110mm to 160mm travel all mountain style bikes are ideal for this trip, but one that can climb.
- Tire recommendation is 2.2 to 2.3. Something like a MAXXIS High Roller or Schwalbe Nobby Nic or equivalent is ideal for this trip.
- Tubeless is recommended and we also recommend you bring a little extra Liquid.
- Hardtails are also okay for these trip’s if that is what you ride.
You should provide for your OWN BIKE
- Chain Links, Spare Chain
- Dry Chain Lube
- Mech Hanger or Drop Out for your model of bike
- Brake Pads for your Model
- Brake fluid for your Model of Brake
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Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Kika C2024-12-16Amazing experience and customer service!!! I highly recommend Dominick with Nature Horizons Tours!! I am a travel advisor who had a bit of a last-minute booking with a family to Peru. I reached out to Dominick immediately, since I knew he’d be fabulous!! He went above and beyond with communication, response, time, organization, and more! He got the very happy clients booked within a few days and I am super grateful for his services!!! he was so kind to start a WhatsApp group chat with me and my clients to answer any and all questions we had! Thank you!!!!Evan L2024-10-29Amazing time at Machu Picchu We had a great time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco! Great views and excellent guide and transportation. Everything was great!Karen H2024-10-29Excellent experience I have worked with Nature Horizons as a travel advisor and it was an excellent experience. I 100% trust this team to deliver an exceptional trip for my clients. They are quick to respond to questions and the communication while my clients were traveling was outstanding. They had excellent knowledge of the area and were able to provide more local tips and suggestions that I would have been able to provide alone.Highly recommend.Rosie H2024-08-18Epic African Safari to Tanzania My husband and I planned a trip with 2 other couples to go on an African Safari in Tanzania for the Great Migration experience as well as the Serengeti which was epic all by itself. We visited and stayed across Moshi (Mt. Kilimanjaro area), the North & Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Maynara, nKomazi Black Rhino Sanctuary, Tarangire and probably a few other places I can't recall. We stayed at tented temporary camps to luxury camps. We stayed at Weru Weru lodge, Serengeti Heritage lodge, Central Serengeti Luxury camp, Rhino Lodge, Lake Maynara Safari Lodge and finally at Kilimanjaro Luxury camp. These venues each had their own beauty with furnishings, mosquito nets, traditional African tribal entertainment, good food and amazing staff who catered to our every need and comfort. Even in the bush, we still had access to electricity, hot water, bottled water, showers, toilets and yes of course, the internet but you have to be realistic since the bush is the bush with hyenas, big cats and elephants moving around the property. I really loved the Masai warriors who made us feel safe as they escorted back and forth between tents and the main camp. We were so blessed to experience the BIG 5 largely due to the expertise of our guides Praygod and Victor. They were the best and boy did they make the trip. I was grateful for their knowledge of the terrain, their respect for the wildlife, education and tolerating our 1000s of questions. We had 3 couples plus the owner operator Dominick and we rotated across 2 Land Cruisers. I wouldn't have it any other way, I never felt cramped and being able to pop my head up in the open roof was great for photos and viewing the animals with my binoculars. This was a once in a life time trip that I highly recommend to anyone that has grown up watching animal planet and national geographic as a kids. When you see these animals only feet away from you, the kid in you returns and you will definitely cry at the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. I highly recommend Nature Horizons since they are well connected across the different operators and local partners. They lodging was great and it provided a little bit of raw nature in the bush, feeling like a roughed it a bit (but not really) to the beauty Kilimanjaro luxury camp the last 2 nights to be at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and being able to see her greatness above the clouds. I have been back a month and I can't stop talking about my experience in Tanzania. I was able to experience the beauty of the people of Tanzania, an actual Masai village, shopping at the awesome African Galleria, and getting souvenir's at the cool places our guides felt were respectable locations for tourists. I am not sure when, but I plan to go back to explore more of Tanzania and Africa.Nikole2024-07-17No Words I feel very fortunate to have gone on this safari with Nature Horizons. I went with a group of people and only knew one. Each place that we stayed at was very special in its own way. Dominick is a very kind, intelligent, fun human. He has built all the right relationships to ensure all of his clients are taken care of. We were able to see all of the big five. Our guides felt like family. I’ve never been on a trip that was so magical and was so hard to leave. It has nearly been half a year and our group still talks with each other. We bonded so much that we committed to going on a trip together every 5 years. If you’re thinking about this, DO IT! Do it with Nature Horizons! They will go the extra mile for you to get the experience of a lifetime. They even made sure we had opportunities to connect with the people of Tanzania.Rebecca M2024-06-23Unforgettable vacation We worked with Nature Horizons for our honeymoon to Peru and it far exceeded any expectations we had! It was the most incredible experience and itinerary they created for us and Deivis was always on top of everything and extremely responsive if we had questions. I give this company my highest/strongest recommendation if you are thinking of going to any of the countries they service!Dream224010839132024-06-12Great Travel Team! I am a travel advisor and just sent my clients on their honeymoon with Nature Horizons. They visited Peru and had the most amazing time. The Nature Horizons team was so easy to work with. listened to my requests, and made all the revisions I needed. They took wonderful care of my clients as if they were their own. I can't wait to work with them again!Noe V2024-06-11Full service trip to Perú We had a wonderful time traveling through Perú for two weeks on an itinerary planned by Deivis, through nature horizons.The experience was so much more than we originally expected. Every detail was accounted for. From private drivers to knowledgeable tour guides, there was nothing lacking.I don't know if we'll ever be able to take a trip like this again, but I'm so glad we did at least once. Thank you so much. I'll never forget these amazing days.Jill D2024-04-20Not enough stars to rate this company- THE BEST time ever!!! If there were a million stars to rate this company and my recent trip, it wouldn't be enough. Nature Horizons is amazing. I first met the owner, Dominick at a convention for travel advisors in 2023. I knew immediately that he was a very special person and he had a very obvious love for the tours he had created in the destinations he adored. The story of developing his company is inspiring and his work ethic has continued to impress me during all stages of my Safari planning, from its conception to preparation to hosting us during the Great Migration in Tanzania. His communication is efficient, sincere and organized. He is thorough and thoughtful. He is fun and personable. He is extremely knowledgeable and has vetted resources to execute adventures across many countries. Our Safari was 12 days of awesome-ness. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Each day was well-planned and our guides helped us see so many animals, sites and natural wonders. They knew where to be and when for us to see the most miraculous things. Dominick was such a friendly host, helping us gain perspective and a true taste of Tanzania. He listened to our wishlist, considered our requests and delivered days that we will never forget. Dominick truly cares about each and every guest and also has such respect for some of the most treasured creatures and places on our planet. I can't imagine a better Safari ever happening. But, knowing Dominick, he will make sure the next one and the next and the next are better than the one before it. That's how much he cares.I have to share a couple of our favorite moments were totally unplanned, though. Our Safari vehicle got stuck in the mud as rains started in the Central Serengeti. Dominick stayed calm, assured us that all was well and we sipped champagne as we watched the men try to get us unstuck...comical. Everything happens for a reason and we saw a perfectly complete rainbow soon after our vehicle was moving down the road. It couldn't have been scripted any better! As we continued on the way back to our lodge, we came across a Lioness and her brand-new cub. This is something rarely seen and we were sure Dominick paid the Lioness to appear for us. LOL. These examples are merely a glimpse of memories we made. And, part of the reason these moments were so special was because we were in the moment, which was as Nature Horizons intended. We had not a care in the world and could simply "be" in nature. I can't thank the entire team enough for such a wonderful two weeks.416marlysl2024-04-04Amazing Experience! This trip was, by far, the most amazing trip I have ever taken! Dominick and his driver/guides were fabulous! They definitely found all the animals we wanted to see and many unexpected sites as well. They were so accommodating, stopping whenever we asked even if it was just for a bird or turtle crossing the road. Our guide, Praygod, was able to identify every bird we saw! Their knowledge of the wildlife was phenomenal. We learned so much about the culture, food, and local life from our casual conversations. The accommodations, while not luxury, were very comfortable and the food was very good, especially the soups. When I go back, it will definitely be with Dominick and Nature Horizons Tours!Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5,
based on 63 reviews