Description
The Kilema Mountain bike trail runs parallel to the Marangu route and primarily serves as an access road. It is used by vehicles to transport supplies to the Horombo Hut and to evacuate medical emergencies from there. The road from the Kilema Gate to Horombo Hut is a 4×4 gravel path that is generally in fair condition.
Choosing the Kilema route with the first night at Kilema Camp is a shorter and less strenuous option that involves more mountain biking compared to the Kilema route with the first night at Mandara Hut. However, this option is more expensive because it includes camping for the first night and staying in the Marangu route’s A-frame huts for the subsequent nights.
Highlights
Tour Itinerary
- Distance: Approximately 16 km (Montane forest)
- Distance: Approximately 7 km (Moorland)
Meet your guide and transfer to the Marangu Gate, a 45-minute drive through the village of Marangu on the mountain’s lower slopes. At the park gate, all hikers must register at the Park Office. After signing in at Marangu Gate, we will proceed to the Kilema Gate.
Upon arrival at the Kilema Gate, ensure you have all essential items in your daypack, including drinking water, your lunch, and extra clothing. Do a final check of your mountain bike before starting the first route section. You will ride approximately 16 km from Kilema Gate (1,950 m) to Horombo Hut (3,705 m) on a 4×4 track. Riders with good fitness and mountain biking skills, depending on road conditions, may be able to cycle the entire distance to Horombo Hut.
To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, which is commonly caused by ascending too quickly, we will make regular stops to help your body adjust to the altitude. Our goal is to reach Horombo Hut around 15:00.
After a brief stop at Horombo Hut, we will continue with a downhill ride to Kilema Camp. This section covers approximately 7 km with an 800 m descent. The track has loose rocks, so it is crucial to control your speed and navigate carefully.
Upon arrival at Kilema Camp, your porters will have your tent set up, and in the evening, they will bring a small bowl of washing water to your tent. The cook will prepare dinner, after which you can relax and retire for the night. Be prepared for temperatures that can drop to freezing at this camp.
- Distance: Approximately 7 km (Moorland)
After breakfast, ensure your duffel bag is packed and ready. We will cycle from Kilema Camp to Horombo Hut. The trail is steep and features loose rocks in some areas. Horombo Hut is situated on a small plateau and accommodates up to 120 climbers. The area is usually vibrant with hikers, guides, and porters, creating an adventurous and lively atmosphere. Here, you’ll encounter both ascending and descending hikers.
We aim to arrive at Horombo Hut in time for a late lunch. After eating, we’ll collect our bikes for a 1.5-hour acclimatization ride up to Zebra Rocks (4,040 m) and back.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night at Horombo Hut.
Acclimatization Day to Cycle High & Sleep Low. Horombo Hut (3705m) To Kibo Hut (4730m) To Horombo Hut (3705m)
- Distance: 9.6 km up and 9.6 km down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After an early breakfast, meet your guide and begin your ascent into the Alpine Desert. The first 3 km of the trail is very rocky and challenging for cycling, requiring you to push and carry your bike through some sections. After about 3 km, the trail becomes more rideable.
The “Saddle,” the area between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, is relatively flat, making cycling easier. However, the high altitude, low oxygen levels, and cold conditions make the 7 km stretch toward Kibo Hut strenuous and demanding.
The final kilometer before Kibo Hut is particularly tough. Remember to slow down, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, lunch will be served.
After lunch, enjoy an exhilarating downhill ride from Kibo Hut, descending nearly 800 m over 7 km. The final 3 km descent to Horombo Hut is technical and challenging.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at Horombo Hut.
- Distance: Approximately 9.6 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Wake up early and ensure your duffel bags are packed and ready. After breakfast, meet your guide and head back up to Kibo Hut. The first 3 km will require you to push and carry your bike through rocky terrain, but the final 7 km to Kibo Hut will offer a more rideable trail.
Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, enjoy lunch and take time to rest. Around 16:00, if you feel up to it, you may hike partially up the summit path to familiarize yourself with the route for the summit attempt later that night.
Kibo Hut is situated in the stark Alpine Desert and is a stone-built block house with bunk beds for 60 climbers. There are no nearby water streams, but there are platform toilets behind the hut.
The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is 1,195 meters up, and you’ll begin this climb later in the night. Prepare your equipment, thermal clothing, and other essentials for the summit bid. Ensure you have spare batteries for your headlamp and camera, and carry water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing.
Try to get as much rest and sleep as possible by going to bed around 19:00. You’ll need to wake up around 22:00 to begin your final ascent.
Kibo Hut (4,730 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Kibo Hut (4,730 m)
- Cycling Time: 7 to 8 hours to Uhuru Peak; 3 to 4 hours to descend to Kibo Hut
- Distance: Approximately 5.4 km ascent; 31 km descent
Rise around 22:00, have some tea and biscuits, and start your challenging ascent. The rocky path leads to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m), then zigzags up to Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. The section before Gillman’s Point, known as “Jamaica Rocks,” is steep and requires pushing or carrying your bike due to scree and boulders. From Gillman’s Point to Uhuru Peak, you may be able to cycle, depending on snow conditions and your biking skills.
After reaching Uhuru Peak, return to Kibo Hut for a late breakfast and prepare your gear for the descent.
Kibo Hut (4,730 m) to Kilema Gate (1,950 m)
- Distance: 25 km
Enjoy an exhilarating downhill ride from Kibo Hut to Kilema Gate, descending approximately 3,000 m in just 3 hours over 31 km.
Price Information
Includes
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
- Mountain Bikes & Helmets
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional & experienced mountain bike guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Conservation fees
- Rescue fees & Camping fees
- Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
- Kilimanjaro National Park Certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Excludes
- Tip for the Crew (Much appreciated)
- Laundry service
- Entry visa for Tanzania
- Hiking Gears
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities to your mountain crew.
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Tanzania Safari holidays are good all-year-round. Because of such close proximity to the equator, Tanzania undergoes two distinct dry and wet seasons. But the best-best time depends on the type of Tanzania safari activity you choose. However, the dry season of June to October is considered to be the best time to go on the Tanzania safari.
From December to March, the Serengeti Migration congregates in large herds around Lake Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania Safari. So, the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is usually during June and July and January to February is the perfect time to see the wildebeest calving.
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Yes, Tanzania is a fairly safe country. Every year millions of tourists visit this beautiful country in the hopes of a thrilling Tanzania travel experience. And, the statistics say that maximum tourists leave the country with their heart bubbling with joy and a secret promise to visit again.
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