Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Bike Trek via Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Mandara Huts Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience riding through the Alpine desert
  • 02 Reach Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route
  • 03 Marvel at the views along the trail and from the summit
  • 04 Ride through diverse vegetation zones from rainforest to high-altitude terrain

Sign up for a bike trek to the world-famous Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, one of Kili's oldest and most popular routes. Follow a direct course with mild elevation as you pass through diverse vegetation zones, forests, and the Alpine desert on the way to Uhuru Peak. This bike trek offers a peaceful experience with no pollution and a unique way to explore the mountain.

Upon arriving at Uhuru Peak, spend a few minutes there or take photos, and then ride down to Stella Point.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Moshi to Horombo Hut via Marangu and Kilema Gates

  • Meet your guide and embark on your transfer to Marangu Gate, which takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, 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 Marangu Gate, drive to Kilema Gate. Upon arrival, make sure you have all your daypack items, including at least drinking water, your lunch pack, and extra clothing, and do a final check on your mountain bike. You will then begin the first route section of 16 km, with your guide also on a mountain bike, from Kilema Gate (1,950 m) to Horombo Hut (3,705 m).
  • Bikers with good fitness levels, mountain biking skills, and suitable road conditions will be able to cycle all the way to Horombo Hut. It is important to remember that the biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too quickly. We will stop regularly to give your body the maximum time to adjust to the higher altitudes. We aim to reach Horombo Hut at around 15:00.

Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

2
Day 02

Horombo Hut Acclimatization Ride to Mawenzi Hut

  • After breakfast, start your cycling acclimatization ride through the Alpine desert. You will ride over a small stony area up to Mawenzi Hut and then return to Horombo Hut. Today is 90% riding through Alpine desert vegetation, and the cycling distance is 10 kilometres.
3
Day 03

Ascent to Kibo Hut and Downhill Return to Horombo

  • 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 tough because this section is stony and eroded. After about 3 km, the trail improves and cycling will once again be possible.
  • The "Saddle," located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, is relatively flat, and cycling is much easier. However, the high altitude, low oxygen levels, and cold conditions make the 7 km section towards Kibo Hut strenuous and challenging. The final kilometre before reaching Kibo Hut is incredibly strenuous. 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 incredible Kilimanjaro downhill, descending nearly 800 m over 7 km. The final 3 km descent down to Horombo Hut is very technical and challenging. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
4
Day 04

Return to Kibo Hut and Prepare for the Summit

  • Wake early and make sure your duffel bags are packed and ready to go. After breakfast, meet your guide and head back up to Kibo Hut. Again, the first 3 km will require you to push and carry your bike a lot, while the final 7 km to Kibo Hut offers a good biking trail. We will enjoy lunch and then aim to rest.
  • At around 16:00, depending on how you feel, it is possible to hike partially up the summit path to orient yourself for the summit attempt later that night. Situated in the barren Alpine desert, Kibo Hut is a stone-built block house with bunk beds for 60 climbers, but there are no streams with water nearby. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit, Uhuru Peak, is a further 1,195 m up, and you will make your final ascent the same night.
  • Prepare your equipment, thermal clothing, and everything else needed for your summit bid. This should include replacing your headlamp and camera batteries, and making sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing, it is wise to have your summit porters or guide carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at around 19:00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible until 22:00. Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.
5
Day 05

Summit Ride to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

  • At 4:00 am, your guides will wake you to start the zigzag trek up the long scree slope. After roughly two hours, you should reach Hans Meyer's Cave, and from here the gradient gets steeper.
  • Continue your climb for approximately another three hours to Gilman's Point. There, you will take your bike from the porters and start riding to Uhuru Peak. Upon arriving at Uhuru Peak, spend a few minutes there or take photos, and then ride down to Stella Point.
  • After lunch, ride down to Horombo Hut. From Kibo to Horombo, the route is 100% Alpine desert vegetation and icecap. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
6
Day 06

Final Descent to Kilema Gate and Transfer to Moshi

  • After breakfast, make your final ride down to Kilema Gate across the alpine zone and the rainforest. From Kilema Gate, you will be transferred to Marangu Gate for check-out and then continue to the hotel in Moshi. Dinner and overnight in Moshi or Arusha.
Uhuru Peak, Kibo Hut, Horombo Hut

Where this trip takes you

Uhuru Peak, Kibo Hut, Horombo Hut

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Mandara Huts 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Bike and park entry fees
  • Experienced professional English-speaking tour guide
  • All taxes
  • Gate transfers, airport pick-up, and drop-off
  • Crew wages
  • Airport pick-up, drop-off, and 1-night hotel accommodation
  • Private cooks and porters
  • During the climb, you will sleep in huts
  • Food
    • 5 breakfasts
    • 6 lunches
    • 5 dinners
    • Drinking water

What's Not Included

  • Local and international flights
  • Tips (gratuities) for guides, cook, and porters
  • Medical insurance
  • Visa
  • Expenses of a personal nature

What to bring

  • Camera
  • Snacks
  • Clothes
  • Phone
  • Empty water bottle

Know before you go

  • Read up on the local regulations.
  • Check the weather conditions.
  • Dress appropriately.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour start
Mandara Huts, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Mandara Huts.

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