Tanzania · Cycling Tour

4-Day Kilimanjaro Cycling Adventure with Maasai, Coffee and Lake Chala

4 Days Round trip from Moshi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cycle through diverse landscapes around Mount Kilimanjaro, from villages and rainforest to moorland
02 Visit a Maasai village, learn about local history, and browse crafts at a Maasai market
03 Take part in a Chagga coffee tour in Materuni and follow the journey from bean to cup
04 Canoe and watch birds at scenic Lake Chala after a long-distance cycling route
05 Challenge yourself with a ride to the Shira Plateau for panoramic views on western Kilimanjaro

Explore the beauty around Mount Kilimanjaro on these exciting cycling adventures from Moshi. Ride through villages, semi-desert terrain, rainforest, lakeside scenery, and high-altitude moorland while discovering Maasai culture, Chagga coffee heritage, Lake Chala, and the Shira Plateau. Along the way, enjoy experiences such as canoeing, birdwatching, swimming, and coffee tasting, all set against breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro.

Ride through villages, semi-desert terrain, rainforest, lakeside scenery, and high-altitude moorland while discovering Maasai culture, Chagga coffee heritage, Lake Chala, and the Shira Plateau.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hot Springs and Maasai Culture Ride

Cycle 17 km through villages and semi-desert landscapes.
Enjoy scenic views of Kilimanjaro.
Visit a Maasai village, try local fruits, and learn about their history.
Shop for local crafts at a Maasai market.
Relax and swim in the Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
Lunch is included.
A support vehicle escorts the ride for safety.

Day 02

Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour

Cycle 15 km to Materuni village (1,800 m) on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Explore a lush rainforest, famous for its coffee production.
Learn about the Chagga tribe, the region's coffee farmers.
Take a coffee tour, see the process from bean to cup, and even participate.
Enjoy a delicious lunch.
Hike to the beautiful Uru Village waterfalls for a refreshing swim.

Day 03

Lake Chala Canoeing and Birding Ride

Cycle a total of 48 km to scenic Lake Chala.
Enjoy cityscapes and breathtaking views during the first leg in daylight.
Reach the highest point and stop for refreshments with stunning vistas of Himo and Holili towns.
Explore the lake by canoe and enjoy birdwatching opportunities.
Cycle back to Moshi town.

Day 04

Shira Plateau Cycling Challenge

Drive to Londorossi Gate on western Kilimanjaro.
Cycle 98 km through diverse landscapes including forest, heather, and moorland.
Reach the Shira Plateau and take in the panoramic views.
Enjoy a relaxed descent back to Londorossi Gate.
Transfer back to Moshi town by car.

Where this trip takes you

Kikuletwa Hot Springs, Materuni Waterfall, Lake Chala, Shira Plateau

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 2 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Bike
Village fees or any fees on tour
Tour guide
Lunch box or hot lunch
2 ltr bottle of water

What's Not Included

Medical insurance for the traveler
Local and international flight costs
Tanzania visa costs
Expenses of a personal nature, such as shopping in curio shops
Airport taxes
Gratuities and tips for the guide and driver

What to bring

Bike riding clothes
Camera
Binoculars
Wind jacket/raincoat
Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, and sun cream
A solid, soft bag
What are some other items to pack?
- Passport
- Plane tickets
- Travel insurance policy and emergency contact numbers
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
- Safari itinerary
- Credit cards and ATM bank cards
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Insect/mosquito repellent
- Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses (if applicable)
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
- Tissue paper and a small travel towel (washrooms in Tanzania often do not have toilet paper or paper towels)
- Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and charger, if applicable
- Ziplock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, etc.
- Personal toiletries
- A small first aid kit including Tylenol or ibuprofen, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, itch medication, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, prescription antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea (Ciprofloxacin), and any prescription medications

Know before you go

Travel documents, visa, and entry to Tanzania:
- You should make sure that all your travel documents are in place.
- Among other things, your passport for international travel should remain valid for at least six months after entering Tanzania. It should also have at least two blank pages for the visa and stamps. You should also obtain a visa for entering Tanzania. An online application through the website of the Tanzania Immigration Department is the most convenient and fastest way to do this.
- Though we will share some visa-related tips, please do not consider our recommendations to be ultimate or comprehensive advice. The information about visas and other entry requirements for visiting Tanzania published on our website is for general knowledge only. While we try to keep it accurate and up to date, we recommend contacting the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania for the latest updates. No information published on our website about visas, vaccinations, or other entry requirements should be viewed as a warranty or representation.
- You are also responsible for bearing all visa and other entry-related costs.
- We shall not be liable if, in the highly unlikely event, you are denied entry to Tanzania or any other country on the way to Tanzania for whatever reason. You also agree that if you fail to enter the country for any reason, no refunds will be made and it will not be possible to reschedule your tour, because we will have all park fees prepaid and other expenses incurred by the time of your arrival.

Logistics