Enjoy the Adventure
Cycle at your own pace to discover “The Hidden Gem” and enjoy the new comfort zone. The hilly terrain presents a challenging ride through the Kilema, Marangu, and Mwika villages, but you’ll be rewarded with a relaxing downhill stretch to the stunning Lake Challa, situated on the Tanzania-Kenya border. Spend the night at the campsite by the lake.
- Route: Off-road & Paved roads
- Highlights: Breathtaking scenery, Cycling on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Canoeing and swimming, Hiking, Chagga ancient caves and museum, Waterfalls
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
- Day 1: Machame Gate - Machame Camp
- Day 2: Machame Camp - Shira Camp 2
- Day 3: Shira Camp - Barranco Camp Via Lava Tower
- Day 4: Barranco Camp - Barafu Camp
- Day 5: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak
- Day 6: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Lake Challa, a hidden gem on the Tanzania-Kenya border just 55 km from Moshi, offers a perfect escape from city life. This remote caldera lake is a sanctuary of tranquility and natural beauty. Whether you choose to hike, kayak across borders, or simply take in the stunning vistas of untouched Africa, you’ll find a serene retreat here.
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation and cycle to Lake Challa Safari Camp, accompanied by a support van with a driver and cook. Along the way, you’ll pass through the villages of Mabogini, Kahe, Miwaleni, Hilili, and Challa itself. After 25 km, you’ll take a short break for some fresh fruit, and around 10 km later, you’ll enjoy a bush hot lunch.
Upon reaching Lake Challa, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful private game reserve overlooking the crater lake. Your guide will take you to explore the riverbed, dry river, and the expansive crater, leading you down to the lake. Spend the day discovering the lush scenery, kayaking, and engaging with the local community. Keep an eye out for monkeys, such as velvet and blue monkeys, as well as a variety of birds in this vibrant savannah landscape.
- Accommodation: Camping at Lake Challa
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Marangu, a town nestled on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, known for its ancient traditions and stunning landscapes. This tour offers a blend of action, tradition, and culinary delights.
In the morning, you’ll cycle to Marangu Gate (1900m), the starting point for Kilimanjaro treks via the Marangu Route. (Option: Upon reaching Marangu Mtoni, you can choose to either continue biking to Marangu Gate or transfer by van.) Capture photos of the majestic Kilimanjaro and soak in the mountain’s spirit. Discover the local Chagga tribe’s history and traditions throughout this engaging day.
Our first stop will be a visit to a small coffee farm, where you’ll learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Get hands-on experience in processing, roasting, and brewing a fresh cup of coffee. Afterward, explore the Chagga Underground Caves and the Chagga Live Museum. Historically, the Chagga built these extensive underground caves to defend against attacks from the Maasai, who migrated up the slopes in search of resources. Your guide will vividly recount this historical conflict as you explore the caves.
Next, we’ll head to the Ndoro Waterfalls. The hike to the base takes about 30 minutes through lush greenery, where you can relax and take a refreshing dip in the waterfall’s pool.
Finally, visit the Chagga Live Museum, an outdoor exhibit that provides further insight into traditional Chagga life. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional hot meal and have the opportunity to sample local spirits, including banana beer and wine.
- Accommodation: Mountain Kilimanjaro Resort
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure
In the morning, we’ll journey back to Moshi, cycling through the charming villages nestled on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll pedal through the suburbs and outskirts of Moshi Town, making your way to the Park View Hotel, where your incredible 4-day cycling adventure concludes.
To celebrate your achievement, we’ll wrap up the day with a toast of sparkling champagne.
- Accommodation: Park View Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- All 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Snacks and fruits
- Complimentary 3+ liters of mineral water everyday
- Mountain bikes & Helmets
- Camping gears like Quality Tents, mattress, Chairs and Tables
- Support vehicle (Backup vehicle)
- Tour guide(s), Bike Mechanic, Driver and Cook
- Village fees, Camping fees, WMA fees (Wildlife management Conservation Area).
- One night while on the trip and one night at the hotel in Moshi
- Cycling fees and All entry fees
- Complete First Aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
- Compulsory tips for Guide, Bike mechanic, Driver and Cook
- Sleeping bag, (You can rent if you don’t have when you arrive in Moshi)
- Items of a personal nature
- Entry visa for Tanzania
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Personal medicine