Summiting Mt Kilimanjaro by MTB
Kilema Route (5 Days)​

Mountain Biking Adventure on Africa’s Highest Peak

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime mountain biking expedition to the Roof of Africa Mt. Kilimanjaro. This 5-day journey via the Kilema Route is the only route on the mountain that permits cycling most of the way to the summit. Designed for adventurous riders with a solid level of fitness and MTB experience, this tour combines challenging ascents, high-altitude trekking and thrilling downhill rides through multiple climate zones. From lush rainforest to alpine desert and glacier-covered peaks, you’ll ride and push your bike through ever-changing landscapes, supported by a professional team of guides, porters and cooks. The highlight of the trip is reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, with your bike an accomplishment few can claim. This is more than just a climb; it’s a rare and epic adventure that tests your endurance and rewards you with unmatched scenery and a deep sense of achievement.

Itinerary
​Day 1: Kilema/Marangu Gate to Horombo Hut
Your adventure begins with a transfer from your hotel in Moshi to the Kilema/Marangu Gate, the only entry point that allows mountain bikes on Kilimanjaro. After park registration and gear checks, you start pedaling through lush rainforest trails, gradually ascending into heath and moorland zones. The ride is a mix of dirt tracks and rocky paths, offering glimpses of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks. Expect to cycle for about 16 km, gaining roughly 1,000 meters in elevation as you reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m) by late afternoon. Dinner is served in the communal dining area and you'll overnight in the mountain hut.

Day 2: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut
This day is set aside for acclimatization a vital step to help your body adjust to the altitude. After breakfast, you’ll take a short but rewarding ride or hike towards Mawenzi Ridge (around 4,300 m), offering spectacular views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The route is rocky, steeper than the previous day and may require pushing your bike at times. You’ll return to Horombo Hut for lunch and spend the afternoon resting, hydrating and preparing for the more challenging ascent ahead.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today, you leave the moorland behind and venture into the stark, alpine desert. The trail stretches about 10 km with a steady gain in elevation, rising to 4,700 m at Kibo Hut. The path is mostly uphill with loose volcanic gravel and sections may require dismounting and pushing your bike. This segment is physically demanding due to altitude, but the surreal lunar landscape is unlike anything else on the mountain. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you'll eat an early dinner and get some rest summit day begins in the middle of the night.

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Summit day starts around midnight under a star-filled sky. You'll ascend slowly with your bike (mostly pushing or carrying it) via the steep switchbacks of Hans Meyer Cave and Gilman’s Point. The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) is grueling but incredibly rewarding standing at the highest point in Africa with your mountain bike is an unforgettable achievement. After sunrise photos at the summit, you begin the descent, carefully navigating back down to Kibo Hut for a short break. Then it's back on the bike for a thrilling downhill ride to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kilema Gate
After breakfast, it’s time to enjoy the final descent. This 16 km stretch from Horombo Hut to Kilema Gate offers some of the most exhilarating riding of the trip mostly downhill on rugged trails that cut through heath and forest. You'll pass through different ecological zones, enjoying the breeze and scenery as you return to the gate. After check-out and a quick celebration with your crew, you'll be transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower, certificate of achievement and a final night at the hotel.

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Distance, Elevation & Riding Level

• Total Distance: Approx. 50–60 km round-trip
• Elevation Gain: ~3,895 meters from Kilema Gate (1,900 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
• Descent: Full descent of ~3,895 m on final day
• ​Riding Level: Intermediate to advanced mountain biking experience required. Expect steep climbs, rocky paths and some hike-a-bike sections at high altitude.

Trip Highlights & Duration

• 5-day MTB-supported ascent via the Kilema Route
• Summit Africa’s highest mountain with your bike
• Unique landscapes: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers
• Support team of guides, porters and cooks
• 2 nights in Moshi (before and after climb) included
• ​Fully guided and professionally managed

Price: $2474 USD per person

Included:

• Two nights accommodation at Hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb), including breakfast
• Mountain bike and experienced mountain biking guide
• Transfers to/from hotel and park gate
• Accommodation in mountain huts (or tents depending on route logistics)
• All park fees and rescue fees
• All meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Salaries and park fees for guides, porters, cook and waiters
• Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
• Staff accommodation and park entry fees

Not Included:

• Single room supplement at hotel (unless solo rate applies)
• Airport transfers (available at US$50 per way)
• Tips for guides, porters, cook & waiters (Obligatory – US$600 per person)
• Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
• Climbing gear (e.g. sleeping bag, poles – available for rent)
• Items of personal nature
• Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights
• International flights and visas