In Kilimanjaro's Shadow
Three days riding the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain, with an optional game
drive at Ndarakwai.
Ride · Hike · Dive ·A mountain-bike mission from the roof of Africa to the Indian Ocean: three days riding the foothills of Kilimanjaro, four days through the dramatic Usambara Mountains to the coast, then a ferry to Zanzibar to dive and cycle the length of the island to Stone Town.
Secret Destinations has put together an incredible but challenging route that includes three days of riding around the base of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, then four days through dramatic scenery and the Usambara Mountains to the shores of the Indian Ocean at Pangani.
This trip of a lifetime is finished off with a ferry ride to Zanzibar, where
we have a day to unwind and dive before cycling the
100 km length
of the island to end up in historic Stone Town for our farewell
dinner and celebration.
We ride 650 km over nine days with only one rest day. Every day includes a hot lunch stop and a backup vehicle is never far away, carrying spares, water, food and the medical kit. Our support team includes a qualified local guide, a bike mechanic and a cook. Accommodation is in good local lodges and hotels, carefully selected for comfort, hot showers and a good dinner.
Three days riding the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain, with an optional game
drive at Ndarakwai.
Four days through the dramatic, mist-forested Usambara range, including the big 138 km day from Same to Mtae.
The long drop down to the coast at Pangani, and a night at the Peponi Beach Resort
on the sand.
A ferry to Zanzibar and an evening sunset cruise on a traditional dhow, with snorkelling off Kendwa.
The optional 100 km ride down the length of Zanzibar to finish in historic Stone Town for the farewell dinner.
A qualified guide, a bike mechanic and a cook, with a backup vehicle following the same route every day.
Distances vary from 41 km on day one to 138 km on the big day five. Every day includes a freshly prepared hot lunch on route.
Fly Cape Town to Johannesburg, on to Dar es Salaam and connect to Kilimanjaro. Overnight in Lawate at the House of West Kili, in the shadow of the mountain.
The first day on the bike, riding the Kilimanjaro foothills from Lawate to Ndarakwai, with a hot lunch on route. Overnight at Ndarakwai Tented Lodge, with an optional game drive.
41 km
A longer day around the foothills from Ndarakwai to Rongai. Overnight at
Snowcap Cottages.
Ride from Rongai to the beautiful crater lake of Lake Chala on the Kenyan border. Overnight at Lake Chala Safari Camp.
61 km
Into the Usambara Mountains, the biggest day of the mission from Same to Mtae, with both breakfast and lunch on route. Overnight at Mambo View Point Eco Lodge, perched
on the escarpment.
Through the heart of the Usambara Mountains from Mtae to Mkuzi near Lushoto. Overnight at Mullers Mountain Lodge.
58 km
Out of the Usambaras from Lushoto to Korogwe, beginning the long descent toward the coast. Overnight at the basic but welcoming RC Sisters Hostel.
86 km
Down to the coast and the Indian Ocean at Pangani, the reward at the end of the mainland riding. Overnight at the Peponi Beach Resort, on the sand.
80 km
Ferry from Pangani to Zanzibar and Kendwa Rocks, then an evening sunset cruise on a traditional dhow with snorkelling. Overnight at Kendwa Beach Hotel.
A scuba dive, then the optional 100 km ride down the length of the island to historic Stone Town, or a resort just outside. A last night on Zanzibar and the farewell dinner.
100 km (optional)
Ferry to Dar es Salaam and the flight back to Johannesburg, the roof of Africa and the Indian Ocean both behind you in one unforgettable line across the map.
The price is US$2,350 per person ex Dar es Salaam. A 50% deposit
secures
your booking.
Join a scheduled departure or let us build this trip around your group. Tell us your dates and we’ll put together the itinerary,
logistics and pricing.