With 5895 meters the Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. The mountain is permanently snowcapped but it is expected that the snow will disappear by climate change. It is an extinct volcano and Africa’s highest freestanding mountain. You can climb it.
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain. It is 5199 meters high and often snowcapped. We drive around the mountain through a green environment with farms.
KILIMANJARO-MOUNT KENYA
Three weeks on a motorcycle
Two highest mountains in Africa
This tour begins as the 14 days “Kilimanjaro” trip. In Oloitikitok we will split and the 2-week group returns via Voi and Taita Hills to Msambweni on the coast of the Indian Ocean for some well deserved rest.
The 3-week group rides through a small passage way to Kenya heading to Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. It is a scenic drive through hills, passing by pineapple plantations, farms and ending at the desert in Isiolo.
Then back south to the "highway", the road from Nairobi to Mombasa. On our way a little excursion to the green Taita Hills. Rather sooner than later we leave the highway up to the North coast headed for Kilifi.
We do not go about Africa as a tourist but as a traveler who crosses the country. As a result, we experience many different things. Although we sometimes lack the comfort that regular tourists are accustomed to.
However, it is a wonderful journey. Beautiful different scenery and many meetings with authentic African people
DAY 1
Arrival at the beach-resort, unpack, get acquainted, village walk and get used to the climate.
DAY 2 30 km asphalt and moram (dirt road)
Learn about Msambweni, village walk and in the afternoon our first trip on the motorcycle along the coast. Practical training concerning riding on gravel, moram and sand. There’s enough time for the briefing and to meet the tour guide, the mechanic, and explore the pool and ocean
DAY 3 60 km asphalt and moram
We ride through Kikoneni to Ukunda, a large lively village where we, together with any non-riders, have lunch and take a stroll along the many markets and numerous shops and cafes. We will be back in time for swimming and relaxing.
DAY 4 120km asphalt and moram
We ride through the Shimba Hills to Kinango where we meet the non-riders. Today’s market gives you the opportunity to buy beautiful African rags and you will be surprised by the supply of all kinds of kitchen stuff, cheap perfume and so on. Here we have an African lunch with chapati and Coca Cola.
DAY 5 100 km asphalt and moram
we go back to the Shimba Hills in order to end up at Diani Beach around noon to have lunch with the non-riders. After that we have some time to shop and drink a cup of coffee on a terrace but then we have to go home again because tomorrow we rise and shine early!
DAY 6 300 km asphalt to Lushoto, Tanzania
Breakfast at sunrise and departure at 7 o’clock. Paperwork at the border takes about an hour. We ride along the brand new (World Bank) asphalt to Tanga, where we drink coffee and get money from an ATM machine. We have lunch before we go up into the Usambara Mountains. We spend the night at the Lawn's Hotel in Lushoto at 1300 meters altitude
DAY 7 252 km asphalt and gravel to Marangu
On our way to the Kilimanjaro. Along the mountain a hot wind blows .We ride by vast sisal plantations and ride to the North of the Pare Mountains. There we have an African lunch in Same. We spend the night on the slope of Mount Kilimanjaro in Babylon Lodge in Marangu
DAY 8 150 km asphalt, gravel and moram to Moshi
Today we ride around the Kilimanjaro. We leave early for the best view. The first part we ride on solid asphalt with here and there banana plantations and to our right the plains of Kenya. We climb as we go further up to 2094 meters and ride through conifer forests. The landscape then changes from corn fields into dry savannah where Masaai looking after their cows and goats. We spend the night in Moshia, a small town at the base of the Kilimanjaro.
DAY 9 110 km asphalt to Oloitikitok
After a fresh cup of coffee at the Coffee Union we are on our way back to Kenya. We pass the border at Tarakea which is on the east side of the Kilimanjaro. In Kimana we visit a large Masaai market and spend the night in Oloitikitok.
DAY 10 204 km to Machakos
We leave early in the morning because riding the Brand new asphalt road through the savannah's can get hot .We cross the highway at Emali and there the asphalt road turns into sand again and the scenery becomes greener. We spend the night in Machakos, a country town with nice people.
DAY 11 217 km to Nyeri
We ride through a fertile area with many farms and pineapple plantations as far as you can see. We spend the night, near the equator, at the Outspan Hotel.
DAY 12 138 km to Isiolo
Isiolo is worth visiting not because of its beauty, it is a street with shops, a mosque and cluttered houses surrounding it, but to see that civilization stops here. From here the desert and nomads are taking over. Traveling further North is only allowed in convoys with military protection. Toyota Land Cruisers, trucks and camels are the means of transport.
DAY 13 Embu
we ride back South crossing the equator for the second time. Now we are heading east along Mount Kenya and spend the night close to Embu.
DAY 14 200 km to Machakos
Crossing Mountains and valleys we reach Machakos again. Here we drink a beer in the Roof Bar at Tea Tot Hotel where we also spend the night.
DAY 15 133 km to Voi
Early morning and on our way to Tsavo through the C99 back to the highway. The C99 is a (re)new(ed) road through the hills of Machakos descending to the plains of Tsavo. Amazing views, rocks and bends. We still have to ride a 160km in the afternoon unfortunately. It is the only corridor in Kenya which leads through both Tsavo parks. We spend the night at Voi near the entrance to Tsavo.
DAY 16 opportunity to go on a safari at Tsavo National Park
For those who still want to go on a safari this is your chance! At the park you can see all the African animals of the "Lion King", if you are in luck, living in a beautiful landscape. It is truly an experience you will never forget. After a late lunch we ride our motorcycles to Wundanyi.
DAY 17 a day at Taita Hills
To gradually cut back we remain a day in the Taita Hills to enjoy the wonderful views, many narrow mountain roads and farms. We spend the night in Wundanyi.
DAY 18 230 km to Msambweni
We can choose our way home: right through the busy heart of Mombasa and taking the ferry to the South Coast or ride off road taking us through the bush to Samburu, Kinango, and Kwale . Time wise we can go either way. We visit a 110 years old railway station.
DAY 19 80 km asphalt and bad shortcuts
We are back home and are enjoying the sun, sea and beach. After a tasty lunch we ride to Diani along roads that 10 days ago seemed impossible. We have a drink at the "40 Thieves Beach Bar." A somewhat famous and notorious little bar. And end our day with a relaxed dinner under the palm trees at the Sawa Sawa Beach House.
DAY 19 motorcycling or excursion
There is the opportunity to spend a day "safari snorkeling” at Wasini National Underwater Park.
That’s right, coral, tropical fish and snorkeling! Also, there is the possibility to go on a two or even three day safari at Tsavo or Amboselli. For those who want to ride we go to the Shimba Hills.
DAY 20
Day of rest, swimming, sharing photos, and packing your luggage
DAY 21 final day of motor-tour "Kilimanjaro"
Today is the last day already. We lunch and then we have to go to Mombasa with our luggage. Mombasa is an old city where Arabic influences are still present. We visit the Portuguese Fort Jesus from the 16th century and stroll through ancient streets with well-stocked shops.
We have one more drink and some snacks and will be on time at the airport.....
