Our Kili Gravel Race kicks off at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, immediately immersing you in the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania. Over four unforgettable days, you’ll traverse rugged gravel roads, remote trails, and challenging ascents, pushing your limits in one of the world’s most stunning backcountry settings.
The carefully designed route showcases the raw beauty and rugged charm of the region, blending adventure, endurance, and cultural encounters. From wildlife corridors and vast savannahs to volcanic craters and lush rainforests, every stage delivers an unparalleled riding experience.
Prepare to test your strength, embrace the spirit of exploration, and conquer one of Africa’s most thrilling gravel races! 🚴♂️🔥
The Kili Gravel Race kicks off at Maasai Cultural Lodge, an authentic starting point that immerses riders in the rich traditions of the Maasai people before launching into an epic cycling adventure.
As the race begins, riders immediately enter a wildlife corridor, offering the thrilling possibility of spotting elephants, zebras, and antelopes roaming freely. The untamed beauty of Tanzania’s backcountry unfolds before you, with every pedal stroke carrying you deeper into the rugged landscapes that define East Africa.
The route presents challenging gravel roads, weaving through steep ascents and exhilarating descents—true to the spirit of adventure racing. The combination of rocky terrain, loose gravel, and rolling hills tests both technical skill and endurance, demanding careful navigation while rewarding riders with unmatched scenery.
Throughout the journey, Mount Kilimanjaro looms in the distance, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop. As you traverse through acacia woodlands and open savannah, the vastness of the East African wilderness becomes evident, creating a deeply immersive nature experience.
The final stretch of the day leads riders to Simba Farm Lodge, a welcome oasis after the day’s endurance test. This charming retreat, nestled on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, offers a well-earned moment to relax, refuel, and share stories of the day’s triumphs before preparing for the next stage of the race.
Stage 1 delivers a true gravel adventure, blending thrilling terrain, wildlife encounters, and spectacular scenery—setting the tone for an unforgettable multi-day race in the heart of Tanzania.
The second stage of the Kili Gravel Race takes you deeper into the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro, pushing both endurance and exploration to new heights.
Setting off from Simba Farm Lodge, riders pedal toward the northeastern slopes of Kilimanjaro, where the terrain transforms into a blend of rolling farmland, forested trails, and open plains. The crisp mountain air and the sight of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks create an awe-inspiring atmosphere as you traverse the rugged countryside.
The route winds through vibrant farmlands, where lush green fields stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with traditional homesteads and small villages. As you pass through lively local towns, the energy of the community adds to the experience—children waving, bustling markets, and roadside stalls offering glimpses of daily life in rural Tanzania.
Approaching the Rongai Forest, the landscape shifts once again. The ride climbs steadily towards Nalemoru village, the official starting point of the Rongai Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s lesser-traveled but most scenic trekking paths. Here, the air grows cooler, and the towering trees signal your arrival at the foothills of the great mountain.
The stage concludes at Snowcap Cottages, a serene lodge perched on the edge of the Rongai forest, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-covered peaks. With the hardest climbs of the day behind you, it’s time to rest, refuel, and soak in the incredible scenery before preparing for the next day’s challenge.
Stage 2 blends the raw beauty of Kilimanjaro’s landscape with cultural encounters, diverse terrain, and a challenging yet rewarding ride—an unforgettable highlight of the Kili Gravel Race.
The third stage of the Kili Gravel Race is an awe-inspiring descent into the untamed beauty of Lake Challa, a hidden volcanic caldera straddling the border of Tanzania and Kenya. Today’s ride promises both thrilling downhill sections and breathtaking scenery, offering a well-earned change of pace after two days of intense cycling.
Leaving Snowcap Cottages, riders begin a gradual descent through rugged red earth terrain, with the towering slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro ever-present in the background. The gravel roads cut through wild landscapes, weaving between acacia woodlands and remote villages, where the warmth of the local communities provides a welcome energy boost along the way.
As you approach Lake Challa, the landscape transforms into a lush oasis. This crater lake, fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro, is a striking shade of turquoise blue, contrasting beautifully against the surrounding volcanic rock formations. The descent into the lake area is both exhilarating and technical, requiring skill and focus as you navigate winding trails.
Upon arrival, riders settle into a campsite perched above the mystical lake, offering stunning panoramic views of the volcanic crater and its tranquil waters. The evening is all about unwinding, sharing stories, and absorbing the absolute serenity of this remote paradise.
With the sounds of nature surrounding you and the sky ablaze with the colors of the setting sun,
Stage 3 serves as both a physical and spiritual reset—a moment to reflect on the journey so far and prepare for the final push of the race.
The final stage of the Kili Gravel Race is a thrilling ride through the lush lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where winding gravel paths, dirt roads, and forested trails mark the last challenge of this epic journey.
Leaving Lake Challa, riders climb steadily back into the rolling highlands, where the terrain shifts between smooth descents and demanding uphill stretches. This leg of the race is both technical and rewarding, as riders navigate dense rainforest, open farmland, and rugged dirt tracks with the towering peak of Kilimanjaro occasionally emerging through the mist.
The route weaves through vibrant agricultural areas, where banana and coffee farms line the trails, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. The cool mountain air and the sounds of the rainforest create an energizing atmosphere as you power through the final miles.
The last push delivers a mix of fast downhill sections and steady climbs, demanding a final burst of strength before reaching the finish line at Kilema Kyaro Lodge—a charming retreat nestled near Kilimanjaro’s base.
Here, riders are welcomed with warm hospitality, breathtaking views, and a well-deserved celebration. After four days of intense riding, challenges, and unforgettable scenery, the Kili Gravel Race ends in triumph, with stories of adventure, endurance, and camaraderie to last a lifetime.
Congratulations—you’ve conquered the untamed gravel roads of Kilimanjaro!