8 days · 5 riding days · 352 km

7 Days Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro Crater Cycling Tour

Cycle the northern circuit from the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro to the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, then finish with a game drive in the crater.

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7 Days Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro Crater Cycling Tour Overview

A 360 km cycling tour across Tanzania's northern circuit. The route runs from the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world's highest free-standing mountain, to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest unbroken caldera. In between you ride through Maasai land, Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, with plenty of villages and wildlife along the way.

Did You Know? Lake Tanganyika: This is the world's second-deepest freshwater lake and a spot for fishing, kayaking, and observing endemic fish species, surrounded by mountains.

Difficulty Moderate to challenging

Start point Moshi

Ends at Moshi / Kilimanjaro International Airport

Gallery

Photos from the trail

Why travel with us

Why choose Ahsante Tours

Every safari is private to your group and planned by our own team in Moshi. This is what that means once you are on the road.

20+ Years operating from Moshi

5.0 Tripadvisor rating

200+ Tripadvisor reviews

What you can count on

4x4 Support vehicle A Toyota Land Cruiser follows the group with water, spares and room for anyone who needs a break from riding.

TREK Mountain bikes and helmets TREK 4300 hardtail, Avalanche and Merida Matts 20D bikes and helmets are included.

24/7 Support on the road Our Moshi office is reachable around the clock, and airport transfers are included.

5× Award-recognised TANAPA award winner, and nominated as Tanzania's Leading Tour Operator five years running.

Day by day

7 Days Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro Crater Cycling Tour Itinerary

Switch between a one-screen summary and the full day-by-day.

Day 1

Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to Moshi town at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Today you will meet your guide, who will brief you on the tour, and together you will do the bike fitting. If you arrive on a morning or afternoon flight, there is time for a short test ride through the nearby coffee plantation and villages. Meals: Dinner Included Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge

LandscapeMoshi town

Day 2

Moshi to West Kilimanjaro

Today's ride takes us from the greener southern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro towards the drier western side. You start through coffee and banana plantations, then head west across open plains and acacia woodland. These plains support a wide variety of wildlife and give good views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Moshi is home to the Chagga people, while the West Kilimanjaro plains are home to the Maasai, who live alongside the wildlife, which is why the area is known as the Maasai Lands. The ride is on both dirt and tarmac roads and finishes at Ngabobo village, where you spend the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included Accommodation: Osiligilai Maasai Lodge

Distance50 km

LandscapePlantations to acacia plains

Day 3

West Kilimanjaro to Arusha

A long day as we cycle from the West Kilimanjaro plains towards Arusha city. The first section crosses the Ngasurai open plains, a migratory path for elephants moving to and from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Expect a hot and dusty day. After the dirt road we join the main tarmac road towards Arusha, passing small villages with Mt. Meru in the background. Just before Arusha we turn off through a coffee estate towards our lodge outside the city. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included Accommodation: Hill Forest Hotel

Distance83 km

LandscapeOpen plains to coffee estate

Day 4

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

The longest day by distance, but not the hardest, and mostly on tarmac. The ride passes through villages, towns and open plains on long stretches of rolling road. As Ernest Hemingway put it: “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.” After the tarmac section we turn onto a dirt road to our camp on the border of Tarangire National Park, home to the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. The camp has a swimming pool to cool off in after a long, hot day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included Accommodation: Camping at Roika Tented Lodge

Distance102 km

LandscapeCountryside and savannah

Day 5

Tarangire to Lake Manyara

Today we cycle through the wildlife corridors between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. We ride back to the main road for a few kilometers, then turn onto a dirt road towards Lake Manyara. The area has plenty of wildlife and many Maasai settlements. Ahead of us are views of the Great Rift Valley as we approach Lake Manyara. After the dirt section we rejoin the tarmac towards Mto wa Mbu town for several kilometers before turning off to the campsite for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included Accommodation: Twiga Lodge at Mto wa Mbu

Distance74 km

LandscapeWildlife corridor and Rift Valley

Day 6

Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater

The final and hardest ride. We start back on the tarmac past Mto wa Mbu and the entry gate of Lake Manyara National Park, then climb the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Near the top you stop at the viewpoint over Lake Manyara National Park, a good spot for photos. You then ride past Karatu town towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and finish at its entrance gate, the end of the riding part of the tour. After a celebratory toast you are transferred to the lodge for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Distance43 km

LandscapeRift Valley escarpment

Day 7

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Drive back to Kilimanjaro

An early start for a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world and one of the new 7 natural wonders of Africa, with a mix of scenery, wildlife and history. After the morning game drive you have a packed lunch at the Hippo Pool picnic site, then continue with an afternoon game drive. You then drive back towards Moshi via Arusha, passing through Mto wa Mbu, where you can buy souvenirs. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge

LandscapeCrater floor

Day 8

Departure in Tanzania

Transfer to the airport. Meals: Breakfast Only

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What is and is not included

Read the short list, or open each line for the detail.

Included

TREK Mountain Hard Tail 4300 Model, Avalanche & Merida Matts 20D mountain bikes
Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
Meals as stated in the itinerary
4 liters of bottled mineral water per participant
English speaking driver-guide
Transport in 4X4 Toyota Land Cruisers (support vehicles)
Helmets
Ngorongoro Conservation Authority Fees
Crater Fees
Park fees, government fees & taxes inclusive
Concession Fee
WMA Fees
Village fees
Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
Mkomazi & Saadani National Park fees, government fees & taxes

Not included

Local and International flights
Laundry Service
Travel Insurance
Tips to the driver guide
Alcoholic beverages, sodas and items of a personal nature

Downloads

Packing lists and trip documents

Free Safari Packing List with gear necessary and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

PNG Free Safari Kit Checklist Free Safari Packing List with gear necessary and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

Reviews from our travellers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 212 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Priya S 
 
 
 
 Verified A Memorable Safari - Thanks to the Wonderful Team at Ahsante Tours
We had a fantastic experience with Ahsante Tours on our Tanzania safari. Everything was well organized, and the trip went smoothly from beginning to end. Holyfield Edwin, our main contact, deserves special recognition. He was warm, professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful, patiently answering all our questions both before the trip and while we were on safari. When I accidentally left my Kindle at Rafiki Retreat in Arusha, he went out of his way to arrange for it to be retrieved and sent to Kigali, our final destination. That kind of personal attention really stood out. Our guide and driver for nine days, Aston, was equally outstanding. He worked incredibly hard every day, was always patient and professional, and made us feel safe on the road. His knowledge of wildlife and ability to spot animals were impressive—we saw the Big Five multiple times! Most of all, we loved his genuine enthusiasm. He seemed just as excited about each sighting as we were, which made the experience even more enjoyable. He was also considerate and unobtrusive, allowing us to take in each moment at our own pace. The accommodations were generally three-star, and we enjoyed most of the bush camps and hotels along the way. Ahsante also coordinated our Rwanda extension to see the gorillas through Mist Safari, which was another wonderful experience. Brian K., our contact in Rwanda, was super responsive and easy to communicate with. All in all, we were very happy with Ahsante Tours. The team was reliable, thoughtful, and professional, and the personal touches made a real difference. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone planning a Tanzania safari, especially if you value good communication, a knowledgeable guide, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for a trip filled with wonderful experiences and memories we will cherish for years to come!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam S 
 
 
 
 Verified Trip of a lifetime!
I went with Ahsante Tours via Explore on a trip to climb Kilimanjaro (Lemosho route) followed by safaris in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. All the guides were very friendly and nice to talk to - I got along with all of them very well. For the Kilimanjaro climb, I was consistently impressed by how above and beyond all the staff went to make sure we had everything and we were comfortable. The level of care, service and concern for our health and safety was unmatched. For the safaris, our guide was very knowledgeable with what everything was and was amazing at spotting even the smallest animals in secretive hiding spots. I think this was the best trip of my life and I will always remember it incredibly fondly!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sophie N 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible
An incredible experience with the best team of guides and porters we could have asked for. They made it fun, interesting and ensured we were safe and happy at all times. I cannot thank Mussa, Joshua , Michael , Juma , Uhuru and the rest of the team enough for the trip of a lifetime. Thank you 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Blair T 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 review for a great company
Uk - Scotland based review. This is my second time using Ahsante tours and they can’t be faulted. I booked Kilimanjaro in 2025 with them and they were brilliant from the first initial contact. They planned out the trip according to my dates etc and were in communication throughout until I arrived. I used them again this year to book a safari trip for my partners birthday. Again, from initial contact their communication was excellent. I provided them with how I’d like my trip to look and executed it to perfection. We stayed with a Masai tribe before starting safari trip and this was a 10/10 experience. Would recommend. We thereafter visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara and then Serengeti for safari game drives. An experience that will last a life time that was made possible by using Ashante Tours. All accommodation we stayed in was clean, staff all friendly, food was good, all packed lunches provided for game drives and they were good as well. We had a safari guide Godwin, who was with us for 6 days. He was so friendly, so knowledgeable and just an overall really nice guy. Couldn’t have picked a better guide myself. The Weru Weru lodges, where you stay when booking with Ahsante is clean, good food and staff very friendly (both times). Would recommend anyone looking to book a trip to climb Kilimanjaro or safaris to book through Ahsante tours. Both times zero complaints. If I was to return to Tanzania I will use again. Ahsante to all - Ahsante Tour staff 👏🏻
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ukiyo 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect!
Professional, flexible, and friendly team. We spent 17 days with this company. From Kili to Safaris, everything was organized and managed to a perfection. Big thanks to Daniel, Benson and Derick.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Shabana S 
 
 
 
 Verified They didn’t just get us to the summit — they got us through Kilimanjaro
I don’t think you fully understand the importance of choosing the right Kilimanjaro team until you are actually on that mountain. We climbed with Ahsante Tours in September 2026, and there are moments from those days that I will genuinely never forget. Kilimanjaro tests you in ways that go far beyond physical fitness. There are long days, altitude, exhaustion, freezing temperatures, moments of complete awe and moments when your mind and body simply do not want to cooperate anymore. And during those moments, the people around you become incredibly important. Our Ahsante team were exceptional. The guides knew when to push us, when to slow us down, when we needed encouragement and when we simply needed someone beside us. The porters were absolute heroes. Watching how hard this team works while still greeting us with warmth, humour and encouragement every day gave me an entirely new level of respect for what goes into getting someone up Kilimanjaro. Summit night is where I understood it most. By that point, this wasn’t a holiday or even just a trek anymore. It was mental, physical and emotional. There were moments when reaching Uhuru Peak felt impossibly far away, but our team never stopped believing that we could get there. And we did. I stood at Uhuru Peak knowing that although my legs had carried me there, I absolutely had not got there alone. The organisation, food, camps and logistics were all handled extremely well, but what separates a good Kilimanjaro company from an unforgettable one is the people. These are the people who see you exhausted, cold, emotional and completely stripped of your usual comforts — and somehow keep you moving forward. To everyone at Ahsante who carried, cooked, guided, encouraged, laughed with us and quite literally walked this journey with us: asante sana. Kilimanjaro gave me one of the hardest and most extraordinary experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful that Ahsante Tours was part of it. Five stars, without hesitation. ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Heena K 
 
 
 
 Verified Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
My Kilimanjaro Experience with Ahsante Tours 🏔️ Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was something I wanted to do for the adventure, but the experience turned out to mean so much more than I expected. From the beginning, Ahsante Tours made the process smooth and well organised. The communication before the climb, the arrangements, and the preparation all gave me confidence going into the journey. The climb itself was challenging—physically. But having a supportive and experienced team around me made a huge difference. The guides were encouraging throughout the entire climb, constantly checking on us, reminding us to take it *pole pole*, and making sure we were comfortable and safe. The porters were equally incredible. Seeing how much they carried and how hard they worked every day gave me an entirely different appreciation for the people behind the climb. Summit night was by far the toughest part. It was cold, dark, exhausting and mentally challenging, but every step brought me closer to the goal. Finally reaching Uhuru Peak at **5,895 metres** was a feeling I honestly cannot put into words. After all the preparation, tiredness, doubts and long days, standing at the summit and knowing **I DID IT** was unforgettable. But what I loved most about this experience is that Kilimanjaro taught me things beyond climbing a mountain. It taught me to appreciate my comfort at home, to trust my body, to keep moving at my own pace, and to understand that sometimes you are capable of much more than you think. I am genuinely grateful to the entire Ahsante Tours team for being part of such an important experience for me. From the first step to the final descent, their support contributed greatly to making this journey memorable. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Duncan 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable trip (in a good way)
I joined an Ahsante group climbing the Kilimanjaro Machame route. Ascending isn’t easy, but the Ahsante team worked hard to maximise the chances of a successful ascent. Out of our group, nearly all managed to get to the top (something that isn’t usual). The guides were superb - supportive, very experienced and very friendly. Our team contained a medical doctor who was very reassuring and who was conducting research on the effects of altitude on the body. The Ahsante team are very welcoming, experienced and knowledgeable. The friendliness of the group, the stunning scenery and the Ahsante team made this an unforgettable trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   seangamage 
 
 
 
 Verified Life long memories.
Our experience was split into two parts. Firstly, the Ahsante team got me and my friend to Uhuru Peak. Nine days, Northern Circuit - absolutely amazing. Professional, supportive and fun; we could not have asked for more. After the climb, Ahsante got four of us from Weru Weru River Lodge to Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Central/Northern Serengeti. Knowledgeable guides, great camps - saw the Great Migration over the Mara River, lions, rhino, cheetah, elephant, zebra, crocodile, hippo, giraffe. Life long memories.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   mark s 
 
 
 
 Verified Safari-tastic!
Our 5 day Safari was amazing (if a little too long!) We saw such a great variety of animal life , and our drivers/ guides Godwin and Derek were very knowledgeable and could answer pretty much every question we asked, adding more information where they could. Godwin is a very skilled driver ( Derek is still training so not allowed to drive with customers) and handled those bumpy roads well. It was also great that he had car mechanic knowledge to sort out a few problems with our jeep along the way. They are both very professional but also friendly and we really enjoyed our time with them!