Conquer the Slopes

Itinerary

Day 1: Thika to Castle Forest Lodge
Road Transfer and 20 km Cycling
The tour begins with a morning road transfer to the southern slopes of Mount Kenya, arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, our guide will provide a briefing followed by bike fitting and testing. A moderate 20 km ride from our lunch stop to Castle Mountain Lodge will help familiarize you with your bike and ensure your comfort. Evening relaxation precedes dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge (in tents or hotel rooms).
(L, D)
Castle Forest Lodge - Premium accommodation upgrade available.

Day 2: Castle Forest Lodge to Bantu Lodge
Cycling Distance – 81 km
Today’s ride begins with a challenging 34 km stretch on mixed dirt and tarmac roads from our overnight stop to our lunch stop, traversing tea farms and local markets. After lunch, we tackle another 10 km along a hilly dirt road past Karatina University, before joining a tarmac road for a 30 km downhill stretch to Chaka Town. The final 37 km from Chaka Town to Bantu Lodge follows the main highway with a good hard shoulder, offering splendid views of the Aberdare Mountain Ranges and Mount Kenya. We re-enter the Mount Kenya forest at Bantu Mountain Lodge.
Bantu Lodge

Day 3: Bantu Mountain Lodge to Sweetwaters (Ol Pejeta Conservancy)
Cycling Distance - 25 km
After breakfast, we ride 15 km to the equator line, the entry point to Nanyuki Town, then head west towards Sweetwaters in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This conservancy is home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees in a sanctuary for rescued animals. After a short 25 km ride, we enjoy wildlife viewing by vehicle. Overnight at a special camp inside the conservancy.

Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Ngare Ndare Forest
Cycling Distance - 71.3 km
We start our ride inside the game conservancy, exiting at Serat Gate. The route takes us through small-scale farms and wheat plantations to the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve. This lush indigenous forest at the foothills of Mount Kenya features azure pools and 200-year-old trees supporting diverse bird and animal life. The forest serves as a vital corridor linking the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to Mount Kenya, frequented by elephants. In the afternoon, enjoy a canopy walk near our campsite. Dinner and overnight at Ngare Ndare Campsite with comfortable mobile camping.

Day 5: Ngare Ndare – Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy – Nkubu
Cycling Distance – 45 km
After breakfast, we set off through captivating mountain bike trails to join the dirt road traversing Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy. A gripping 20 km ride through forest and savannah rich in wildlife leads us to the local farming area of Meru. Our lunch stop will be at the TM Junction (along Isiolo Road) before transferring past the busy town of Meru. We continue our ride along the Old Meru to Nkubu gravel road, covering 25 kmthrough farmland adorned with maize, beans, and tea bushes. We aim to arrive at Nkubu Heritage Lodge for the night.
Nkubu Heritage Lodge - Premium accommodation upgrade available.

Day 6: Nkubu – Nairobi
Cycling Distance – 51 km and Vehicle Transfer back to Nairobi
From Nkubu, we ride 28 km on village roads past tea-growing areas to Kiangua town center for lunch. After lunch, we ride 11 km to Chogoria Market, then proceed partway up the Mount Kenya Chogoria track to the forest station. A further 12 km takes us down to the main Meru-Embu Road past the Weru Tea Factory. After this memorable cycling itinerary, we conclude with a vehicle transfer back to Nairobi for our celebratory dinner at Rock House before heading to the airport.

Support and Safety
Two escort vehicles will ensure the smooth running of the trip. One vehicle will mark trails and set up water breaks/lunch points while carrying camp equipment. The trailing vehicle will transport spare bikes, a bike mechanic, first aiders, and personal effects, with space for any fatigued riders.