Our Itinerary

Day 1: 6 November

Overnight from London to Nairobi

Day 2: 7 November

Nairobi - Nyeri

5km cycling

Early morning arrival at Nairobi. Coach transfer to Green Hills Hotel in Nyeri (3-4 hours approx). Nyeri is one of the largest towns in the Central Highlands and the gateway to Aberdale National Park. Bike fitting on arrival followed by a short warm up ride to Baden Powell's grave. If it's a clear day we'll enjoy views up to Mount Kenya.

Day 3: 8 November

Nyeri - Nyahururu 

98km cycling (that's right 98km!!!!!!!!!)

Today is a tough introduction to the challenge. Once into the lush countryside that surrounds Nyeri, we pass fields of crops including fruit, vegetables, sugar cane, tea and coffee. It's a long steady climb with several downhill stretches over small river valleys with some fantastic views. We'll be able to see majestic Mount Kenya in the distance and Aberdale National Park at closer range. After 83km we reach the equator for the first time. Overnight at the Thompson's Fall Lodge.

Day 4: 9 November

Nyahururu - Nakuru then transfer to Kabarnet

57km cycling

Shorter easier day, with some uphill cycling, through lush countryside. We leave Nyahururu and head into the Subukia Valley. After around 14km we stop at a viewpoint over the valley (2550m). From there we continue to Subukia town. As the day progresses we pass vast tea plantations with their light green hues. After lunch transfer 140km to Kabarnet which has a spectacular location in the Tugen Hills on the eastern edge of the Kerio Valley. Overnight at Hotel Kabarnet built by President Moi.

Day 5: 10 November     

Kabarnet – Eldoret

93km cycling (included in this is a 26km hill)

The most challenging day of the ride crossing the Kerio Valley and climbing the Elgeyo escarpment. We start with 18km of downhill, parts of which are quite steep, followed  by gentler terrain. After around 28km we encounter a very serious climb over 26km on windy roads through a pretty forest with lots of butterflies. There will be a huge sense of achievement when we reach the top of the hill (2293m) and we'll be rewarded with fantastic views across the Rift Valley. After lunch the rest of the ride is generally downhill through a beautiful area with little traffic. Overnight at the Wagon Hotel.

Day 6: 11 November

Eldoret - Kakamega

98km (67km on tarmac & 31km on dirt road) if there has been no rain

110Km if there has been rain

There are two options for cycling from Eldoret to Kakamega. The one we take will depend on the weather in the days before we arrive here.

If there is no rain we will do the following. This day is made up of two halves. Up to lunch time we will cycle on very hilly tarmac roads with undulate through plantations and farms. There are some steeper longer hills when we reach Kapsabet. After lunch we cycle on a dirt track past a small farms and villages and into rainforest towards Kakamega. Overnight at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega.

However, if there has been rain (which is likely), we will cycle on the busy main road for 62km to the junction on the main road to Kakamega. From here we will cycle for 34km along a smallerroad before entering the Kakamega Forest Reserve for a short ride on the road of about 2km. This is home to black and white colobus monkeys, flying squirrels, the blue monkey and also potto (the worlds slowest mammal). We continue on road for about 12km to Kakamega. Overnight at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega.

Day 7: 12 November

Kakamega - Kisumu

53km cycling

Today's ride is mainly downhill with some steep climbs. After 39km we get our first view of our final destination  - Lake Victoria which covers 70,000 square kilometres and is the major geographical featuresin this part of the continent.

Traffic starts to build up as we near Kisumu, which surprisingly is Kenya's third largest town. We finish cycling around lunch time. Overnight at the Sunset Hotel and a well deserved celebratory meal.

Day 8: 13 November

Transfer Kisumu – Nakuru

approx 4 hours

We transfer by road to Nakuru. This afternoon is free to relax or take part in an optional game drive. Overnight in Nakuru.

Day 9: 14 November

Transfer Nakuru – Nairobi

approx 4 hours

This morning we transfer to Nairobi. This afternoon is a highlight of the trip we visit the Nairobi National Park including a visit to the elephant orphanage where orphaned babies are looked after & raised until they are ready to return to the wild. This 120 square mile national park is home to giraffes, monkeys, rhinos, antelopes and more.

Day 10: 15 November

Nairobi - UK

All in all - it's not too bad! Is it? OK, who am I kidding, it's bad but the scenery is going to be stunning.