How to Reach the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by Motorcycle? An Altitude Record in Africa

How to Reach the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by Motorcycle? An Altitude Record in Africa

Tanzania, africa

Length

20,000 km

Elevation

5,895 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Picture this: Africa's majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, its peak reaching a staggering 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). And get this - back in '74, a group of adventurous souls from Moto Club Igualada actually rode a Bultaco Sherpa T 250cc motorcycle to the very top!

This wasn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about navigating through Kilimanjaro National Park, adjusting to the altitude, and tackling unforgiving terrain of snow and ice. Along the way, they crossed volcanic rock scree without assistance.

Their journey started in Igualada, Spain, drove to Algeciras by road, then embarked to Tangier and crossed Africa from north to south, covering a massive 20,000 kilometers, crossing the Algerian Sahara on the way back. The route took them through multiple countries, before finally arriving at the mountain, starting at the Marangu Hotel. The team reached Gilman’s Point at 5,820 meters, eventually making their way to Uhuru Peak.

While not necessarily paved, it's a road with a view - one that few have ever experienced from the seat of a motorcycle!

Where is it?

How to Reach the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by Motorcycle? An Altitude Record in Africa is located in Tanzania (africa). Coordinates: -5.7717, 33.3625

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Road Details

Country
Tanzania
Continent
africa
Length
20,000 km
Max Elevation
5,895 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-5.7717, 33.3625

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