Kenya offers diverse opportunities for both cycling and motorcycling enthusiasts. From the challenging terrains of the Kenya Bike Odyssey to the bustling motorcycle industry serving as a key mode of transport, this guide provides essential information for anyone interested in bikes in Kenya.
The Kenya Bike Odyssey
The Kenya Bike Odyssey is a multi-stage cycling route that offers a spectacular riding experience through diverse landscapes. Here’s what you need to know:
Important Permissions
The route passes through areas where advance permission is required. Landowners have agreed to allow riders, often for a small fee. Relevant information, prices, and contact details are included in the trail notes. Detouring is possible, but the included routes offer truly spectacular riding experiences.
One thing worth bearing in mind is that things can change very quickly in Kenya. What may be a great ride today could easily be taken away next month if a landowner decides to put up a fence and block road access. In creating the Kenya Bike Odyssey, we have endeavoured to use permanent routes that should stand the test of time, and we are confident that this won’t be an issue.
Route Details
The route is divided into 18 sections, with accommodation options each night. It is recommended to take at least three weeks, or preferably a month, to complete the entire route, allowing for rest days and side activities.
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Communication
Kenya has two official languages, English and Swahili, making communication easy.
Useful Contacts
- Eric Nesbitt (+254-722-410053): Co-creator of the route and runs RVO Cycling in Nairobi.
- William Komosop (+254-720-317760): Senior warden for the Rift Valley.
Bike Recommendations
It is strongly recommended to bring a mountain bike for the Kenya Bike Odyssey. Although technically doable on a gravel bike, the route is extremely rough in places, and the descents will be made miserable on the wrong bike. We completed the route comfortably on rigid mountain bikes, but a hardtail is recommended if available. Even a full-suspension bike would not be out of place on this route; the roads can be very rough at times.
Wide tyres are also advisable. I completed the route on 29 x 2.6” tyres and was happy with them, but regular 2.2″ to 2.4″ mountain bike tyres will be fine for this route. Tubeless tyres are strongly recommended, as acacia thorns are abundant and will easily pierce even the thickest tyres.
If you can’t run tubeless, make sure you bring enough spare tubes and plenty of patches. Finding replacement parts is tricky in Kenya, especially outside Nairobi, so you should ensure you are fully prepared and that your bike is running smoothly.
Essential Gear
- A water filter or purification method.
- Capacity to carry at least 3-4 litres of water.
- Warm clothes and a decent sleeping bag.
- A freestanding tent.
- A Buff or similar tubular neck scarf.
- Sunscreen.
- A small microfibre towel.
Wildlife Awareness
Kenya is home to an enormous range of wildlife, and having the opportunity to cycle with iconic animals such as zebras and giraffes is one of the best things about the Kenya Bike Odyssey. That said, some of these animals are potentially dangerous, so there are some things you should bear in mind. When riding through elephant areas (these will be marked), always keep vigilant and be elephant aware. If you do see any elephants, stay well back, give them plenty of space, and never get between a mother and her young.
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Buffaloes are also to be given a wide berth. Never go near a buffalo, as they are not shy about charging. If one approaches, retreat immediately. Be especially cautious near woodland.
Provided you exercise common sense, awareness, and caution, there is generally nothing to worry about, and encounters with these particular animals will be rare.
No Borders (cycling with animals in Kenya)
Payment Methods
Outside major cities, cash (Kenyan Shilling, or KES) is accepted, but M-Pesa is the easiest and most common form of payment. Register for M-Pesa by purchasing a Kenyan SIM card, preferably from Safaricom.
Once you’ve activated your SIM card, you can at the same time register for M-Pesa. This is also done with Safaricom, just let them know that you want to set up an M-Pesa account. Your passport is required both to purchase a SIM and to set up M-Pesa.
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M-Pesa functions as a phone-based bank. The easiest way to make payments with M-Pesa is to download the free Safaricom app.
Safety and Health
Kenya is generally safe for cycling, but be aware of begging and potential scams. Malaria is a concern in lower altitude areas; consider taking preventative anti-malarial drugs.
Sample Route Sections
- Westlands to Kijabe: Stunning riding through tea hills in Limuru. Permission required.
- Lake Naivasha: Circle Kijabe Hill, descend towards Mount Longonot, and enter Kedong Ranch (permission required). Camp by the water at Fisherman’s Camp.
- Hell’s Gate National Park: Cycle through the park (entry fee applies) or skip it by continuing around the lake shore.
- Eburru Forest: Climb to Eburru, traverse through indigenous trees (permission required). Wild camping is exceptional with pre-arranged security.
- Soysambu Conservancy: Enter Soysambu Conservancy (permission required) and camp with wildlife.
Motorcycle Industry in Kenya
Motorcycles are integral to Kenya's transport infrastructure, providing employment and livelihoods to many. They are adaptive to unpaved roads and traffic congestion in metropolitan areas.
Economic Impact
Kenya's GDP is projected to grow, supporting consumer spending in essential sectors. The two-wheeler market benefits from growing consumer demand.
Boda Bodas
Boda bodas are motorcycle taxis that play a significant role in Kenyan transportation.
On July 18, 2020, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) began registering all boda boda operators in Kenya in a move aimed at reducing accidents and curbing criminal activities involving motorbikes.
According to UNLEASH, a non-profit founded in 2016, the boda boda sector employs over 1.2 million youth.
The 2020 Economic Survey by the KNBS shows that newly registered motorcycles numbered 210,103 units in 2019.
Choosing a Motorcycle
When selecting a motorcycle for use in Kenya, consider the following:
- Yamaha 225 Serrow: A used option that is reliable and mechanically sound.
- Honda 200XL: A new option, known for its durability and value retention.
- Yamaha AG200: Another good choice, known for being bulletproof and cheap to run.
It is important to ensure the bike is well-maintained, as the age of the bike is less of an issue than its condition.
No Borders (cycling with animals in Kenya)
Additional Resources
- Ryce Motors (Nairobi): Sells new Honda XL125s.
- "On Safari: 40 Circuits in Kenya," by Phillipe Oberle: A useful guide for travelers.
Altitude Chart
Here is a table showing the altitude of some Kenyan towns:
| Town | Altitude (meters) | Altitude (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 1798 | 5898 |
| Nakuru | 1859 | 6100 |
| Eldoret | 2094 | 6870 |
| Kitale | 1920 | 6299 |
| Nanyuki | 1947 | 6389 |
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