Our latest Traveller Blog from Ella Phoenix-King covers an unforgettable ride through the heart of Kenya. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the wild plains of the Maasai Mara, the Cycle Kenya Challenge combines cycling, culture, wildlife, and camaraderie.
Starting the Adventure
My trip with Action Challenge began a few days into my trip to Kenya, where I was lucky enough to be travelling with my family. We opted for the Land Only trip to maximise our time in this beautiful country.
After a few days of exploring Nairobi via Land Cruiser, spending time in the National Park (and lucky enough to see the Big 5!), we met our lovely group to start the next week of our Kenyan adventure. The moment we met the incredible Action Challenge Lead and Medic (massive shout out to Jason and Pip!) and local guides (the incredible Glen, Kelvin, Sammi, Charles, David and Sammy!), we knew we were in for an incredible week ahead.
Into the Saddle: Narok & Maasai Culture
After the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, we headed into Narok for our cycling adventure which awaited us. After a delicious roadside lunch, we were eased into our cycling week with a gentle tarmac cycle (oh how I wish I appreciated this more at the time!), where we ended up in an incredible Maasai Tribe Culture Camp. We were warmly greeted and welcomed to our traditional Maasai huts and served a hearty local dinner.
The Big Ride: Pushing Limits
Day 2 of the Cycle – a big day! As a self-proclaimed cycle novice (the furthest I had cycled before this trip was 50km!), this was a big day for me and one that I was nervous for. But the 80km+ felt almost easy! With regular food and drink stops in the most picturesque of places, the team were so prepared that I didn’t even notice the miles that were building up on my watch—well, until some of the killer hills hit, but don’t worry, these were few and far between.
Scenery, Wildlife & Local Life
Over the course of the week, whether we were cycling through small villages, bustling towns, or local conservancies – the cycling routes provided the most incredible views of Kenya. But with countryside cycling comes bumpy roads and tracks, and trust me when I say I was very thankful for the padded shorts and cycling gloves – pop them at the top of your packing list!
I don’t think I have ever seen as many animals in one period as I have during this trip. We saw more cattle and goats than I think I have ever seen in my life, but that wasn’t the extent of our animal encounters. We were privileged enough to see elephants, antelope, buffalo, zebras and giraffe (to name just a few!) from our very own saddle. I honestly could not believe my own eyes. The local team were unbelievably knowledgeable and kept us so safe at all times, always surrounded by our Land Cruisers and Bus at the front and back of us, and always ensuring we all kept a safe distance from the wildlife to respect the incredible animals that Kenya has to offer.
A Grand Finale: Safari in the Maasai Mara
When our cycling days came to an end, we spent an incredible day on a safari in the Maasai Mara National Park and wow, what a day this was. The most incredible end to an incredible week. A day where we could reflect as a group on all the giggles, jokes and experiences of the last 6 days together. This day we saw lions, elephants, buffalo—ticking off 3 of the Big 5—on top of zebra, giraffe, hyenas and all the other incredible animals that the Maasai Mara is home to.
Final Thoughts: Just Go For It
If you are contemplating this trip, please just go for it. I can firmly say (even as a non-cyclist) that the scenery, experiences, people and opportunities you will have whilst there will get you through. I have no doubt that I will do another trip with Action Challenge and I can only thank them for the experience this trip gave me – it was truly once in a lifetime!
