Safari Epic - The Highest MTB Race in Kenya

RACE OVERVIEW

The 2026 Safari Epic isn't just 'back' — it's been refined, reworked, and levelled up. Over the past two years, we listened to our riders, took notes from the bush, and got to work creating something truly special.

Variety? It's basically the headline act.

‍Expect a full-spectrum Kenyan MTB terrain feast: One day you're ripping across open savannah, the next you're weaving through woodland, forest, heathland and moorland.

Punchy ascents. Flowing descents. Fast-paced tracks. Technical challenges. The 2026 Safari Epic has it all.

From Laikipia's sweeping plains to the lofty slopes of Mt. Kenya — from 3,354m above the tree line down to 1,045m at desert level — this is 300+ kilometers of terrain that keeps you grinning (and guessing).

DATES

28 – June 1, 2026

LOCATION

Laikipia to Mt. Kenya — from sweeping savannah plains to high-altitude moorland

DISTANCE

5 days • 300+ km • 5,850m climbing
Elevation range: 1,045m to 3,354m

This 5-day adventure takes you on a journey across the equator, through indigenous forests, across the vast plains of Laikipia, and finally up above the tree line in the iconic Mt. Kenya National Park.
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Rift Valley Adventures handles everything end-to-end: logistics, accommodation, meals, safety backup, and medical support. With over 25 years crafting world-class MTB expeditions and races in Kenya, we're Kenya's go-to outdoor specialists.

The route is designed by off-road experts for proper mountain bikes — so don't rock up on a gravel bike. 😉

Check out the organizers' websites for further adventure and bike product details:

Rift Valley Adventures bikesandgear.net

Expect favorable, dry conditions with riding temps up to 30°C. At altitude, UV is intense — come prepared with sun protection. After dark, temperatures drop fast, so pack layers and a warm hat for those cozy moments around the campfire under the stars.

Race Village

Your base? Forest Camp. 
Rift Valley Adventures' home on the edge of UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ngare Ndare Forest. 

Rustic, relaxed, and genuinely comfortable. This is where stories get shared, calories replaced, muscles recovered, and cold Tuskers earned around crackling firepits under the stars.

Freshly revamped and extended, Forest Camp offers spacious safari tents, rooms, and cottages, plus welcoming lounge spaces, a dining area, chill-out zones, a bar, hot showers, Wi-Fi, massage room, and those unforgettable firepit nights.

POWERED BY

ROUTE & ELEVATION

Note that stages will change for 2026 from those shown below, but it provides you with an indication of the distances and terrain for planning purposes.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

28th May - “Game Ride”
Easing you in gently with a social ride around the plains of the famous Borana Conservancy, experiencing many types of wildlife along the way.

A distance of approx. 23km with around 200m of total elevation. Rated with a technical difficulty of 1/5.

29th May – “Into the Woods”
A classic North Kenya Gazelles team race route from the 2008 era and our first foray up the lower slopes of Mt Kenya with a mixed track loop in the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve.

A distance of approx. 57km with around 1,000m of total elevation. Rated with a technical difficulty of 4/5.

30th May – “Tassia Desert Run”
This stage descends from over 2,200m AMSL through the Mukogodo forest to just less than 1,000m AMSL at desert level! The 11km descent is technical, loose, fast and furious. It will be HOT HOT HOT down there at Tassia . . . And the climb back up will be in the full heat of the day . . . Stunning views await!

A distance of approx. 82km with around 1750m of total elevation. Rated with a technical difficulty of 3/5.

31st May – “Into Thin Air”
A day to test your mind and body most of all. Climbing into thinner air up to a peak of 3350m AMSL high above the tree line in the Mount Kenya National Park, navigating around the West Marania volcano crater rim and the reward of an unforgettable epic view of Mt. Kenya’s iconic peaks and blistering decent. Serious EPICNESS! A distance of approx. 83km with around 1500m of total elevation. Yes its only 1500m . . But IT'S ALL IN ONE CLIMB . . . .

82km and 1,000m of climbing. Rated with a technical difficulty of 4/5.

‍1st June - “Plains and Game”
Today we conclude the Safari Epic with a mix of terrains to confuse and delight the legs. A smorgasbord of short sharp ups and downs with spectacular views of plains / game in stunning conservancy scenery. But beware . . Leave some in the tank for the last climb of the race where there is still some scope for huge GC gaps at the very last . . . its never over until till its over!

A distance of approx. 60km with around 1500m of total elevation. Rated with a technical difficulty of 3/5.

Route & Elevation

5 days. 301 kilometers. 5,850 meters of climbing.
From desert plains at 1,045m to high-altitude moorland at 3,354m.

This isn't just a race, it's a journey through Kenya's most spectacular terrain.
Here's what awaits you, stage by stage.

The 5-day MTB adventure being held over the Madaraka weekend of 28^th May to the 1^st June will take you on a journey across the equator, through indigenous forests, across and around the vast plains of Laikipia and then finally up above the tree line in the iconic Mt. Kenya National Park. 301km in total with 5,850m of climbing and an elevation difference of 2,309m between the highest point at 3,354 and lowest point on the course at 1,045m.

Note: Stages may change for 2026 from those shown below, but this provides you with an indication of the distances and terrain for planning purposes.

DAY 1 • The Game Ride

Easing you in gently

30km

650m ↑

⚡ Difficulty: 2/5

A non-competitive social ride along one of Laikipia's famous mountain bike ridge lines. This is your warm-up, your wildlife encounter, your chance to get the legs spinning before things get serious. Expect sweeping savannah views and diverse wildlife along the way.

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DAY 2 • The Classic

North Kenya Gazelles heritage route

56km

1,000m ↑

⚡ Difficulty: 3/5

A classic North Kenya Gazelles team race route from the 2008 era, our first foray up the lower slopes of Mt Kenya. Mixed track loops through the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve, combining flowing sections with technical challenges. This is where the race really begins.

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DAY 3 • The Desert Plunge

11km of technical descent, then suffer back up

80km

1,700m ↑

⚡ Difficulty: 4/5

The stage that separates the pretenders from the contenders. Descend from 2,200m through Mukogodo forest to just above 1,000m at desert level. 11km of technical, loose, fast, and furious terrain. It'll be scorching down at Tassia. And the climb back up? Brutal. But the views? Absolutely worth the suffering.

View Route Map View Elevation Profile

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DAY 4 • High Altitude Epic

Above the tree line on Mt Kenya

82km

1,500m ↑

⚡ Difficulty: 5/5

This is the one. Climbing into thinner air up to 3,354m above sea level, high above the tree line in Mount Kenya National Park. Navigate around the West Marania volcano crater rim and earn the reward: an unforgettable epic view of Mt Kenya's iconic peaks, followed by a blistering descent. Serious EPICNESS. Yes, it's "only" 1,500m of climbing... but it's all in one massive push.

View Route Map View Elevation Profile

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DAY 5 • The Grand Finale

Spectacular savannah smorgasbord

56km

1,000m ↑

⚡ Difficulty: 3/5

We conclude the Safari Epic with a spectacular mix of terrains, a smorgasbord of short sharp ups and downs through stunning conservancy scenery. Sweeping views of plains and game, one last chance to soak in Kenya's wilderness before the finish line celebrations begin.

View Route Map View Elevation Profile

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REGISTRATION

Ready to ride Kenya's premier 5-day MTB stage race? Choose your accommodation package and secure your spot for May 28 – June 1, 2026.

Limited spaces available for upgrades as below;
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Standard accommodation - 50
Safari Dome - 3
Safari Tent - 11
Stone Cottage - 1
2 Bed Cottage - 1
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For the above as long as one person purchases the upgrade they can share with another person who purchases the standard accommodation option if they choose, or not.

We will TRY to remove sold upgrades from sale when they are sold . . . but sometimes timing might be not with us! Bear with if this happens.

Standard Package
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usd 1,350

Your own cosy basecamp: a comfortable, spacious, seriously waterproof single-occupancy dome tent (2.30m x 1.95m) with two big vestibules to stash kit and keep things tidy. Sleep easy on a full-length 6-inch-thick mattress with a pillow. Bring your own sleeping bag.

Safari Dome Tent Upgrade
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usd 1,550

Step it up with a full-height walk-in safari dome (3m x 3m) — more room to stand, change, and spread out after a big day in the saddle. Includes a bed, 6-inch-thick mattress, pillow, and side table for that little extra comfort. Bring your own sleeping bag.

Deluxe Safari Tent Upgrade
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usd 1,850

Go big. Super spacious (7.5m x 4.5m internal) with a relaxing veranda — perfect for watching the forest glow at sunset or sipping a cold Tusker. Sleeps up to 6 people, making it ideal for families, friends, or anyone who just wants more space, more comfort, more wow. Double beds, double the pillows, quadruple the comfort.

Stone Cottage Upgrade
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usd 1,850

A classic stone cottage — solid, charming, and wonderfully comfortable for a couple who prefers proper walls after a day on the trails.

2 Bedroom House Upgrade
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usd 1,950

Perfect for families or two riders who want room to breathe: a classic two-bedroom house with sitting and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, walk-in bathroom, veranda, and beautiful views over Ngare Ndare Forest — tucked away in a private corner of Forest Camp.

Register your spot