Safari Epic - The Highest MTB Race in Kenya

RACE OVERVIEW

Rift Valley Adventures and bikesandgear.net proudly invite you to experience the second edition of the premium 5-day Epic style MTB stage race in Kenya, The Safari Epic.‍

DATES

May 29 - June 2, 2025

LOCATION

Across Kenya's breathtaking landscapes, from Laikipia’s plains to Mt. Kenya’s heights.

DISTANCE

5 days, 300+ km of diverse trails and epic climbs.

This 5 day adventure 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.
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Rift Valley Adventures will provide all the logistical support, food, accommodation, safety and medical arrangements for your unique adventure on this journey. ‍

Rift Valley Adventures are Kenya’s premier outdoor adventure company and have been operating one of a kind MTB expeditions and races in Laikipia for over 20 years. The course is designed for mountain bikes by off road experts; don’t show up with your gravel bike!

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

Rift Valley Adventures bikesandgear.net

We would expect the weather to be favourable and dry. Riding days can be up to 30 degrees C and, due to the altitude, you can expect high UV so come prepared. After dark the temperatures will drop quickly so bring some layers and a hat for that cosy feeling around the camp fire.

Race Village

Your accommodation will be at Rift Valley Adventure’s camp on the edge of the Ndare Ngare Forest near Timau where stories will be shared, calories replaced, rest earned and recovery beers consumed around roaring camp fires.

OUR PARTNERS

ROUTE & ELEVATION

Note that stages will change for 2025 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

29th May - “Najin and Fatu”
Easing you in gently with a social ride around the plains of the famous Ol Pejeta 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.

30th 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.

31st May – “Tassia Desert Run”
A new stage for 2025! 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.

1st June – “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 . . . .

Rated with a technical difficulty of 4/5.

‍2nd 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.

REGISTRATION

Secure your spot in Kenya's most thrilling MTB stage race! Choose from our range of ticket options tailored to fit your adventure preferences. Whether you're looking for the full 5-day experience, an early bird discount, or VIP perks, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss this chance to ride across stunning landscapes and create unforgettable memories. Select your ticket below to begin your journey!

EARLY BIRD TICKET

Enter before 1st January 2025 and get discounts on the entry fee!

4-5 Day Options -
available from 31st December 2024

Self drive yourself to the venue and choose either the 4 or 5 days options depending on whether you want to experience the warm up ride on Ol Pejeta or just get bang into racing!

VIP Entry
Available 

Pay extra to receive preferred accommodation and contribute towards the entry costs of a supported local rider. Get that warm glow of sleeping well and giving opportunity to budding pro cyclists.

Supported Riders Entry

Are you an East African aspiring or current professional? You can register your interest by applying for a supported ticket before the 1st January 2025. It won't be free, we ask for something in exchange  . . whether financial or promotional activities aiding the event profile. Application entries closes on 31st December 2024 so that you have plenty of notice on selection to prepare your training for the event.

Register your spot!

Thank you! Send the registration amount to the detils below:

USD Account Details
Name: CPOWER CONSULTING LTD
Bank: I&M Bank
Account Number: 01500578471212
Currency: USD
Branch: Langata Link
Bank Code: 057
Branch Code: 015
SWIFT Code: IMBLKENA

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PHOTO GALLERY

29 May 2025, 08:00 – 02 Jun 2025, 16:00
Rift Valley Adventures Forest Camp, Ethi Village, Ngare Ndare, Ethi, Kenya