TRANSAID
Riders are being invited to join Transaid’s Kilimanjaro to coast cycle ride challenge in 2026 to help support the charity’s lifesaving work
Transaid has announced its 2026 cycle challenge, which is returning to Africa for the 12th time. The charity is throwing down the gauntlet for riders to take part in what it says will be a spectacular 10-day adventure, pedalling 454km across Tanzania’s diverse and dynamic landscape.
From 17 to 26 September next year, during five days in the saddle, participants will ride from Moshi, on the edge of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, to Pangani, located at the mouth of the Pangani River. Experiencing the full range of Tanzania’s stunning scenery, riders will travel through small farm towns and municipalities, as well as more rural areas, providing an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and the spectacular vistas from the Irente Viewpoint. The trip will also includes a night’s camping at Lake Jipe, a paradise for wildlife and one of East Africa’s lesser-known natural gems.
Upon the conclusion of the challenge in Pangani, riders will transfer to the beaches of Tanga for a free day of relaxing, or optional excursions, before onwards travel to Zanzibar for a flight home. They will also have the option to tag on a short extension to their trip, for a bucket list climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, or a longer visit to Zanzibar, best known for its vibrant culture and scenery.
Maddy Matheson, Head of Fundraising at Transaid, said: “This challenge will mark an incredible 20 years since our first cycle challenge, so we wanted it to be something very special. Tanzania has been a focal point for our road safety projects for many years, but we haven’t organised a cycle challenge in the country since 2015; it is definitely time to return.
“The cycle challenges provide a great opportunity for our supporters to see the countries we are working in, whilst the unrestricted funds raised from each event is essential for testing new programmes to improve road safety and access to healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.” Entries for 2026 are encouraged from both teams and individuals. The registration fee is £399 per person and participants are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £4,295 to take part. The costs include riders’ twin share accommodation, meals, transfers, camping equipment, transportation for luggage and bicycles, and English speaking guides. Route organiser Dream Challenges will provide a selection of mountain bikes for participant use.
Anyone wishing to sign up for the event or to find out more information is invited to contact Transaid Events Manager Anna Giavedoni on [email protected] or by telephone at 020 7387 8136. Meanwhile, this autumn, from 24 to 28 September, Transaid is hosting a cycle challenge closer to home, with a team of 50 riders set to depart from Cork and spend three days in the saddle before arriving in the centre of Dublin. The 328km route will take in green fields, ruined castles, and heritage towns.
