Embark on a Meaningful Journey

Biking through Kenya offers a unique opportunity to embark on a breathtaking seven-day expedition, all while supporting the education of orphaned girls in need. Over the course of 500 kilometers of challenging terrain, we will be guided by the renowned professional cyclist, David Kinjah, as we make our way through this stunning landscape.

Cycling Through the Heart of Kenya

On the high plains near the Masai Mara National Park, biking through Kenya becomes a journey of discovery. Here, we are greeted by David Kinjah, a seasoned cyclist with a remarkable history in the sport. Not only does David organize biking expeditions, but he also trains young boys from the slums of Nairobi to become professional cyclists and guides.

We set off early in the morning, biking through Kenya’s endless golden savanna, lined with mountain ranges on the horizon. The vibrant red shuka of the Maasai herders occasionally appears amidst the gray-green acacia trees, where they stand with one leg raised, adorned in traditional jewelry, their ears pierced to create eye-catching decorations.

A swirling dust cloud rises on the plain as a herd of cattle passes by. The Maasai huts, constructed from mud and cow dung, tell tales of resilience. Women relocate these homes every ten years to find new pastures, while colorful fabrics hang over acacia branches, adding life to the landscape.

As we dismount, we are welcomed into one of the huts, where the aromas of milk, smoke, and livestock fill the air. The Maasai diet consists mainly of milk, blood, and meat from cattle and gazelles. A narrow beam of light filters through a small crack, as they block it with fabric at night to keep the warmth inside.

Majestic Wildlife Encounters

Continuing our journey, biking through Kenya offers countless opportunities to witness its majestic wildlife. A giraffe calmly crosses our path, while groups of impalas graze nearby, and zebras gallop in the distance. Fresh elephant dung indicates their close proximity. The landscape may appear flat, but the eroded channels and steep rocky outcrops require us to climb and descend periodically as we make our way higher towards the Rift Valley.

As the savanna becomes barer, punctuated by solitary acacias that rhythmically break the horizon, dust clouds appear as herders return home with their livestock. We navigate through a whirlpool of dust, cattle, and herders, with the sun setting quickly behind us. That night, we hear the roar of a lion and the calls of hyenas near our campsite—unforgettable moments while biking through Kenya.

Building Connections with the Maasai

Over the next few days, we pass several bomas where the Maasai gather along their homesteads, turning to witness our unconventional presence as cyclists. Questions abound: “Why aren’t they in jeeps?” and “Are they wealthy enough to afford a safari?”

For many participants, this is not their first sponsorship expedition. Though some may struggle with the concept of primitive camping, the allure of adventure on their mountain bikes draws them back, while others prioritize the noble cause of supporting school girls through sponsorship.

As we cycle past schools, crowds of children rush to the barbed wire fence, shouting greetings: “How are you?” and “Money!”

A Descent into New Altitudes

By the end of the third day, we have left the savanna behind, reaching nearly 3000 meters above sea level. The cold wind is a stark contrast to the previous heat, where the settled Maasai here cultivate potatoes amidst dark mounds of earth and a threatening sky.

The roads have changed as well, with the arrival of motorbikes and trucks. One Maasai named Simon drives past us, lowering his window to acknowledge us, expressing concern for our well-being as the chilly evening air envelops us.

We are now approaching Lake Naivasha, spiraling down a sandy slope shrouded in dust, with more encounters of giraffes and warthogs along the way. That night, the metallic snorting of hippos fills the night air right near our tents.

The Impact of Our Journey

After a ride beyond Mombasa, we cycle through undulating red clay roads framed by palm trees and baobabs. Our final destination presents itself; the schools for orphaned girls supported by the Verkaart Development Team welcome us as heroes.

Here, the girls enjoy a beach sports day, taking a moment to build sandcastles that represent their cultural heritage, echoing the journeys we’ve encountered themed by different communities throughout our ride.

Supporting Change Through Sports

As evening approaches, I walk to the beach where I find David training his group of young cyclists. They race up and down the stairs leading to the water, culminating their exercises with a race. At the end of the day, trading occurs as participants exchange their bikes with David for compensation.

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