Kenya 400 UPDATES

DAY 1: Monday 25th August 2025

Distance cycled: 80 km / 420 km

The day began at Ziwani Camp, situated at a fresh spring flowing from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and ended at Salt Lick Safari Lodge. The route took us through diverse terrains and landscapes, combining natural beauty with historical significance.

A Magnificent Morning

We woke to an absolute gift - after a cloudy previous evening, Mount Kilimanjaro revealed itself in all its magnificence for our early morning group photo. What a treat after Ziwani had already spoiled us with an incredible safari the night before. We'd walked among giraffes, spotted crocodiles and elephants, and seen a wonderful variety of birds. The night safari was particularly special, capturing nocturnal creatures in photographs that we'll treasure forever.

But at 6 AM sharp, it was time to trade safari vehicles for bicycles. Chris had outlined our route, and we set off with high spirits and clear mountain views.

The Reality Check

Tony might have declared this "a lot easier than Albania," but the rest of us had some doubts. By the 17 kilometre mark, where we stopped for water, some were already joking about being "ready for a rest," with "375 kilometres to go." The sandy trails had proven "relatively tough and hard going," just as Chris had warned.

Those first 17 kilometres through the dirt tracks tested us more than expected. When we transitioned onto the main road, we discovered that tarmac doesn't automatically mean easy cycling - not when you're facing rolling hills and a persistent headwind that seemed determined to remind us this was Day 1 of a serious challenge.

The 20-kilometre stretch leading up to the 60-kilometre mark proved particularly brutal. Legs were complaining, saddles were making their presence very much known, and Kilimanjaro had begun to cloud over as the day progressed - typical behaviour for Africa's highest peak, but somehow symbolic of our own energy levels.

Historical Treasures

Despite our growing fatigue, Chris's storytelling kept us engaged. His tales of WWI battles at Salaita Hill, and the ingenious German deception with straw dummy soldiers, provided fascinating distraction from burning thighs. Learning that Maktau Gate was East Africa's first airfield added another layer to our journey - we weren't just cycling; we were following in the tyre tracks of history.

Evening Rewards

By the time we reached Salt Lake Safari Lodge, we were a group of tired but triumphant cyclists. The lodge's fantastic views across the plains were the perfect reward for our efforts, but the real treats were yet to come.

The evening game drive delivered what the morning's cycle ride had missed. Elephants appeared at the nearby waterhole - a magical sight after spending the day in their territory on two wheels rather than four. The vista from the lodge was truly magnificent, stretching towards distant hills filled with animals of many varieties. But the absolute highlight was encountering two lions, a male and female, on a fresh kill.

Watching them devour their prey was mesmerising, especially when they'd pause to survey their surroundings with regal authority. When a ranger on a motorcycle passed by, both lions stood up and fixed him with such serious intent that we all wondered what was going through their minds. The raw power and presence of these apex predators, just metres away, reminded us exactly where we were cycling.

Day One Reflections

All in all, our first day delivered everything we'd hoped for and more. The whole team finished in good shape, though everyone was nursing tired legs and more than a few sore backsides. The saddle had definitely made its mark on Day 1.

Tony's optimism about this being easier than Albania might have been premature, but Simon's honesty about the challenge ahead felt more accurate. Still, we'd met our Day 1 challenge through one of Africa's most spectacular landscapes, learned fascinating history, and ended with lions on a kill and owls on the tracks at dusk - with a background of now distant Kilimanjaro.

Not a bad way to start the Kenya 400 Challenge. Tomorrow brings new roads, and hopefully, legs that remember what they're supposed to do. As Chris promised, by Day 3 we should feel strong. Tonight, we're just grateful to be horizontal.