Cycling guide
Limuru gravel ride: the LOOP Safari Gravel route through tea country
The Limuru leg of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series sets off from Limuru Country Club, in the highlands just north-west of Nairobi. It opened the 2026 series, and its routes wind through tea estates and forest on gravel roads.
LOOP Safari Gravel Limuru 2027: date, venue, entry
Date: the 2026 edition was on Saturday 7 March, as the opening leg of the series. The organiser's website says to check back for 2027, and no date has been announced yet.
Venue: in 2026 the host venue was Limuru Country Club.
Routes: in 2026 the organiser published three route files: Chui, 20 km; Duma, 50 km; and Simba, 100 km. There was also a kids' zone with skills sessions, and a guided or self-guided hike through the tea fields for spectators.
Entry fees and race pack: not yet published for 2027. The event page still lists packages from earlier editions, so wait for the 2027 prices before you plan.
Official website: www.safariraceseries.com
Checked on 8 November 2026 against the official race website; confirm details there before you enter.
The route
The organiser describes smooth, winding gravel roads that rise and fall through tea plantations and forest, with short, punchy climbs and fast descents under tall trees. The cool highland air and constant changes in height make it harder than the distance suggests.
The Simba route is advertised as 100 km. On our map, drawn from the organiser's 2026 GPX file, the loop covers about 85.6 km.
Riding around Limuru
Limuru is about 30 km by road north-west of Nairobi, on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley. It is a major tea-growing area, with estates such as Karirana and Mabroukie on the edge of town. Temperatures stay between about 10 and 28 °C through the year, so early starts can be cold.
Riding it
Things that help on this course:
- Bring a light layer for the cool morning start.
- Keep something in reserve for the short, steep climbs between the tea fields.
- Watch your speed on the descents under the trees, where the light changes quickly.
Keep the ride on your wall
We print the Limuru route on the real terrain of the highlands, with the valleys and ridges in relief and your line raised in colour. Add your name, date and time, or upload your own GPX.
Common questions
When is the LOOP Safari Gravel Limuru 2027?
The 2026 edition was on 7 March at Limuru Country Club. As of 8 November 2026 the organiser had not announced the 2027 date on safariraceseries.com.
How long is the Limuru gravel ride?
The longest route, Simba, is advertised as 100 km. On our map, drawn from the organiser's GPX file, it covers about 85.6 km.
What is the terrain like at Limuru?
Gravel roads through tea plantations and forest, with short, punchy climbs and fast descents in cool highland air.
Where is Limuru?
About 30 km by road north-west of Nairobi, on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley.
The maps in this guide
LOOP Safari Gravel, Limuru Framed 3D map · from KES 4,000 
LOOP Safari Gravel, Hell's Gate Framed 3D map · from KES 4,000 
Safari Gravel, Machakos Framed 3D map · from KES 4,000 
Karura Forest, Gate A to Gate F Framed 3D map · from KES 4,000 More guides
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