Intrepid Travel has partnered with World Bicycle Relief, a non-profit focused on mobilising rural communities, to launch a one-of-a-kind cycling fundraising trip to Kenya.
Starting in Nairobi, this eight-day cycling adventure from 29 May to 5 June 2025, takes up to 16 travellers through the Rift Valley to Kisumu. The participants will spend three days cycling through Kenya’s diverse landscapes, visiting local villages to see the impact of their fundraising efforts firsthand.
A partner of Intrepid Travel’s non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, World Bicycle Relief supports individuals in rural communities around the globe to access education, markets, health facilities and vital services through the provision of bicycles.
Before departing on the trip, travellers will be required to fundraise $2,500 for World Bicycle Relief, which equates to 10 bicycles delivered to communities through the program. On the trip, participants can connect with the recipients of the bicycles and learn about the transformative impact of bicycles on the local community.
“With so much uncertainty in the world, particularly around humanitarian and overseas aid funding, the role of philanthropy has never been more vital,” The Intrepid Foundation general manager, Bihen Zhang, said.
“Cyclists on this trip will experience firsthand the power that a simple bicycle can have in breaking down the barriers for communities to access basic needs like healthcare and education. Through travel, we all have the power to see the world differently and contribute positively to the places we visit and the people who live there.”
Kenya has a population of 54 million, and 71 per cent of people live in rural areas. A simple bicycle can help to break down the barrier of distance, and support people’s independence and livelihood. Designed by World Bicycle Relief, the ‘Buffalo Bicycle’ was designed to serve the needs of people who travel long distances over rugged terrain with heavy cargo. It is a stronger, simpler, and sustainable bicycle that can withstand harsh rural conditions.
Since 2010, World Bicycle Relief has distributed more than 84,000 bicycles to support education, healthcare, and economic opportunity across Kenya. The program also creates employment opportunities for the local communities, with over 300 mechanics trained and 14 Buffalo Bike workshops across the region.
“We are thrilled to partner with Intrepid Travel on this incredible ride in Kenya,” World Bicycle Relief director of East Asia, Maureen Kolenyo, said. “This ride not only offers participants the chance to experience stunning landscapes and Kenya’s rich culture but also to see firsthand the transformative impact of bicycles on local communities. Together, we can empower individuals with mobility, unlocking access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities that create lasting change.”
In addition to the Kenya Cycling Fundraiser, Intrepid supports the work of World Bicycle Relief through its annual Buffalo Ride, now in its third year. This fundraising event gives riders around the globe the opportunity to ride for good and raise funds to mobilise more women and girls in rural communities.
Registrations are now open, and those who wish to participate can sign up here. Donations to World Bicycle Relief can be made through The Intrepid Foundation, with Intrepid Travel dollar-matching all monthly donations.
