Cyclist Makes History with Record-Breaking Kilimanjaro Ascent

November 2026

Supported by Intrepid Travel, Otto becomes the first known woman to bicycle from base to summit in a single push, finishing her effort despite a broken tibia.
Hannah Otto, a professional endurance cyclist from the United States has become the first woman to cycle to the summit of Kilimanjaro in a single day. This is part of an ambitious endurance cycling challenge raising money for Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. She successfully reached the 5,895-metre summit by bike on 3rd November 2026, completing the challenge from base to summit and back down again in a time of 10 hours, 18 minutes and 51 seconds, while cycling through extreme altitude and rugged terrain.

While thousands of trekkers summit Mount Kilimanjaro every year, bicycle ascents remain exceptionally rare due to the mountain’s steep, rocky and high-altitude environment. Otto, who is 30 years old and has been a professional cyclist for 10 years, spent a week acclimatising on the mountain before the cycle attempt. The entire journey documented on film, capturing both the physical demands of the challenge and the broader human impact behind the mission.

“It’s a gift to get to pursue your dreams and to attempt challenging things” commented Hannah Otto following the successful ascent. “With big enough dreams and the support of others I truly believe anything is possible. Intrepid Travel helped my dreams come true on the mountain and now through The Intrepid Foundation and World Bicycle Relief, I want to help others pursue their dreams as well.”

Otto’s attempt was supported by Intrepid’s East Africa operations team, who coordinated the on-ground logistics, route planning, mountain crews, accommodation, acclimatisation support and safety operations required for the historic ascent. In total, 47 Intrepid crew and staff supported her through this ambitious feat, including four guides, four chefs and 39 porters.

“This challenge reflects what Intrepid is all about: pushing boundaries, connecting people and creating positive change through the joy of travel,” said Samuel Karani, General Manager of Intrepid East Africa. “It has been rewarding to support Hannah on this journey, turning this incredible achievement into an opportunity to make a lasting difference for others.”

The expedition, titled Beyond the Summit, aims to raise $165,000 USD to provide 1,000 bicycles to people living in rural communities across Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A long-standing partner of The Intrepid Foundation, World Bicycle Relief supports individuals in rural communities around the globe to access education, healthcare and vital services through the provision of bicycles.

Otto’s historic attempt came with plenty of headwinds. On the descent, Hannah suffered a fall and injured her leg, but pushed through to complete the ride. She was later taken for medical treatment, where it was confirmed that she had broken her Tibia.   

 "What Hannah Otto just did on Kilimanjaro is clear evidence of what's possible when someone refuses to accept barriers,” said Dave Neiswander, CEO of World Bicycle Relief. “To become the first woman to ride base to summit in a single day is extraordinary - to finish on a broken leg is something else entirely.”

“But what moves us most is why she rode: Hannah knows that distance is a barrier, and mobility is the key solution. Hannah has poured herself into this effort, rallying support to put 1,000 life-changing bicycles into the hands of students, health workers, and entrepreneurs. We are grateful for her heart, her grit, and her belief in the Power of Bicycles. Every bicycle changes a life - and Hannah's ride will change a thousand."

Intrepid operates 45 trips in Tanzania, including three Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventures that take travellers to the summit via different routes. With offices in Arusha, Tanzania, Kampala, Uganda and Nairobi, Kenya, Intrepid has a strong local presence across East Africa, with 53 guides, 41 drivers and 35 chefs, as well 29 office-based employees working across the region to support local operations on the ground and deliver exceptional experiences to travellers.

To donate to Hannah’s fundraiser, visit https://beyond-the-summit.raiselysite.com/.