The people were wonderful - so friendly, the children would run from far in the fields to see us on our bikes for lots of high 5's. The game drives were amazing, we saw so much in Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara...I loved Tanzania and this experience got me out of my comfort zone
Murray BoothNew ZealandTanzaniaFebruary 14, 2015
Twice on tour I had the best day of my life!
GaryNew ZealandDecember 22, 2014
Our special experience: Mingling with the "real" people of Africa and realising how lucky we are in NZ. Our in- house quote was DIA, meaning 'dis is Africa!
From fixed tent accommodation to luxury camping; a boarding school dormitory to 4 star hotels, there's a great mix of places to stay.
This trip offers a moderate biking challenge, and can be altered to fit everyone's interest, abilities and fitness level. Non-biking partners are welcome to join.
This is biking as it should be — off the beaten path, and great fun!
Grade 3 - Moderate Tours
Moderate to Challenging tours are designed for the more experienced participant wishing to push themselves and experience new highs of achievement. Routes may include longer climbs and more technical skills.
Fitness required
A good level of fitness is required, exercising three-four times a week prior to the tour.
Full Itinerary
DAY1
Arrival day: Moshi (Tanzania)
No biking / Accommodation: hotel
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International airport, you will be met and transferred 35km to the town of Moshi (journey time is approximately 45 minutes depending on traffic). This evening there will be a tour briefing before dinner.
Meals: Dinner
DAY2
Moshi to Mta wa Mbu (Lake Manyara National Park)
No biking / Accommodation: fixed tents (shared facilities)
We'll depart in good time and drive to the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park. The journey leads us through hilly farmland with cornfields and coffee trees. We may see our first monkeys, and trees full of storks and their nests. After a picnic lunch we start our game drive through this National Park which stretches for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600m high Rift Valley escarpment. We will see flamingoes and pelicans and maybe lions resting in trees! Around 4.30-5pm we’ll head to our tent site at Mta wa Mbu, set in a lovely natural camp with a spacious sitting area and amenities including hot showers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3
Ngorongoro Crater (Hole-Hole)
No biking / Accommodation: fixed tents (shared facilities)
After a 1 hour drive we arrive at the famous Ngorongoro Crater National Park. Firstly we’ll stop at the rim from where we can see the whole Crater Conservation Area below. Then we have a full day of game viewing, where there is an excellent chance of seeing the Big Five (elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and with luck, leopard, plus many more including giraffe, baboon, hippo, zebra, antelope etc). During the middle of the day when the animals are more elusive, we will have our picnic lunch beside a lake before returning to our camp later in the afternoon.
This morning its a 3 hour drive back to Arusha where we’ll have time to explore the town at leisure. After lunch we'll continue to Mkuru Training Camp (north of Mt Meru) where we'll be fitted to our bikes. On a short ride to the local market we can stretch our legs and warm up for the riding days ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5
Mkuru Training Camp to Monduli
Biking/Climbing: 40 km/206m Accommodation: Maasai hut
We start biking to Tinga Tinga, passing Maasai settlements along the way. During lunch, zebras and cattle may roam nearby and we could also see many birds and other animals including giraffes and elephants. Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m) is just ahead, and we'll overnight at the Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village, which was planned and built by a multi-cultural construction team in the traditional way. This is a unique experience sleeping on a comfortable cowhide bed in your own private Maasai hut. It will be an unforgettable evening with a BBQ and traditional ceremony.
As you cycle along the rolling foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro through grain fields, you'll very likely see many traditionally dressed Maasai people. They are very welcoming, and children in particular will call out 'Jambo' ('Hello' in Swahili). Our accommodation tonight is alongside the Nalemoru River amongst the Rongai forest, north east of Mt Kilimanjaro. From the grounds, there are views to Kibo and Mawanzi peaks. This is a popular base for climbers of Mt Kilimanjaro via the Rongai route.
We'll bike around a quarter of Mt. Kilimanjaro as our route leads us through savannah, forests and banana plantations. As we ride, you'll see local Chagga people in their daily work. Remote single trails lead us to tonight's destination, set in savannah-like grounds and just a short walk from Lake Chala, a sparkling crater lake. A swim may be an option before we finish this memorable day around the campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8
Lake Chala - Marangu
Biking/Climbing: 26 km/755m Accommodation: hotel
This morning there's a short ride up to Marangu, the main village which services Mt Kilimanjaro's tourism. The higher we climb, the greener our surroundings become. We'll stop to have our packed lunch before riding to our hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or to explore.
After breakfast we'll drive about 250 km south to the ecologically important Usambara Mountains. After lunch at the foot of the road to the beautiful village of Mtae, cycle, bike/walk, walk or just take the van up the steep climb ahead! However you get there, the panoramic views are well worth it. Then, drive/cycle along the ridge through picturesque villages to the Mambo View Point eco-lodge at 1900 m. From here there are fantastic views over the Pare Mountains, the Mkomazi National Park and Kilimanjaro.
Much of Tanzania's produce is grown in the Usambara Mountains, and today offers idyllic biking through well cultivated farmland. We'll take time to sample the local coffee or tea at the lodge. Our accommodation tonight is modeled on traditional and modern homesteads, wet in a natural garden only 1.5km from the city centre of Lushoto, the main town of the region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY11
Lushoto to Korogwe
Biking/Climbing: 96 km/815m Accommodaton: Motel
Today we'll bike through terraced hillside plantations to the southern edge of the mountains. This is the region's main tea growing area, and just before lunch we'll climb into the rainforest for the last time. This is followed by an amazing long downhill out to the plains. We'll stay in the town of Korogwe in a motel.
Today its a long ride on a mostly flat trail alongside sisal plantations and palms to the Indian Ocean. Our accommodation for the next two days is a small and friendly tented lodge built in a coconut grove on the shores of Tanzania's mainland, just opposite Zanzibar Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY13
Pangani
No biking / Accommodation: tented lodge
Pangani is an ancient town believed to date from before the 6th Century BC and was once a strategic point on the caravan route for exporting slaves and ivory. Now it is mainly a fishing and vacation town. You have all day to explore the town or visit Pangani Falls, a stunning waterfall which provides electricity to several major towns. Another option is to just relax on the beach for a well-earned rest after yesterday's long ride!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY14
Pangani to Nungwi (Zanzibar)
No biking / Accommodation: hotel
An early boat transfer takes us to Nungwi at the north end of Zanzibar Island (also called Unguja). Zanzibar is known as the 'Spice Island' for its cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper. The boat trip takes about 2 hours. Nungwi is a vibrant fishing village loved by its many visitors. Our hotel overlooks the sea to the distant island of Tumbatu and its lighthouse. The beautiful white coral and seashell beach is the perfect place to watch an incredible sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY15
Nungwi to Zanzibar Town (Stone Town)
Biking/Climbing: 56 km/386m Accommodation: hotel
Zanzibar Island has lured traders, adventurers and explorers for centuries. We explore it by bike, ending up in Stone Town, the island's main town. Named for the coral stone of its buildings, Stone Town was once the heart of the slave and spice trades. Its winding alleys, bazaars, mosques and grand Arabian houses have changed little in 200 years. You can spend many hours exploring the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. Today we ride on single speed local bikes, and stay in a local hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY16
Departure Day: from Zanzibar
No biking
It's time to say goodbye to Zanzibar as our Tanzanian adventure concludes. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before we transfer you to the airport at which time your tour with us ends.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:
Tour Includes:
Accommodation (10 nights hotels or tented lodges, 3 nights fixed tents, 1 night Maasai house)
Passport and travel visa requirements (Tanzania visa is required)
Single room surcharge
Personal expenses & drinks (except water while riding)
Mountain bike hire
Tour Video
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