Description

Covering some of Tanzania's most scenic areas, the route takes you through craters and valleys teeming with African wildlife, and explores rural farmlands where there's the opportunity to interact with local villagers. Stay in comfortable camps and lodges, as you ride through some of the most spectacular scenery in East Africa. The ride can be enjoyed by all who have a moderate level of riding fitness.

Highlights

• Mountain biking through prime wildlife areas of East Africa
• Stylish comfortable accommodation in a variety of camps and lodges
• Opportunities for cultural interactions
• Beautiful scenery, unique fauna & flora and spectacular game viewing
• Climbing one of the only active volcanoes in Africa - Oldoinyo Lengai

Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met and transferred to the Tanguire National Park and the start of the afternoon’s cycle. You’ll bike along a track bordering the Park to a small lodge called Kikoti Lodge. The Tanguire area is driy with plenty of elephant and generally good game viewing.

Day 2
The day’s riding activities are flexible depending on your energy levels and include exploring the area near Kikoti Lodge. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3
After breakfast depart from Kikoti Lodge, enjoying a game drive through the park before heading out onto the main road and down to Lake Manyara. The afternoon’s ride takes you along scenic single track into the village of Mto Wa Mbu village in the Manyara area. The more adventurous can venture riding up the Great Rift Valley wall. Stay overnight at the Kirurumu Tented Camp.

Day 4
A more relaxed ride today takes you on a rather different route, exploring local farm tracks through Iraqw tribal land. You’ll be able to experience a taste of African culture and traditional life. The area is forested which makes a nice contrast to the dry Tanguire bush of the past few days. The overnight stop is at the Plantation Lodge set in the fringes of the Ngorongoro forests. Cooler evening mists create the perfect excuse to enjoy a glass of good red wine.

Day 5
A short morning ride takes you to the gate of the Ngorongoro Crater Park gate. From the gate you get to relax and enjoy a game drive to the Lamala Camp where you‘ll be staying overnight. In the late afternoon you can enjoy another game drive on the crater floor followed by sundowners.

Day 6
After breakfast depart from Lamala Camp and bike through the scenic valley between Ngorongoro Crater and Empakai Crater. The roads are relatively good and the ride is not too strenuous. The area is the home of the Masaai people and there’ll be plenty of opportunity for cultural interaction. The campsite on the rim of Empakai Crater lies at an altitude of 3600m and the final ascent is left to the hard-core riders in the group. The rest can load up the bikes and transfer up on the vehicles.

Day 7
The grand finale, today’s route takes you on one of the most spectacular rides you’ll ever get to experience! Descending from the crater rim down to Lake Natron, which lies at an altitude of below 900m. The whole day is spent biking, stopping en route to enjoy the views and take in some refreshments. Overnight at Lake Natron Camp.

Day 8
The day is at leisure to rest up or enjoy a short scenic ride along the lakeshore. At approximately 22h20 those wishing to ascend Olonyo Lengai will set off for the climb. The ascent takes approximately 6 hours and the descent a further 4 hours.

Day 9
Arriving back at camp at approximately 10h00, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy lunch at the camp. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 10
After breakfast check out of the camp and transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.