3 DAYS ARUSHA TO LAKE MANYARA BIKING TOUR

Most cycling holidays in Tanzania hug the Kenyan border, making the most of the cluster of highlights including Serengeti National Park, Lake Natron, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Rift Valley escarpment and traditional Maasai villages. However, in a little over two weeks you can also travel between Nairobi in Kenya to Dar es Salaam, interspersing time in a minibus with time in the saddle to cover more ground. Most trips will see you cycling for 11-12 days out of 15 or 16, with distances ranging from 25-100km per day; however, family cycling holidays stick to a far more manageable 40km maximum.

“It’s unusual! There are very few places that you can cycle side by side with wild animals, past volcanoes, through traditional Maasai villages that have rarely seen a cyclist (especially one wearing any type of Lycra!) and then roast and grind your own coffee at the end of the day. Equally this trip is also about time off the bike visiting the magnificent Serengeti National Park and wildlife spotting in the Ngorongoro Crater – it’s a great blend of cycling and sights! Oh, and don’t worry about not feeling ‘fit enough’. I’ll let you in on a secret when it comes to cycling holidays – before they arrive everyone thinks that they will be the slowest no matter how fit they really are – just relax and enjoy it.”

“A reasonable level of fitness is required so enjoy the trip but you don’t have to be really fit – the pace is usually fairly sedate, around 15km/h and we take regular rest stops to make sure everyone is okay to continue on. Tanzania is naturally hilly so there are a few uphill sections but as long as you stay within your limits then everything is achievable. I’d advise trying to ride a few hills back home to get used to both the uphill and riding downhill, and also to (slowly) ride a few times on a gravel track rather than just in smooth bitumen so when you get to Tanzania, you’ll be well prepared for the African roads. The one thing about cycling in Tanzania to be mindful of is the elevation. Much of the route is above 1,500m above sea level so cycling can sometimes affect your breathing; taking it easy until you become acclimatized is the best way to go. And we always have a support vehicle with us in case you need a quick (or long!) break. Mostly I’d advise just focusing on the amazing experience cycling in Tanzania will give you – there will always be challenges but the amazing scenery, people and unique nature of the experience will outweigh any challenge you may face.”

Think outside the Safari Landcruiser and explore some of Africa’s best parks, as well as Kilimanjaro bike hiking to the summit. We also offer customizable Tanzania Cycling Tours / multi-day trips, where you can ride through the slopes of Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s National Parks. These unique cycling adventures have you cycling down Great Rift Valley escarpments, strolling through farm villages, wild plains roasting and grinding your coffee, drifting off to sleep among nocturnal creatures, experiencing the cultures of the Maasai & Chagga peoples, pedaling far off the beaten track to trails where no cars go, and enjoying dinner at sunset every night. With a support vehicle at every step of the journey, your time to discover Tanzania on two wheels is now!

Imagine riding all day and getting the best view of Tanzania’s landscapes from two wheels. Cycle in the shadow of Mount Meru, and ride along the west side of Mount Kilimanjaro to the plains of wildebeest, giraffe & zebras, & flamingos in Lake Natron. This is mountain biking in Tanzania! Cycle where tourists rarely go, across the remote, barely charted plains of Lengai in the realm of vast grasslands and misty volcanic peaks. While riding, refuel with a cup of Tanzanian coffee. Roast, grind and taste your own in the village of Moshi and get a closer look at local farm life.