Tanzania biking challenge

11 DAY TANZANIA BIKING CHALLENGE FROM MT. KILIMANJARO TO THE COAST

$2500-4000 USD

Safari summary

Why this itinerary? Mountain biking is one of the definitive ways to see a country first hand. This just so happens to be a definitive route all the way from the safari capital of East Africa down past Kilimanjaro and the Pangani river valley, the Usambara mountains and a finale on the beach on the Swahili Coast. A world class adventure!

Description: A stunningly diverse adventure challenge from the heart of Maasailand, tracing the foothills of Kilimanjaro and the blue mountains, down the slave routes that dominated in the 19th century, into the ancient Usambara mountains and finally, to Pangani gateway to the ancient trade routes.

Highlights:Views of Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru, wilderness, mixture of cultures (WaArusha, WaMeru, Maasai, Chagga), chance to see game on mountain bike, variety of terrain.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Non-safari
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	January, February, June, July, August, September, October, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Saadani

Fine details

Safari highlights

Sightseeing | shopping | markets
Cycling | mountain biking—with professional guide

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 2 - MAJI MOTO TO NYUMBA YA MUNG

The routine starts to become apparent now and we rise early to maximize the cooler parts of the day on the bikes. The route initially weaves through bush with the ‘blue’ mountains to our right. The latter part of the day we head down toward Nyumba Ya Mungu (The House of God), a massive dam that stretches into the distance. Our Camp is set on the lake shore near to a fishing village. Overnight at the Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 3– NYUMBA YA MUNGU TO PANGANI

From Nyumba Ya Mungu our trail takes us down the Pangani River Valley. This river has been a lifeline for untold millennia to both beast and man and in the 1800’s provided the water sources for many a slave & ivory caravan. The riding initially follows the river and then heads towards a massive free standing island of rock or Inselberg. Overnight at the Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 4 – PANGANI TO KISIWANI

Today’s ride is up towards the Pare Mountains, one of the chain of mountains that makes up the Eastern Arc mountains. These mountains will be prevalent for the next few days as we weave around their base and even up into them. The ride today ends at Kisiwani with dramatic views of Mkomazi and the looming mountains on route. Overnight at the Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 5 – KISIWANI TO MNAZI

By now the Pare mountains and the Usambara mountains are obvious and loom to around. These are part of the ‘Eastern Arc’ mountains which are a biodiversity hotspot, veritable islands that have enabled endemic species to flourish over millennia. By late afternoon we are at the base of the Usambara mountains and head into camp. There is one particularly sandy section here that some may like to sit out for 8 km. Overnight at the Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 6 – MNAZI TO MTAE

The hill climb. The hardiest will finish this. A great ride nevertheless deep into and up to the top of the Usambara mountains. Those that don’t want to ride the main uphill can also collect their bikes at the top (13km down) and ride the rolling hills once up in the Usambaras. In the evening we are rewarded with breathtaking views to the Maasai steppe below. Overnight Mtae Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 7 – MTAE TO LUSHOTO

Today’s ride will most likely start pretty cold. These highlands are often shrouded in cloud, clearing in late on in the day. The riding today is over rolling hills through rich farm lands. The locations of some of the houses on the extreme slopes are quite a sight! Depending on pace we may even reach our camp by lunch time. Overnight Usambara Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 8 - LUSHOTO TO MASHEWA

From our lofty heights we now ride through half a day of rolling hills before dropping sharply down the Eastern slopes of the Usambara to the floor below. Care is always advised on the steep downhills and by the end of this section your forearms will need a stretch! In the late afternoon we head to Mashewa to our camp. Overnight Mashewa Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 9 – MASHEWA – MAKAYUNI

Our route today traces the outer slopes of the Amani forest reserve, haven to endemic bird and reptile species. The riding is on a mixture of long down hills and rolling hills. To the East lies Kenya, and to the south the coast is but a day away. Overnight Makayuni Camp (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 10 – MAKAYUNI – PANGANI

The final section. Most of this day is downhill and we move from the cool to the humid coast. Pangani was the final point before slaves and ivory were shipped out on the Swahili dhows to the wider world. In the late afternoon we arrive into Pangani and head to the beach to our beach lodge accommodation for a grand finale beach barbeque and party. Overnight Beach Lodge (breakfast – lunch – dinner)

Budget Camping

Day 11 – PANGANI TO ARUSHA

This day is the drive to Arusha / Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home. Trip Extensions are also available – Zanzibar Beach Holidays and Wildlife Safaris Minimum Number: 6 People: Maximum Number: 20 People END OF SERVICES

Budget Camping

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