Cycle Kilimanjaro to Spice land
- Trip Code : KBAM-06
- Activity : Cycling
- Activity Level : Challenging
- Private & Group Tour
- Minimum Age : 14
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
Embark on a breathtaking Ride from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, traversing through the picturesque landscapes of North-Eastern Tanzania, and immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of local cultures. Encounter the diverse communities of the Chagga People, the Swahili People, the Usambara Tribesmen, and the vibrant inhabitants of Zanzibar. Experience the beauty and hospitality of Tanzania as you ride through villages and towns, gaining a deeper understanding of the unique traditions and customs that define this enchanting region.
Highlights
- Embark on a thrilling journey from the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture
- Witness the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania from the seat of a bike, offering a unique perspective of this beautiful country
- Delve into the rich Swahili cultures, gaining a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life
- Pedal along the sandy shores, pausing to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or indulge in a delightful picnic on the beach
- Explore the island's historical sites, including ancient ruins and historic buildings, as you uncover the fascinating past of this enchanting destination
- Engage with the welcoming locals, savoring delicious traditional cuisine and creating lasting memories of your unforgettable adventure
- Experience the wonders of Tanzania in a truly immersive and enriching way, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for this remarkable corner of the world
Total Distance: 403km
Path: Off road & paved road
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 0: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to Keys Hotel near Moshi town situated on the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Today you will meet your guide who will brief you about your upcoming tour and together you will do the bike fitting. For those arriving on the morning or afternoon flight, you will have ample time to go for a quick test ride through the nearby coffee plantation and surrounding villages.
-Briefing
-Put bikes and Gears together
Accommodation: Park View Inn Hotel
DAY 1: Moshi – Lake Challa
Lake Challa, a hidden gem, a perfect place to relax and unwind from the busy city life. The remote caldera lake on the border of Tanzania & Kenya is only 55km from Moshi and therefore the perfect get away for a day. Pure tranquility and beautiful nature await you at the lake. Explore the area on one of the many possible hikes, swim in the crystal clear water, kayak across borders or simply enjoy the stunning vistas of an untouched Africa. In the morning your guide will pick you up from your accommodation. You will ride the bicycle to Lake Challa Safari Camp with a packed lunch box and drinking water. Upon arrival you will see the beautiful private game reserve overlooking the Crater Lake. Our guide will take you down to the lake.
Spend the day swimming, exploring, kayaking (optional). You will experience the natural beauties of the green scenery, landscape and will also have the opportunity to meet local people doing their daily activity. There is a very high possibility of spotting the baboon monkey, velvet monkey, blue monkey, and many different birds, that live in this wonderful savannah land. Overnight in camping site. There is a bar that serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a restaurant that serves snacks and main meals.
Distances: 55 km
Overnight: Tent at Lake Challa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 2: Lake Challa – Marangu
Immerse yourself in the history Marangu and its people. Marangu, at the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, is a small town with a great amount of history and ancient traditions. Get carried away by the Chagga tribe, unique rainforest landscape and coffee growing insides. This tour has it all: action, tradition and culinary.
In the morning we ride our bicycle to Marangu Gate (1900m), the starting point for all Kilimanjaro treks via the Marangu Route. You will have the opportunity to take pictures of the mighty Kilimanjaro and get a sense of the spirit of the mountain. The area around Marangu is home to the local Chagga tribe and you will learn all about their history and traditions on this full day excursion. Our second stop will be visit a small coffee farm, where you will learn about how the coffee is grown, harvested and processed locally. Try your own hand at processing, roasting and preparing a fresh cup of coffee. Once you have finished enjoying your coffee break, we will depart for the Ndoro Waterfalls.
Our hike to the base of the waterfall will lead us through lush green landscape and the descend takes approximately 1 hour. Here you have the opportunity to relax and take a refreshing bath in the pool of the waterfall. Another highlight will be the visit to the Chagga Underground Caves and the Chagga Live Museum. In times of drought the Maasai migrated up the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, in search of food and water. They enslaved and killed the local Chagga people. In defense of these attacks the Chagga built an extensive network of underground caves. Your guide will lively illustrate you the conflict while you visit the caves.
We then continue to spend some time at the Chagga Live Museum, a small outdoor museum, which will give you further insides into traditional chagga life. Our tour also includes a chagga culinary taste, when we stop for lunch in a small restaurant. Here you will be served a traditional hot meal, later you will also have the chance to try the local spirits such as banana beer and wine.
Distance: 27 km
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 3: Marangu – Mambo View Point
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.
Distances: 19 km, altitude gain 1400 m
Overnight: Tent in Kawanga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 4: Mambo View Point – Lushoto
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
Distance: 58 km, altitude gain 885 m
Overnight: Lushoto Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 5: Lushoto – Korogwe
Today we are already tackling our last bike stage. First we drive about 15 km up until we arrive on a wide road. We follow this dirt road and enjoy the ride through the lush green vegetation. Beside us are many locals with simple bicycles or on the road. After another 15 km we reach the village of Korogwe
Distance: 96 km, altitude gain 815 m
Overnight: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 6: Korogwe – Pangani
Today it’s 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.
Distance: 90 km, altitude gain 600 m
Overnight: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 7: Pangani
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
Distance: No cycling
Overnight: Tented lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 8: Pangani – Nungwi (Zanzibar)
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.
Distance: No cycling
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 9: Nungwi – Zanzibar Town (Stone Town)
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.
Distance: 56 km, altitude gain 386 m
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 10: Departure Day from Zanzibar
It’s time to say goodbye to Zanzibar as our Tanzanian adventure concludes. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before we transfer you to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast Included
TOUR GALLERY
Got a Question?
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
TOUR INCLUDES
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Arusha
- All 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- 2 nights of accommodation in Arusha
- Mountain Bikes and Helmets
- Snacks and fruits
- Water 2-3 liter a day per person
- Pick up from Airport/ Transfer to Airport
- Support vehicles
- Quality camping gears like Tents, Sleeping bags, Mattress, Tables with Chairs
- Village fees, Park fees, WMA fees (Wildlife Management Conservation Area), Cycling fees and All other fees
- First Aid Kit
- Kili Bike Adventures T-shirts
TOUR EXCLUDES
- Tip for the Crew (Much appreciated)
- Laundry service
- Entry visa for Tanzania
- Health requirements (Yellow Fever – only compulsory if you travel to Tanzania via a Yellow Fever infected country, Meningitis & Hepatitis A remains optional, but recommended)
- Highly recommended travel and medical insurance
Recommended Travel insurances:
- Global rescue
- Axa
- Generaly
- Red point resolution
- Allianz
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