Tanzania Cycle Safari

13 days - from $3040

An exhilarating cycling and wildlife safari
This exciting trip combines the best that being on safari in Tanzania has to offer interspersed with cycling through a diverse and spectacular landscape. Starting from Arusha in the north of the country we head out across cultivated banana and coffee plantations before meeting the Rift Valley and the grasslands used by the Masai for grazing cattle. We cycle close to the southern shores of Lake Manyara and will almost certainly spot some game here - zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. Off our bikes and into four-wheel drive vehicles, we explore the natural wildlife sanctuary of the Ngorongoro Crater and the wide open plains of the Serengeti; the wildlife here is truly captivating. The final days of cycling are long but hugely rewarding, as we cycle to Lake Natron and the awe-inspiring active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, passing only Masai with their cattle and the wildlife they live alongside.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Arusha. 2 Cycle west across the Monduli mountain range, dropping down to Mezerani. 3 Cycling towards the Rift Valley across Masai plains to Selelai. 4 Rift Valley Wall hike and visit to Masaai homestead 5 Cycle to Mto Wa Mbu 6 An early start for game drive in Ngorongoro Crater; camp on crater rim. 7 Full day in the Serengeti, exploring the area around the Seronera River and enjoying the wildlife. 8 Travel north through the Serengeti for a full day of wildlife viewing; camp at Lobo. 9 Cycle down the eastern edge of the park through Masai villages 10 Long ride out towards the Rift Valley and enjoy a spectacular cycle down to Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai. 11 A free day for relaxation, walk to the lake to see flamingos or bathing in a nearby waterfall. 12 Long transfer back to Arusha through the great scenery of the Rift Valley. 13 End Arusha.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 70km (44 miles) No. of days cycling: 5 Vehicle support: 95% Terrain and Route: 90% off road. A remote cross-country trip mainly following rolling dirt roads and tracks; some sections will be sandy and dusty. The descent to Lake Natron is more technical with spectacular views.
Group size: Normally 4 to 16, plus mountain bike leader, local drivers and camp assistants.
Accommodation: 10 nights full-service camping and 2 nights hotel. Campsites vary in services but mess tent, toilet and shower tent are provided where necessary, the hotel in Arusha is comfortable with private facilities.
Food: All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $577.50
Trip Reference: MYB
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Trek Hardtail GBP100 or full suspension mountain bikes GBP165, paid on booking
Trip Reference: MYB