Come and experience an exciting and unforgettable cycling tour across Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in 7 days. This tour takes you through Tanzania’s most iconic national and cultural attractions. From the base of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, to the world’s largest unbroken caldera, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. While the starting and end points of the tour may sound like the highlights, the journey in between is filled with amazing places and cultural experiences. Join us for this incredible adventure!
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to the Weru Weru River Lodge near Moshi town, situated at 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 a morning or afternoon flight, there will be an opportunity for a quick test ride through the nearby coffee plantation and surrounding villages.
Meals: Dinner Included
Day 2: Moshi to West Kilimanjaro | 64 KM
Today, our ride takes us from the lush southern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the more arid western side. Initially, you will cycle through coffee and banana plantations, experiencing the fertile landscapes of southern Kilimanjaro. As we head west, the terrain changes to open plains and acacia woodlands. This area, known as the Maasai Lands, is home to the nomadic Maasai people who coexist with the surrounding wildlife. The ride will be on both dirt and tarmac roads, finishing at Olpopongi Maasai Village, where we will spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: West Kilimanjaro to Arusha | 83 KM
Today’s cycle is a long one, covering the West Kilimanjaro plains to Arusha city. The first section takes us through the Ngasurai open plains, a migratory path for elephants moving between Amboseli National Park (Kenya) and Tanzania. Expect a hot and dusty ride. Once we complete the dirt road section, we enter the main tarmac road towards Arusha, passing small villages and settlements with Mt. Meru towering in the background. Before reaching the bustling city, we will divert through a coffee estate to reach Tembo Club, our boutique lodge for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Arusha to Tarangire National Park | 102 KM
Today’s ride is the longest in terms of distance but not the most challenging, mainly on tarmac roads. The ride takes us through numerous villages, towns, and open plains. As Ernest Hemingway once said, “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.” After the long tarmac stretch, we take a dirt road leading to Roika Tented Lodge, located near the border of Tarangire National Park, home to Tanzania’s largest elephant concentration. A swimming pool awaits, offering a perfect end to a hot day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Tarangire to Lake Manyara | 74 KM
Another exciting day awaits as we cycle through migratory wildlife corridors between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks. The ride begins with a return to the main road for a few kilometers before diverting onto a dirt road toward Lake Manyara. This region is rich in wildlife, and Maasai settlements are common along the way. One of today’s highlights is the breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley as we approach Lake Manyara. After rejoining the tarmac road towards Mto wa Mbu town, we take another dirt road leading to Migunga Tented Camp, our accommodation for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater | 43 KM
The final ride is both the toughest and most rewarding. We begin by cycling on a dirt road back to the tarmac, passing through the bustling town of Mto wa Mbu and the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. The challenge begins as we ascend the Great Rift Valley escarpment, leaving behind a spectacular backdrop. A stop at the viewpoint offers stunning views of Lake Manyara, making it the perfect selfie spot. The ride continues past Karatu town towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Our journey ends at the Ngorongoro entrance gate, marking the completion of this thrilling 5-day cycling adventure. After a celebratory toast, we embark on a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater before returning to Weru Weru River Lodge for an overnight stay and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Depart Tanzania
Today, you can relax at the lodge while waiting for your transfer back to the airport, depending on your flight time.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Included in the Tour Package:
- TREK Mountain Hardtail 4300 & Merida Matts 20-D Hardtail Mountain Bikes (16”, 18”, 20”)
- Support Vehicle(s)
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled mineral water for participants
- Snacks and fruits at water points
- All cycle transfers
- All village, government fees, and taxes
- Helmets
Excluded from the Tour Package:
- Tips
- Laundry services & personal expenses
- Add-on tours & activities
- Flights