Cycling through Kilimanjaro villages
If you fancy some exercise after your safari through Northern Tanzania, explore the Tanzanian countryside and meet the locals, this camping Tanzania-style tour may be an interesting addition to your itinerary. Accompanied by an English speaking guide, you’ll travel from the town of Arusha or Moshi towards Mount Kilimanjaro, and then cycle uphill along the flanks of Africa’s highest mountain, straight through one of the most fertile areas in Tanzania. You’ll cycle past endless fields and through villages where you’ll be greeted cheerfully by smiling children. At the end of the day, you’.ll go back to basics while camping in Tanzania and you’ll spend the night in a tent at the foot of the Kilimanjaro and in a local village. Cycling through the Kili villages is an exceptional trip that will take you far away from the familiar tourist spots.
Duration 4 days, 3 nights
Departs daily Accommodation Simple hotel in Arusha or Moshi and you’.ll also camp in the garden of a local, Comfort-level 2/3
Price $260 per person – based on 2 people sharing Includes 1 night hotel accommodation in Arusha or Moshi including breakfast, 2 nights basic accommodation in a tent, all meals, English speaking guide, mountain bike with helmet and tourist tax
Transport Private transport Excludes International flight and if you stay in Arusha instead of Moshi, transfer to and from to Moshi (bus fare is approximately $20), tips, sleeping bag (bring from home)
Day 1 – Moshi – Cycling through small villages
Travel distance 4 to 5 hour bike ride (approx. 31km)
This morning you’.ll meet your guide at our office in Arusha/Moshi and he’.ll help you choose your mountain bike for the next few days. During your cycling trip, you’.ll carry your own (day) backpack filled with the items that you’.ll need for that particular day. The rest of your belongings will be transported by your cook. Then, it’.s time to start your climb towards Mount Kilimanjaro and you’.ll cyclic uphill accompanied by your english-speaking guide. The first part of the ride is relatively flat, giving you a chance to get used to your bike. With a little luck you’.ll see the snowy peak of the Kilimanjaro beckoning ahead of you -your prize at the end of a rigorous bike ride. You’.ll pedal past rivers and farms filled with corn, grain, bananas, tomatoes and coffee bean crops, give you a glimpse of the Chagga tribe way of life.
During your ride you’.ll also pass through the Kindi Valley along its uphill and downhill paths. Along the way, you’.ll arrive in a village where you can sample the locally brewed beer or stroll through the local market (Tuesdays and Fridays). The final leg of today’.s bike ride is a tough climb to the foot of Kilimanjaro. Your efforts will be rewarded as you look out across the incredible panoramic views and sit down to a lovely dinner. Your Tanzania camping arrangements for tonight are modest, and you’.ll sleep in a tent at Kilimanjaro’.s entrance gate.
Day 2 – Panoramic views and waterfalls: Cycling through Kilimanjaro villages
Travel distance 3 to 4 hour bike ride (approximately 20km)
After breakfast you’.ll climb back on your bike. Luckily today climb will be less strenuous than it was on the first day of this module. You’.ll ride straight through the countryside past plantations and farmland. Eventually you’.ll stop off at a 50m tall waterfall. This waterfall is an important water resource for the local population. It’.s a source of drinking water and they also use its water to irrigate their crops. Once you reach the town of Mshara take a deep breath of pure mountain air and enjoy the view out across the towering mountain peaks of the Kilimanjaro and Kibo. You’.ll even be able to catch a glimpse of the Mawenzi mountain peaks.
During today’.s ride you’.ll have an opportunity to visit a local school. This primary school was founded by the area’.s first missionary, John Rehbman. The last kilometres of today’.s ride will be on paved asphalt, after which you’.ll spend the night in Uswaa Village. After a day filled with lasting impressions of Kilimanjaro villages, you’.ll doze off in your own tent.
Day 3 – Return to Moshi: Cycling through Kilimanjaro villages
Travel distance 3 to 4 hour bike ride (approximately 12km)
This final day of your bike trip is also the easiest day of cycling. After 2 days of climbing hills, today you’.ll mostly ride downhill as you cross the Kilimanjaro’.s rivers and streams. En route you’.ll visit German ruins and you’.ll get your last taste of the area’.s flora and fauna. You’.ll continue riding towards Kwasadala, where you’.ll arrive sometime in the afternoon. A car and driver will be waiting to take you back to Moshi, where you’.ll say goodbye to your guide. Naturally it’.s at your discretion, however most travellers choose to tip their guide at the end of the module. An amount of US$20 per day, per group is customary.
You’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Arusha / Moshi. Your room with ensuite bathroom is modest, yet tidy and has every necessary amenity. When the weather is clear you can look out at the white snowy peaks of the Kilimanjaro shooting up into the heavens from the comfort of the hotel garden. The hotel is only a short walk away from the heart of Moshi where you can go for a bite to eat or perhaps do some souvenir shopping.
Day 4 – Departure from Moshi
After breakfast you’re camping Tanzania module ends and you’ll continue on your trip.
If you would like to continue with some outdoor activities after this module, you can choose from our module you can climb the Kilimanjaro or perhaps Safari / Zanzibar
If you choose to travel to Zanzibar, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport for you (approximately 1 hour).
end of Cycling through Kilimanjaro villages