6-Day Rift Valley Cycling Safari in Tanzania
Experience the beauty of Tanzania on this exciting 6-day Rift Valley Cycling Safari. Starting in Arusha, the journey takes you through coffee and banana plantations, open farmlands, Maasai villages, and the beautiful Monduli Mountains.
You will cycle through the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu, enjoying amazing views and opportunities to see wildlife such as giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, and elephants. Along the way, you will visit Maasai homesteads and learn about their traditional way of life and the medicinal plants they use.
Cycling Safari in Tanzania
The safari combines cycling, camping, wildlife, nature, and culture. With daily cycling distances of about 20 to 80 kilometres, it offers an active and memorable way to explore northern Tanzania.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport and head to Arusha. Have a Morning briefing, and then have the afternoon at leisure, or lie by the swimming pool or visit the town.
Day 2: Ride to the Monduli mountain range up to Snake Park
The safari will start from your accommodation in Arusha, you will cycle through plantations of bananas and coffee before heading west toward the Monduli mountain range. The open farmlands lead you past the foothills of the mountains. The soil here is known as “black cotton soil” and is highly susceptible to erosion.
As you cross the foothills, you will pass through small valleys and traditional Maasai homesteads, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. You will carry a packed lunch and stop at a convenient and scenic location along the route to enjoy your meal.
Continue cycling toward Snake Park, where you will camp for the night. Here, you will have the opportunity to see some of the local reptiles and learn more about the region’s wildlife.
The total cycling distance will be approximately 40 to 60 kilometres.
Day 3: Visit the Great Rift Valley and the Selelai Village
Today’s cycling safari will start from the camp, you will cycle along the old tarmac road, which crosses the new road several times. The road is not that good in same parts and sometimes moves far away from the main road.
After lunch, depending on how far you have already cycled, you can either get a lift or continue cycling toward the Great Rift Valley. The large valley wall can be seen clearly in the distance, with the beautiful waters of Lake Manyara shining below.
After passing Manyuki, you will join the main road and continue to Selelai village. The area is open and offers a chance to see wildlife such as giraffes, ostriches, gazelles, and sometimes elephants.
You will spend the night at an interesting campsite located along the edge of a high Rift Valley escarpment.
Total cycling distance: 60–80 km.
Day 4: Manyara National Park
Cycling Safari in Manyara National Park
In the morning, climb the mountain behind the campsite for breathtaking views across the Great Rift Valley. You will then cycle towards Manyara National Park. Along the way, your Maasai guide will introduce you to different medicinal plants used by his community.
Return to the camp for a delicious lunch. After lunch, cycle to a local Maasai homestead, where you will meet some of our Maasai friends and learn more about their traditional way of life in the Rift Valley. Return to the camp later in the afternoon.
Total cycling distance: 20 – 30 km.
Day 5: Mto wa Mbu village
The day will start by leaving the campsite in the morning and after breakfast and cycle through the Rift Valley towards Mto wa Mbu village. The walls of the Rift Valley remain visible throughout the day as you cycle past several Maasai homesteads and across vast, open plains, with possible sightings of wildlife along the way.
Enjoy a packed lunch beneath an acacia tree while taking a break from the heat of the day. After lunch, continue cycling towards your camp, arriving in the late afternoon.
Total cycling distance: 50 km.
Day 6: Transfer Back to Arusha
The 6th days will mark has the last day of your cycling safari in Tanzania, the day will start with an early morning breakfast at the campsite and then mount your bikes on the your vehicle and drive heading Arusha which is found in 3 hours’ drive. You will reach there in the afternoon and if your departure flight is scheduled that day, you will drive direct to the airport to return home.
