Bicycle Africa
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Bicycle Africa |
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Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!
For those who would don’t check their mind, body and spirit when they travel, the Bicycle Africa schedules a unique two-week, people-to-people, bicycle tour in Tanzania -- that finishes at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The program is designed to provide participants with an enjoyable introduction to the grandeur and diversity of East Africa. Not your off the shelf, canned safari, this program visit untouristed areas; markets, traditional villages, development projects, cottage industries, and other entities that are part of the fabric of life. Past participants have been thrilled by the many opportunities to meet and discuss issues with local people and sample the local cuisine. The Tanzania itinerary takes you from the world culture of Zanzibar (a World Heritage Site), on the shores Indian Ocean, over the plateau of the Usambara mountains, through Maasai land, to the foot of ecologically unique Mt Kilimanjaro (a World Heritage Site). Participants will quickly come to appreciate why Tanzania is praised for their great strides in economic and social development over the last decade and why they are becoming major tourist destinations.
The program is designed by David Mozer, the director of the International Bicycle Fund, an African studies specialist and pioneer of bicycle touring in Africa.
The primary mode of travel will be self-contained bicycling. The cycling difficulty is moderate, averaging 40 miles per day. The route primarily follows low volume paved and unpaved roads. Lodging is in small hotels and local housing. All participants receive a comprehensive pre-departure information with detailed instructions on setting up your bicycle and other information for program preparation. Bicycling in Africa is ideal for the good-natured realist who appreciates the rewards that can be gained from the modest rigors of bicycle touring.
Group size is limited to ten people so early sign-up is recommended.
** Note: For many years this program incorporated a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is no long packaged with the bicycle tour, but the opportunity climb the mountain, or take a safari, can seamlessly be added on at the end of the bicycle tour. The opportunity was the problem: Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed as a 5-day, 6-day, 7-day or longer, on any one of several routes. Some people would prefer not do the climb at all, but are thrill at the opportunity to go on a wildlife viewing program, which have even more options in length and route. To manage the process better we decide to stick with the bicycle tour, which we do best and help our clients connect with any additional adventures that suit them, which a variety of local outfitters are better able to accommodate. Just ask and we are happy to help our program participants connect with these opportunities.
Bicycle Tour Fact Sheet
Schedule: January-February and July-August (see full
schedule and status). With enough lead time, custom individual and group
departures can be arranged for this program.
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees
and more):US$1490, (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100
plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-5: Zanzibar. Tour, sightseeing and visit points of
interest. Day 6-7: Travel from the tropical coast into the interior. Day 8-11: Explore
the Usambara mountain plateau, "the Switzerland of Tanzania". Day 12-14:Cycle to
the foot of Mt.
Kilimanjaro, passing through an area occupied by the Masaai ethnic group.
Features: Cross-cultural bicycle program starting on
the Omani influenced Indian Ocean Island of Zanzibar, passing through the Bantu
and Maasai rich Usambara Mountains and Mkomazi plains and ending at the foot of Africa's highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Featuring
extraordinary and diverse scenery, delicious food, friendly people and fascinating visits
to development projects, national parks, traditional villages and much more.
Starting / Ending Point: Zanzibar, Tanzania / Moshi, Tanzania. Please get
the details on this before making your flight arrangements
Skill Level: Suitable for Intermediate/Expert and fit adventuresome
beginner
Mileage Daily / Total: 30-90 km, 18-56 miles / 420 km, 250 miles cycling
Cycling Conditions: 50% dirt roads, a couple long hills and a rough steep
15km mountain bike descent.
Accommodations: Mostly modest hotels on Zanzibar and small Spartan rural hotels
in the interior, no tent camping.
Van Support: None. Local transport generally plentiful when need to be
called upon.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner (rice,
pasta, potato, meat, chicken, fish).
Other Activities: Walking/trekking.
Bike: Mountain bike recommended. Bike Rental:
limited availability.
Registration Information
Note 1: The program ends in Moshi which provides an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in Tanzania with a climb of Mt Kilimanjaro (19,000 ft) or a wildlife safaris to renowned parks like Serengeti, and Ngorogoro Crater. We are happy to give our bicycle tour members guidance on booking a climb or safari.
Note 2: At the end of the bicycle tour the most convenient airport to Moshi is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), but few international airlines use it. The second most convenient is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. If you are in a hurray, you can fly out on a night flight from KIA on "day 13" or an evening flight from Nairobi on “day 14". There is good shuttle bus service between Moshi/Arusha and Nairobi.
Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!
Please
write if you have questions, suggestions and comments about our program or want to be
added to Bicycle Africa's mailing list. (Also let us know how you found this site.)
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