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 with a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The programs are 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 the shores Indian Ocean, through Maasai land, to the alpine environment of Mt Kilimanjaro. 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. (For those with less time the Usambara Tourism Project offers 1 to 7 day cycling programs.)
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, comfortable local housing and in mountain hut while on the climb. All participants receive a comprehensive pre-departure book, "Bicycling In Africa," 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.
Program 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, climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro
and more):US$1790, (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100
plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-3: Zanzibar. Tour, sightseeing and visit points of interest. Day
4-6: Travel to Tanga and cycle from the tropical coast into the interior. Day 7-9: Explore
the Usambara mountains, "the Switzerland of Tanzania". Day 10-11:Cycle to Mt.
Kilimanjaro, passing through an area occupied by the Masaai ethnic group. Day 12-16: Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,000 ft) and return to Moshi to
celebrate. (see notes below)
Features: Cross-cultural bicycle program and portered hike, 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 summit 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
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 small Spartan rural hotels and mountain huts, no tent camping.
Van Support: None. Local transport generally plentiful when need to be called upon.
Mountain climbing gear is transferred from the coast to Moshi.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner (rice, pasta, potato,
meat, chicken, fish). Three meals per day during the portion on Mt.
Kilimanjaro.
Other Activities: Walking/trekking, involving high elevations (2000m-6000m),
steep slopes and sometimes nasty weather, technical mountaineering skills are
not required.
Bike: Mountain bike recommended. Bike Rental:
limited availability.
Registration Information
Note 1: The portion of the program led by Bicycle Africa ends on Day 11. Day 12 to 16 will be handled by the outfitter arranging the climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Note 2: The program ends in Moshi which provides an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in Tanzania with wildlife safaris to renowned parks like Serengeti, and Ngorogoro Crater. If you would like guidance booking a safari please contact Bicycle Africa.
USAMBARA TOURISM PROJECT TOURS
The following custom departure, guided, bicycle tours are offered by the Usambara Tourism Project in the beautiful Usambara Mountain area. Unless otherwise arranged, all the tours start in Lushoto, are self-contained (no dedicated support vehicle), and use mostly dirt roads. The multiple day trips include rental of camping equipment and dinner and breakfast. It is preferable that you supply your own bike. A few rental bikes are available at $25 per day. In any case, participants need to supply their own bicycle accessories and other personal equipment.
1 Day Excursion: Lushoto to Mkuzi Care Mission to Lushoto - $35 per person *
Cycling Round trip to Mkuzi (14 km) along the Forest with relative up hill and down; to Care Mission 11 km; back to Lushoto 15 km.
2 Day Overnight: Lushoto to Kwemakame, Mlola, Mlalo, Lushoto (100kms) - $90 per person*
2 Day Overnight: Lushoto to Vuga and Kitala, the Royal Village of the Usambara Kingdom - $90 per person*
3 Day Tour: Lushoto Soni, Bumbuli, Mazumbai Forest Reserve - $140 per person*
4 Day Tour: Mlola to Mkomazi Game Reserve to Pare Mountains, Lushoto, Kwemakame - $190 + Park fee per person*
7 Day Tour: Lushoto to Lukozi, Mtae, Mkomazi Game Reserve to Pare Mountains - $350 + park fee per person*
* A minimum of 3 people per group is required. For smaller group there is a surcharge per person. Park fees, where applicable, are $25 per person and paid directly.
Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!
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