Bicycle Africa
|
|
Bicycle Africa |
|
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 Zanzibar (a World Heritage Site), on the shores Indian Ocean, through Maasai land, to the alpine environment of 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, 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.
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, climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro
and more):US$1890, (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 4-5: Travel from the tropical coast into the interior. Day 6-9: 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. 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 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.
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.)
To Bicycle
Africa's Homepage
Ibike Programs
IBF's Homepage To
Search