Bicycle Africa
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Bicycle Africa |
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Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!
Bicycle Africa has two two-week, people-to-people, bicycle tour program in Cameroon. These programs have been immortalized in the "Masked Rider" by Neil Peart.
Cameroon likes to describe itself as "Africa in miniature." It has rainforest, grasslands, arid lands, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, countless micro climates and over 200 languages. The number of languages is a good proxy for the ethnic diversity. Included in this diversity is variations in architecture, cuisine, art, dress, agriculture, economic activity, religion and almost every other aspect of human endeavor. It is both a fascinating and extraordinary beautiful country. It would take a lifetime to really understand all of the nuance of Cameroon, but by its vary nature, a bicycle tours is a good way to get started.
One Bicycle Africa program explores the southwest region and the second visits the north of the country. A special feature of both programs is the opportunity to meet people and a lot of contact with the culture.
The southwestern area is particularly rich in culture. We passing through the areas of the Duala, Bankon, Mbo, Bakaka, Bassa, Bamunka, Mendankwe-Nkwen, Kom, Lamnso’, Oku, and Bafut ethnic groups, to name a few. It is unlikely that these names means much to you now, but in the course of the tour participants will get a context for this and much more information about Cameroon. The itinerary winds through hills to the dramatic ring-road of the verdant western Bamileke highlands and to the historic town of Foumban, then passes the base of 14,000 foot Mt. Cameroon, and ends at the beach. In route we stop to visit tea and coffee estates, traditional farms and observe to the traditional court of the Fon of the Bafoum. It is an extraordinarily beautiful route as well.
The northern program is nothing short of fascinating. It twists up semi-arid valleys of traditional villages and ends amidst the geological wonders and wildlife areas of north. The way of life in this area seems magical and architecture in the region is stunning. We make stops to watch craftsmen create brass castings, baskets and textiles and to shop at colorful weekly village markets.
Bicycle Tour Fact Sheets
Schedule: Usually in November or December (see full schedule and
status)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, entrance fees & more): $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: Douala. Settle-in and explore the city. Day 2: Travel to
Baffoussam bus. Day 3-6:
Cycle in the picturesque western highlands, visiting cultural and development sites. Day
7-9: Visit the area of the Bamoun and Bamilinke ethic areas. Day 10-12: Drop
down to the coastal planes and cycle
to Buea, the former colonial capital on the edge of Mt. Cameroon. Day 13-15: Visit the
beach and return to Douala.
Features: Small group, self-contained bicycle tour program of western Cameroon. This
lush region features multiple fascinating ethnic groups with long cultural & political
traditions that continue to this day, gorgeous scenery, West Africa's highest mountain and
we finish at the ocean.
Starting/Ending Point: Douala, Cameroon
Skill Level: Suitable for Intermediate/Advanced, you need to be able to
ride a 80 km (50 mile day) with hills.
Mileage Daily / Total: 20-80 km, 12-50 miles / 570km, 340 miles
Cycling Conditions: 60% paved, 40% dirt and gravel roads, some long challenging
climbs.
Accommodations: Mostly small hotels, some rustic accommodations.
Van Support: None. Local transport is generally plentiful when need to be called
upon.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast (typically omelets
or rice and beans) and dinner (typically ndole, rice, potatoes or casava, beans,
fish, chicken or beef, and local cooked vegetables.)
Other Activities: Walking, cultural programs.
Weather Conditions: Highs in the 80's, lows in the 60's, chance of rain.
Bike: Mountain bike recommended. Bike Rental: not available
Registration Information
Schedule: Usually in December, (not currently
scheduled, drop a note if you would be interested in a trip)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, entrance fees & more): $1490 plus
airfare. Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 =or- $50.
Description: Day 1: Douala. Day 2-4: Take the train to the north, with a stop in
Yaounde, the capital. Day 5-10: Cycle from Gaoura to Waza National Park, visiting and
staying small villages and exploring the surrealistic Kapasiki area and Mandara mountains.
Day 11: Wildlife viewing excursion of Waza National Park. Day 12-13: Cycle to and explore the
town of Maroua. Day 14-15: Return to Douala and finish program.
Features: Small group, self-contained bicycle/train program of northern Cameroon. A
fascinating program that takes you to the heart of village life in northern Cameroon with
stays in traditional villages, cycle through the visually surrealistic Kapsiki area, visit
Waza National Park.
Starting/Ending Point: Douala, Cameroon
Skill Level: Suitable for Intermediate/Expert
Mileage Daily / Total: 45-80 km, 28-50 miles / 480km, 220 miles
Cycling Conditions: 40% paved, 60% dirt and gravel roads, generally flat.
Accommodations: Small hotels and village stays, some rustic accommodations..
Van Support: None. Generally local transport is plentiful when need to be called
upon. There is a 2-day section where local transport is sparse.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner.
Other Activities: Walking, cultural programs.
Weather Conditions: Highs in the 80's, lows in the 60's, little chance of rain.
Bike: Mountain bike recommended. Bike Rental: not available.
Registration Information
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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