Biking and camping journey of Kenya and Tanzania

Mountain Biking Tour of Kenya and Tanzania

Tour Description: Guided

Travel at the pace of Africa on this 16-day biking and camping holiday, experiencing the people, culture, wildlife and landscapes of this amazing continent.

This tour runs from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam (or reverse journey) using remote back roads and visiting local families and villages along the way. The route varies from the chaos of Nairobi city to the sudden sparseness of open savannah with wildlife grazing the plains. We pass beneath the imposing Mt. Kilimanjaro, visit Amboseli National Park in Kenya and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania before heading for the rain forests of the Usambara Mountains and end at the tropical Indian Ocean coast. 

Biking far from the tourist routes you will experience Africa at face level – you’ll view wildlife from the saddle of your bike, meet Maasai tribesmen and camp in the wilderness under a cloudless African sky. Some people choose to extend their trip and follow with a trek of Mt. Kilimanjaro or experience the culture and buzz of Zanzibar Island; either of which - we can point  you in the right direction.

What is the biking like?

We ride between 12-56 miles (20-90 km) per day; a total distance of 342 miles (550 km) spread over 11 days of biking.  The terrain is flat and gently undulating; and the riding surface is made up of 80% dirt roads, 15% paved roads, and about 5% non-technical single track so a mountain bike with front suspension is the ideal bike. The trip is suited to riders with a good level of biking fitness and some off-road biking experience will add to the enjoyment of your trip.

Your trip will start/finish in Nairobi in Kenya/Dar es Salaam in Tanzania (or vise versa). Your group will be made up of 4-10 bikers from around the world and our Escape Team of three trip leaders.  Our trusty support vehicle carries all your luggage, has lunch, snacks and water at hand, and is always there if you feel like a break from the saddle.

Accommodation includes four nights in local guesthouses on a twin-share basis and 11 nights camping in spacious dome tents. (Upgrades to rooms are available at some campsites at your own expense). We take care of your meals and snacks throughout your journey with us; this excludes two lunches and three evening meals which are at your own expense to give you the opportunity to explore and experience local cuisine of your own choosing.  Also included in your trip are two game parks Amboseli National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, and a visit to a rural primary school. 

Learn about guided bike tours.

Tour Description: Self-guided

Travel at the pace of Africa on this 16-day biking and camping holiday, experiencing the people, culture, wildlife and landscapes of this amazing continent.

This tour runs from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam (or reverse journey) using remote back roads and visiting local families and villages along the way. The route varies from the chaos of Nairobi city to the sudden sparseness of open savannah with wildlife grazing the plains. We pass beneath the imposing Mt. Kilimanjaro, visit Amboseli National Park in Kenya and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania before heading for the rain forests of the Usambara Mountains and end at the tropical Indian Ocean coast. 

Biking far from the tourist routes you will experience Africa at face level – you’ll view wildlife from the saddle of your bike, meet Maasai tribesmen and camp in the wilderness under a cloudless African sky. Some people choose to extend their trip and follow with a trek of Mt. Kilimanjaro or experience the culture and buzz of Zanzibar Island; either of which - we can point  you in the right direction.

What is the biking like?

We ride between 12-56 miles (20-90 km) per day; a total distance of 342 miles (550 km) spread over 11 days of biking.  The terrain is flat and gently undulating; and the riding surface is made up of 80% dirt roads, 15% paved roads, and about 5% non-technical single track so a mountain bike with front suspension is the ideal bike. The trip is suited to riders with a good level of biking fitness and some off-road biking experience will add to the enjoyment of your trip.

Your trip will start/finish in Nairobi in Kenya/Dar es Salaam in Tanzania (or vise versa). Your group will be made up of 4-10 bikers from around the world and our Escape Team of three trip leaders.  Our trusty support vehicle carries all your luggage, has lunch, snacks and water at hand, and is always there if you feel like a break from the saddle.

Accommodation includes four nights in local guesthouses on a twin-share basis and 11 nights camping in spacious dome tents. (Upgrades to rooms are available at some campsites at your own expense). We take care of your meals and snacks throughout your journey with us; this excludes two lunches and three evening meals which are at your own expense to give you the opportunity to explore and experience local cuisine of your own choosing.  Also included in your trip are two game parks Amboseli National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, and a visit to a rural primary school. 

Learn about guided bike tours.

Highlights: Guided

• 13 days cycling
• Visiting and staying with Masaai families
• Game viewing in Amboseli and Ngorongoro Crater
• Visit to local primary school
• View wildlife from your bike
• Indian Ocean coastline
• Cycle past Mt. Kilimanjaro

Highlights: Self-guided

• 13 days cycling
• Visiting and staying with Masaai families
• Game viewing in Amboseli and Ngorongoro Crater
• Visit to local primary school
• View wildlife from your bike
• Indian Ocean coastline
• Cycle past Mt. Kilimanjaro

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi 
Free day. Airport transfers can be arranged. Alternatively taxis are available outside the airport, approx $USD 40 to the guest house where we will meet for a pre departure meeting at 5pm.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
NOTE- please change money on arrival at the airport for at least the first week of your trip.

Day 2: African Savannah (16 miles/25 km)
We take a short drive out to the surrounding plains. From here we begin biking on undulating tarmac and dirt roads through the African savannah. A fairly gentle day to ease us into the saddle brings us to an ostrich farm where we camp for the night. Overnight camping.

Day 3: Amboseli National Park (51 miles/ 82 km)
Heading away from civilisation we bike on dirt roads towards Amboseli National Park, meeting up with Maasai tribesmen and various plains game along the way before spending the night under the clear African sky in the open bush.
Overnight camping.

Day 4: Amboseli National Park continued (31 miles/ 50 km)
We continue biking on dirt roads and tracks to Amboseli National Park, renown for its huge herds of elephant and stunning views of Mt Kilimanjaro.  We finish the day with a short game drive into the park to the campsite.
Overnight camping.

Day 5: Lake Amboseli (16 miles/ 24 km)
With an early start we spend the morning on a game drive through Amboseli. Leaving the park after lunch we bike across the dry bed of Lake Amboseli and around the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro to camp in the shadow of the massive mountain. Overnight camping. 

Day 6: Maasai manyatta (28 miles/45 km)
A relaxed morning gives us the chance to visit a Maasai manyatta, (village) and experience their traditional culture and lifestyle.  We continue biking around the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro towards the Tanzanian border. 
Overnight camping. 

Day 7: Arusha 
After crossing through the Kenya/Tanzania border we drive on towards Arusha the safari capital of East Africa. A free afternoon to relax or explore this vibrant town. Evening meal at own cost.
Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 8: Mto Wa Mbu (68 miles/109 km) 
A full day of paved roads to really stretch out the legs as we bike away from Arusha. We again encounter Maasai tribesmen herding their cattle and some plains game. The afternoon brings us to Mto Wa Mbu, a small town at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. Explore the town and visit local craft markets.
Overnight camping. (Upgrades to rooms available).

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater 
With an early start we drive into the Ngorongoro Crater, and spend the day with some of the best game viewing in Africa, Returning to Arusha in the evening. Evening meal at own cost.
Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 10: Maasai Steppe (19-25 miles, 30-40 km)
Departing Arusha we begin heading towards the coast, driving south past Kilimanjaro and the huge wide open spaces of the Maasai Steppe. We finish the day with a (19-25 miles/ 30-40 km) ride to a riverside campsite.  Lunch at own cost. Camping.

Day 11: Usambara Mountains (28 miles/45 km)
Climbing away from the plains we head up into the Usambara Mountains, driving up for the main climb then biking on towards Lushoto - an old German colonial town nestled high in the mountains. From here we bike up to a viewpoint overlooking the endless plains below then continue further into the mountains to camp at a rustic colonial lodge.
Overnight camping. (Upgrades to rooms available). 

Day 12: Usambara Mountains rest day
A well earned rest day for those who wish.  Or join with a guide from the local village for a day hike into the stunning Usambara Mountains with unspoilt forests and views that go on forever. Here we have a chance to visit a local school.
Overnight camping. (Upgrades to rooms available).

Day 13: “The ultimate day” (37 miles/60 km)
What goes up must come down; biking further into these beautiful mountains we pass through pristine rain-forest and village farmland. This is an area that rarely, if ever gets visited by travellers and the welcome and response we receive from the local population is fantastic. You have the choice of 2 routes back down, and then after lunch a gentle 14kms of scenic winding tarmac to get us back down to the plains below.
Overnight camping. (Upgrades to rooms available).

Day 14: Bagamoyo ( 40 miles/65 km)
With the tropical coastline as our goal we bike along a little used dirt road and through sleepy palm lined villages to meet the Indian Ocean at Bagamoyo.  This small historic town right on the coast is at the end of what once was the major slave and trading route through East Africa. We camp at a lodge right on the beach. Evening meal at own cost.
Overnight camping. (Upgrades to rooms available).

Day 15: Dar es Salaam (16 miles/25 km)
We bike through old Bagamoyo town then follow the coastal road to Dar es Salaam “Haven of peace”.  Finishing with a last gentle ride along the coast to our beachside accommodation - arriving in time to enjoy a swim in the Indian Ocean.
Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 16: Dar es Salaam, last day
If you are flying out today we can arrange a transfer to the airport or to your hotel if you are staying on in Dar es Salaam.  If you are staying on in Africa, we can help you arrange beach bungalow accommodation or a trip to Zanzibar Island. 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Aug 11; Sep 1 2012; and Jun 15; Jul 6; Jul 27; and Aug 17, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package
Single room, double occupancy NZ$4490 Bike Rentals Bike Rental NZ$200

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Support vehicle
• Most meals and snacks are included
• Accomodations in local hotels and guesthouses
• Bike rental

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Nairobi Hotel - Wildebeest Eco Camp  
wildebeestecocamp.com/

Arusha - Spices and Herbs
Dar es Salaam - Kipepeo Beach Village
www.kipepeovillage.com/

All other nights are camping (tents and mattresses supplied). 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Nairobi Hotel - Wildebeest Eco Camp  
wildebeestecocamp.com/

Arusha - Spices and Herbs
Dar es Salaam - Kipepeo Beach Village
www.kipepeovillage.com/

All other nights are camping (tents and mattresses supplied). 

Bike Rentals: Guided

Avanti Aggressor Hardtail MTB

On all our trips our tour leaders supply and carry all relevant spares/tubes etc. For hygiene our bikers suply their own helmet and water bottle, but we can supply these if required. 

Helmet, water bottle included. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Avanti Aggressor Hardtail MTB

On all our trips our tour leaders supply and carry all relevant spares/tubes etc. For hygiene our bikers suply their own helmet and water bottle, but we can supply these if required. 

Helmet, water bottle included. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

We ride between 12-56 miles (20-90 km) per day; a total distance of 342 miles (550 km) spread over 11 days of biking.  The terrain is flat and gently undulating; and the riding surface is made up of 80% dirt roads, 15% paved roads, and about 5% non-technical single track so a mountain bike with front suspension is the ideal bike. The trip is suited to riders with a good level of biking fitness and some off-road biking experience will add to the enjoyment of your trip.

This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

We ride between 12-56 miles (20-90 km) per day; a total distance of 342 miles (550 km) spread over 11 days of biking.  The terrain is flat and gently undulating; and the riding surface is made up of 80% dirt roads, 15% paved roads, and about 5% non-technical single track so a mountain bike with front suspension is the ideal bike. The trip is suited to riders with a good level of biking fitness and some off-road biking experience will add to the enjoyment of your trip.

This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour Start
Nearest airport: Nairobi, Kenya or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tour End
Nearest airport: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania or Nairobi, Kenya

This trip runs in both directions either starting in Nairobi and ending in Da es Salaam or starting in Dar es Salaam and ending in Nairobi. At either end we can pre-book airport transfers to and from the joining hotel. Major international airports and in both cities and support major airlines.

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour Start
Nearest airport: Nairobi, Kenya or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tour End
Nearest airport: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania or Nairobi, Kenya

This trip runs in both directions either starting in Nairobi and ending in Da es Salaam or starting in Dar es Salaam and ending in Nairobi. At either end we can pre-book airport transfers to and from the joining hotel. Major international airports and in both cities and support major airlines.

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information

Tour Company Background: Escape Adventures: Guided

Escape Adventures is a small owner operater company, which began leading cycle tours in East Africa in 1999. It then expanded to New Zealand in 2003 and Asia in 2007. They design, create and lead all of their tours personally to retain a high standard and customer experience.

They are located in Takaka, New Zealand and now offer tours in Kenya, Tanzania, China (Tibet), Laos, Cambodia and New Zealand. They are constantly planning new tours in new destinations. Their strenghts include personal service, small groups (maximum of 12), attention to detail in designing and planning trips. All trips have at least 2 trip leaders plus local interpreter on all trips.

Tour Company Background: Escape Adventures: Self-guided

Escape Adventures is a small owner operater company, which began leading cycle tours in East Africa in 1999. It then expanded to New Zealand in 2003 and Asia in 2007. They design, create and lead all of their tours personally to retain a high standard and customer experience.

They are located in Takaka, New Zealand and now offer tours in Kenya, Tanzania, China (Tibet), Laos, Cambodia and New Zealand. They are constantly planning new tours in new destinations. Their strenghts include personal service, small groups (maximum of 12), attention to detail in designing and planning trips. All trips have at least 2 trip leaders plus local interpreter on all trips.

Terms and Conditions: Escape Adventures: Guided

Information coming soon. 

Terms and Conditions: Escape Adventures: Self-guided

Information coming soon.