Cycle to the new comfort zone at your own peace “The hidden gem”
The West Kilimanjaro plains are a region in northern Tanzania comprising both Maasai community lands and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The region is filled with acacia woodland and open plains that support a remarkable variety of wildlife and spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The most common animals in the area include wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, impalas, giraffes and baboons. Depending on the time of the year, elephants can also be observed as the region lies along an elephant corridor linking Kenya’s Amboseli’s National Park & Mt. Kilimanjaro. This region is home to the nomadic Maasai herdsmen who co-exist with the surrounding wildlife, hence the term “Maasai Land”. Given the rich culture of the Maasai people and the variety of wildlife, a cycling tour in this area is ideal for those discerning travelers looking for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path adventure experience that includes walking, photography, culture and scenery.
- Path: Off-road & paved road
- Highlights: Amazing scenery, Maasai culture, Cycling experience & Wildlife
Day 1: Simba Farm To Tingatinga Maasai Village | 17k
You will be transferred from your hotel to Simba Farm where you will start your bike tour. Our cycle day starts with a downhill slope through the farm as you head toward the main rough road. We will follow the main rough road through the Ngare Nairobi village and cycle along the Ndarakwai Conservancy border towards the West Kilimanjaro airstrip. We will then follow the main dirt road towards the TingaTinga village. Our ride will end at the Olpopongi Maasai Village where we will be spending the night. Upon arrival at the Olpopongi Maasai Village you will be welcomed by a traditional Maasai dance, before having lunch and settling into your Maasai-hut style rooms. You will then engage in a Maasai cultural tour in the evening before ending your day by enjoying a great dinner around the bonfire.
- Accomodation: Olpopongi Maasai village
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Tingatinga Maasai Village To Ngabobo Village | 21k
Today we will start off cycling early in the morning and proceed south towards the Ngabobo Village. An early start is good to ensure we cover enough distance before the sun comes out. Today’s path is very interesting as we will be cycling through the dry and arid open grasslands, an environment completely different from the lush, green slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro which we have left behind. Wildlife such as wildebeest, giraffes, zebra and elephants can be seen in the morning when we start cycling. Today’s route will be shorter but a bit more challenging due to the terrain and weather. The final part of the path is a gradual ascent on gravel road as we cycle through the Ngabobo Village towards the lodge. Today we will be spending the night at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge.
- Accommodation: Osiligilai Maasai Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Ngabobo Village To Arusha National Park | 22k
Today’s route takes us to a new vegetation zone as we leave the arid zone and proceed towards the greener slopes of Mt. Meru. The slope is a gentle ascent through gravel roads as we head towards Momella in Arusha National Park. We will cycle through streams of water flowing down the slopes of Mt.Meru as we head towards the village of NgareNanyuki, a lively small village through which we will cycle towards Arusha National Park. As we approach the park, we might be lucky enough to see several giraffes along the way.
Once we get in the park entrance gate, we will quickly make all the paperwork and jump in the car for the short game drive around the park with its Momella lakes, then later we will drive back to the main gate, collect our bikes, and ride towards the Ngongongare gate, our route today ends on the edge of the Arusha national park. After resting a bit at the gate, you will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi / Arusha.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
TOUR INCLUDES
- All 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Snacks and fruits
- Complimentary 3+ liters of mineral water everyday
- Mountain bikes & Helmets
- Camping gears like Quality Tents, mattress, Chairs and Tables
- Support vehicle (Backup vehicle)
- Tour guide(s), Bike Mechanic, Driver and Cook
- Village fees, Camping fees, WMA fees (Wildlife management Conservation Area).
- One night while on the trip and one night at the hotel in Moshi
- Cycling fees and All entry fees
- Complete First Aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
TOUR EXCLUDES
- Compulsory tips for Guide, Bike mechanic, Driver and Cook
- Sleeping bag, (You can rent if you don’t have when you arrive in Moshi)
- Items of a personal nature
- Entry visa for Tanzania
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Personal medicine
