Tanzania Mountain Bike Adventure in the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron

Tanzania offers a wonderfully undeveloped and largely undiscovered mountain biker’s paradise. Here,there are endless miles of dirt roads to explore. Join us on this off the beaten path ride through the great African Rift Valley, exploring Lake Natron and Isoitok. From the vast beauty of this game rich country to the fascinating local culture, this ride promises a memorable African adventure.

Safari options or Mt. Kilimanjaro climb available prior or after your ride.

Key
D: Dinner
FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch. Snacks, packed lunches and drinking water on cycle days

Price
US$2,499 per person, sharing accommodation
Single supp US$360 per person
Trip start date Oct 23, 2017 at Kilimanjaro airport. Minimum 4, maximum 10 participants.
Included
Accommodation and meals as per package, airport meet and greet and transfer to hotel, Services of an experienced crew including cycle guide, support driver/guide and assistant guide; all transportation and transfers in a 4WD safari vehicle including the services of an experienced English speaking driver/guide (following the tour bikes), activities as listed in the package, all village and community development fees;
Excluded
Flight USA to Tanzania/Kilimanjaro airport, visa fee, optional Masaai Homestead visit, mountain bike (H/Tail TREK 6000 Series $150; Full suspension TREK 7000 Series at $200), mandatory travel insurance;
Note: Temperatures in northern Tanzania range between 59-70F during the day and 40-50F at night, from May to October. Lower temperatures at higher altitude.
Day 1: Outpost Lodge, Arusha (Mon, October 23)

Tanzania

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

Arusha

Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania – nestled below Mt. Meru and close to Mount Kilimanjaro. From Arusha there are options to head to Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks and from there it’s a short trip to the Serengeti. Arusha was built by the Germans as a centre of colonial administration because of the temperate climate.

Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International airport you will be met and transferred to Outpost Lodge. Meet the rest of the group over dinner and a welcome briefing.
Dinner included.
Overnight: Outpost Lodge
We are Arusha’s very first B&B, opening in 1992. We have received accolades from many sources, including the municipality with an award from his Honourable, President Mwinyi, former President of Tanzania. also we have received mentions by various travel advisories including ‘preferred accommodation recommendation status’ by ‘Rough Guides’; not to mention our volumes of repeat guests and groups.
Set in the spacious low density leafy suburb, the grounds are shaded by African tulips, wild fig trees, banana and palm tress, we are a calm, friendly oasis away from the hustle-and-bustle of Arusha city life, but still easily within walking distance of the town center. Arusha is the Mecca of Tanzania’s thriving safari industry. The Outpost, for the past 20+ years, offers clean, comfortable and affordable board and lodging; tasty fresh cuisine, cold & hot beverages (Cafe Mambo’s specialty!). Free travel advice and a warm, and safe atmosphere.

Double / Single Room
This single / double room has a tea/coffee maker.
Room facilities: Terrace, TV, Desk, Fan, Extra Long Beds (> 2 metres), Wardrobe/Closet, Clothes rack, Shower, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Tea/Coffee Maker, Wake-up service, Towels, Linen
Room size: 45 m²
Bed Size(s): 2 single beds, 1 large double bed

Included
Dinner

Day 2: Lake Natron Tented Camp, Lake Natron (Tue, October 24)

Lake Natron

Lake Natron is fed by mineral-rich hot springs and is shallow, less than three meters deep. High levels of evaporation leave loads of salt and minerals behind and the temperature can reach 50 degrees Celsius. All of which makes it a perfect breeding ground for the endangered Lesser Flamingo.

Day Itinerary
Early morning transfer after breakfast to starting point at Longido (1 hour from Arsha). Full day cycle 80km.
Overnight: Lake Natron Tented Camp
Situated at the base of Africa’s only active volcano Oldonyo Lengai (Mountain of God), Lake Natron is one of the more alkaline lakes in the world. The lake is home to millions of tiny crustaceans, attracting literally thousands of lesser flamingos and is therefore one of the more important flamingo breeding grounds in existence. Unique in it’s setting, the Lake Natron Tented Camp is set back in a grove of trees adjacent to the shores of the lake. Basic but clean safari tents offer showers, comfortable beds and a private veranda. A fully stocked bar and candlelit restaurant ensures that guests have a cold drink and delicious food at the end of an arduous climb or long day of walking.

Included
Full Board

Day 3: Lake Natron Tented Camp, Lake Natron (Wed, October 25)

Day Itinerary
Early morning cycle to viewpoint overlooking lake and Oldoinyo Lengai (30-40km)
Afternoon at leisure to relax or hike to the waterfall.

Included
Full Board

Day 4: Isoitok Camp Manyara, (Thu, October 26)

Day Itinerary
Enjoy a days cycle from Lake Natron to Engaruka for lunch (55kms) Option to continue by bike or vehicle to Isoitok
Overnight: Isoitok Camp Manyara
Isoitok Camp Manyara is set in a rich wild Savannah bush location with an altitude of 1075 meters above sea level. It backs onto the Losimingorti mountain range, acting as a natural wildlife corridor from the Ngorongoro highlands through to Manyara conservancy and on into Tarangire National Park. Isoitok Camp Manyara offers a place to appreciate the essence and importance of time, relaxing and soaking in the African bush with a few nights under canvas.

Included
Full Board

Day 5: Isoitok Camp Manyara, (Fri, October 27)

Day Itinerary
Cycle the Manyara Loop today (60km).
Late afternoon cycle to sunset viewpoint for sundowner drinks.

Included
Full Board

Day 6: Departure (Sat, October 28)

Day Itinerary
Optional morning Maasai boma visit (extra charge)

Masaai Homestead Visit
Visit a Masaai Homestead or Kraal – their homes incircled by acacia thorn brush to protect them from wild animals and lions at times. Watch them go about their daily lives and see their authentic huts. Exceptional picture opportunities.
End of Service

Note: All reservations/quotes are subject to our Terms and Conditions as per our website: http://www.adventuretoafrica.com/Terms-and-conditions/ All participants required to sign liability release form. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended for this itinerary.
Trip starts and ends at Kilimanjaro airport.
A&OE