Itinerary
DAY 1: THE JOURNEY BEGINS
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide.
If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
DAY 2: ARRIVE IN TANZANIA
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll make your way to the accommodation.
If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the necessary details before your trip.
You will have the rest of the day to relax and settle in.
DAY 3: GETTING READY FOR THE RIDE
Today you are free to explore the local town Moshi, and check out the local cafes and street food.
There will be a briefing to discuss the cycle route. We will also have a bike fitting to ensure you are comfortable for the miles ahead.
DAY 4: RIDE PAST MOUNT KILIMANJARO TO NGABOBAG VILLAGE
The first day of riding takes us from the greener southern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro towards the more arid western side of the mountain.
Through coffee and banana plantations we cycle through the more fertile areas of southern Kilimanjaro. As we head west we will cycle through the more arid open plains and acacia woodlands. These plains support a remarkable variety of wildlife and spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
While Moshi is home to the Chagga people, the west Kilimanjaro plains are home to the nomadic Maasai people who co-exist with the surrounding wildlife and are why this area is known as the Maasai Lands.
The ride today will be on both dirt and tarmac roads and you will finish the ride at the Ngabobo village where we spend the night.
DAY 5: CYCLE THROUGH NGASURAI TO ARUSHA
Today’s cycle will be a long and dusty one as we cycle from the west Kilimanjaro plains towards Arusha city.
The first section of the ride will be through the Ngasurai open plains which serve as a migratory path for elephants moving to and from the Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
Once we finish the dirt road we will enter the main tarmac road towards Arusha city passing a few small villages and settlements along with Mt. Meru looming in the background.
Just before reaching the bustling city of Arusha, we will divert through a coffee estate as we head towards our boutique lodge just outside the city.
DAY 6: CYCLE TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Today’s ride will be the longest distance, but not the toughest, and will be mostly on tarmac roads. The ride will take us through many villages, towns and open plains.
The long stretches of undulating road through the Tanzanian countryside perfectly illustrate Ernest Hemingway’s quote: “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them”.
After completing the tarmac road section, we will divert onto a dirt road that takes us to our tented camp/campsite on the border of the Tarangire National Park, home to the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. There’s a swimming pool at the campsite; the perfect ending to a long, hot day of cycling.
DAY 7: RIDE BY THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY TO LAKE MANYARA
Today’s ride marks another exciting day as we cycle through the migratory wildlife corridors between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.
The first section of the ride takes us back to the main road which we follow for a few kilometres before diverting onto a dirt road towards Lake Manyara. This area is rich in wildlife, and you will notice a significant number of Maasai settlements along the way.
One of today’s highlights will be the beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley directly in front of us as we head towards Lake Manyara. After the dirt road section of today’s ride, we will rejoin the main tarmac road towards Mto wa Mbu town for several kilometres before diverting onto the dirt road towards tonight’s campsite.
DAY 8: CYCLE TO THE NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
Today’s ride will be the final (and toughest) – but the most rewarding. We start off cycling from the dirt road back onto the tarmac road and head past the bustling town of Mto wa Mbu and the entry gate of Lake Manyara National Park.
We then proceed on a very tough cycle up the Great Rift Valley escarpment leaving behind a spectacular backdrop overlooking the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park and its surroundings. If there’s ever a place to take a great selfie, it’s here.
We then proceed on a tarmac road past colourful Karatu town towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Our ride will finish at the entrance gate to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where, if we have time, we will go on a game drive around the beautiful crater.
After a celebratory toast to your achievement, you will be transferred to the lodge where you will spend the night.
DAY 9: TRANSFER BACK TO MOSHI
We will transfer back to Moshi; on the way we will stop off at ‘African Galleria’ to learn about the mining of tanzanite, and the ‘Amani Street Children’ centre.
DAY 11: TRAVEL BACK TO UK
This marks the end of our Tanzanian adventure.
If you haven’t had enough, you can continue with a trip to Zanzibar!
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 FlightBreakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 3* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 3* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 3* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 3.5* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 3* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in Tanzania?
Tanzanian food is simple, hearty and designed to fuel long, active days. Meals are built around fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are generous in portion size, making them ideal for adventure travel.
You can expect staples such as ugali (a maize-based dish similar to polenta), rice, chapati, and nyama choma (grilled meat), alongside slow-cooked stews, vegetables and fresh fruit. Meals are typically accompanied by beans, lentils, greens and sauces, with flavours that are comforting rather than spicy.
On supported adventures, breakfasts are filling to set you up for the day, lunches are practical and energising, and dinners are warm, satisfying meals enjoyed together as a group. Dietary requirements can usually be catered for with advance notice, and your guides will always ensure food is prepared safely and hygienically.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Tanzanian Cycle Adventure?
We rate the Tanzanian Cycle Adventure as Challenge Level 3.
This is a moderate to challenging cycling adventure, designed for riders with a reasonable level of fitness and some previous cycling experience. You’ll be riding multiple days in a row, covering varied distances across a mix of tarmac roads, dirt tracks and rougher terrain, with long days in the saddle.
While the route avoids extreme technical cycling, factors such as heat, dust, and sustained riding time add to the challenge. The reward is incredible — vast landscapes, close-up wildlife encounters, and the unique experience of cycling through rural Tanzanian communities.
You don’t need to be an elite cyclist, but you should be comfortable spending several hours cycling each day and be prepared for physically active days. Full vehicle support is provided throughout the journey, giving you peace of mind and flexibility if you need it at any point.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Tanzanian Cycle Adventure
Your Tanzanian Cycle Adventure is fully supported, allowing you to focus on the ride, the scenery and the incredible wildlife along the way. Here’s exactly what’s included:
All accommodation during the trip, including hotels and lodges as outlined in the itinerary.
All transport within Tanzania as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
All meals during the cycling days, freshly prepared or provided at accommodation and local stops.
Fully supported guided cycling experience with experienced local guides.
Support vehicle accompanying the group at all times, carrying spare bikes, equipment and refreshments.
Bike hire for the duration of the trip (where applicable).
Drinking water provided during cycling days.
All route planning, logistics and local coordination.
A carefully designed itinerary covering Tanzania’s northern circuit, cultural villages and wildlife-rich landscapes.
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ departures
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Tanzanian Cycle Adventure
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover cycling and adventure travel. You’ll need to provide your policy details before departure.
International flights
Flights to and from Tanzania are not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip then these transfers are included automatically.
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Visas
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, laundry and any optional activities.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Reviews
Add-ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
What are the approximate daily cycling distances?
Altogether there are 5 cycling days
Day 1: Distance: 50 km / Riding Hours: 5 – 6
Day 2: Distance: 78 km / Riding Hours: 6 – 7
Day 3: Distance: 102 km / Riding Hours: 6 – 7
Day 4: Distance: 74 km / Riding Hours: 5 – 6
Day 5: Distance: 43 km / Riding Hours: 5 – 6
There will be a support vehicle with you throughout, so if you decide you have had enough for the day it is possible to stop!
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
Can I drink the tap water?
No; you should also use treated/bottled/filtered water for teeth brushing. Chilled, filtered drinking water will be supplied during the cycle, but it’s worth bringing a filter bottle for use during the rest of your adventure
