Bike Tours in Tanzania: The Best and the Rest

Tanzania offers an incredible landscape for bike tours, blending challenging routes with breathtaking scenery and unique cultural encounters. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual explorer, there’s a tour to suit every type of adventurer.

The Best Bike Routes in Tanzania

Kilimanjaro Bike Tour

• Cycling around the base of Africa’s highest peak is a bucket-list experience. This tour takes you through lush forests, Chagga villages, and coffee plantations, offering stunning views and a true taste of local culture.

Ngorongoro Crater Ride

• Experience the thrill of riding along the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with its dramatic vistas and abundant wildlife. This route is perfect for those who want a mix of adventure and nature.

Serengeti Safari by Bike

• For a truly unique safari, cycle through the iconic Serengeti. Expect to spot zebras, giraffes, and perhaps even a lion or two from a safe distance—an unforgettable way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife.

Lake Manyara and Great Rift Valley

• This tour combines cycling along the Great Rift Valley escarpment with visits to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos.

The Rest: Off-the-Beaten-Track Gems

• Usambara Mountains Adventure
  • Explore winding tracks through misty forests and remote villages in the picturesque Usambara Mountains. Perfect for those who love a challenge and want to see a different side of Tanzania.
• Zanzibar Island Cycling
  • Escape to the coast and cycle through spice plantations, historic Stone Town, and along white sand beaches. These leisurely rides are ideal for a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for food and swimming.
• Arusha Countryside Trails
  • Shorter rides around Arusha offer a chance to visit local markets, coffee farms, and Maasai communities, giving a taste of daily life in northern Tanzania.

Bike Tour Tips for Tanzania

• Pack for Variable Conditions: Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat, but also a rain jacket and layers for cooler evenings and mountain rides.
• Stay Hydrated: Tanzania’s climate can be hot and dry, so carry plenty of water and rehydration salts, especially on longer routes.
• Check Your Equipment: Ensure your bike is well-maintained and suited for rough terrain. Spare parts and basic tools are helpful in remote areas.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or helmet with a visor to shield yourself during midday rides.
• Respect Local Customs: Greet villagers, dress modestly, and ask before taking photos. Learning a few words of Swahili goes a long way in building rapport.
• Wildlife Awareness: Keep a safe distance from animals and always follow guide instructions when riding through national parks or reserves.
• Travel Insurance: Make sure your policy covers cycling activities, medical emergencies, and evacuation in case of accidents.
• Book with a reputable Tour Operator
  • To manage the above so you can focus on having a good time
  • To look after the logistics and
  • To make the most of your limited time

♢♢♢

Whether you’re chasing mountain summits, seeking close encounters with wildlife, or simply hoping to immerse yourself in Tanzania’s vibrant cultures, every bike tour here offers a story worth telling. With the right preparation and an open mind, you’ll discover that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. So saddle up, embrace the unexpected, and let Tanzania’s landscapes and people inspire your next great cycling adventure.

-- From the Editor:

Over 60 Bike Tours in Tanzania that you can join

The bike tours listed below are not ranked in order but the results are heavily weighted towards tours or operators that I can vouch for and can be confident of having a successful (if not amazing!) trip where you are looked after at least as well as the listing implies.
You can also use the filters to reduce the list (e.g. by guided tours, family tours, easy tours or many more)

Another source of good independent opinions is reviews from fellow cycle tourists. Why not share your opinion when you get home?