Cycling Tour from Addis Ababa to the South

This 8-day guided tour, suited to riders on their own bike or a rental hardtail/e-bike, explores the green region southwest of Addis Ababa. The route takes in the volcanic Wenchi Crater rim, the Gurage highlands (with visits to local village homes), and a fast descent from 3,350m to 2,050m into the Great Rift Valley.

Riders then continue past lakeside resorts at Ziway/Batu, before a final ride around Bishoftu's crater lakes. Two-night stays at two destinations keep transfers to a minimum, and hotels/resorts allow e-bikes and other electronics to be recharged nightly.

The tour is pitched as a good option for beginner mountain bikers, with a support vehicle running throughout.

Highlights:

• Ride the Wenchi Crater rim on volcanic ash trails
• Explore the green Gurage highlands and visit local village homes
• Descend from Gurage's highest ridge (3,350m) into the Great Rift Valley
• Ride past Bishoftu's crater lakes on the final day
• Relax at lakeside resorts in Ziway/Batu and Bishoftu
• Choice of own bike, hardtail or full-suspension e-bike hire

Surface and terrain:

Mostly sealed asphalt roads with some volcanic ash trail sections (Wenchi crater rim). Hilly, with significant climbs and descents, including a drop from 3,350m to 2,050m. No sustained off-road/singletrack. Support vehicle available throughout.

Likely weather:

Riders descend from highland altitude into the warmer Rift Valley, so temperatures rise noticeably over the tour.

Suitable for:

A "perfect beginners mountain bike tour." Suits riders comfortable with hilly terrain and daily distances of 43-79km, on own bike or rental hardtail/e-bike.