CYCLING AT USAMBARA MOUNTAIN
Usambara Mountains is a beautiful mountain range located in Tanzania, East Africa. The area is known for its stunning scenery, rich biodiversity, and cultural diversity. One of the best ways to explore this region is through cycling. Cycling at Usambara Mountains is an experience that is both exhilarating and challenging.
The mountain range offers a variety of cycling routes, from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. The more challenging routes will take you through steep and rugged terrain, while the easier ones will take you through villages and scenic countryside. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local people and learn about their way of life.
One of the highlights of cycling at Usambara Mountains is the opportunity to see the beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The mountain range is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species. You’ll also see stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and unique rock formations.
In conclusion, cycling at Usambara Mountains is an adventure that you won’t forget. The stunning scenery, rich biodiversity, and cultural diversity make it a unique experience. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, there is a route for you to enjoy. So, grab your bike and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
ITINERARY
Climbing Mount Usambara is a wonderful experience for those who love nature and adventure. Here is our itinerary:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT USAMBARA MOUNTAINS.
Arriving at Usambara Mountains from airport or mega city, Usambara offers wide vistas, a cool climate, winding paths, and picturesque villages. You will spend the day at a very nice and comfortable lodge in Mambo village. Mambo is a small village with about 5000 inhabitants and in average, they have an income of less than a dollar a day. Development is still essential at all levels and in almost every aspect. However life is hard, people from Mambo are not pitiful, and they work hard and try their best to make something out of it.
DAY 2: MAMBO VILLAGE TO MKUZI VILLAGE.
Today’s ride takes us through multiple lush valleys and small villages into Shume, a former German colonial outpost where many of the early settlers’ buildings are still in use. Outside of Shume we have long ascents across two forested mountain ridges followed by a long descent into a densely settled valley.
Camping at: Mkuzi village(Approx. distance: 61km cycling).
DAY 3: MKUZI VILLAGE TO KIZARA VILLAGE.
Start with a climb up a steep dirt track into the forest, eventually opening up to stunning views in all directions. From there we have a long descent through villages nestled on the mountain slope. We continue over ridges with gentle drops to the fertile valleys below, and one long 5.5km uphill hugging a mountainside. The day’s ride ends at Bumbuli (42 km.) or 15 kilometers farther at Funta. Load the bikes onto the trailer and drive 50 kilometers across the hot and dry Lwengera Valley. Camp is at the road’s end on the edge of the Nilo Nature Reserve.
Camping at Kizarai village(Approx. distance: 42km cycling)
DAY 4: KIZARA VILLAGE TO AMANI NATURE RESERVE.
The first several kilometers are on a dirt track through the dense forest of the Nilo Nature Reserve before opening out to views of the eastern Usambara and a series of small villages along a mountain ridge. We ride this ridge as we pass between villages, forests, and numerous tea plantations, strategically sited on steep mountain slopes. After a long downhill enter Amani Nature Reserve and the final kilometers uphill to our Emau Hill camp.
Camping at Amani Nature Reserve(Approx. distance: 38km cycling)
DAY 5: AMANI NATURE RESERVE TO PANGANI.
The final day covers the most distance, but it is almost all downhill. Start with a gentle descent through dense tropical forest from Amani in the mountains to the gateway town of Muheza. Cross a tarmac road marking an abrupt change from lush mountain environment to coastal plain. The soil is sandy, the scent of the sea is in the air, and the tropical heat intensifies. The coast is home to the Swahili people, whose livelihood comes from the sea, and whose villages have a distinctly different look and feelings comparing to those in the mountains. The Indian Ocean draws us along on this mostly flat section to our final destination at the beach. Accommodation will be in a very comfortable hotel in Pangani.
Approx. distance: 78km cycling
DAY 6: PANGANI
A whole day enjoyment at the beach and swim at the Indian Ocean.
NB: lunch and dinner is exclusive
Accommodation: in a very comfortable hotel in Pangani
DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM PANGANI.
Depart at mid-morning, drive back to the starting point (airport or mega city)
NB: Kilimanjaro International Airport Is… 430 Km & Dar Es Salaam is….. 380 Km
INCLUSIVES.
- Accommodations (three nights lodging; three nights camping)
- All meals during the tour (except on 6th Day)
- Bottled water, coffee, teas, cocoa, milk, juices
- Services of bicycle guide, camping crew, and sag wagon
- Use of Mountain bicycle and bicycle helmet
- All camping and dining equipment (excluding sleeping bag)
EXCLUSIVES.
- Airfare
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and beverages in lodges
- Optional activities
- Optional treatments
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities for safari guide and camp staff
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees.