Discover Tanzania on a mountain bike safari

Knobbly Tyres, Animal Tracks and Red-Robed Masai

March 20th 2015 | Travel, Countries, Unique Experiences, Miscellaneous, Tanzania | by Richard Smith

Four cyclists at Wayo Africa Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania

Adventurous travellers looking for an alternative safari experience will enjoy the exciting new mountain bike safari in Tanzania. Starting in Tarangire National Park which is compact, beautiful and something of a hidden gem, guests ride into Lake Manyara National Park where habitat varies from grassy floodplains, acacia woodland and to an enchanting evergreen forest.

Shady, off-road single track trails in Lake Manyara National Park, with acacia woodland and evergreen forests

River setting teeming with birdlife

During the four day safari riders will pass by huge flocks of flamingos and other wading birds found on the salt pans around Lake Manyara, will cycle through traditional farming villages at the foot of the great Rift Valley, and follow animal trails through an unspoiled scenic wilderness. The supplied Merida BigNines make the most of the smooth single-track trails so loved by off-road riders and cope well with the moderate gradients and few tricky sections. Riders will be accompanied by an expert guide as well as a support vehicle and crew.

Game drive in Tanzania

Merida BigNines bicycle and boy sitting on a bucket

Culture and wildlife with village visits

At the end of each day’s ride guests will arrive at simple camps set up in beautiful, remote locations with roomy bell tents with proper bedding, chairs, luggage racks and an attached bathroom. There will be plenty of opportunity to relax with a drink and watch the local wildlife.

Simple camps, beautiful, remote locations

breakfast served at a table in the dry river bed

Outdoor dining with wildlife close by

Guests will start and finish the trip with traditional game drives where likely wildlife encounters include elephant, lion, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe as well as plentiful birdlife.

Wildebeest and zebra migration

A three night, four-day trip is available through Aardvark Safaris from £985 per person, based on four travelling. Cost includes all meals, drinks and safari activities. Excluding international and regional flights.