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Renting two bikes and going for a ride comes naturally to us. We’ve done it on all our travels. Of course, we tried it in Tanzania too. With two small children, we couldn’t undertake any major adventures, but the kids didn’t stop us from taking a few bike excursions in Tanzania.
Bike tour from Moshi to TPC
A beautiful excursion, not very demanding and with an elegant finish is certainly the “cycle path” that goes from Moshi to TPC (Tanganyika Planting Company), a refined and exquisite club located within the oldest sugar cane plantation in Tanzania.
Africa in 21km. The first few kilometers wind through the hustle and bustle of Moshi, a town located at the foot of Kilimanjaro. The chaos gradually subsides as you head south and leave the city behind. A straight and fairly flat road opens up before you, adorned with hundreds of acacia trees that turn a mesmerizing red-orange when in bloom. To the right is the mud-colored river, whose waters can be heard roaring in places; to the left is a fresh green sugarcane plantation, above a brilliant blue sky with white clouds that seem to be painted on paper. At this point, you must stop and look back; if you’re lucky, you’ll see the entire immensity of Kilimanjaro unfolding behind you. A spectacular sight on clear, sunny days.
Every now and then you’ll encounter hordes of kids in uniform returning from school, local cyclists hauling mountains of firewood on their old bicycles, or, as happened to us, an unfortunate boy whose huge sack of corn fell off his motorbike.
Once you arrive at TPC, you can relax in this oasis of elegance and refinement. An excellent restaurant will satisfy every palate, and the little ones can play soccer on the lawn, take a dip in the pool, or hunt for the monkeys hiding here and there.
Cycling excursion to Mto wa Mbu
If you’re returning from intense days of safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and want to stretch your legs, you absolutely must stop in Mto Wa Mbu, a small village located halfway between Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro International Airport. Mto wa Mbu is a green oasis in the vast Maasai plains. Thanks to the abundance of groundwater, farmers grow large quantities of rice and bananas.
A colorful 2- to 3-hour bike tour will take you through the Mto wa Mbu market, past endless banana plantations, and you’ll visit a wood carving workshop, before finally overlooking Lake Manyara! This excursion will reveal a side of Tanzania that most visitors miss. And by the way, beware of the baboons that may cross your path!
Bike tour from Moshi to Chemka Hotsprings
Another enchanting hike, a little more challenging but with a rewarding finale, is undoubtedly the one from Moshi to the natural hot springs of Chemka/Kikuletwa. The road is long, about 45 km, and bumpy, but you’ll be able to fully enjoy the stunning scenery and authentic Tanzanian life along the way.
Once you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the clarity of the azure waters and the lush greenery of the surrounding forest. I recommend a swim in these clear waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not play Tarzan on the rope swing?
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