Cycling holidays in Tanzania

Cycling in Tanzania is an adventurous holiday choice, for sure, but as these trips are always run in small groups, with expert group leaders and local guides joining you along the way, you won’t need to worry about anything other than making it to the airport on time – and then pedalling away.

This is no Tour de Africa odyssey; bicycles are used not to race or to challenge, but to bring you up close to Tanzania’s stunning landscapes, from the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment to shimmering lakes and lush forests, as well as to take you through Maasai villages and rural farms for an up-close encounter with daily Tanzanian life. There’s plenty of time spent out of the saddle, too, with game drives in Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park revealing the Big Five, and nights spent in Maasai homesteads letting you into the real secrets of the savannah.

The groups are usually between four and 16 people, which means there is plenty of chance to get to know your fellow cyclists and you won’t feel intrusive when walking around local villages or eating at local restaurants. Everyone is encouraged to ride at their own pace, with plenty of water and snack stops, and a support vehicle accompanies you the whole way. This means you don’t need to carry any more than your camera and water bottle, and you can jump in the support vehicle at any time if the heat or hills get too much.

Generally, cycling in Tanzania takes place on dirt roads, with the odd paved road and non-technical single track thrown in. You’re unlikely to encounter much traffic, as you won’t be cycling in built up areas. Out of a two-week holiday, around 10 days are spent cycling (distances range from around 25-100km), with days off to enjoy game drives, village walks, optional hot air balloon flights over the savannah or just resting and recharging back at camp.

Although the roads are mainly flat or undulating, and you can opt out of any steeper hills, the heat will make this more or a challenge than you might anticipate – so drink plenty, get as fit as you can before departure, and bring padded shorts and gel seats to make the holiday as comfortable as possible.

Family holidays average 20-40km a day, and while there are no age limits, chat to the holiday company about your children’s fitness and confidence levels to be sure this trip is suitable for them. You’ll likely be travelling with between one and three other families. It’s a phenomenal bonding opportunity for parents and kids, so be brave and give it a go!

This is a fantastic way to experience Maasai life. You'll spend the night in a homestead, pedal through rural villages, and takes walks with Maasai guides to learn about medicinal plants and how the Maasai live in the 21st century.

Adventurous families will love it. How better to bond with your kids than by sharing wildlife encounters and evenings spent around the fire with Maasai warriors – along with the satisfaction of knowing that you got there under your own pedal power? Small group tours designed for families make this a safe, well organised and thrilling holiday option.

Whether on two wheels on two feet, these holidays get you to the heart of Tanzania. Forest treks with the Maasai, village walks and the chance to hike up a 2,878m volcano will give you a range of options if you like to pack walking boots along with cycling shorts.

Equatorial weather and mostly unpaved roads mean that cycling in Tanzania can be challenging. You’ll need to cover up, use sunscreen and keep well hydrated – though your support vehicle will ensure you’re never short of water.

Cycling holidays in Tanzania are not especially tough or technical – but dirt roads, multiple days in the saddle and equatorial temperatures mean you need a reasonable level of fitness.

Most trips include a few nights camping out under the African sky, usually in permanent tented camps, with the odd dorm room, guesthouse and homestead thrown in. You’ll be comfortable and well looked after – but this is African adventure, not five star luxury.

Most cyclists in Tanzania prefer avoid the long rains which fall from March to early May. However, if you’re on a budget, prices will plummet at this time. The best time to go on a cycling holiday in Tanzania is in June to July, when you’ll catch the best of the weather as well as peak wildebeest migration in the Serengeti – including the precarious Mara River crossing. Wildlife clusters around shrinking waterholes in these months. Jan-Feb are also pleasant with refreshed landscapes after the short rains, and baby animals bounding around.