Africa
Chasing Kili - Tanzania
Chasing Kili - Tanzania
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Area: Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, Africa
- Duration: 14 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate Strenuous
- Motorcycle: Kibo 250
- Total Ride: 2000+ kms
- Terrain: Gravel, sand, rock beds, tarmac
- Max Altitude: 9800 feet
- Group size: 8-10 Riders
Are you ready for one of the most adventurous rides of your life through Tanzania! Our thrilling excursion will take us through multiple national parks, lakes, craters, and volcanoes on Tanzanian dirt trails, sandy hills, winding mountain passes, and vast savannahs to dense forests. Feel the thrill of the open road as you navigate through the iconic Kilimanjaro National Park, around the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Renowned for their distinctive culture, vibrant traditions, and close connection to their ancestral lands, we get an opportunity to interact with the beautiful people of Maasai.
This 10-day moto-trip concludes with relaxation and time off the bike in the magical island of Zanzibar.
So then, are you ready for some dirt?
FULL DISCLOSURE:
This is ADA's exclusive guided motorcycle tour in Africa. Mechanics, local guides, ADA guides, and backup vehicle support will be with us all throughout, however as in any adventure our rides may not go as planned. We might have longer days than expected, meals might not always be at the expected times, and we may not get hot showers/air conditioners/heaters. We might have to ride in the rain or scorching heat. You get the idea but one thing is for certain, it’ll be an adventure and a half and if you’re up for a real adventure, this tour is for you.
*Moto Tour starts November 24th and ends December 7th. You fly to Zanzibar on December 3rd and then back to Arusha on December 6th. You fly home on the morning of the 7th.
Included
Included
- Personal meet and greet services
- Private airport transfers
- Motorcycle + Fuel
- Basic spares, tools and first aid kit
- Support car for luggage
- All park fees, entry fees and government taxes
- Motorcycle damage insurance which covers damage up to $300
- Third party motorcycle insurance in case of accidents or property damage
- Professional experienced English-speaking guide and full-time mechanic
- Bottled pure mineral water during riding hours
- Full board accommodation (twin sharing)
- All three meals every day
- Return flights to and from Zanzibar
- All transportation on tour days
Not Included
Not Included
- International flights
- Visas and vaccinations
- Travel and tour expenses aside from mentioned tour dates
- Driver/guide gratuities
- Laundry
- Personal travel and medical insurance/expenses
- Expenses in case of emergency evacuation service
- Single room available for an extra charge
- Alcoholic beverages/snacks and personal expenses
- Any other items of a personal nature
Itinerary and Map
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA (KILIMANJARO AIRPORT)
Prepare yourselves for an exhilarating journey with ADifferentAgenda, Africa. Upon your arrival at JRO airport, our esteemed staff will be there to give you a warm welcome. We'll transport you to your hotel, where you can freshen up. In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to meet your bikes. Our team will personally adjust them to your specifications and ensure they are in optimal condition for the adventures that lie ahead.
Once we've geared up, we're heading straight to Arusha's famous street for drinks and dinner. Meat and vegetarian options will both be available. During this evening, we'll provide you with a comprehensive briefing on the activities planned for the ride.
DAY 2 - ARUSHA – WEST KILIMINJARO
(160km – 6-8 hour ride)
Today, our journey commences from your hotel towards the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through Mererani, known for its Tanzanite mining areas. Along the way, we'll make a stop at Chemka hot spring for a refreshing swim and enjoy a hot lunch. Continuing our ride towards West Kilimanjaro, we'll rest for the night at Simba Farm Lodge, where the cool weather and delicious farm cuisine await. Expect mixed terrain with some sections being dusty or muddy, varying depending on the season, and encountering challenging off-road segments.
DAY 3 - WEST KILIMANJARO – SAME
(220km – 6-8 hours)
Leaving the farm, we ride from Kilimanjaro's sheltered to windward side, hoping to glimpse Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Encounter Chagga tribes and possibly primates like colobus and blue monkeys. Our route borders Tanzania and Kenya, blending newly paved roads with rugged tracks. After lunch, we head to Lake Jipe before ascending Pare Mountains for scenic views of hillside towns. Expect thrilling ups and downs on mountain trails before reaching our hotel.
DAY 4 - SAME – LUSHOTO HIGHLANDS
(180km - 6-8 hours)
Today's adventure promises stony, sandy, and hilly trails with breathtaking views. Following breakfast, we'll venture into the eastern Pare mountain range, transitioning to unpaved paths as we descend to the southern ranges. Passing through pristine savannah, we'll reach Lake Kalimawe, surrounded by quaint villages and rice plantations, before journeying into Mkomazi National Park. After lunch, our exploration continues into the Usambara Mountains, weaving through villages like Mnazi and Mlalo and lush palm forests. Ascending the zigzag road to Mtae (Mambo village), we'll reach heights exceeding 2300m above sea level, rewarding us with unparalleled vistas. It's an exhilarating day, leaving us all deserving of a well-earned cold one and rest at day's end.
DAY 5 - LUSHOTO – SIMANJIRO (MASAI STEPPE)
(210 km – 6-8 hours)
Today, adventurers seeking authentic cultural encounters are in for a treat as we explore The Maasai Steppe Conservancy, nestled between Tarangire National Park and Simanjiro Plains within the Northern Safari Circuit. Safaris here promise an unforgettable and diverse experience. This region holds immense ecological significance for both wildlife and the local Maasai community, with nearly 92% designated as Maasai land, supporting their livelihood primarily through livestock production. Preserving healthy grazing areas is vital for both the Maasai and the wildlife dependent on this arid environment. Our downhill journey includes navigating gravel and partially tarred road surfaces, adding to the thrill of the adventure.
DAY 6 - SIMANJIRO - TARANGIRE
(270 km - 6-8 hours)
Today presents a remarkable chance to delve into the ecosystems of Tarangire and Manyara. The Maasai steppe serves as a dynamic sanctuary, bridging the grasslands between Tarangire National Park and the village. Exploring this area is essential for those intrigued by the evolution of mankind and the Rift Valley's significance in the broader African context. Expect an unforgettable semi-desert experience, with the night spent in a stunning tented camp.
DAY 7 - TARANGIRE - STAY/SAFARI
(250 kms – 7 hrs)
Today, we trade our motorbikes for a thrilling 4x4 safari adventure in Tarangire National Park. Established in 1970 from former hunting grounds, this park boasts the largest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti. Spanning approximately 2,600 km², it ranks among Tanzania's top five largest parks, offering vast wilderness to explore. The area teems with prey, providing a year-round hunting ground for predators. Expect to encounter a variety of mainland antelopes like the tufted-eared spike buck and graceful giraffe gazelles. However, Tarangire is renowned as the land of elephants, with herds of up to 300 majestic creatures roaming freely—a sight to behold!
DAY 8 - TARANGIRE - LAKE NATRON
(120 km - 6-8 hours)
Today's ride spans 120 km eastward through rocky, dusty, and sandy terrain, leading us to the Maasai plains and the awe-inspiring Great Rift Valley. There, the mighty Ol Donyo Lengai volcano rises, revered by the Maasai as the seat of their god "Ngai." Its nearly perfect cone dominates the barren landscape, surrounded by stony deserts and small extinct volcanoes. At the foot of the mountain lies Lake Natron, a vast soda lake where flamingos gather to breed, creating a stunning spectacle of color against the shimmering waters under the midday sun.
DAY 9 - LAKE NATRON - ARUSHA
(160 km - 6 hours)
After a night under the breathtaking African starry sky, you'll wake up refreshed. Following a hearty breakfast, you can choose to hike through the gorge near our camp, visit the nearby hot springs, or head to the lake shores for a closer look at the flamingos. Our return journey to Arusha will take approximately 6 hours, where we'll return the rental bikes and conclude our bike adventure.
Rest up, get ready to go home the next day or follow us to the beautiful island of Zanzibar.
DAY 10 - FLY TO ZANZIBAR
On the 10th day, we'll take a flight from Arusha to the Island of Zanzibar. Prepare for a well deserved three days of pure relaxation and unwinding in this stunning tropical paradise.
Interact with the warm and friendly Swahili people, and learn about their traditions and way of life. Experience traditional music and dance performances, and savor the flavors of Zanzibari cuisine, influenced by Arabic, Indian, and African culinary traditions.
Day 11 - EXPLORE ZANZIBAR ISLAND
Explore Stone town, Visit the former slave market and relax at the beach
Day 12 - EXPLORE ZANZIBAR ISLAND
Spend the day at the beach taking part in water activities
Day 13 - ZANZIBAR – ARUSHA
After 3 nights in Zanzibar Island we’ll fly back to Arusha for our last night together.
We’ll have time to do some last minute shopping and packing to get ready for our flights home. We’ll end our last day together with a farewell dinner.
Day 14 - FLY BACK HOME!
Good bye! Write to us when you reach home.