Biking Safaris in Tanzania

Day 1 – Cycling Arusha to Monduli Mountains

Starting from the outskirts of Arusha town we head over local farm land across the foothills of the Monduli mountain range. The earth here is known as ‘Black cotton’ and very prone to erosion We weave through various small valleys and Maasai homesteads as we traverse the foothills. Some great views over Maasai land, Mt Meru and possibly Mt Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Lunch is had at a convenient point on the way. We will be camping the night at the local ‘Snake Park’. Camping (BLD)

Cycling distance 35 kms

Day 2 – Cycling to Mto wa Mbu

The route follows the old tarmac road which weaves back and forth over the new road. It is broken up a lot! And at times goes some distance away from the main road. The cycling is easier than the previous day as there is more paved sections. After lunch we cycle further down the main road for 30kms to the town of Mto wa mbu. This is open country and giraffe, ostrich, gazelles and very rarely elephant are seen. Your first day to see wild game whilst cycling. Camping (BLD)

Cycling distance 60-80 km

Day 3 – Cycling along the Great Rift Valley Escarpment

Departing from camp early morning we head off through the local village and alongside the the Rift valley wall. We We following a dirt track off into the Maasai country side. Lunch is had under a tree or where ever we reach at lunch time. We cycle past a number of Maasai homesteads before heading back to our campsite at Mto wa Mbu village. Camping (BLD)

Cycling distance 30-50 kms

Day 4 – Wildlife Safari – Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti

Today all the bikes are packed onto our vehicle and we drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We drive up through the highland forest and then on around the rim of the Crater descent road with spectacular views into the crater. The crater walls provide a natural sanctuary for the animals, which means there is plenty to see, lions, elephants, buffalo, rhino and leopard (if you are lucky enough to spot). The only animal you won’t see in here is a giraffe whose long legs are unable to cope with the steep sides of the crater. We leave the crater mid day and head onto the Serengeti NP. Game viewing on route before heading to camp at the public campsite in the central area of Serengeti.  (alternatively stay at Seronera Wildlife Lodge)
Camping (BLD)

Day 5 – Wildlife Safari – Serengeti

Our second day in the Serengeti, again we will rise early to make the most of the day. Today we are heading to the north end of the park. There will be plenty of time for game viewing on the way. We camp at Lobo campsite. (alternatively stay at Lobo Wildlife Lodge)
Camping (BLD)

Day 6 – Cycling

We get back on the bikes today, after a short drive to the gate. The next few days will be on dirt road with some sandy sections. The route is rolling, you will be glad to be back on the bikes again. As we are on the edge of the game park we are bound to see more wildlife en-route. We set up camp at a local campsite late afternoon.

Camping (BLD)
Cycling distance 40 kms

Day 7 – Cycling Lake Natron

Today is a potentially our longest day of cycling. We cycle southwards through the hills bordering the Serengeti and down through an area populated by the Songo tribe dressed in their bright orange attire. Once more the track is a well used dirt road with some sandy sections, the countryside is as the previous day with sightings of wildlife en route. We need to stop for an early lunch, after which we pack the bikes on the vehicle and we all get a transfer to the top of the Rift Valley escarpment over looking Lake Natron.

A spectacular view, awesome. The descent is on a gravel road and is quite technical on switch backs, so a steady handle bar is necessary! The road descends to the side of Lake Natron and then follows the lake shore until the local village. The road has now changed to be more stoney and requires more concentration. It is a real challenge to reach camp on the bikes but we will go as far as possible. Camp at the Lake Natron campsite

Camping (BLD)
Cycling distance 50-100 kms

Day 8 – Transfer back to Arusha

A relaxing morning. Today we will be driving back to Arusha. you will be back in Arusha for mid day (B).

Organizer:
Jolita Safari

Payment:

• 30% is paid in advance, and the remaining 70% is due no later than 14 days before the safari starts.
• It typically takes up to 5 banking days for the payment to reach our bank, KCB in Tanzania.
• Please email contact@jolitasafari.com as soon as the payment has been made.
• Use your name as the reference for the payment/bank transfer.

Travel Conditions:

• Follow the link to our website for more information.

The following is included in the program:

• Accommodation in Arusha as per the above program
• Private jeep during the safari
• Meals at lodges and packed lunches during the safari, as well as drinking water in the jeep
• All park fees
• All accommodation during the safari
• Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA) or Arusha Airport
• In the case of camping, all camping equipment
• A driver who is also your guide (English-speaking) and a cook (only if camping is included in the program)

The following is not included in the program:

• Flight to Tanzania
• Visa for Tanzania
• Personal items and services such as drinks, snacks, and laundry
• Travel insurance, cancellation protection, vaccinations, and personal equipment
• Tips for the driver who is also the guide or a translator (recommended tip 20–30 US dollars per day) and the cook (if camping is included in the program)
• Meals at the hotel in Arusha except for breakfast

Safari in Tanzania

How do I put together a Safari that suits my preferences?

Everyone who goes on a Safari has different plans, budgets and wishes. To help you in your planning, we have put together some travel suggestions on how you can set up your Safari. We know that with the help of the Internet, many people can be quite well-read and have already formed an image of what they want to experience. That is why at “Jolita Safari” we usually tailor trips that suit your wishes.

Jolita Safari always strives for maximum customer satisfaction. With our network in Tanzania, we are probably one of the most flexible Safari organizers you can find in Internet. We can practically put together any safari/travel program.

What affects the price of my Safari?

Of course the number of days, but above all what standard you want in your accommodation. Accommodation is relatively expensive in Africa compared to other countries.

There are the following variants of accommodation:

• Camping with own portable tents
• Camping with fixed tents with wooden floors and bathrooms
• Lodge simple
• Lodge funds
• Lodge luxury

Often the best option is to combine the above forms of accommodation. When you are on safari, accommodation tends to become of secondary importance, as you are easily captivated by the magnificent nature. Accommodation is not just about price, but the opportunity for different kinds of experiences. That e.g. camping is a fantastic experience, as you get so close to all the sounds of animals and nature or why not stay in a slightly more luxurious hotel at the Ngorongoro Crater to get a world-class view.  We can arrange accommodation depend on your choices and interest.

Activities

The price per day for a Safari jeep is always the same, but the entrance fees for the different parks differ , e.g. it costs US$ 300 to drive down the Ngorongoro Crater while it costs a few dollars in other parks.

Your budget

We always strive to produce the absolute best safari program that will suit your budget and wishes. When we know the season (which dates), number of days, which locations and standard you want in your accommodation, you will receive a tailored proposal from us.

Season

The price of Safari varies over the different months of the year, however, the highest prices are around July and December when it is the “peak season”. The lowest prices are found during the low season (rainy season) in March.

The more people who share a safari jeep, the cheaper it will be. The largest cars take 6 or 7 passengers. However, there are more people who have to agree on the space in the car.

Activities

Your activities will of course affect the cost. There is everything from balloon safaris over the Serengeti to jeep safaris to simpler hikes.

Our Safari Jeeps

The Jeeps we use for Safari are Toyota Land cruisers 4WD and Land Rover Defenders 4WD (we never use minibuses). These cars are equipped with dual communication radios and emergency equipment to ensure a safe, reliable and comfortable Safari. Standard Land Cruisers and Land Rovers seat 4 passengers and extended Safari Jeeps seat 6 people.

Sky Safari

If you want to catch up on as much as possible and avoid long dusty transport routes, we recommend that you combine your Safari with a Safari flight. Then you can e.g. fly into the Serengeti and jeep out of the Serengeti. That way, your safari will be less tiring.

It is possible to go on sky safaris from both Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha. Then you fly in smaller aircraft, which usually take between 3 and 25 passengers. Or why not charter your plane so you can set up your own route to parks that are not normally served by scheduled flights.

Balloon safari

Book a balloon safari and ride silently over the Serengeti’s endless grasslands and see the incredibly beautiful panoramic view of all the animals roaming freely down on the ground. You get to experience the Serengeti in a way few have before and this is undoubtedly an experience you will rarely forget.

You will be picked up at five in the morning by “Serengeti balloon Safaris company” at your hotel / campsite. They pick up their guests from different Serengeti areas. They will take you where the balloon ride begins. While the balloon is being completed, you will get to meet your pilot, as well as get an overview of the ride. The balloon takes off at sunrise and you can determine the flight height together with the pilot. As you ascend, you gently skim the treetops, eventually reaching around 1,000 meters, where a vast, breathtaking panoramic view unfolds before you. The silence up here is numbing.

The balloon ride takes about 1 hour and when you land you get an “out of Africa” ​​breakfast that is laid out in the middle of the bush with linen, silver cutlery and champagne as well as a “Serengeti balloon certificate” that proves your flying prowess. Then you will be returned to your hotel or campsite where you will continue the day’s program.

Put together your own dream Safari trip

In fact, most of the trips we sell are customized in some way, as we always strive to give you as much experience as possible for your money. We usually leave a recommendation on some form of basic travel package that you can base your discussion with us on.

Prices and availability of flights and overnight accommodation vary with the different seasons (peak, high and low season), e.g. around July and Christmas Eve is the peak season and then it can be a little more expensive and you should book your trip as early as possible, because the hotels in the parks tend to be fully booked.

Most people have different wishes regarding activities, form of accommodation and number of days. Therefore, our work as a Safari organizer consists of listening to your wishes and then organizing this in the best possible way. Jolita Safari is a Tanzanian company, so there are no intermediaries, you discuss directly with us.

Most people who put together their trip usually start from the options as seen in our website. Call, email or meet us for an unconditional discussion.