TANZANIA CYCLE CHALLENGE
3rd-11th July 2025!
We are so excited to announce the current itinerary for the 10th Bikes against Bombs ride…..the Tanzania Cycle Challenge 2025.
This ride will see us cycle from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the shores of Lake Manyara before finishing in the spectacular wildlife haven of the Ngorongoro Crater.
We will ride through Tanzania’s lush green forests, dry bush lands, through remote villages and bustling towns. The ride will be a real challenge and see us tackling some rough dirt trails all under the hot tropical sun.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Thursday 3rd July 2025
London to Tanzania
If you have chosen the FLIGHTS INCLUDED option, today we will set off on our challenge, meeting the rest of the team at the airport before flying from the UK to Kilimanjaro airport.
Flight details
Flight BA7002
Departing London Heathrow at 15.10pm
Arriving Doha at 23.55pm
Flight BA6188 (04/07/25)
Departing Doha at 01.55am
Arriving Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at 07.35am
Day 2 – Friday 4th July 2025
Arrival in Tanzania
We arrive early Tanzania and start our adventure by meeting our local team and transferring to our hotel close to Moshi for lunch in the shadow of the mighty Kilimanjaro. We are based there for the rest of the day. We have a bike fitting and briefing and time to enjoy the pool and a beer to recover from the long journey. We end the day with a welcome dinner with our local team.
Hotel: AMEG Hotel
Day 3 – Saturday 5th July 2025
Kilimanjaro to Mt. Meru in Arusha National Park.
79KM ride
80% Dirt road/20% Tarred road
This morning after breakfast we transfer 45-50 minutes to the start of our route at the Machame Gate entrance to Kilimanjaro at an elevation of 1,800m above sea level. Here we head off on an exciting 20km of downhill, which will need care and special attention, as we take the steep dirt roads and hairpin bends down the foothills of Kilimanjaro. After lunch we enjoy more rolling hills before passing the airport and on to Usa River and onto our lovely hotel, one of the best of the week, near the Kili golf course.
Hotel: Kili Seasons Hotel
Strava: Route
Day 4 – Sunday 6th July 2025
Arusha National Park
70 KM/104 KM ride
95% Dirt road/5% Tarred road for 70kms ride OR
70% Dirt road/30% Tarred road for 104kms ride
We start the day with a steady climb that will take us into the Arusha National Park. This is a really special morning as we will be cycling among the giraffe, wildebeest, warthogs, zebra, gazelles and the other wildlife in the park. We then continue on the country dirt roads around the base of Mt Meru, passing Maasai village life. It’s a tough day, almost all on dirt roads, but hugely rewarding. At 70kms, we reach the main road and our transfer to our Hotel in Arusha. For those that arrive early at that point there is the opportunity to continue cycling on the fast tarred road for 30kms to the hotel.
Hotel: Forest Hill Lodge
Strava: Route
Day 5 – Monday 7th July 2025
Tarangire National Park
100KM ride
10% Dirt road / 90% Tarred road
After two days of cycling on dirt and gravel roads, today as a contrast, we have smooth tarred roads for 90% of the journey as we head to Tarangire. The kilometres will pass much faster as we ride through the open Maasai land, passing Maasai villages along the way. This is a main road but traffic is moderate. Keep your eyes open, particularly in the morning hours, as Maasai, cows, goats, sheep, and donkeys may suddenly cross the road ahead of you. Despite our long ride under the African sun, it is with excitement that we arrival into Tarangire National Park and our special accommodation at The Roika tented Camp. Tonight we sleep to the sounds or African wildlife very close at hand. This is very much an African bush experience.
Hotel: Tarangire Roika Lodge
Strava: Route
Day 6 – Tuesday 8th July 2025
Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara
80KM Ride
15% Dirt road / 85% Tarred road
For those that wish, we wake predawn for a two- hour walking safari accompanied by armed rangers, with the hope of spotting Cape buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, baboon, elephant, giraffe, impala, gazelle and maybe even lion. Once back at our accommodation we have breakfast and then we are on our bikes, an initial dirt section and then the tarmac. The last few kilometres are on a bumpy dirt track that leads us to our hotel with its beautiful views over the Rift Valley and Lake Manyara directly in front of us. There is a significant climb towards the end of the day, the toughest of the week, but rewarded by magnificent views from our hotel over the lake.
Hotel: Manyara Hotel
Strava: Route
Day 7 – Wednesday 9th July 2025
Ngorongoro Crater National Park
39KM Ride
100% Tarred road
Today is the final leg of our challenge!
In order to take full advantage of the wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater, we will wake up early (approx. 5a.m. departure from our hotel) and jump into our Safari jeeps at the hotel and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater to be one of the first through the park gates and engage on the morning game drive – one of Africa’s top safari parks. We enjoy the whole morning spotting the full range of wildlife. We will then drive out of the Crater floor in good time to re-unite with our bikes at the Ngorongoro gate and cycle downhill to our lunch point. The final leg will proceed on the smooth tarmac road with amazing views of the rift valley.
We pass through villages and then into the dirt road that will take us back to our hotel for our finish line and end-of-ride celebrations at the amazing hotel view point over Lake Manyara. We enjoy our celebratory meal at our hotel to mark the end of our Tanzanian challenge.
Hotel: Manyara Hotel
Strava: Route
Day 8 – Thursday 10th July 2025
Depart Tanzania
After breakfast this morning we transfer back to Arusha via a lunch stop at a lovely hotel. Subject to the time of our return flight, or alternative arrangements, we have some free time to visit a curio markets. We then make our way back to Kilimanjaro Airport in time to check in for our return or onwards flights.
Flight details
If you are travelling on the group flights and have not made arrangements to stay in Tanzania or elsewhere following the challenge, the flight details are below.
Flight BA7733
Departing Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at 20.15pm
Arriving Nairobi at 21.15pm
Flight BA64
Departing Nairobi at 22.55pm
Arriving London Heathrow at 05.50am (11/07/25)
Day 9 – Friday 11th July
Arrive in London
Today we land in the UK and have to bid goodbye to the team and what has been an amazing challenge and a life-changing experience.
Please note that these are complicated logistical itineraries, and they remain subject to change. The routes, the distance and the height gains given are subject to final confirmation one month prior to departure. Times are also subject to weather conditions and general timings of the riders on the challenge.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RIDES
LIFE ON THE CYCLE
What is a typical cycling day?
On cycle days we wake early for breakfast at our accommodation and then begin cycling. On this trip we might have some extra early starts to take advantage of being in National Parks! We cycle on average between 75-100kms per day over 7-9 hours with regular breaks to fuel-up on snacks and fluids. After a lunch stop en route, we spend the afternoon cycling until we reach our accommodation where we secure our bikes, freshen up and have the evening to relax. Transfer are kept to a minimum to really get the full experience but are sometimes unavoidable. Every evening the Team Leader gives a briefing about the following day, with information such as the topography and any ‘hot-spots’ to look out for.
How fit do I need to be for the challenge?
This challenge requires a good level of fitness and we recommend that everyone trains to ensure you are prepared. We have provided a training guide and would recommend a mixture of training in the gym and on the road – getting used to being on the bike, road and weather types is vital. As well as being fit you need to feel comfortable cycling and being around other road users. We also recommend trying to train on some gravel/uneven routes given the two days we have on dirt tracks in Tanzania.
Who supports the ride?
Alongside MAG staff, we are always accompanied by an Action Challenge Team Leader and two medics who will meet us at the airport and who will accompany us for the entire trip. There will also be a ground team of fully qualified local guides with the group at all times. All cycle repair equipment will be provided by our local team and back up vehicles will be with us throughout the challenge. Luggage will be transferred to each night’s accommodation.
Do I need to bring my own bike?
No. Bikes are provided by the ground team. We will have a bike fitting on the first day we arrive in Tanzania at the hotel and any items you have brought with you will be fitted at that point too.
Do I need to bring bike equipment?
You must bring a helmet with you on challenges, and it is imperative that this is worn at all times when riding. If you wish to bring your own saddle or peddles with you, you may do so, however, standard ones are provided. There will be at least one if not two water bottle holders on your bike, but you will need to bring a water bottle with you – please check your kit list for anything else you may need. Branded cycling jerseys are provided.
Food and drink
We will have an unlimited supply of fully purified and treated water and three nutritious meals a day. Breakfast will be at the accommodation and will typically consist of continental style as well as bread, eggs and some local dishes. All lunches will be served en-route at selected lunch spot, possible picnic style on some days. Dinners will be served at the hotels and will mostly be English and African cuisine. We recommend that you bring some of your favourite snacks with you for extra energy but snacks will also be provided at each rest stop.
If you have any dietary requirements please let Sarah know sarah.tavener@maginternational.org
WHAT TO EXPECT IN TANZANIA
Weather
July is in the middle of the dry season. Temperatures are cooler but we will have missed the long rains which happen from March until the end in May. The average temperature ranges between 16-26 degrees with an average of seven hours of sunshine each day.
Terrain/Distance
You will be covering approximately 415 kms on a mixture of terrains, including dirt roads, tarred roads and smooth gravel roads riding up and down hills.
Accommodation
All accommodation is linked above. For most nights, you will be sharing and for those who selected single accommodation, that is available for the last two nights for a supplement.
What is the time difference?
The time zone in Tanzania is BST + 2 hours.
Visas & entry
The UK Government travel advice is here and the Irish Government travel advice is here. Please let us know ASAP if you are travelling on a passport from a different country so we can check entry rules.
UK and Irish citizens must have a tourist visa to enter Tanzania and this can be applied for online. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your departure date, has at least two blank pages, and is in good condition with no damage.
We will provide further guidance and information on the right e-visa link and information needed for the application by the end of April.
Currency
The currency for Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling which can only be bought in country. US dollars are widely excepted and in most cases cash is preferred. USD or GBP can be exchanged on arrival into Tanzania at the airport. ATM machines are available in cities/airports but please don’t rely solely on these to obtain your money for the trip. During the trip you will need money for tipping the local team, alcohol (not included in any food and drink), gifts and any other personal purchases.
Vaccinations
You can see a summary of vaccine considerations for Tanzania here, you will need to ensure that you speak with a medical professional or travel clinic – such as Nomad or MASTA – about vaccines for Tanzania, as you may be required or encouraged to have some. A specific conversation should be had about Yellow Fever requirements especially if you are travelling to Tanzania from a Yellow Fever risk country.
Phone signal and electronics
You may have some intermittent mobile phone signal during the cycle so let your friends and family know that you may only hear from you sporadically depending on your data roaming package. Charging points may be limited at times during the cycle so you could consider bringing a power pack. For Tanzania the plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. E-Sims are widely used and a great way to manage your communications when abroad. It is best to organise these in advance of leaving the UK.
Staying healthy / Emergency support
As well as the support team who will be working alongside the ground crew, the trip is also fully supported with an extensive network of communications and back up support should it be required. This includes
- Two-way radio contact between Action Challenge staff and local staff
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- Full expedition medical kit carried by the media and 24 hour contact with the Action Challenge head office
- Comprehensive evacuation procedures
- If for any reason you have to leave the group early, local staff will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary. All costs incurred due to an early departure will be covered by you before departing Tanzania.
Are MAG working in Tanzania?
MAG is registered to work in Tanzania and we are hoping to start operations in 2025. The project here will not be clearance of landmines and unexploded bombs or risk education but instead will be focused on weapons management and armed violence reduction. We are active across 16 other countries in Africa delivering landmine clearance and weapons management projects.
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This page will be updated with more information as and when required, but if you have any questions in the meantime please feel free to email sarah.tavener@maginternational.org.
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