Ultimate Ride + Trek in Tanzania

Available year round (except rainy season)

10 DAYS / 9 nights

WHY THIS ADVENTURE?

The perfect series of adventures for those wanting to see northern Tanzania in an active way that brings in some superb off the beaten track areas and allows for expansion into the regular safari circuit too.

HOW TO BOOK

All our adventures can be booked through a tour operator near you. Just ask them about Leonotis Adventures and our range of activities and adventures and specify the “Ultimate ride and trek in Tanzania”. You can add this adventure into your dates – all trips are customised to your dates.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ride Kilimanjaro, looking for giants on bikes, hiking the Ngorongoro highlands past the active Oldonyo Lengai, Natron, hominid footprints, fossils, cave paintings, riding into the Serengeti…

DESCRIPTION

This is a 6 night, 7 day program that really ticks a lot of boxes. Starting with the Kilimanjaro region, both on and off the mountain, this program allows for mixed ability groups, whereby families can tweak this to allow both biking and hiking as well as game drives. From Kili to Mt Meru and Arusha National park for verdant forests and off to the Ngorongoro highlands. From a lake filled crater lake we then trek really remote routes with massive vistas and an active volcano as a back drop before exploring gorges and river systems. From Natron up to the ancient Gol mountains where Ruppel’s Griffon vultures soar above our adventure continues with leave no trace fly camps to the edge of the Serengeti plains. Here we finally link to the Cradle of Mankind, Olduvai Gorge. Although this program ends here it is really easy, indeed entirely logical to extend into the Serengeti for the migration.

ITINERARY IN SHORT

Day 1: West Kilimanjaro Enduimet - looking for giants (picnic lunch, dinner)

Day 2: The Shira plateau! On bike or foot (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 3: Arusha National Park and Mt Meru (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 4: Ngorongoro highlands, Empakai (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 5: Remote trekking to Leonotis on the rift valley (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 6: Trekking to Natron, flamingoes and footprints (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 7: Exploring gorges, waterfalls, culture (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 8: Hiking and safari to Sanjan (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 9: Hiking and fossils + cave paintings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 10: Drive or ride to the Cradle of Mankind (breakfast, lunch)

EXTEND TO SERENGETI…

ITINERARY IN FULL

DAY 1 – West Kilimanjaro

On arrival (ETA 9am) you are met and transfer to a nearby lodge to change clothes and store away any items that are not needed. We then transfer to West Kilimanjaro (2 hours) by safari landcruiser to the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, and area called West Kilimanjaro. For those that have seen Kilimanjaro or maybe even hiked her majestic peak, then you will know that it is a massive sentinel on the earth's crust.. And today we mountain bike the Shira plateau! The bikes are serviced and we transfer up to the edge of the Shira plateau and we rise early to ensure the very best views. Once on the edge of the plateau we have a bush breakfast before we ride up to the end road at almost 3,800 meters before splitting into advanced and regular riding tracks. The way down is exhilerating, care must be taken and yet for those who remain on the rescue road, it can be a very controlled ride too. We then head down to a farm at the base of the forest zone for a scrumptious lunch, and once again options to ride exist before we all meet back at the lodge. Dinner & overnight Simba Farm (full board).

DAY 2 – Kilimanjaro - the shira plateau

After the previous day's adventure we change up the scenery to day and after breakfast we meet our bikes at the edge of a wilderness zone call Enduimet WMA. After some setup adjustments we ride! The first section is mostly downhill all the way to the Amboseli eco system (on the Tanzanian side) and once down on the plains meet our team for a bush lunch under an acacia tree. The heat of the afternoon passes and we can then ride on into the plains looking for the last of Africa's great Tuskers (elephants) before then heading back to our lodge. Note: as this is the first day there are potentially two ride options this afternoon (long + short) and vehicle support is always available. Dinner & overnight Simba Farm Lodge (full board).

DAY 3 – MT MeRU foothills

Today's ride is more about a safari, a journey from one place to another. Dropping down from the slopes of Kilimanjaro we pass ancient cones which were part of the first world war theatre of war, we cycle through Maasai land all the way towards Mt Meru. We aim to reach here for late lunch and then in the afternoon there is time to head into the park to see some rich afro montane forest and the crater lakes with lots of varied bird and mammal life too. We then head back to the lodge and this creative lodge is Maasai themed huts that are comfortable and even has an infinity pool and yoga spaces. A great spot to re energise, relax, or for those that need more exercise then the options are there! Dinner and overnight Original Maasai Lodge (fb).

DAY 4 - EMPAKAI

From the slopes of Mt Meru to the Ngorongoro highlands! A long transfer but worth the work. We take a picnic lunch and can take that on route and then on arrival at Empakai crater there is the option to descend into the crater. This is around 40 minutes down and depending on season can be quite slippery but certainly a great hike with stunning views. Flamingoes are often seen flying into the crater or feeding in the lake at the base. A hot shower is available before dinner. Dinner & overnight Empakai Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

DAY 5 - LEONOTIS - The Great rift valley

Dawn rises and our lofty position affords a great sunrise. As we take breakfast our camp crew break camp and depart to send the camp ahead with donkeys. We then set off hiking with Maasai guides following a route that takes us through picturesque Maasai villages and rolling hills. Lunch can be taken on route as a picnic or if guests are very fit a late lunch can be had in camp. In the late afternoon a hike up to  a nearby viewpoint is highly recommended and a great place for sundowners! Dinner & overnight Leonotis Camp (full board).

DAY 6 - Lake natron

The final section of hiking has two options of a shorter hike or a longer more strenuous option right along the rift wall. The views are spectacular with the active volcano Oldoinyo Lengai dominating the foreground. This volcano affects almost everything from hydrology to lifestyle, as will become apparent. Once down on the rift valley floor we are picked up and transfer to Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and here have the chance to jump in the natural pools to cool down. Sundowners are served at any number of beautiful points close to camp. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).

DAY 7 - Lake natron

The final section of hiking has two options of a shorter hike or a longer more strenuous option right along the rift wall. The views are spectacular with the active volcano Oldoinyo Lengai dominating the foreground. This volcano affects almost everything from hydrology to lifestyle, as will become apparent. Once down on the rift valley floor we are picked up and transfer to Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and here have the chance to jump in the natural pools to cool down. Sundowners are served at any number of beautiful points close to camp. Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).

DAY 8 - Rift + Sanjan Gorge

After breakfast you depart to the bottom of the rift valley and start your trek to Sanjan. The hike this morning is up the rift valley, following the migration routes of the Maasai and their cattle as they move to find pasture. Once on top of the rift valley you trek to meet our vehicle and transfer across the vast Salei plains to Sangan Gorge (note that the wildebeest migration is often here from December – May). Picnic lunches are provided to ensure you reach your goal well fed.  You will be met by your camp crew when you reach your destination and you can go trek deep into Sanjan Gorge or just relax by the camp fire with a glass on wine! Dinner & overnight Sanjan Camp (full board).

DAY 9 - The gol mountains

The camp is set at the base of the Gol mountains and faces east, which affords a stunning sunrise! Bush coffee is served right from the fire and after a filling breakfast you set of with your Maasai guides along the sides of the Sanjan gorge. It is very rocky underfoot in places and so good shoes are a must and at certain points be sure to look back for stunning views. Once through the gorge you meander your way and then transfer to camp to relax. For those that arrive early there are options to visit local attractions. Dinner and overnight Piyaya Camp (full board).

DAY 10 - The gol mountains

When you get to Nasera Rock you will be met by your driver who will then take you on to your the next part of your itinerary via Olduvai Gorge !

END OF SERVICES

INCLUDES

  • Support vehicle with fridge (water + some soft drinks)

  • Picnic hamper with teas / coffee

  • Meals as noted in itinerary

  • Mountain bike with front suspension (send size info in advance, failure to do so may result in a smaller or larger bike than you are used to) - current stock is Titan Racing Drone ELITE model. Full suspension and electric on request (additional payment).

  • WFR certified bike guide

  • Wild camp “fly camp” fully serviced and independently moving

  • Simple bar in camp (red wine, beers, sodas, gin)

For a full list of includes and excludes please refer to your tour operator as itineraries in this region can be complicated and require many moving parts.

WHAT TO WEAR/ BRING

  • Sun hat

  • sunglasses

  • head torch

  • buff or lightweight neck gaiter (for keeping out dust)

  • rain shell

  • light fleece

  • long sleeve t shirt x 3

  • Cycling tops (guideline 3)

  • hiking trousers (zip off style are recommended so you have shorts too)

  • Mountain biking shorts (padded a good idea x 2)

  • Your own peddles if clips are to be used (you can request in advance for our double sided ones too)

  • waterproof trousers

  • socks x 3 pairs

  • hiking shoes preferably with some decent ankle support

  • teva or flip flops for in camp

  • walking poles

  • gaiters for those that have low cut hiking shoes

  • water bottles x 3 enough to hold 3 Liters OR Camelbak / bladder style