How to Plan Your 1 Day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira Route Tour
If you are looking for a unique adventure in Tanzania, consider the 1-day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira Route tour offered by Safari Bike Africa. This tour takes you on a thrilling mountain bike ride through the stunning countryside of Kilimanjaro. In this post, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about planning your tour.
Overview
The tour starts at 7:00 AM and is a full day of mountain biking through Kilimanjaro. You’ll be provided with a high-range carbon mountain bike, professional guide, and two 500 ml bottles of mineral water. The tour does not include personal expenses, souvenirs, soft drinks, or other beverages outside of the provided water.
What’s Included
The following is included in your 1 Day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira Route tour:
– 2018 high-range carbon mountain bike rental
– Professional guide
– 2 bottle 500ml of mineral water for each client
The following is not included:
– Activities outside the travel program
– Personal expenses and souvenirs
– Soft drinks and other beverages
Meeting and Pickup
The meeting point for the tour is Safari Bike Africa’s office, located at 47 Serengeti Road in Arusha. If you prefer, they also offer pickup from your hotel at 8:00 AM.
What to Expect
During the tour, you’ll be guided through the stunning countryside surrounding Kilimanjaro. You’ll ride on a high-range carbon mountain bike, with an experienced professional guide leading the way. Along the way, you’ll be provided with two bottles of mineral water to keep you hydrated.
Additional Info
It’s important to note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Safari Bike Africa prides themselves on their top-of-the-line mountain bike fleet, ensuring your safety throughout the tour. Two rangers will guard and guide you at all times, making a bike safari just as safe as a walking safari.
How to Book
Ready to book your 1 Day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira Route tour? You can do so directly through Viator at the following link: book the tour here.
Conclusion
The 1 Day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira Route tour offered by Safari Bike Africa is an incredible way to experience the stunning beauty of Tanzania. Plan your tour today and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
An Insider’s Guide to Planning Your 1 Day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira Route Tour
Kilimanjaro is a beautiful region located in the North-East of Tanzania, which is home to the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to fulfil their dream of climbing the majestic mountain. But not everyone is fit for the climb to the highest peak. Fortunately, there is a great alternative where visitors can get a chance to experience Kilimanjaro’s scenic views, breathtaking landscapes, and wildlife – cycling the Shira Route!
A Quick Overview of the Shira Route
The Shira Route is a popular Kilimanjaro trek that begins in the west of the mountain, near the Shira Ridge. It is one of the six established routes to reach the top of the Kilimanjaro peak and is considered one of the more relaxed and scenic routes.
The Shira route’s starting point is located at an altitude of about 3,500 meters above sea level, where cyclists will first go through dense forests inhabited by different wildlife species before reaching the breathtaking mountainous landscape. Tourists who do not have the time or fitness to climb the Kilimanjaro peak should definitely consider this option.
Planning Your Cycle Tour
To plan your cycle tour, you will need to hire a specialized tour company that offers cycling expeditions. A standard Shira Cycle tour will take the entire day and will include bike rentals, helmets, water, food, and a guide.
The Tour company will provide door to door transportation, picking you up in the morning and dropping you back off at your hotel in the evening. They will take different routes while ensuring the safety of the clients, and you can enjoy the view while cycling through beautiful landscapes with several rest stops.
Local Attractions
The city of Kilimanjaro is rich in culture with many attractions; the following are some local attractions to explore while on your 1 Day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira Route Tour:
Marangu Waterfalls
The Marangu Waterfall is located on the edge of the Kilimanjaro forest reserve. The beautiful waterfall is a hidden gem that tourists can admire and enjoy while in Kilimanjaro. Visitors are advised to hire a local guide to get a full experience of the surroundings’ nature.
Mawenzi Peak
The Mawenzi peak is situated along the Southern Circuit, which is one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful paths. It’s an incredibly stunning sight to behold, and it’s visible from most parts of Kilimanjaro.
Origins Centre (Kilimanjaro National Park)
The Origins museum is located within the Kilimanjaro National park, overlooking the Pare Mountains. It serves as a Cultural Heritage museum, with interactive exhibits that showcase the origins of the Chagga tribe (the original inhabitants of Kilimanjaro) with a live demonstration of coffee brewing and banana beer tasting.
Dining Spots
Kilimanjaro also has numerous dining spots that are worth visiting while on your tour; here are some recommendations:
Panther Pub and Restaurant
The Panther Pub is located in Moshi town, and it’s a trendy spot for both locals and tourists. They serve a mix of local and international dishes from burgers to curries and pizza, making it an excellent spot for lunch or dinner.
Indo Italian cuisine restaurant
The Indo Italian cuisine restaurant is situated in Moshi town and has a cozy environment. They serve a mix of Indian and Italian dishes, including veg and non-veg options, which are reasonably priced.
Cultural Experiences
If you’re interested in experiencing Kilimanjaro’s unique culture, you can consider checking out the following options:
Chagga Cultural Tour
The Chagga tribe is the original inhabitant of Kilimanjaro. The Chagga cultural tour is a fantastic way to participate in a local traditional ceremony and learn about their customs and way of life.
Marangu Cultural Tour
The Marangu Cultural tour is another local tour experience that aims to provide an in-depth insight into the Chagga tribe’s lifestyle and cultural practices that have been passed down for generations.
Local History
Kilimanjaro has played a significant role in Tanzanian history, with several historical sites that are worth visiting while on your tour.
The Uhuru Torch Monument
Located in the Tanzanite Estate, the Uhuru torch monument honors the country’s freedom from British colonialism. The monument was built to celebrate Tanzania’s leaders’ freedom and independence struggle and serves as a powerful symbol of the nation’s historical heritage.
Old Moshi Cemetery
The Old Moshi Cemetery dates back to colonial times and serves as a final resting place for Germans, British, and Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. It’s a serene and peaceful location, perfect for visiting and contemplating some historical moments.
Off-the-beaten-path suggestions
If you’re an adventurous traveler who loves exploring new things in new places, we recommend the following off-the-beaten-path suggestions:
Materuni Waterfall Tour
Located on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, Materuni waterfall is an off-the-beaten-path location, ideal for adventurous travelers who want to explore something unique. The hike through the beautiful forest is rewarded with stunning views of the waterfall and coffee plantations.
Lake Chala
Located at the southeastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Chala is a hidden gem. The lake is surrounded by a volcanic crater and a lush forest reserve, offering incredible hiking trails and views of the lake.
Conclusion
Kilimanjaro is a great destination for those who want to experience an adventurous and scenic view of Tanzania. Whether you’re cycling the Shira Route, exploring local attractions, cultural experiences, local history, or off-the-beaten-path locations, Kilimanjaro has plenty to offer. I hope this insider’s guide provides you with useful information on planning your 1 Day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira Route tour.
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