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Zanzibar, with its pristine beaches, ancient history, Arab dhows and friendly people is a mountain bikers' paradise.
The roads are not too bad and little used, and distances between areas are short and easily covered.
With its highest point at 90 m above sea level, gradients are minimal. July - September is the best time of the year to visit
- although hot, it is cooler and less humid than later in the year. Other times are warmer, but still good for biking.
Guest houses and hotels used are basic and clean, in good areas. Meals are normally fresh seafood or chicken dishes,
cooked the local way - mild curries, grills, poached in coconut milk, etc. all with a touch of Zanzibari spices.
In Zanzibar town there is a wider choice, with some excellent Italian and Chinese restaurants. Ample fresh fruit is always
available, either in the hotels or from roadside farms. Alcoholic drinks are not always available due to the strong Muslim
influence.
Equipment - participants are expected to bring their own bikes, saddle bags/ panniers and repair kits
- there is nothing available on the island. There are some bikes available for hire - please advise so we can arrange.
Clothing should be kept to a minimum - shorts and t-shirts are acceptable everywhere, although in Zanzibar town women
are expected to be modestly covered - no skimpy shorts, sleeveless dresses, etc. It is a very Muslim area - respect their culture.
The same goes for when not actually on the beach, although shorts and t-shirts are fine for riding between villages
- most ladies carry a kikoi or sarong to cover up when needed.
As flights to Zanzibar operate daily this package is totally flexible to operate for any duration/any day of the week,
however we recommend a minimum stay of 10 days for this cycling trip.
Price includes: Return airfare Johannesburg - Zanzibar - Johannesburg on Air Tanzania;
Airport transfer on arrival in Zanzibar;
Accommodation with breakfast daily.
Price excludes: Bicycle hire, travel insurance, departure tax from Zanzibar (US$ 30), additional meals,
visas, health requirements, all items of a personal nature and any service not specified.
Useful tips:
Some of the roads are very bad so be prepared for the worst. If possible, try to
cycle on the beach - this can only happen at low tide, but is a nice alternative,
especially on the East Coast.
Another nice alternative is to take a dhow from Chwaka Bay to Michamvi - at your
own expense.
Raincoats are a must for the late monsoon rain - which sometimes occur for about
half an hour every day.
Make sure you change whatever money you need to whilst in Stonetown as
the budget hotels/guest houses will not be able to exchange foreign currency.
There are virtually no spare parts for mountain bikes available on Zanzibar. Please
ensure that you take everything you may need, with you.
You can hire bicycles on Zanzibar at around US$ 15 per day, excluding any repair costs.
You can hire motor bikes at US$ 30 - 40 per day, excluding fuel and any repair costs.
We can also arrange a back up vehicle to transfer luggage at +- US$ 55 per transfer, to be split amongst the group.
Detailed intinerary
Day 1:Depart Johannesburg on Air Tanzania flight to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Clove Hotel. Spend 1 night here on a bed and breakfast basis.
Days 2-4:Cycle through spice farms, Arab ruins, etc. to the North Coast to Nungwi, the northernmost point of the island famed for its diving, white sand beaches and tranquility.Accommodation is at Langi Langi Beach Bungalows for 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Days 5-6:Cycle south to Uroa on the East Coast. Spend 2 nights at White Villa Guest House on a bed and breakfast basis. Arrange with your hosts for a local dhow to take you across Chwaka Chwaka Bay and down the South East coast.
Days 7-8:You'll depart for Sau Inn very early this morning, depending on the tide - check with the Inn on this - you need time to get to Sau Inn before the tide goes out otherwise you'll get stuck on the coral. You will pass various Italian hotels and the towns of Paje & Bwejuu, and anchor outside the Sau Inn Hotel. The boat ride is approximately 2 and a half hours - very beautiful. You might have to walk through the seaweed fields to get to the beach. Spend 2 nights here on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 9:Cycle back to Stonetown. Overnight at Clove Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 10:Cycle to Zanzibar airport in time for your return flight on Air Tanzania to Johannesburg via Dar es Salaam. * Please note you must pay a Departure Tax of US$ 30 per person.
Please Note:Terms and conditions apply. We reserve the right to change prices if necessary.
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Zanzibar mountain bike safari
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