Thorn Tree Safaris, Zambia
Cycle Tours & Challenges
Thorn Tree Safaris can offer you a standard cycle tour or a route tailor-made to your specific requirements. You can cycle across Zambia, Malawi or Tanzania knowing that our experienced team is there to back you up all the way, and feed and water you at the end of every day!
Zambia - Landlocked in Southern Africa, Zambia is fed & shaped by its rivers, lakes & of course, its waterfalls (the most famous of which is the Victoria Falls, which at 2kms wide and 103 metres deep are the largest falls in the world). Massive lakes, rich wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets all contribute to the country's scenic splendour. In addition to its natural wonders, Zambia offers a taste of its diverse tribal & cultural heritage through its craftwork, music, dance & traditional ceremonies.
Malawi - Starting in the capital Lilongwe, cycling through rubber plantations, from cool highland forests, down to the warm shores of the Lake Malawi. Make friends along the way, suntan and get fit.
Tanzania - Situated on the eastern coast of Africa, Tanzania looks out across the stunning Indian Ocean and offers a multitude of attractions from the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. As well as its natural beauties & abundant wildlife Tanzania has approximately 120 ethnic groups, the best known of which are the Masai.
Take a look at some example itineries below.
Zambia - Landlocked in Southern Africa, Zambia is fed & shaped by its rivers, lakes & of course, its waterfalls (the most famous of which is the Victoria Falls, which at 2kms wide and 103 metres deep are the largest falls in the world). Massive lakes, rich wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets all contribute to the country's scenic splendour. In addition to its natural wonders, Zambia offers a taste of its diverse tribal & cultural heritage through its craftwork, music, dance & traditional ceremonies.
Malawi - Starting in the capital Lilongwe, cycling through rubber plantations, from cool highland forests, down to the warm shores of the Lake Malawi. Make friends along the way, suntan and get fit.
Tanzania - Situated on the eastern coast of Africa, Tanzania looks out across the stunning Indian Ocean and offers a multitude of attractions from the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. As well as its natural beauties & abundant wildlife Tanzania has approximately 120 ethnic groups, the best known of which are the Masai.
Take a look at some example itineries below.
ZAMBIA
WET AND WILD
LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE
CYCLE CHALLENGE
This challenge takes place in south-eastern Zambia finishing at the Victoria Falls.
Day 1
Overnight travel to Lusaka, Zambia
Day 2
Transfer to hotel, picnic lunch, bike fitting and a briefing on the challenge to come.
Relax in the bush surroundings, swim, try out your bike, and enjoy the curious giraffe and zebra who meander amongst the chalets.
Day 3
Road transfer to starting point and set off to Mazabuka, home to Zambia's sugar plantations.
Terrain is a mix of tar & good dirt roads. Cycle through local villages, baobab trees and sugar plantations.
Day 4
Continue south towards Monze - a challenging but fantastic day. Today route is a more adventurous off road one! Roads vary from good dirt to slightly sandy taking you through real rural Africa! Winding tracks through villages where you can meet the friendly Zambian people.
At the end of the day’s cycling transfer to Choma for our overnight.
Day 5
A circular day today as we cycle down to Lake Kariba for 88kms. After reaching the shores of the lake, return by vehicle to Choma overnight.
Day 6
Another challenging day as tackling 70kms of off-road! Dirt roads are in good condition with a few sandy sections. Pass countless small villages, seeing rural Africa at its best, as yet untouched by tourism.
Day 7
The final push into Livingstone, the ultimate destination! Although this last ride is on tarred road there are potholes to negotiate - cycle straight through town and end at the Victoria Falls. A spectacular end to the week!
Special meal held in an African restaurant in Livingstone to celebrate success!
Day 8
Enjoy a free day to take part in one of the many local activities & challenges available in Livingstone.
Day 9
Transfer to Livingstone airport for you International flight back home.
Day 10
Arrive at home wondering if it has all been a fantastic dream !!
Day 1
Overnight travel to Lusaka, Zambia
Day 2
Transfer to hotel, picnic lunch, bike fitting and a briefing on the challenge to come.
Relax in the bush surroundings, swim, try out your bike, and enjoy the curious giraffe and zebra who meander amongst the chalets.
Day 3
Road transfer to starting point and set off to Mazabuka, home to Zambia's sugar plantations.
Terrain is a mix of tar & good dirt roads. Cycle through local villages, baobab trees and sugar plantations.
Day 4
Continue south towards Monze - a challenging but fantastic day. Today route is a more adventurous off road one! Roads vary from good dirt to slightly sandy taking you through real rural Africa! Winding tracks through villages where you can meet the friendly Zambian people.
At the end of the day’s cycling transfer to Choma for our overnight.
Day 5
A circular day today as we cycle down to Lake Kariba for 88kms. After reaching the shores of the lake, return by vehicle to Choma overnight.
Day 6
Another challenging day as tackling 70kms of off-road! Dirt roads are in good condition with a few sandy sections. Pass countless small villages, seeing rural Africa at its best, as yet untouched by tourism.
Day 7
The final push into Livingstone, the ultimate destination! Although this last ride is on tarred road there are potholes to negotiate - cycle straight through town and end at the Victoria Falls. A spectacular end to the week!
Special meal held in an African restaurant in Livingstone to celebrate success!
Day 8
Enjoy a free day to take part in one of the many local activities & challenges available in Livingstone.
Day 9
Transfer to Livingstone airport for you International flight back home.
Day 10
Arrive at home wondering if it has all been a fantastic dream !!
TANZANIA
SPICY AND DIVERSE
MOROGORO TO DAR ES SALAAM
CYCLE CHALLENGE
We start inland in the rural countryside and surrounding local villages and make our way to the county's only coastal National Park before travelling along the coast back to the busy and bustling port of Dar es salaam
Day 1
Overnight travel to Dar es Salaam
Day 2
On arrival transfer to our hotel in Morogoro, a town on the edge of the Mikumi National Park, one of the leading tourist attractions in the country. It has a wide range of wildlife including lions, buffalo, zebras, giraffe, hippos, hyenas, antelopes and many beautiful birds.
Day 3
We Start with about 30 km transfer and set off on our challenge. From here we turn off onto dirt road taking us into very rural Africa. The road is very bumpy at times & we pass through countless small villages. Overnight Camp on a local primary school football ground
Day 4
Today’s cycle is very tough. We will be on relatively good dirt roads but they are very undulating giving us a real challenge! Our destination today is Mbwewe village and we get there passing through African bush & rural village. A real taste of local life.
Day 5
We begin to feel within reach of the coast today as we head towards Saadani National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is situated right on the Indian Ocean coast and is home to a wide range of animals such as giraffe, elephants & buffalo. The first 15km is on tar before we return to the dirt roads. However, today is easier & will be something of a relief after yesterday’s tough cycling. The initial undulations give way to a gradual downhill to the coast.
The last 20kms today will be truly exciting as we cycle inside the national park. We will be accompanied by rangers & will hopefully see wild animals enjoying the park.
Overnight in Saadani Lodge, a stunning location on the sea & a chance to enjoy the swimming pool. We will arrive a little earlier at our accommodation today & there will be the change to go for an optional game drive this afternoon.
Day 6 Continuing through the Park this morning for 24km we then cross the River Wami by boat & slowly make our way to Bagamoyo, a historical slave trading town with a prison that can be visited. Bagamoyo is a charming coastal village with a harbour, market & stalls… as well as looking out over the Indian Ocean!
Day 7
Our last day of cycling follows the line of the beautiful Indian Ocean coast from Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam. The day starts with 15 km on dirt road before we join the tar road for the rest of the distance. We will cross the finish line on the beach front & enjoy a celebratory lunch there.
Day 8
Today is free to relax by the pool or beach, or take part in an optional tour to Zanzibar, a must visit for all !
Day 9
Transfer to Dar es Salaam airport for your international flight home or you could stay on and explore some more.
Day 10
Arrive at home ready to book your next cycle challenge this time to Zambia !!
Day 1
Overnight travel to Dar es Salaam
Day 2
On arrival transfer to our hotel in Morogoro, a town on the edge of the Mikumi National Park, one of the leading tourist attractions in the country. It has a wide range of wildlife including lions, buffalo, zebras, giraffe, hippos, hyenas, antelopes and many beautiful birds.
Day 3
We Start with about 30 km transfer and set off on our challenge. From here we turn off onto dirt road taking us into very rural Africa. The road is very bumpy at times & we pass through countless small villages. Overnight Camp on a local primary school football ground
Day 4
Today’s cycle is very tough. We will be on relatively good dirt roads but they are very undulating giving us a real challenge! Our destination today is Mbwewe village and we get there passing through African bush & rural village. A real taste of local life.
Day 5
We begin to feel within reach of the coast today as we head towards Saadani National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is situated right on the Indian Ocean coast and is home to a wide range of animals such as giraffe, elephants & buffalo. The first 15km is on tar before we return to the dirt roads. However, today is easier & will be something of a relief after yesterday’s tough cycling. The initial undulations give way to a gradual downhill to the coast.
The last 20kms today will be truly exciting as we cycle inside the national park. We will be accompanied by rangers & will hopefully see wild animals enjoying the park.
Overnight in Saadani Lodge, a stunning location on the sea & a chance to enjoy the swimming pool. We will arrive a little earlier at our accommodation today & there will be the change to go for an optional game drive this afternoon.
Day 6 Continuing through the Park this morning for 24km we then cross the River Wami by boat & slowly make our way to Bagamoyo, a historical slave trading town with a prison that can be visited. Bagamoyo is a charming coastal village with a harbour, market & stalls… as well as looking out over the Indian Ocean!
Day 7
Our last day of cycling follows the line of the beautiful Indian Ocean coast from Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam. The day starts with 15 km on dirt road before we join the tar road for the rest of the distance. We will cross the finish line on the beach front & enjoy a celebratory lunch there.
Day 8
Today is free to relax by the pool or beach, or take part in an optional tour to Zanzibar, a must visit for all !
Day 9
Transfer to Dar es Salaam airport for your international flight home or you could stay on and explore some more.
Day 10
Arrive at home ready to book your next cycle challenge this time to Zambia !!