11 Day Guided Motorcycle Tour in Tanzania and Zanzibar

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

• Summary: Arusha is a vibrant city known as the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit, offering a blend of culture, history, and adventure.
• Meals: Dinner
• Activities: Arrive in Arusha, check into your hotel, and attend an evening briefing about the tour.
• Optional city exploration, including visits to local markets and cultural sites

Day 2: Arusha local ride day (75 km / 47 miles)

• Driving time: 2-3 hours
• Summary: Hop on the bikes for a local ride through Arusha town as you head to Mungu Crater (God’s Hole) a massive volcanic crater in the heart of Maasai Bomas, about one hour outside of Arusha.
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Activities: Ride through Arusha town and to Mungu crater. Dinner at a local spot in town.

Day 3: Arusha to Longido to Lake Natron (209 km / 130 miles)

• Driving time: ~5 hours
• Summary: The route provides a mix of paved and dirt roads, with the chance to experience local Maasai culture and the beauty of the Great Rift Valley. Expect a scenic adventure, with the opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy the rugged, natural surroundings as you approach the eco-lodge, nestled near the giraffe reserve.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Activities: Interact with local Maasai people and enjoy a picnic lunch with beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley

Day 4: Lake Natron to Karatu via Mto Wa Mbu (135 km / 84 miles)

• Driving time: ~3 hours
• Summary: The ride from Lake Natron to Karatu takes you through dramatic landscapes, from the stark beauty of the salt flats and volcanic terrain around the lake to the lush highlands near Karatu. Along the way, you'll pass Maasai villages and open plains and enjoy panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Highlands.
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Activities: Take a cultural tour in Mto Wa Mbu to learn about Maasai culture, and then ride 30 minutes to your accommodation in Karatu.

Day 5: Karatu to Ngorongoro (119 km / 74 miles)

• Driving time: ~3-4 hours
• Summary: The ride from Karatu to Ngorongoro and Little Moru Tented Camp takes you through stunning landscapes, from the lush Ngorongoro Crater rim to the vast plains of the park. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and a true safari experience as you head towards the camp.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Activities: Game drive into crater rim

Day 6: Ngorongoro to Karatu (119 km / 74 miles)

• Driving time: ~3-4 hours
• Summary: Morning game drive where you will aim to see the Big Five, followed by a ride back to Karatu.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Activities: Wildlife spotting!

Day 7: Karatu to West Kilimanjaro (229 km / 142 miles)

• Travel time: ~4.5 hours
• Summary: The ride from Karatu to West Kili will be a diverse array of tarmac and various dirt roads. You’ll experience panoramic views of Mount Meru, pass through wildlife-rich areas, and enjoy the serenity of less-traveled paths.
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner
• Activities: Enjoy lovely views of Mt. Meru, spot animals on the way, and have a local lunch. Stop in Chemka Hot Springs for a dip and lunch. Possible stop at iRide co-owner Sylvia’s grandmother’s home in Sanya Juu.

Day 8: West Kilimanjaro to Arusha to Zanzibar (106 km / 66 miles)

• Driving time: ~3 hours
• Summary: Ride from West Kili to Enduimet Game Reserve and then to Arusha via the bypass road takes you through a mix of savannah and rural landscapes. You’ll pass through the scenic Enduimet Game Reserve, where wildlife sightings are common, and enjoy open views of the surrounding plains. You will return your bikes and then hop on a flight to Zanzibar.
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Activities: You will stay on your bike as you ride through Enduimet Game Reserve to spot giraffes, elephants, and gazelles, to name a few.

Day 9: Royal Enfield tour in Zanzibar (125 km / 78 miles)

• Driving time: ~4-5 hours
• Summary: You'll ride through the spice plantations, explore the winding streets of Stone Town with its rich Swahili architecture, and enjoy coastal views of turquoise waters. Expect to encounter local markets, ancient ruins, and palm-lined beaches, making for a diverse and culturally immersive journey. Dinner at Secret Garden in Stone-town featuring live East-African music
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Full day Royal Enfield tour

Day 10: Rest day

• Summary: Mellow out on the beach or check out Stone Town a Unesco World Heritage site to see the Swahili, Arab, and Indian influence of this tropical island
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Beach, Stone-town, prison island tour, or sunset dhow tour

Day 11: Departure from Stone Town

• Summary: Conclude your journey, taking home unforgettable memories.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your flight.

Difficulty

This itinerary is considered moderate to challenging, primarily due to varying terrain and distances. Riders will experience a mix of dirt roads, gravel paths, and paved roads, with some rugged sections, particularly between Lake Natron and Karatu. While the distances between locations are manageable, the terrain can be uneven, and the roads can be bumpy. Additionally, the ride to Chemka and West Kili will have various off-road portions.

Skill levels required for this tour:

Intermediate:

• Can ride for 3-4 hours
• Average riding experience
• Little assistance required
• Comfortable with extreme curves and leans
• Average experience with unsurfaced roads
• Steep ascents and descents

Advanced:

• Can ride for 5-6 hours
• Extensive riding experience
• Assistance on demand (if required)
• Experienced with riding a variety of motorcycles
• Comfortable with any terrain and weather conditions

Note

iRideArusha can also offer this tour for single riders or small groups, so if you need different dates, just let them know!