Bicycling is an eco-friendly and intimate way to see Africa. Getting around on a bike as opposed to a car also removes the economical and social barriers that vehicles put between you and the locals, getting you an even closer look at the culture. Here are 10 bike trips you have to take while visiting this gorgeous continent.
ibike.org
iBike
iBike is a company that provides guided tours for small groups throughout Ghana, Uganda, Tunisia, Mali, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Botswana, Namibia, and Burkina Faso. The company aims to connect cyclists with the cultures they ride through, visiting historic sites, public art sites, religious sites and museums, as well as setting up accommodations in traditional villages.
joytripproject.com
World Bicycle Relief
After completing a World Bicycle Relief tour, you’ll feel craftier, more competent and more charitable than before. Offering numerous trips in Zambia throughout the year, this company guides you in building your own bike, riding it to rural communities in need, then donating the bike.
escapeadventures.co.nz
Escape Adventures
If you have a love of mountain biking, visit this small, New Zealand-based company that specializes in mountain biking tours. They’ll take you on a 16-day journey through East Africa, starting in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and ending in Nairobi, Kenya. The company also offers a family-friendly version of the same trip.
bicyletourfinder.com
Escape Cycle Tours
This South Africa-based company provides tailored tours on both mountain and road bikes throughout rugged and picturesque regions of South Africa and Botswana. Some routes include visits to the gorgeous Cape winelands, the famous Garden Route and Kruger National Park.
wildcat-bike-tours.co.uk
Wildcat Bike Tours
Catering to the more-experienced mountain biker, this company offers two tours in Morocco, as well as tours in Tunisia. It’s known for creating completely unique routes, which is easy for the company since it’s been guiding cyclists through Africa for more than 25 years.
wildjunket.com
CycleActive
This company appeals to all levels of experienced bikers and offers tours in Malawi and Ethiopia. Their guides are trained in coaching cyclists from beginners to experienced, and are highly educated on every destination.
rwandan-adventures.com
Rwandan Adventures
Rwanda is considered one of the best cycling destinations in all of Africa. Rwanda Adventures offers mountain bike tours all over the region. The company create itineraries that stay away from main roads and get customers off the beaten track, passing volcanoes, coffee and tea plantations, lakes and local primates.
aito.com
6-day Mountain Bike Safari
For serious cyclists, six-day mountain bike safaris are available in Northwest Namibia through Namibia Safari Vacation Packages. These include rides through rhinoceros country, dome-tent camping in remote areas, knowledgeable guides and the stunning, ever-changing landscapes of the Namibia desert.
bikerumor.com
Tour d’Afrique
Tour d’Afrique is best known for its cross-continent bike race, beginning in Egypt and ending in South Africa. But even recreational cyclists can enjoy one- to two-week rides through Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana and the Sudan.
backroads.com
South Africa & Botswana Multisport
For the luxury traveler, Backroads puts on an 11-day, combination activity trip. You can bike through elephant stomping grounds in Botswana, spot zebras in the Cederbergs and penguins on the Cape, hike the Great Escarpment and stay in some of the continent’s best lodges.