Mto wa Mbu & Lake Manyara Bicycle Tour

Mto wa Mbu, a verdant oasis in the Maasai plains, offers an exquisite bicycle tour that not only provides a refreshing break from traditional safaris but also immerses you in the heart of Tanzanian culture and nature. This small town, known for its lush banana, coffee, and rice plantations due to abundant groundwater, presents an ideal setting for cycling. The Mto wa Mbu Bicycle Tour combines easy, scenic rides with cultural exploration, making it suitable for families, adventurers, and anyone looking to experience Tanzania from a different perspective.

The tour typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours, navigating through the village’s winding streets, past agricultural fields where you can learn about local farming practices, particularly how bananas are cultivated. You’ll see the daily life of the residents, from schoolchildren playing to farmers at work, offering a glimpse into the lives of those not directly involved in the tourism industry. This experience is enhanced by visiting an artists’ collective, where you can witness or even participate in creating traditional Tanzanian art, giving you a tangible piece of the culture to take home.

The tour isn’t just about pedaling; it’s an educational journey where you can engage with the community, visit a local school, and perhaps stop at a bar to taste ‘mbege,’ the traditional banana beer. The route leads to the shores of Lake Manyara, where the natural beauty of the area is on full display, with opportunities to observe wildlife like flamingos and wildebeest, although from outside the national park boundaries.

The bicycles provided are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth ride, even if you’re not an avid cyclist. The terrain is mostly flat, making it accessible for all ages, with the exception of some optional detours that might challenge the more adventurous.

Location

Mto wa Mbu is nestled in Northern Tanzania, precisely 120km from Arusha along a tarred road, making it an accessible stop from the main town or directly from the Lake Manyara airstrip. This location makes it a strategic point for those traveling through Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, especially as it lies near Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and en route to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Day Tour and Itinerary

Here’s a detailed look at what your day might look like on the Mto wa Mbu Bicycle Tour:

• Itinerary 1: Mountain Biking Village Tour
  • Morning: Start with bike fitting and a safety briefing. Embark on a 2-hour (or extend to 3-hour) ride through Mto wa Mbu.
  • Village Exploration: Ride past local farms, schools, churches, and a milling machine. Visit a local bar for a taste of mbege.
  • Cultural Engagement: Stop at an artists’ collective, visit the village market, and perhaps interact with locals at a school to understand the educational system.
  • Lake Manyara: If extending the tour, cycle to the lake shore for views of Lake Manyara, the Rift Valley Wall, and possibly some wildlife.
• Itinerary 2: Mountain Biking to the Southern Park Gate
  • Morning: Begin with a ride from Mto wa Mbu towards Magara Waterfalls, passing through quiet villages.
  • Adventure to the Park: Bike up to the southern gate of Manyara National Park, where your guide will meet you for further exploration into the park or to return to your accommodation.

Both itineraries offer different experiences but maintain the core essence of cultural immersion, physical activity, and scenic beauty.

What Makes This Tour Unique

• Cultural Immersion: You interact with the community in a setting that’s not tailored for tourists, providing a genuine cultural experience.
• Flexibility: The tour can be adjusted for length and intensity, accommodating families or those looking for a bit more challenge.
• Scenic Beauty: The route offers breathtaking views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley, combined with the lush greenery of Mto wa Mbu.
• Wildlife Proximity: While you’re not entering the park, the proximity to wildlife corridors offers a chance to see animals in a more natural, uncontrolled setting.
• Sustainability: The fees from your tour contribute to local community projects, enhancing the sustainability of tourism in the area.

Stay at MoonBow Lodge

After your cycling adventure, MoonBow Lodge offers:

• Comfort: A serene place to rest with accommodations reflecting local culture while providing modern comforts.
• Culinary Experience: Enjoy Tanzanian cuisine through full board meals, giving you another taste of local flavors.
• Further Exploration: The lodge can arrange additional activities or cultural experiences, ensuring your stay is as enriching as your tour.
• Nature’s Embrace: Situated near Mto wa Mbu, the lodge offers stunning views and is a perfect base for more nature or cultural explorations.
• Relaxation: After a day of physical activity, the lodge’s peaceful environment is ideal for unwinding, reflecting on your day’s adventures, and preparing for more Tanzanian experiences.