--- title: "Bicycle touring in Tanzania | Cycle Planet" description: "Cycling Tanzania: visa, border crossings, safety, transport, places to sleep and points of interest, from cyclists who were there." canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania" meta: "og:description": "Cycling Tanzania: visa, border crossings, safety, transport, places to sleep and points of interest, from cyclists who were there." "og:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BTanzania%2Cdescription_~Q3ljbGluZyBUYW56YW5pYTogdmlzYSwgYm9yZGVyIGNyb3NzaW5ncywgc2FmZXR5LCB0cmFuc3BvcnQsIHBsYWNlcyB0byBzbGVlcCBhbmQgcG9pbnRzIG9mIGludGVyZXN0LCBmcm9tIGN5Y2xpc3RzIHdobyB3ZXJlIHRoZXJlLg%2Cheadline_Eastern%2BAfrica%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvdGFuemFuaWEi%2Cs_H3p7l-rNKf9bQwKJ.png" "og:image:height": "600" "og:image:type": image/png "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Bicycle touring in Tanzania" "twitter:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BTanzania%2Cdescription_~Q3ljbGluZyBUYW56YW5pYTogdmlzYSwgYm9yZGVyIGNyb3NzaW5ncywgc2FmZXR5LCB0cmFuc3BvcnQsIHBsYWNlcyB0byBzbGVlcCBhbmQgcG9pbnRzIG9mIGludGVyZXN0LCBmcm9tIGN5Y2xpc3RzIHdobyB3ZXJlIHRoZXJlLg%2Cheadline_Eastern%2BAfrica%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvdGFuemFuaWEi%2Cs_H3p7l-rNKf9bQwKJ.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Eastern Africa # Tanzania [**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=-6.369028,34.888822,6.5) [** Download GPX (7) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/TZ) ## **About ** No information about this yet. Been here? Help the next cyclist. [Add information](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/about) ## **People ** Just like elsewhere in Africa you have quick contact with people, people have no idea how to keep a distance. They are usually very friendly and hospitable, but in the more touristy areas it often happens that people are greedy for money and overcharge. Children can be loud and intrusive. If you sit down somewhere in a village, they will immediately gather around you. Appropriate clothing is not necessary. Men usually don't give a shit about women, but they think a cycling woman is just retarded. Especially when you are alone you stand out and all the beauty is overlooked. But in a friendly way! Giggles, laughter, comments and kisses. The official language is Swahili. It's a language that you can master pretty quickly (if you don't know, just use the English word with an i after it) and then you have really nice contact. Last updated 12 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/people) ## **Visa ** Most nationalities need a visa for entering Tanzania. Source: [**Wikipedia**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Tanzania). Last updated 15 Mar 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/visa) ## **Where to get a visa for Tanzania **(1) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Embassy](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Embassy.png)**1. E-visa for Tanzania**Online visaWe don't have experience with getting this visa. Please share yours if you have recent experience. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7f9a8f5d-80d0-4df4-b735-1cc650b1de50) ## **Border crossings **(5) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**1. Mbala (Zambia) – Katete (Tanzania)**To ZambiaFast and easy border crossing. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/4cd6cede-af6c-467a-a376-b523d70b09b6) 2. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**2. Isebania (Kenya) – Sirari (Tanzania)**To KenyaVery easy border crossing where you can also obtain your East Africa Tourist Visa for $100.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/d182cc7c-c58a-4381-acbb-2347b6d6cdd0) 3. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**3. Mugina (Burundi) – Mnanila (Tanzania)**To BurundiEasy and fast border crossing.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/285e49b8-5dfc-43f6-82ec-d1e24d145b4c) 4. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**4. Mutukula (Tanzania) – Mutukula (Uganda)**To UgandaThis border can be quite a hassle to cross, with reports of having corrupt officials. Lately it seems better, and it might take up to 2 hours to cross this…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7c3b378c-b3dd-4277-a851-d4f0408143f9) 5. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**5. Namanga (Kenya) – Eworendeke (Tanzania)**To KenyaVery easy border crossing.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/9d5f0740-b315-40ed-87ee-39467ac7c49e) ## **See and do **(1) Sorted by most likes 1. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**1. Mount Kilimanjaro**See & doThe highest mountain in Africa (5,895 m / 19,341 ft) and a popular climbing destination as it is part of the legendary "7 summits". Formed by 3 volcanoes, it…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/86825e0e-5ca7-44b5-a1ca-d7ed1f70d18f) ## **Sleeping ** ### **(Formal) camping** There are hardly any campsites. ### **Ho(s)tels** It is not necessary to bring a tent, there are lodges or guest houses in most villages. These are very basic but are fine (spacious rooms, where necessary with a fan and where the bicycles fit). Outside the tourist areas these are very cheap. Please bring your own padlock for the door. ### **Wild camping** Wild camping is sometimes difficult because there are people almost everywhere. Last updated 12 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/sleeping) ## **Safety ** ### **Criminality** Nienke: "If I left my bike alone for a while, I didn't have to worry that it would be stolen, because when I returned, twenty people were on their knees around it to admire it. In larger places I put it inside someone's house. . In cities I took it into the hotel room!" Last updated 12 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/safety) ## **Transport ** ### **Train** You can take the bike with you, but it has to be put in the freight car and you have to arrange that it goes with you at the same time, otherwise you can sit and wait for it. If you send the bike forward, it will be treated nicely and will be ready for you at the station. You pay per kilo, not much. ### **Bus** Buses stop if you ask and on most roads there are many, you can take a bike and it doesn't cost much. Last updated 12 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/transport) ## **Food and drink ** There are plenty of food stalls and simple restaurants along the road. The food (rice with beans and spinach and chicken or fish) is not always reliable. Once you've seen the meat on the market, you don't need it anymore. It is fine for vegetarians. Supplies on the road mainly go to markets, which are really everywhere and there is enough available, but not so much choice (rice, potato, vegetables). Lots of eggs and peanuts. In the cities there are shops with sometimes jars of peanut butter and often pasta, which are expensive. In Mwanza, for example, there is a supermarket, in Dar a real western one. White bread (mkate, skonzi) and donut-like things (andazi, keki) are widely available, and often some Indian snacks as well. In the southeast of the country there is even brown bread, bumunda. **Drinks** Drinking water is available in bottles. It is difficult to find good water outside the big cities, there is no tap water. It is recommended to bring a water filter. Look carefully at the map or ask how far the next village is. Nienke: "I usually had 3 liters of water in my bag when I left. There was no tap water in the mountains. Drinking and filling I did at rivers and in villages. I did not drink tap water in the larger towns, but water from the lake did. Opinions are divided on whether that is healthy. I haven't had any trouble." Last updated 12 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/foodDrink) ## **Vaccinations & health ** Vaccinations against yellow fever, DTP and hepatitis A are recommended. A Cholera statement is also required. Malaria occurs all year round. Protective equipment DEET, prophylaxis, etc. are available on site. Last updated 12 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/health) ## **Other ** **Best time to cycle** The most pleasant period is from June to September. It is then nice and dry and cool (around 30 degrees). During November-February it is hottest in Tanzania. Tanzania has two rainy seasons: from March to May and, to a lesser extent, from November to January. Especially from March to May, roads on the south coast can be impassable. Susanne: "We cycled there during the rainy season. It doesn't really rain much, sometimes a shower (possibly with thunder), so not wet all day, and sometimes drizzly days. The roads can be flooded (south of Tabora, no most roads are passable, but your parts wear out faster due to the combination of sand and water. On the coast it was sweltering hot and stuffy, the rest of the country was fine after some getting used to. In the mountains it gets cold ( very cold (sweater + jacket) at Makete)." **Spare parts** Parts for the modern western bike are not available, only bad Chinese stuff. You have to bring all parts that could wear out (gears, chain, brake pads, etc.). The most commonly used tire size is 28 inches (so available, but poor quality). There are bicycle repair shops (fundi za baisekeli) with tools and inventiveness. In Dar El Salaam there is Samir (Google on Bicycle Doctors, Ruhinda Street) bicycledocters.weebly.com. Samir is very communicative and willing to arrange spare goods from outside. They are doing a good job. **Nice routes** - Wilbert: "From Lunga Lunga to Pangani there is a good dirt road, then in the rainy season impassable to Bogamogo, to Dar again good. From Dar to Malauri is asphalt, largely newly laid." - Nienke: "The dirt roads are very attractive for cyclists. Little or no car traffic and mostly hard sand or pulverized gravel. The Kitulo plateau in the south was very cool, narrow paths through afro-montane grassland. The country as a whole is very nice and beautiful, the towns are very lively, Tanzania is fun! Better first time Africa than Malawi!" - Beautiful tropical route along the coast, then alternating savannas, landscapes with the Mikumi National Park (a lot of game and according to Tanzanians too dangerous to cycle). - Theo: "Now that you're there: don't forget to go to Zanzibar: you can cycle there for a day or four on many unpaved roads through tropical forest and spend the night on bounty-like beaches." Last updated 12 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania/edit/other) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Cycle Planet is the bicycle touring platform: visas, border crossings, places to sleep and points of interest per country, and a community of cyclists who host each other.","name":"Cycle Planet","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/","publisher":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#identity"}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania#webpage","@type":"WebPage","description":"Cycling Tanzania: visa, border crossings, safety, transport, places to sleep and points of interest, from cyclists who were there.","name":"Bicycle touring in Tanzania","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania#/schema/breadcrumb-list/#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#website"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#logo"}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#identity","@type":"Organization","email":"info@cycleplanet.org","name":"Cycle Planet","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/","logo":{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#logo"},"sameAs":["https://www.instagram.com/cycle.planet","https://m.facebook.com/Cycle-Planet-100672311813208"]},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania#/schema/tourist-destination/1","@type":"TouristDestination","name":"Tanzania","touristType":"Bicycle tourers","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressCountry":"TZ"},"geo":{"@type":"GeoCoordinates","latitude":-6.369028,"longitude":34.888822}},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania#/schema/breadcrumb-list/#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://cycleplanet.org/","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Countries","item":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Tanzania","item":"https://cycleplanet.org/countries/tanzania","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://cycleplanet.org/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Cycle Planet","contentUrl":"https://cycleplanet.org/logo.png","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://cycleplanet.org/logo.png"}]} ``` ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](https://cycleplanet.org/sitemap.md) for all pages.