Why Cycle Through Mto wa Mbu
Mto wa Mbu sits at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, right on the road between Arusha and the big parks of the north. Its name means "river of mosquitoes" in Swahili, but the river is what makes the village special. It turns the dry plains into a green oasis of banana groves, rice paddies and small farms. The village is also one of the most diverse places in Tanzania, home to people from around 120 different ethnic groups. Cycling is the perfect way to see it: slow enough to stop and chat, fast enough to cover the farms, the market and the lakeshore in one easy ride.
What You Will See on the Ride
Your guide sets off with you through the banana and rice farms, explaining how the villagers irrigate their fields and grow so many different crops in the middle of a dry landscape. Next, you ride into the busy local market, full of fresh fruit, vegetables and everyday life. Along the way, you stop to taste banana beer, a traditional local brew, and visit Makonde carvers as they turn blocks of wood into detailed sculptures. The ride finishes at the shore of Lake Manyara, with wide views across the water and the Rift Valley wall rising behind you. The cycling takes about 2 to 3 hours on flat, easy paths. Bikes, helmets and your guide are included.
Good to Know Before You Go
The route is flat and suitable for anyone who can ride a bike comfortably. Children aged 8 and above are welcome, and child-sized bikes are available. Wear light clothing, closed shoes and sunscreen, and bring a refillable water bottle. If you would rather explore on foot, the Mto wa Mbu walking tour covers the same village at a slower pace. You can also extend your time in the village by adding a Maasai boma visit or a local lunch, which can be arranged at an extra cost.
Add the Bike Tour to Your Safari
Most guests join the bike tour as a stop on their Tanzania safari, as Mto wa Mbu lies right next to Lake Manyara National Park and on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. It is an easy add-on after a morning in Tarangire, and a great way to stretch your legs between game drives on a private safari or family safari. If your safari starts or ends in Arusha, an Arusha city tour is a great way to see Tanzania's safari capital. Browse all our Tanzania activities to plan more days out.
