DAY 1 DEPARTURE
We depart early morning from Dublin, flying via Amsterdam and onto Kilimanjaro International Airport where we arrive late evening.  Here we transfer to a hotel in Machame village, close to the town of Moshi, and located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.  We enjoy a light buffet dinner before settling down for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 2 MOSHI
After breakfast we meet our local team and spend time fitting our bikes for the ride ahead before taking lunch at the hotel.  During the afternoon we have a leisurely cultural cycle of Machame village and get a chance to test our bikes and meet the locals.  This evening we sit down to a welcome dinner and route briefing.

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 3 WEST KILIMANJARO 
Our adventure begins from Machame Gate the entry to Kilimanjaro National Park and the main assembly point for climbers ascending the mountain.  Our cycle begins on tarmac road allowing us to snatch glimpses of rural Tanzanian life as we pedal through the villages lying at the base of the mountain. As we turn north off the Arusha Moshi road we join dirt track which leads us out into the African plains. We finish the day at the Ndarakwai Ranch where we enjoy a camp meal and our first night under canvas.

Accommodation: Camping
Cycling: 100KM

DAY 4 ARUSHA 
Today we hope to spot some of Ndarakwai’s abundant game as we leave the ranch and continue our journey west towards Arusha. Ndarakwai forms part of the Aboseli/Ngasurai Basin ecosystem which protects ancient elephant migration routes and there are estimated to be some 65 mammal species and 350 bird species within its boundaries. Our cycle is along tough dirt and stone tracks through Masaai villages but we are rewarded with expansive views of Mt Meru in the distance. Our day will end with a short coach ride to our hotel accommodation where we relax in the evening sun and enjoy some good food.

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling: 90KM

DAY 5 TARANGIRE 
From our hotel we head towards baobab studded Tarangire National Park. The tarmac road takes us past all the national parks on the northern circuit and the day is full of opportunities to spot giraffe, elephant, zebra, wildebeest and more.   We spend the night camping in the grounds of a tented lodge where we can revive ourselves in the pool after the challenging day’s cycle. 

Accommodation: Camping
Cycling: 93KM

DAY 6 LAKE MANYARA 
This morning we rise very early to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and enjoy a sunrise game drive in Tarangire National Park.  After breakfast back at camp we commence our cycle skirting the rift valley escarpment. We lunch in sight of the valley floor where massive herds of buffalo and wildebeest roam. We finish the day’s cycle at Mto wa Mbu before a short transfer to our hotel at Lake Manyara where we enjoy fabulous views of the lake and the tens of thousands of flamingos which feed on the algae of the alkaline lake – or perhaps the unusual tree climbing lions who sleep in the acacia trees. 

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling: 57KM

DAY 7 NGORONGORO GATE 
And so to the last day of this spectacular cycling challenge.  Our route winds between the mountain ranges of the southern Ngorongoro Crater.  The game is abundant as we approach the world renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We take lunch at the gate to the national park and commemorate the final day of cycling.  In the afternoon we transfer back to Arusha, pausing at Lake Manyara to view the tens of thousands of flamingos which feed on the algae of the alkaline lake.  Later this evening we will be joined by a member of the Concern Tanzania field offices for a celebratory dinner in the grounds of a Coffee Lodge on the outskirts of Arusha.

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling: 35K

DAY 8 ARUSHA - DEPARTURE
Today we enjoy a day at leisure where we take the opportunity to explore local markets before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport in the early evening for an overnight flight home.

DAY 9 ARRIVE HOME

How do I take part in an Overseas Challenge?
Step 1: Complete an application form and send it into Concern with a personal donation/deposit of €150/£150
Step 2: Minimum sponsorship is then €4750/£4100 which covers the full event cost and more than 50% towards Concern Worldwide.
On receipt of a completed form and deposit, Concern will provide you with a Trek Manual and Fundraising Pack.

Where will the fundraising be used?
All proceeds raised will help the Concern Tanzanian office to continue their on going work and efforts in country by supporting existing programmes like Food Security and Water and Environmental Health.

Are there any limitations for participants?
Anybody above the age of eighteen years at the date of departure can take part in a Concern Challenge. All you need is an enthusiastic approach to both your training plan and fundraising programmes, and if you follow our guidelines then there is no limit to what you can achieve.

What do the funds raised cover?
Return flights and transfers to and from our destination.
Brand new bikes will be provided in country
Accommodation in hotels and tents.
Food and plenty of it.
Professional expedition leaders, doctors and local guides to show you the trekking route in a way only they can.
Help and advice from Concern staff to make the trek as enjoyable as possible for you.

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship money?
With a little planning and a lot of enthusiasm and effort, raising the minimum target should not be a problem. Fundraising is more than half the challenge and should prove to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Total Cycling Distance
Approximately 375KM on a combination of tarmac/sealed surfaces and maintained dirt tracks. 

Rating
Moderate+

Fitness level
This challenge requires a good level of fitness to complete the route

Weather
Tanzania can be visited during all seasons, although it is coolest and driest from June to October. January and February have higher temperatures but the heat isn’t oppressive and there are less tourists around. The rainy season is from March to May, although rain can fall at any time of year.