Green Hills Of Africa: Cycling Between Nairobi, Kenya & Lilongwe, Malawi

The Green Hills of Africa section runs between Nairobi and Lilongwe and includes 3 countries – Kenya, Tanzania & Malawi – that are often considered the ‘Heart of Africa.’ This is the Africa that many of us have in mind when we think of that continent – rich, red earth, vast plains of Acacia trees,  lush rainforests, spectacular wildlife, endless green hills and red-cloaked Masai tribesmen.

You can experience this amazing cycling adventure on either the Tour d’Afrique Cycling Expedition in March going north to south covering all countries starting in Nairobi, Kenya or in the opposite direction on the Cape To Kili Cycling Expedition in October which ends in Moshi, Tanzania near Mt Kilimanjaro.

Here are 5 great reasons to cycle this stunning section:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is an incredible sight, especially from the seat of your bicycle or from your campsite. At 5995 m, the highest mountain in Africa, it stands out sharply from the flat plains that surround it. Riders can enjoy the view, preferably while listening to Toto’s iconic song, Africa, and reading Ernest Hemingway’s famous short story – The Snows of Kilimanjaro.

Fun fact: Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, once wore a rhino costume while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for a charity to save endangered rhinos.

Wildlife Safaris

The Tour d’Afrique pauses for 3 days in Arusha, Tanzania to allow the riders the opportunity to take a wildlife safari out to such famous attractions as Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Here they may be able to observe the Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. Riders on the Cape to Kili ride, on the other hand, make a stop at Lake Manyara, home to vast flocks of pink flamingoes and tree-climbing lions, before concluding in Moshi, where they can also arrange safaris to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

>>Related Video: Cycling Cairo to Cape Town on the Tour d’Afrique – Part 4

Rural Tanzania

In 2009, in response to increasing vehicle traffic on part of our route through Tanzania, I was sent to see if there was an alternative way through the country. Initially, I glanced at a map (paper…remember the year!) and noticed a skinny line heading south from Arusha through Western Tanzania and headed out to see for myself. The new route has turned out to be a highlight of the tour, a 7 day stretch through some of the most remote regions of the country on striking red earth roads amidst lush green jungle.

>>Related Video: Cycling Cairo to Cape Town on the Tour d’Afrique – Part 5

Bamboo Bridge

Hidden away just outside Chitimba Beach is an incredible bamboo bridge first constructed in 1904 – making it over 120 years old years old. Each year the local villagers get together and make the needed repairs, ensuring it lasts for another century or so.

Keep your eyes peeled for the sign…it is easy to miss!

>>Related Post: 9 Surprising Reasons To Cycle Southern Africa

Lake Malawi

If Malawi is the “Warm Heart of Africa’, then Lake Malawi is the warm heart of Malawi. The 3rd largest freshwater lake in the world, it is home to an astounding 1000 species of fish, some of which end up in local kitchens while others end up in aquariums around the world. Beautiful sand beaches are backdropped by verdant green hills and its crystal clear waters are the perfect setting for riders to enjoy some spectacular sunrises as the local fishermen head out onto the waters.

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