Africa Cultural Bicycle Tours

Seattle, WA, December 26, 2009 --(PR.com)-- For those who travel to meet people and gain a better understanding of the world, the International Bicycle Fund sponsors a series of educational, cross-cultural, bicycle tours in Africa. The 2010 schedule includes unique programs to Uganda, Tunisia, Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, Mali and Sierra Leone. Each country has its own very distinctive and complex cultural. Successive tours can easily be combined to create a longer, more diverse adventure.

Participants enjoy Africa the way few others do—by bicycle. Roll into market day with the local Dogon and Songai people of Mali. Take a tour that starts with dangling your feet in the Indian Ocean and finishes on the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Explore ancient Punic and Khosian historic sites. Share meals and experiences with local people. Be awed for miles by the mighty splendor of the Great Rift Valley and Victoria Falls.

David Mozer, the program director, describes program line-up as “selecting the best bicycle touring opportunities in Africa to demonstrate the continents diversity, beauty and dynamism.” Tours are designed to explore the complexity and diversity of Africa, be culturally sensitive, environmentally friendly and to support local economic development. Participants have the opportunity to stay in untouristed rural villages and markets, learn about day-to-day life, meet artisans, health care personnel, educators and government officials, visit historical and cultural sites and national parks, and photograph the land and people.

Ralph Monfort, a recent participant, summed up his experience with, "One of the reasons I have chosen the Ibike option is because of the emphasis on learning about the place and people, etc. Ibike provides cross-cultural / people-to-people experiences better than any other company I’ve traveled with – a good thing."

Since 1983, the program has specialized in soft adventure for people who want to learn more about Africa, as well as see the beautiful sights. The primary mode of travel will be self‑contained bicycle touring. The cycling difficulty is moderate, averaging about 40 miles per day on paved and unpaved roads, with opportunities for side-trips for the more energetic. Accommodations are a mix from western-style hotels to rustic traditional village housing. Cyclists from their teens to 60's have enjoyed these tours. All participants receive a comprehensive pre‑departure materials with detailed instructions on setting up their bicycle, packing, training and other information for tour preparation. The program is ideal for the realist who appreciates the diversity in the world and the wonderful rewards that can be gained from the modest rigors of bicycle touring.

The cost of tours, including accommodations, meals, and guide, varies from $1290‑$1990. Airfare is additional. Discounts are available for participants taking successive tours. Group size is limited so early registration is recommended. A portion of the tour price goes to support the local development and the projects of IBF. For more details contact: IBF‑Africa Program, 4887 Columbia Dr. S., Seattle, WA 98108. E-mail: ibike@ibike.org. Internet: http://www.ibike.org

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