iBike / International Bicycle Fund

For those seeking an escape from the Western World and experience a small dose of adventure, while meet people and gain a better understanding of the world, Burkina Faso is an excellent destination. Ibike's Burkina Faso bicycle tour does all of this. Program participants stay in rural villages, get off the beaten track and learn about day-to-day life in the interior of west Africa, meet artisans, health care personnel and educators, visit historic and cultural sites, and relax under mango trees. Highlights of the program include passing through the territory of the multiple ethnic groups, the unique architecture of the Lobi people, the Ruins of LoropÔøΩni , wandering in multiple fascinating traditional markets featuring local produce, handmade textiles, traditional medicine and much more.

Cameroon likes to describe itself as "Africa in miniature." It has rainforest, grasslands, arid lands, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, countless micro climates and over 200 languages. The number of languages is a good proxy for the ethnic diversity. Included in this diversity is variations in architecture, cuisine, art, dress, agriculture, economic activity, religion and almost every other aspect of human endeavor. It is both a fascinating and extraordinary beautiful country. It would take a lifetime to really understand all of the nuance of Cameroon, but by its vary nature, a bicycle tours is a good way to get started.One Bicycle Africa program explores the southwest region and the second visits the north of the country. A special feature of both programs is the opportunity to meet people and a lot of contact with the culture.The southwestern area is particularly rich in culture. We passing through the areas of the Duala, Bankon, Mbo, Bakaka, Bassa, Bamunka, Mendankwe-Nkwen, Kom, LamnsoÔøΩ, Oku, and Bafut ethnic groups, to name a few. It is unlikely that these names means much to you now, but in the course of the tour participants will get a context for this and much more information about Cameroon. The itinerary winds through hills to the dramatic ring-road of the verdant western Bamileke highlands and to the historic town of Foumban, then passes the base of 14,000 foot Mt. Cameroon, and ends at the beach. In route we stop to visit tea and coffee estates, traditional farms and observe to the traditional court of the Fon of the Bafoum. It is an extraordinarily beautiful route as well.The northern program is nothing short of fascinating. It twists up semi-arid valleys of traditional villages and ends amidst the geological wonders and wildlife areas of north. The way of life in this area seems magical and architecture in the region is stunning. We make stops to watch craftsmen create brass castings, baskets and textiles and to shop at colorful weekly village markets.

It was part of the civilization of the Inca. The programs visit two ethnically different parts of the country and highlight the rich cultural heritage and history, the geographical and environmental diversity, and the mosaic of economic, geological, and cultural complexity. Program participants have opportunities to see the lovely capital city of Quito (a World Heritage Site), rich in Spanish colonial Architecture, to meet Otavalo, Salasacas and other indigenous people and explore a variety of unique ecological zones. We will visit local markets, wander in historic sites and to enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the Ecuador. Most programs are timed to coincide with the traditional Inca Inty Raymi Festival, characterized by music, dancing, colorful traditional dress and merrymaking. The rich cultural history of the Ecuador is an under appreciated treasure. Specialists in cross-cultural programs guide the group.

Cycling Conditions: 75% paved roads, dirt and rock roads can be very rough, mostly rolling terrain, with sections of long hills, high elevation.

Spectacular countryside and historically rich area from Addis Ababa to and north of Bahir Dar.Bicycle from Addis Ababa into and out of the Nile gorge and across the high plateau of the Horn of Africa. This program explores spectacular countryside and the culturally/historically rich area around and north of Bahir Dar.

The diversity characterizing Ghana is considerable. This explains its ability to offer visitors beautiful sites, verdant mountainous landscapes, green valleys and dry plains as well as beaches and the sun throughout the year. Ghana offer a surprising diversity of landscapes and localities, ranging from the fevered atmosphere of the streets of Accra, abundant coastal vegetation and serene savannah of the North.Accra is known for its shade trees and its energetic ambiance. Among the top attractions are Independence Square, the National Museum, and the highly regarded Makola market, center for much day-to-day commerce.On the Akwapan plateau, many cities and towns are veritable garden cities by virtue of theirs numerous mango trees and "flower beds" of edible landscaping. The first cocoa trees in Ghana were planted in this region. On this theme, Aburi is the home of a large botanical garden. Its narrow streets, hillside building, a quaint church and cooler climate make it a refreshing stop-over. Also of interest in the are are the traditional healers.

Guyana draws part of its culture from the exuberant Caribbean, Africa, and Asia, its anthropology 10,000 year old cultures, and its ecology from South America biodiversity. To help people discover, learn about and enjoy this rich mix of life, in collaboration with United States Peace Corps Volunteers working on sustainable development and Amerindian communities in Guyana, the International Bicycle Fund is sponsoring a very unique, two-week, cultural and environmental immersion, bike and boat program in Guyana

Liberia considers itself the first modern democracy in Africa. It is also the country where the Bicycle Africa program began. With 20 ethnic groups, a variety of religions and a rich cultural tradition, the diversity of Liberia is considerable. Physically it offers verdant forests, mountain landscapes, and drier savannahs, as well as beaches and the sun throughout the year. Much of the coast is lined with coconut trees and dotted typical fisherman's dwellings. Monrovia has many modern conveniences and an active scene, while the villages are serene, and reflect traditional values and lifestyle, including wonderful hospitality. "Liberia: People-to-People" is a engaging mÔøΩlange of modern and traditional.The maritime region of West Africa is the origins of much to the traditional religion and music that many Westerners associated with Africa. It is not coincidence, because this is also the region that supplied much of the human cargo of the trans-Atlantic stave trade, which allowed these religious and cultural traditions to seep into the culture of the America such as jazz and gospel music.

For those seeking an escape from the Western World and experience a small dose of adventure, while meet people and gain a better understanding of the world, Mali is an excellent destination. Ibike's Mali bicycle tour does all of this. Program participants stay in rural villages, get off the beaten track and learn about day-to-day life in central west Africa, meet artisans, health care personnel and educators, visit historic and cultural sites, and relax under mango trees and on the river. Highlights of the program include visits to Mopti and Djenne , wandering in multiple markets featuring local produce, handmade textiles, traditional medicine and much more, exploring the fascinating escarpment and enclaves of the Dogon people (with its many sacred sites) and a truly extraordinary riverboat trip on the Niger River.

Our Nepal program will help you discover the depth and complex of the Kingdom of Nepal. For Nepal, Mt. Everest is only the proverbial "tip of the ice berg." There is much more to be awed by. For starters, within 100 miles of its snowy mountain peaks are teeming jungles with countless ecological variations in between. Nepal is also distinctive for the friendliness of its people and the richness of its culture. The people are as variable and intriguing as the geography, offering an unfolding tapestry of ethnic groups, such as Newars, Tharus and Sherpas each with its own distinct language, customs, architecture and dress. While Hinduism is the official religion and practiced by the majority, many people throughout the country are Buddhists. The two religions have co-existed in harmony throughout NepalÔøΩs history. In fact, Hinduism and Buddhism are so intertwined that their temples sometimes share the same location and rites of both faiths may be practiced within a single family. Program participants have opportunities to see the royal capital city of Kathmandu, to meet indigenous people and explore a variety of unique ecological zones, including Royal Chitwan National Park. We will visit local markets, temples and development projects and to enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the country.

A very flat route. Immersion in local villages and cultural and the eco-system surrounding the Okavango Delta. Three common reason people have heard of Botswana and/or Namibia are the "click-languages" spoken by the indigenous hunter-gather and fisher-gather ethnic groups, the Okavango River eco-systems, other extensive natural beauty, and diamond. Bicycle Africa's programs explores some extent of all of these, except the diamonds -- which are often cloistered in restrictive zones. Our route partially circumnavigates the Okavango Delta.