Cycling Through Tanzania

Amaya and Eric have been cycling around Africa, they've been on the road for more than two years, covering over 40,000km's (25,000 miles) . I've followed them every month (since they left France) to see how they're getting along. This month they crossed the border between Malawi and Tanzania, cycling north for two weeks, to reach Zanzibar. Here are some excerpts from their latest adventure:

Lush and lovely soon turned into dry, drab and very dangerous as we swooped back down to the bush, following one of Africa's main transport arteries which links the port at Dar Es Salaam with the interior. Lorry after lorry thundered past (on the flats) or trundled by (on the climbs) often forcing us off the narrow two-lane road. When the wind kicked up--which was most of the time--we'd get caught in the draft as vehicles passed and had to hold tight just to keep upright.

Strolls around Stown Town (the historical center) where highly atmospheric and, jaded though we may be, we were duly charmed. A labyrinth of narrow alleyways leading past tiny shops, children shouting out 'Jambo' in greeting as we pass, mosques on almost every corner, elegant colonial era buildings lining the seafront.

Tanzanians love Barrack Obama. We even found a shrine to the presidential candidate tucked away in one of Zanzibar's side streets.

Click here for Amaya and Eric's full story and check out the charity they're doing it all for.

_{Amaya comparing loads with fellow Tanzanian Cyclist -- © Amaya Williams and Eric Schambion}