Tanzania National Parks’ (TANAPA) recently introduced bicycle tourism saw 27 cyclists reach the top of the 4 566m-high Mount Meru in the north of the country.

The cyclists, including both tour operators and tourists, completed their attempt to conquer Africa's fifth highest mountain in three days.

Speaking at the foot of Mount Meru, Albert Mziray, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation at Arusha National Park, said bicycle tourism on the mountain was a new concept that had the potential to attract more visitors and tourists to the area.

Catherine Mbena, a TANAPA Senior Conservation Officer, said TANAPA would diversify products to enable tourists to have an assortment of attractions.

Expedition leader, Thad Peterson, said tourists were now more discerning and were looking for more exercises to complete on itineraries, even during excursions. Cycling, he said, set the stage for even more tourists to visit the Arusha National Park, which offers a diverse mix of flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes.