Kilimanjaro motorcycle tour
From the Indian Ocean to the snow-capped roof of Africa, then back to the beach. Seventeen days through Kenya and Tanzania.
- 17 days · 15 in Africa
- Kenya & Tanzania
- 950 km dirt road
- Max. 7 riders
- Category 2
- Price on request
A varied motorcycle safari in East Africa: a stay at our tropical beach house on the Indian Ocean, a ride into the Usambara Mountains, the savannah around Kilimanjaro and a real game safari in Amboseli.
The first day is a test ride through the always-green Shimba Hills, with small villages and a weekly market that is an experience in itself. The next day we cross into Tanzania and ride through the green Usambara Mountains, the “vegetable garden” of Tanzania, before the hot savannah and the huge sisal plantations.
Around Kilimanjaro the landscape changes constantly: banana plantations on the east side, grain fields to the north and the dry savannah where Maasai herders keep their cattle. The return route brings us through Tsavo in Kenya, with an optional game safari in Amboseli: elephants, giraffes and lions against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.
Savannah, mountains, plantations, volcanoes, villages, animals, town life and especially the friendly people. Welcome to MotorSafaris, welcome to Amazing Africa.
Highlights
- Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan and Tanzanian sides
- The Usambara Mountains and Lushoto
- Optional safari in Amboseli National Park
- Lake Jipe and the Taita Hills
- 950 km of beautiful dirt road
- A tropical beach finish at SawaSawa
Day by day
Day 0 · Departure from Europe
Departure from Europe. We help you plan flights to Mombasa (MBA) and the transfer to the coast.
Day 1 · Arrival in Mombasa → Msambweni
A MotorSafaris driver picks you up at Mombasa airport and takes you to SawaSawa Beach House in Msambweni, about two hours away. Relax with a snack and a drink on the beach or by the pool.
Day 2 · Shimba Hills test ride
About 30 km of asphalt and 30 km of dirt road. Get used to the motorcycle in the green Shimba Hills, with time for cash withdrawals and last-minute shopping in Diani.
Day 3 · Msambweni → Korogwe · 290 km
We leave at 6 a.m. and reach the Kenya–Tanzania border after 55 km. The border can take two hours; there is always something to see. After 35 km of good Tanzanian asphalt we turn into the bush for a long, beautiful ride on gravel roads and through typical African villages. We spend the night in an executive lodge.
Day 4 · Korogwe → Mambo, Usambara Mountains · 130 km
After 40 km of asphalt we enter the winding roads of the Usambara Mountains. The first 35 km is narrow asphalt cut out of the rock, climbing into the mountains. After Lushoto we continue on dirt roads over the mountain tops, through tropical forest and protected zones.
Day 5 · Mambo → Lushoto, Usambara Mountains · about 150 km
Most mornings you wake up in Mambo with the clouds below you. Later the clouds disappear and there is a chance of seeing Kilimanjaro, 200 km away. A long, winding dirt-road day over the mountain tops: steep farms, colourful markets, villages and protected forests.
Day 6 · Lushoto → Moshi · 280 km
After 70 km of asphalt we take 100 km of beautiful dirt road behind the Pare Mountains. Lunch in a local restaurant in Same, then another 100 km of hot asphalt to Moshi, at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Nice shops, good restaurants and excellent coffee.
Day 7 · Moshi → Amboseli · 210 km
Kilimanjaro, 5,895 m high, stays on our right for much of the day. After 100 km of asphalt we leave the road for the dry savannah where Maasai let their cattle graze. The landscape slowly changes into grain fields, then pine forests at 2,100 m, before we cross back into Kenya.
Day 8 · Amboseli safari / rest day
An optional visit to Amboseli National Park. We leave early because Kilimanjaro and the wildlife are at their best in the morning: elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions and the snow-capped mountain in the background. The safari costs €120 for entry, transport and lunch.
Day 9 · Amboseli → Lake Jipe · 104 km
A tough, long road past farms that benefit from Kilimanjaro's meltwater. African lunch with Mama Chale. The road to Lake Jipe is long and sandy; red soil gives it the African atmosphere. Beware of elephants. If boats are available, we take a boat ride on the lake in the afternoon.
Day 10 · Lake Jipe → Taita Hills
An early morning walk to see the sun rise over the lake, then breakfast and a westward ride. We reach the new asphalt of the Voi–Taveta highway, which runs through Tsavo National Park, before turning into the Taita Hills on narrow roads from village to village.
Day 11 · Taita Hills → Sagala, Tsavo · 100 km
We leave the hills with views over the sisal plantations of Mwatate and descend to the plains. The plantations give way to bush after the electric fence. After a long ride we spend the night at Sagala Lodge, with a swimming pool and friendly staff.
Day 12 · Sagala → Mombasa · 160 km
We take a moment to let the wilderness sink in, then leave for Mombasa. First 40 km on the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, then a real African dirt road: red soil, blue skies, cows and a burning sun. Lunch at a petrol station on the highway. In Mombasa we stay in a hotel with air conditioning near Old Town.
Day 13 · Mombasa → Msambweni Beach · 50 km
After breakfast there is an optional guided walk through the old city of Mombasa. Around noon we take a short drive to the beach resort. A refreshing dip in the pool, a traditional welcome snack and a cold beer.
Day 14 · Beach day
Time to relax on the tropical beach, exchange photos and addresses, and enjoy the Indian Ocean.
Day 15 · Pack your bags
Depending on your airline departure time, you leave for Mombasa airport. It has been an intensive journey with many great African impressions.
Day 16 · Arrival in Europe
You can extend your holiday on the tropical beach of Mombasa: relax, read a book, go diving, kitesurfing, get a massage or walk on the beach.
What is included
Included
- Maximum 7 riders per group
- Two seats in the service car
- Hotels and lodges along the route
- 950 km of dirt road
- Dutch organisers and local guides
- Support vehicle and mechanic
Not included
- International flights
- Travel and motorcycle insurance
- Visa and border fees
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Optional Amboseli safari (€120)
Dates and availability
We run this route on request. The old 2021 and 2022 departure lists are no longer current, so ask us for the latest 2026/2027 dates, availability and the price for your group size.
Photos from the route
Rider review
“MotorSafaris understands exactly what a motorcycle holiday is. You only have to ride and enjoy. We can recommend this trip to everyone.”Marin & Marie-Louise van Gestel · Kilimanjaro Extended, Netherlands
Good to know
How difficult is the tour?
Category 2. The dirt roads are okay for most riders, but you need to be an experienced rider to spend long days in the saddle. The support car can take you and your bike if you want a break.
Do I need my own motorcycle?
No. We arrange prepared motorcycles for the tour. Tell us your experience and we will match you to the right bike; ask us for the current model and hire conditions.
Can non-riders join?
Yes. There are two seats in the support car, so a partner or friend can join for the whole route.
What licence do I need?
Bring a valid motorcycle licence and an international driving permit. Requirements depend on your nationality; we will confirm the current rules before you book.
How much does the tour cost?
The price depends on the dates, group size and motorcycle. Ask for a quote and we will send a full proposal.