Round Lake Victoria motorcycle tour
Eighteen days and 2,300 km around Lake Victoria: the Nile sources in Uganda, green Rwanda, Lake Kivu and a Maasai Mara safari.
- 18 days · 16 in Africa
- 4 countries
- 2,300 km
- Max. 7 riders
- Category 3
- Price on request
An epic expedition: two weeks in the heart of Africa. Feel the atmosphere in green Rwanda, look for the sources of the Nile in Uganda, ride the wide landscapes of Tanzania and follow in the footsteps of explorers such as Stanley, Livingstone and John Speke, who reached Lake Victoria in 1858.
An epic expedition: two weeks in the heart of Africa. Feel the atmosphere in green Rwanda, look for the sources of the Nile in Uganda, ride the wide landscapes of Tanzania and follow in the footsteps of explorers such as Stanley, Livingstone and John Speke, who reached Lake Victoria in 1858.
We start in Kenya and ride anti-clockwise around the lake, though we do not always follow the shore because there is so much more to see. We travel through Rwanda — not on the lake, but developing fast and with the best roads in Africa — then back through Tanzania along Lake Victoria to Kenya for a safari in the Maasai Mara.
A long, beautiful journey over dirt roads, gravel and sometimes new asphalt. Africa is developing quickly and you see it along the way: from slums to modern hotels, from large farms without machines to hard-working people everywhere. The population grows, the cities grow, new roads appear. Especially around the lake.
Highlights
- The sources of the Nile at Jinja
- Safari in the Maasai Mara
- Lake Kivu in Rwanda
- Lake Victoria from four countries
- Crossing the equator
- The green hills of Rwanda
- Gorilla tracking in Bwindi (optional)
Day by day
Day 0 · Departure from Europe
Departure from Europe to Nairobi, Kenya.
Day 1 · Arrival in Nairobi → Naivasha
Transfer to the MotorSafaris base at Naivasha. We use the day to get to know each other, the crew and the motorcycles, with a test ride through the area.
Day 2 · Naivasha → Kitale · 300 km
The B53 through the hills along Eldama Ravine, through busy Eldoret and north to Kitale, the last town before Uganda.
Day 3 · Kitale → Kapchorwa, near Sipi Falls
A very small border post at Suam: the border is a river and we cross a small bridge. Changing money on the street, then a mountain pass on Mount Elgon — adventurous and sometimes closed in the rainy season. Overnight in a relaxed camp with bungalows.
Day 4 · Kapchorwa → Jinja, source of the Nile · 160 km
Today we see Lake Victoria at the point where the White Nile leaves it. The source was first seen by western explorers in 1862. We stay in a camp next to the river, 6,650 km long and the longest river on earth.
Day 5 · Jinja → Kampala · 90 km
A boat ride in the morning, then on to Kampala. Traffic is extremely busy, but the nightlife is possibly the best in Africa.
Day 6 · Kampala → Lake Mburo · 250 km
South-west through Uganda to Lake Mburo, with the first real game of the trip along the road.
Day 7 · Lake Mburo → Lake Bunyonyi · 236 km
For those who booked it: gorilla day in Bwindi. Breakfast at 7, packed lunch, briefing at the rangers at 8 — you never know how long it takes. In the afternoon a short ride, two hours of dirt road through the mountains and then good asphalt to Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 8 · Rest day at Lake Bunyonyi
A day off at one of the most photogenic lakes in Uganda.
Day 9 · Lake Bunyonyi → Gisenyi · 150 km · Rwanda
Smooth asphalt to the border, with coffee and a market in Kisoro first — a kitenge is a good souvenir. At the border a fixer guides us from office to office while the bikes are cleared. We are in Rwanda.
Day 10 · Gisenyi → Kibuye · 120 km
A spectacular view over Lake Kivu with Congo on the far shore. The new Kivu Belt Road leads along the lake, and with a local guide we follow the Congo–Nile trail: an old road through villages and fishing hamlets.
Day 11 · Kibuye → Kigali · 130 km
Many hills, dense forest and small villages on the way to the capital, a big city with head offices of multinationals.
Day 12 · Kigali → Biharamulo · 285 km · Tanzania
We leave the luxury of the city behind. The border is grim, but we always get through. Tanzania feels like a step back in time, with the first 50 km the worst road of the trip. Kenya is exuberant, Uganda dedicated, Rwanda modern, Tanzania back in time.
Day 13 · Biharamulo → Mwanza · 235 km
Beautiful mountain views, new asphalt, large rice fields and lunch in the gold town of Geita. The Kamanga ferry takes us to Mwanza on Lake Victoria — a good town to walk around.
Day 14 · Mwanza → Musoma · 225 km
A quiet road along the Speke Gulf, named after the explorer who found Lake Victoria in 1858. Overnight in a renovated villa with good food.
Day 15 · Musoma → Maasai Mara · 180 km · Kenya
Across the border and straight onto the dirt road to the Maasai Mara — a challenge for bikes and riders, and the way to the most beautiful reserve in Kenya.
Day 16 · Maasai Mara · safari day
The best safari in East Africa. Bring $150 and enough gigabytes: riding past this park without visiting it would be a mistake.
Day 17 · Maasai Mara → Naivasha · 250 km
Back through the Rift Valley to Naivasha.
Day 18 · Naivasha → Nairobi airport
Transfer by car to the airport.
Day 19 · Arrival in Europe
Home with a head full of Africa.
What is included
Included
- Maximum 7 riders per group
- Two seats in the service car
- Hotels, lodges and camps
- Support vehicle and mechanic
- English-speaking guides
- Dutch organisers
Not included
- International flights
- Travel and motorcycle insurance
- Visas: Uganda $50, Rwanda €30, Tanzania €30, Kenya €50
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Gorilla tracking ($600)
- Maasai Mara safari ($150)
Dates and availability
We run this route on request. The old departure lists are no longer current, so ask us for the latest dates, availability and the price for your group size.
Photos from the route
Good to know
How difficult is the tour?
Category 3. Long distances, a tropical climate and a lot of impressions. You need solid riding experience and the ability to keep going on long days.
Do I need visas?
Yes, for Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya. Most are available at the border; we send the current rules and costs with your proposal.
Is gorilla tracking included?
No, it is optional and must be booked well in advance. Bwindi permits are around $600.
Which countries do we ride in?
Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania — four countries around one lake.
Can non-riders join?
Yes, there are two seats in the support car.