Maasai Mara motorcycle tour
Fifteen days through Kenya: lakes, the Rift Valley, Mount Kenya, the Maasai Mara and a tropical beach finish. 2,150 km.
- 15 days · 13 in Africa
- Kenya
- 2,150 km · 370 km dirt
- Max. 7 riders
- Category 2
- Price on request
Kenya is a fascinating country: traditional and modern, cities and game parks, mountains and beaches, and above all an impressive nature. That combination gives you what you could call the Africa feeling — a deep impression of a world you knew existed but now really see, feel and smell.
Kenya is a fascinating country: traditional and modern, cities and game parks, mountains and beaches, and above all an impressive nature. That combination gives you what you could call the Africa feeling — a deep impression of a world you knew existed but now really see, feel and smell.
We take you along wildlife parks, lakes, mountains, villages, savannah and finally the tropical beach with palm trees and a warm ocean. The journey begins at Lake Naivasha, then on to Lake Baringo on the edge of the desert, and to Lake Victoria — as large as Ireland and one of the sources of the Nile.
From there we ride to the world-famous Maasai Mara, where millions of animals live in the wild. We see the remains of the colonial era in Nyeri and around Mount Kenya, cross savannah and busy highways, and look at the snow-capped Kilimanjaro from Amboseli. The constant in this unique world is the people.
Highlights
- Maasai Mara National Park
- Amboseli with Kilimanjaro in the background
- Lake Baringo and Lake Naivasha
- Crossing the equator
- Lake Victoria and the Nile sources
- Dirt roads through Tsavo
- Tropical beach at the end
Day by day
Day 0 · Departure from Europe
Departure in the evening from Europe.
Day 1 · Nairobi → Lake Naivasha · 100 km by car
A MotorSafaris driver picks you up. A long drive through Nairobi and over the hills along the Rift Valley to Naivasha, where hippos swim and water birds fly. A test ride to get used to the bikes.
Day 2 · Naivasha → Lake Baringo · 160 km
Away at 8 a.m. north, past the equator. Lake Baringo lies on the border of the desert, with many birds, crocodiles and hippos. Boat trip at 5 p.m. (surcharge). Overnight in tents.
Day 3 · Lake Baringo → Eldoret · 210 km
Up and down the mountain, first through hills with real hairpin bends, then farmland after lunch at Iten View Lodge. Overnight in a city hotel in Eldoret with a hot shower and a good Indian restaurant.
Day 4 · Eldoret → Mbita · 145 km
After 60 km we leave the main road for a back road to Lake Victoria. The 3 p.m. ferry takes an hour across a lagoon to Mbita, on Rusinga Island.
Day 5 · Mbita → Maasai Mara · 190 km
Wake up with a bird concert and banana pancakes. South through fertile fields into drier hills, with zebras, baboons and sometimes giraffes along the way, to the edge of the Mara.
Day 6 · Maasai Mara · safari day
Up early for the morning safari in Kenya’s most beautiful park: buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, antelopes, giraffes and lions. Bring enough memory cards. The safari is about $150 extra.
Day 7 · Maasai Mara → Nakuru · 225 km
Wildlife along the way, then a long dirt road to Narok and up out of the Rift Valley to the green highlands. We camp in a quiet, cool spot near Nakuru.
Day 8 · Nakuru → Mount Kenya · 230 km
Beautiful roads through the Aberdares, past tea plantations and coffee farms, to a lodge at 2,018 m with a fire and tropical forest nearby.
Day 9 · Mount Kenya → Machakos · 220 km
Via the chaotic town of Embu and a large dam that supplies Nairobi with water. The route changes every year as sandy roads are paved. Overnight in busy Machakos.
Day 10 · Machakos → Oloitokitok · 205 km
60 km of asphalt through the mountains, then 45 km of dirt road. At Emali we cross the Mombasa highway and the new railway, then 100 km of new asphalt towards Kilimanjaro — visible from 50 km away with a bit of luck.
Day 11 · Amboseli · safari day
Optional visit to Amboseli National Park early in the morning: elephants, zebras, giraffes and lions with the snowy Kilimanjaro behind them. About 12,000 shillings (€110) including entry, transport and lunch.
Day 12 · Oloitokitok → Sagala · 202 km
A rough road past farms that live off Kilimanjaro’s meltwater, African lunch, then new asphalt through Tsavo to the sisal plantations and Sagala Lodge with its swimming pool.
Day 13 · Sagala → Mombasa · 190 km
85 km of beautiful sandy road, then carefully onto the Mombasa highway. Into the city and on to the coast.
Day 14 · Mombasa → Diani beach · 50 km
Guided walk through the old town of Mombasa, then a short ride to the beach resort. A swim in the pool, a welcome snack and a cold beer.
Day 15 · Departure
Relax on the beach, pack and go to the airport in time.
Day 16 · Arrival in Europe
You can extend your stay on the tropical beach of Mombasa.
What is included
Included
- Maximum 7 riders per group
- Two seats in the service car
- Hotels, lodges and good tents
- 370 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
- Maasai Mara safari ($150)
- Amboseli safari (€110)
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 2. Long daily distances of around 200 km, 370 km of dirt road and mostly good asphalt. You need to be comfortable riding a full day.
Are the safaris included?
No. The Maasai Mara safari (about $150) and the Amboseli safari (about €110) are optional extras, payable locally.
Where do we sleep?
In hotels, lodges and good tents. Some nights are in camps with permanent tents, always with a shower and a bed.
Can non-riders join?
Yes, there are two seats in the support car for the whole route.
When is the best time to ride?
Ask us for the current dates. We avoid the long rains, and the route is run on request for small groups.