Everything riders ask us before they book: health, paperwork, money, what to wear and how hard the riding really is. Anything unclear? Just ask.
Paperwork, health and money, sorted before you fly.
Vaccinations are advised for Kenya and Tanzania, and a yellow fever declaration is often required. Ask your regional travel clinic in good time, take malaria tablets as advised, and check that your insurance covers medical costs abroad — including motorcycle riding.
Kenya works with an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), Tanzania and Uganda issue visas online or at the border. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Rules and prices change, so we send the current details with your booking.
Bring some cash in euros or US dollars for the border and for the first days, and use ATMs with an ordinary bank card for the rest. Tell your bank you are travelling outside Europe. Check the current exchange rate in an app; we do not quote fixed rates because they move.
There is WiFi at SawaSawa Beach House and in most hotels; bush camps usually have none. The voltage is 220–240 V with British-style sockets, so bring an adapter and your chargers and memory cards.
Single travellers share a twin room with another single traveller of the same sex. If you prefer your own room, book a single supplement — also possible during the trip.
You change hotel room every day, and rooms are small. Use a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase: it takes less space in the room and in the car. It is a warm climate, so light clothes are enough.
How we ride, what to wear and what to expect from the roads.
Cruising speed is about 70 km/h, maximum 80 km/h on tarmac and 50 km/h on dirt. In villages we slow to 40 km/h. Always keep your distance. We do not ride off the road and we do not ride without the guide.
Expect 30–35 °C and bright sun. A ventilated jacket and summer motorcycle trousers with armour at shoulder, elbow and knee are the right choice; normal motorcycle boots or sturdy high mountain boots both work. Add summer gloves, cheap sunglasses and a light rain suit for the occasional shower. No military or camouflage clothing.
Bring your own full-face helmet. Safety comes first: we require complete, proper motorcycle clothing. If it is missing or unsuitable, we do not ride.
Light long trousers, sneakers and swimwear. A hat or cap against the sun, a sweater for the cool mountain evenings, and a head torch. Someone can wash your clothes and riding gear for a small fee.
Africa is as safe as Europe if you use your common sense. People are proud of their country, so avoid criticising it. Stay out of political and religious arguments, respect police, soldiers and officials, and do not photograph airports, government buildings or uniformed services. Plastic bags are banned.
Drink plenty of water — we carry fresh water in the support car. We advise against camel bags because of the risk of bacteria. Use good sunscreen and avoid sunburn; the sun is stronger than you think.
The right category for you depends on your condition, your experience, the daily distance, the amount of off-road, the traffic and the heat. Be honest with yourself — and ask us.
Anyone with a motorcycle licence, even without much experience, can join.
A few years of riding experience recommended. Not very tiring.
Several years of experience, longer days and fewer rest moments.
Solid day stages in harsh conditions: heat, dirt roads and bad asphalt.
The hardest trips we run, with long days off the beaten track.
Ask us anything about health, paperwork, bikes or the route. We answer personally.