TOUR INTENSITY

This is no Sunday ride. The East & Southern Africa Expedition is the longest and most demanding tour we offer — and also the most rewarding. You'll cross over a dozen borders, ride through deserts, jungles, highlands, and coastlines, and cover thousands of kilometres on terrain that changes by the hour.

There will be long, hot days in the saddle, tough roads, early starts, and the occasional setback. But there will also be gorilla treks, mountain vistas, wildlife encounters, and sunsets so staggering they don’t look real. You need to be a confident, experienced rider with good stamina and an adventurous spirit. If you’re up for the challenge — it will be the trip of a lifetime.

ROAD CONDITIONS

Expect the unexpected. From Nairobi to Cape Town, you'll ride a mix of high-speed tarmac highways, potholed rural roads, and off-road tracks ranging from easy gravel to tricky sand and rocky trails.

The road surfaces will vary significantly between countries — Uganda and Rwanda offer surprisingly good tarmac, while Namibia and Mozambique present true off-road adventure. Many lodges are reached by dirt tracks, and weather can turn a smooth road into a challenge in minutes. Off-road experience isn’t mandatory but will significantly enhance your enjoyment and confidence.

ACCOMMODATION

We aim to keep things as authentic, comfortable, and memorable as possible. You’ll stay in everything from lakeside beach lodges to safari camps, guesthouses, and rustic wilderness accommodations. Every stop is handpicked for cleanliness, location, character, and a strong sense of place.

Expect the occasional night without WiFi, power outages, or outdoor showers — but always with a clean bed and cold beer close by.

CLIMATE

Over the course of this tour, you’ll experience almost every climate Africa has to offer. Equatorial humidity in Uganda, crisp mountain mornings in Rwanda, dry desert winds in Namibia, and temperate coastlines in South Africa. Pack for heat, dust, sun, rain, and cooler nights in higher elevations.

Temperatures will typically range from 18°C to 35°C, but deserts and highlands can dip lower at night.

CLOTHING

Helmets are absolutely mandatory, as are armoured jackets and trousers, gloves, and sturdy boots. Due to the heat, we recommend lightweight but abrasion-resistant riding gear with good ventilation.

A neck buff, hydration pack, sunglasses or goggles (for the dust), and waterproof layers are all highly recommended. You’ll be thankful for the right gear — this is a tough ride in changing conditions.

DOCUMENTS

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the first country. This tour crosses over 12 international borders, so multiple visas may be required.

Check your home country’s foreign travel website or reach out to us directly for up-to-date visa requirements and border crossing tips. We strongly advise obtaining an East Africa Tourist Visa for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda at minimum.

You must also have:

• An International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination

• Travel insurance that includes motorcycle riding and medical evacuation - we are partnered with GLOBAL RESCUE you can check them out HERE

HEALTH

Travel through East and Southern Africa carries some health risks — but nothing unmanageable with good planning. You may need vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, and Tetanus. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended.

Please consult your travel clinic or GP well in advance. Bring any personal medication with you, along with a good basic first aid kit. Our support vehicle carries a medical kit and our lead guides are first aid trained and we will have a Dr Travelling with us.