Africa Motorbike Tours: Why Kenya Is the Best Place to Start

Africa is on almost every adventure rider’s list. The problem? It is enormous. 54 countries, deserts, jungles, mountains and a lot of very long roads.

So where do you start? This guide covers the best places for a motorbike tour in Africa, what to look for in a tour and why we think Kenya is the perfect first ride.

The Best Countries for Motorbike Tours in Africa

Every region rides differently. A quick overview:

• Morocco. Close to Europe. Atlas mountains, desert pistes & the edge of the Sahara.
• South Africa. Great tarmac, famous mountain passes & good infrastructure. A classic starting point for trans Africa rides.
• Namibia. Endless gravel, huge empty spaces & very few people. Big distances between fuel stops.
• Tanzania. Kilimanjaro, highlands & long stretches between towns.
• Kenya. Savannah, the Great Rift Valley, wildlife next to the track & a huge mix of terrain in a small area.

All great. But for a first African motorbike tour, one of them ticks the most boxes.

Why Kenya Is the Best Place to Start

1. You ride with the wildlife

This is the big one. In Kenya you pass zebra, giraffe and antelope from the saddle. No jeep, no windscreen, no crowd of minibuses. Just you, the bike and the animals.

2. So much variety, so little distance

Volcanic gorges, lakes, savannah, forest and highland farmland. You do not need 500 km days to see it all. That leaves time to actually enjoy it.

3. It is easy to get to

Nairobi is one of Africa’s biggest air hubs, with direct flights from Europe. English is widely spoken, alongside Swahili. Less hassle, more riding.

4. The riding is proper off road

Red murram, gravel, sand and fesh fesh. Challenging enough to be exciting, forgiving enough for riders who mostly ride tarmac at home. More in our Kenya terrain guide.

5. Local bikes, local know how

We ride the Kibo 250, built in Kenya for Kenyan roads. Parts and mechanics are never far away, so a breakdown is a short stop, not the end of your day.

What to Look For in an Africa Motorbike Tour

Not all tours are equal. Before you book, ask:

• How big is the group? Big groups mean waiting & dust. We cap ours at eight riders.
• Is there a support vehicle & a mechanic? In Africa, this is not optional.
• How much is off road? Our Safari Loop is around 80% off the tarmac.
• Who are the guides? You want people who know the roads, the people & the plan B.
• What is included? Bike, fuel, meals, beds & transfers should all be in the price.
• What is the vibe? Racing or exploring? Cold company business or a crew that becomes your mates?

Guided Tour or Solo Overland?

Riding across Africa on your own bike is the dream for a lot of riders. We did it ourselves, from South Africa to Kenya. Read the story of that ride.

But it takes weeks, a lot of paperwork and serious planning. A guided tour gives you the best roads and the full experience in about a week, with everything sorted. You just ride.

Start Your African Adventure in Kenya

Safari MotoXpedition is small, personal and built around riding. A few tours a year, max eight riders, fully organised and a lot of fun. Read our practical guide to riding a motorbike in Kenya or go straight to the 2027 tours.