You have decided to ride Kenya. Brilliant. Now the boring bit: paperwork, insurance and packing.
Good news: it is not complicated. Here is everything you need to sort before your motorcycle trip to Kenya, in one place.
1. Entry: Kenya’s eTA
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before they fly. It replaced the old visa system in 2024.
- Apply online at the official site: etakenya.go.ke. Avoid lookalike sites that charge extra.
- Apply at least 3 days before you travel. You can apply up to 90 days ahead.
- Expect a fee of around US$30.
- Since May 2025, most African passport holders & East African Community citizens are exempt.
Rules change, so always check the official site before you book flights.
2. Your Driving Licence
Bring your national driving licence with a motorcycle category, plus an International Driving Permit. Both, not one or the other.
Traffic in Kenya drives on the left. If you are coming from mainland Europe, give it a few kilometres. On most of our route there is very little traffic anyway.
3. Travel Insurance
Get travel insurance that clearly covers motorcycling abroad, including off road riding. Check the engine size limit too. Many standard policies stop at 125cc. Read the small print or call your insurer.
4. Health
- Talk to a travel clinic well before you go about vaccinations & malaria prevention.
- Bring your own medication, with enough spare.
- Pack sunscreen. The equator sun is no joke, even when it feels cool.
5. Money
The local currency is the Kenyan shilling. Cards work in cities and lodges. Mobile money (M-Pesa) is everywhere. On our tours, meals, fuel and beds are covered, so you only need cash for drinks, tips and souvenirs.
Ready to Ride With Us?
Small groups, your own bike and a crew right behind you. Kenya or India, pick your adventure.
6. Flights
Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. There are direct flights from several European cities and plenty of connections through the Middle East. On our tours we pick you up at the airport.
7. What to Pack
Keep it light. Your bag rides in the support vehicle, not on your bike.
- Riding gear: helmet, gloves, jacket, riding trousers with knee protection, sturdy boots.
- Clothes: long sleeves for dusty days, a buff, a fleece for cool mornings, a light rain jacket.
- Essentials: hydration pack, sunglasses, sunscreen, toiletries, power bank.
Full list on our Bikes & Equipment page.
8. Bringing Your Own Bike?
Riding into Kenya on your own motorbike is a different story. You will need paperwork for temporary import, such as a Carnet de Passages, plus local third party insurance. We rode in ourselves from South Africa. Read how that went and ask us anything.
Your Pre Trip Checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- eTA approved
- Driving licence with motorcycle category
- International Driving Permit
- Travel insurance that covers motorcycling
- Travel clinic visit done
- Flights to Nairobi booked
- Riding gear packed
Want It All Sorted?
On a Safari MotoXpedition tour, the bike, fuel, route, beds, meals and backup are all organised. You bring the paperwork above and your gear. We handle the rest. See the 2027 tours or check the best time to ride Kenya.
Ready for the Trip of a Lifetime?
Two tours in 2027. The Safari Loop in Kenya and a one time Special Edition in India. Max eight riders in Kenya, nine in India.