Motorbike Safaris in Tanzania
Experience the African bush on two wheels!
Ride the length of Tanzania with our experienced staff and have a unique and breath-takingly exciting Tanzania safari!
A motorbike safari is a truly unique way to experience Africa. Being on two wheels allows you to get through to places a large 4*4 simply can't access, meaning that you will find yourself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but your fellow riders and the wilderness of Africa - and most likely a few curious locals! Wide open spaces, endless challenging trails and awe-inspiring scenery combine to make a motorbike safari in Tanzania truly memorable.
Our bike trips can be designed to suit the requirements of any biker. If your Tanzanai safari leaves you low on time, try a short one-day trip out of Dar es Salaam into the neighbouring Pugu Hills or along the coast to Bagamoyo, along flowing river beds and through scrubby bush, stopping for food and drinks in small villages to chat with the local people.
Should you have more time or are interested in more adventurous bike trips, we run 5-7 day bike trips inland and through the south of Tanzania (weather permitting). Staying in small local guesthouses or camping along the way, this is an amazing opportunity to see parts of the country that others on a standard Tanzania safari never see. Take in the well-known Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park, where you can take time out from your motorbike safari to climb into a 4*4 and experience game drives in some of Tanzania's richest game parks.
Of course remember that wildlife is not restricted to the parks and roams freely throughout the wild places in Tanzania. You are highly likely to encounter game wandering along your route - giraffes lazily munching trees and impala leaping across the stream beds. Don't forget your camera!
The bikes you will be riding are XR400s, Africa proof of course and well maintained by our experienced bike mechanics. For longer trips a back-up vehicle will be provided which will carry most kit, enabling you to ride free of weighty packs and inconvenient saddlebags. The vehicle is equipped with full first aid equipment and a satellite phone to ensure safety at all times.
A sample motorbike safari itinerary follows.
- Day One Arrive in Dar es Salaam, transfer to hotel, relax, meet guides etc
- Day Two Meet bikes, go on a small ride to familiarize, maybe to Bagamoyo overnight
- Day Three Ride out of Dar to Msata and into hills, overnight in local guesthouse
- Day Four Ride around the area, head down to Mikumi National Park, overnight in hostel
- Day Five Go for game drive safari / rest day / any essential bike maintenance
- Day Six Head towards Morogoro and overnight there
- Day Seven Ride to South Beach and stay at Kipepeo Beach Village for some beachside beers and fun!
- Day Eight Return to Dar and transfer out or continue with Tanzania safari
Alternatively enjoy a northern trip:
This trip starts from Arusha; Tanzania?s ?Safari Capital? built at the base of Mt. Meru. The route begins on a graded dirt road which winds across the Masaai plains. On the second day you climb up onto the cool highlands of the Usambara Mountains. We traverse the mountains on footpaths then descend onto the coastal plain. A day of R & R on an idyllic beach is your well earned reward, then back onto the bikes. The return route takes us through the highlands of Usambara on the other side. After that we scale the Pare Mountains for cool forest trails and grand vistas. Finally we descend onto the plains for an exhilarating fast gravel trail back to Arusha.
DAY 1: 105 km good dirt trail, some sand and dust
We begin by following a graded dirt road which winds out of Arusha and into dry bush scenery. Here we will see traditionally dressed Masai warriors tending their herds and enjoy fast, fun riding. This first day is relatively easy giving you a good chance to get used to the bike and build you confidence. There is a picnic lunch served in the shade of a tree beside the track. We stop the night at an old colonial farm deep in the bush, where we?ll receive a warm welcome. If we are lucky the host might even tell us tall tales of bush life as we sit beside our evening camp fire. We enjoy a tasty meal brought in the support vehicle from Arusha
DAY 2: 160 km fast gravel trails through rolling hills
We make and early start, while it?s still cool. This gives us a better chance of spotting game, perhaps antelope and zebra. We also have time to enjoy the fast winding trail and rocky scenery. After a stop in the shade of a thorn tree for a tasty lunch we head towards the Same. Here we sleep at Elephant hotel next to South Pare mts.
Day 3:
We start early to make sure to have time to enjoy the small tracks of South Para Mts,
We will be driving over the mountains and meet the car on the other side for lunch for a lunch in the bush before heading over to Mnazi and up the snaky trail to Mlalo , where we take a break before riding the last bit to Loshoto, where we sleep.
Day 4
Loshoto
After 15 km we reach a local market Soni where we catch our breath and look around. We take a graded track that winds south through pretty valleys and forested hills. When this trail ends things get more interesting and challenging, and you will have a chance to test you trail skills. We descend on narrow footpaths which snake down into the beautiful scenery of the fertile central valley of these highlands. In the valley we rejoin a dirt road which skirts a lake then, carries us down out of the hills and onto the plain.
We ride a final short stretch to Korogwe, where we sleep for the night at the White parrot.
Day 5
After breakfast, we find the old road going to Muheza, where we at the marketplace , here we get the lunch in our backpack and ride up to Amani forest reserve, where we ride slowly under the amazing green tunnels of big trees, until we get too hungry, Time for lunch under the big trees.
After lunch back to Muheza, where the car is waiting for us. From there we take the dirt road to Pangani passing lots of small villages and lots of palms. We reach the historic slaving town of Pangani. A bit down the road we find Peponi where we will stay.
If we are quick we might manage a swim just before sunset. An early night and deep sleep are guaranteed after the long and tiring day.
Bear in mind that we are able to tailor the trips to suit your needs, so should you want to add or remove anything, or ride to a particular destination, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly and experienced field staff! For more information on going on an exciting Tanzania motorbike safari contact us.
