Here at Untamed Africa Tours we offer riders the ultimate motorcycle touring experience across Southern Africa.
Founded in 2012 we specialise in fully customisable, off-road motorcycle safaris customised to riders’ interests and skill levels. Expert riders can tackle rugged terrain across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique on powerful KTMs or Yamaha T7’s while viewing exotic wildlife, scaling massive sand dunes, and so much more.
For the best adventure, we are able to put together a complete multi-country motorcycle tour over multiple weeks. With knowledgeable guides intimately familiar with riding conditions throughout Africa, we promise unforgettable, luxurious, and safe expeditions through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
Whether you are weaving through South Africa’s mountainous Cape Winelands region or uncovering the rugged coastline down to the southernmost tip of Africa, the experience is as personal as it is thrilling.
With customised motorbike tours, you have the luxury of tailoring your route to include the sights and experiences that most capture your imagination.
Opting for a guided tour not only enhances the richness of your journey, but also offers the peace of mind that comes with having experienced guides and a well-planned itinerary.
From the group tours traversing gravel and tar roads in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, to the individually crafted itineraries, the adventure you’ve dreamt of is within reach. These experiences are designed to be different, branches off the beaten path that promise the essence of Africa on two wheels.
Imagine a journey where every detail is shaped according to your wishes. Whether it’s encountering more wildlife, engaging in cultural exchanges, or pushing the limits of adventure on two wheels, guided motorcycle tours across Africa can be moulded to fit your vision.
This flexibility means that whether you want a challenging ride or a more leisurely pace, there’s a tour that’s just right for you.
Overview of African Motorbike Tours
Africa is a continent of diverse landscapes and cultures, making it a riveting destination for a motorbike tour. If you’re seeking an adventure that combines the thrill of riding with the exploration of exotic locales, a motorbike tour across Africa could be just what you need.
Selecting Your Route:
- Coastlines: You’ll have the opportunity to hug dramatic coastlines, feeling the sea breeze and witnessing pristine beaches.
- Mountains: Conquer some of the most breathtaking mountain passes, offering panoramic views as you ascend.
- Savannahs: Ride across open savannahs, a chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Tours Customisation: Your African motorbike tour will be tailored to your group preferences, whether it’s the difficulty of the terrain or the type of motorcycle.
From our own fleet of big adventure bikes of Yamaha Tenere 700’s that can handle diverse terrains, to the renowned off-road motorcycle, the KTM 500, there’s an option for every type of rider.
Some routes are even pillion-friendly, allowing you to share the experience with someone special, although we wouldn’t advise it!
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture as we stop by villages and interact with communities. Taste traditional cuisine and learn about the local way of life away from the trodden tourist paths.
Motorbike Tours at a Glance:
- Duration: From a few days to several weeks
- Terrain: 20% unpaved to mostly tarred roads, depending on preference
- Difficulty: Tours available for a variety of skill levels, typically rated out of 10
Arrange your motorbike journey with us and discover the untamed beauty of Africa, from the comfort of your chosen motorcycle.
Choosing the Right Tour
When you’re gearing up for a customised motorcycle guided tour in Africa, several key factors will steer your decision to ensure the trip is tailored to your desires and riding capability. Here’s how to pick the perfect adventure for you.
Your Riding Experience
- Novice: Look for tours with a lower difficulty rating, which may include more tarmac roads and shorter daily riding distances.
- Intermediate: Seek out a blend of tarmac and gravel trails, with some challenging terrain to hone your skills.
- Expert: Opt for tours offering off-road experiences, long distances, and varied, rugged terrain.
Type of Adventure
- Cultural Immersion: Choose tours that offer in-depth opportunities to engage with local cultures and ways of life.
- Wildlife Encounters: Select tours that go through national parks or wildlife-rich areas for a chance to see Africa’s majestic animals.
- Scenic Routes: Find tours that highlight Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, from coastal routes to mountain passes.
Duration and Comfort
- Short Tours: A few days to a week; usually means lighter packing and less time away from home.
- Extended Tours: Weeks or longer; involving more comprehensive travel itineraries and a variety of accommodations.
Group Size
- Small Groups: Offer a more intimate experience and potentially more flexibility.
- Larger Groups: Provide a social atmosphere, and possibly a more structured itinerary.
Remember, your comfort and enjoyment are paramount. Choose a tour that matches your abilities and interests, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable journey.
Preparation for Your Tour
Before setting off on your custom motorcycle guided tour, it’s essential to cover all bases regarding paperwork and health to ensure a smooth adventure. From visa requirements to what gear you’ll need to pack; a little preparation goes a long way.
Visa Requirements
Firstly, check whether you need a visa for your destination. This varies by country and your nationality. Organise your visa well in advance to avoid last-minute hitches. Most countries provide information online through their embassy websites.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Health and Vaccinations
Your health is paramount, so consult with a travel health clinic at least eight weeks before departure. You may need vaccinations such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, or even antimalarial medication, depending on where we’ll be riding.
Carry a personal first aid kit and any prescription medications, and consider health insurance that covers medical evacuation. For updates and advice, the National Travel Health Network and Centre is a reliable resource for UK travellers.
What to Pack
Your packing list should include:
- Riding Gear: Helmet, riding jacket, gloves, and appropriate footwear are non-negotiable for safety.
- Clothing: Bring versatile layers and waterproof items for changing weather conditions.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, torch, and a multi-tool can be incredibly handy.
Pack light but smart – space on a motorcycle is limited, and you’ll need room for souvenirs on the journey back.
Motorcycle Selection
The choice of your bike is critical to the experience. It’s important to match the motorcycle to the terrain we’ll encounter and your riding proficiency. We know what our bikes can cope with, and we will discuss your expertise levels with you.
Types of Motorcycles
Adventure Bikes: Also known as dual sport bikes, are ideal for the varied African terrain, these bikes are well built and handle well on both tar and gravel roads. You will experience this on Adventure Tours, which offer the thrill of riding a dual-purpose Yamaha Tenere motorcycle.
Off-Road Bikes: Also known as enduro bikes, are more for those looking for a more energetic ride over rough and varied terrain, these machines provide agility and performance for a smooth experience, perfect for Southern Africa’s gravel and sand roads.
Sport Bikes: While less common for touring, sport bikes can offer an exhilarating experience for proficient riders on good quality asphalt. They are not suited to most of the more interesting areas that you will want to explore, so for that reason, we don’t use them at all.
Renting vs. Bringing Your Own
Renting a Motorcycle:
- Pros: Convenient, allows for a fly-and-ride adventure, and as we own all our bikes, we carry spares specifically for those models, so we are able to provide excellent backup along with our own support vehicles.
- Cons: May be unfamiliar and require some adjustment.
Bringing Your Own Motorcycle:
- Pros: Familiarity with your bike, which can improve the overall experience.
- Cons: Logistics can be challenging and expensive; you may face import taxes and need to arrange for transportation.
- We wouldn’t carry spares for your particular model, so that could be a disadvantage.
Safety Considerations
While a custom motorcycle guided tour in Africa promises an exhilarating experience, your safety is our main priority. Familiarise yourself with essential gear, road safety, and emergency protocols to ensure a secure journey.
Riding Gear
Helmet: Always wear a full-face helmet that meets safety standards. Choose one with a visor to guard against debris and insects.
Jacket and Trousers: Invest in a high-quality motorcycle jacket and trousers made from abrasion-resistant materials like leather or reinforced synthetics. Look for options with CE-rated armour for additional protection.
Gloves and Boots: Select gloves that offer a good grip and knuckle protection. Your boots should be sturdy, with non-slip soles and ankle support.
Road Safety Tips
- Stay Visible: Wear reflective or brightly coloured gear to ensure you are seen by others, especially in low light conditions.
- Adaptive Riding: Be prepared to adapt your riding style to local conditions. Potentially hazardous roads in Africa may require lower speeds and heightened awareness.
- Group Dynamics: Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other riders and establish clear hand signals for communication within your group. This is especially important when driving on gravel roads.
Emergency Procedures
- Medical Kit: Always carry a comprehensive medical kit with supplies to manage minor injuries and stabilise conditions until professional help is available.
- Emergency Contacts: Have the local emergency numbers programmed into your phone, we will have access to satellite phones if venturing into remote areas.
- Plan Ahead: Familiarise yourself with the nearest hospitals or clinics along your route and have an emergency plan in place with your tour operator.
Route Planning
Careful route planning ensures a trip tailored to your desires and skill level, taking into account the vast terrains and climate variations. Be sure to make all your requirements clear when we’re planning your custom tour.
Popular Routes
Your African adventure could take you down the famed coastal roads leading to the southernmost tip of the continent, or through the rolling hills of the Cape Winelands. Don’t forget the lesser visited African countries, such as Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Lesotho. These areas offer great routes for motorcycling.
Navigating Terrain and Climate
Africa’s landscape offers diverse riding conditions, so the type of bike is important, but considering the climate is equally important, as temperatures can vary dramatically between regions and seasons, so organising your trip with an understanding of the local weather patterns is a must, we will be able to advise you on these considerations.
Accommodation Options
Exploring Africa on a motorbike offers a spectrum of accommodation choices, ensuring there’s a comfortable place to rest after an exhilarating day of riding. We offer both lodges and camping opportunities.
Camping
Camping provides you with the unique experience of sleeping under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. Permanent cam sites are sometimes well-equipped, offering basic amenities like showers and toilets, while others are not!
Some of our tours will incorporate camping with all the necessary gear provided, making it a hassle-free adventure.
Lodges and Guesthouses
Options range from luxury establishments to budget-friendly accommodations, often characterised by personal service and a local charm that adds to your African journey.
Cultural Experiences
Our tours offer you a treasure trove of cultural experiences. You’ll get the chance to witness the local way of life, taste unique flavours, understand cultural etiquette, and maybe even partake in vibrant festivals.
Local Cuisine
Each region has its own specialities, from bunny chow in South Africa – a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry – to mealie meal, Zambia’s beloved cornmeal dish. You might find yourself seated at a roadside stall or dining in a local’s home, but either way, the flavours will be unforgettable.
Environmental Impact
You’ll want to reflect on the environmental implications of your adventure. Your actions can have a significant impact on local ecosystems, so it’s important to travel consciously. We always stick to existing tracks and trails, and make sure that we dispose of trash in a responsible manner.
Responsible Tourism
Eco-Friendly Choices: You can reduce your environmental footprint by selecting tours that prioritise eco-friendly practices. This involves using motorcycles such as ours that are well-maintained to ensure maximum fuel efficiency and minimal emissions.
Wildlife Encounters
Minimising Disturbance: Your journey will likely bring you into close proximity with Africa’s majestic wildlife. It’s vital to maintain a safe distance, keeping interactions non-intrusive to avoid stressing the animals. Stick to designated paths and respect the quiet of the natural habitats you’re visiting.
Conservation Areas
Supporting Preservation: Often, our tours traverse conservation areas dedicated to protecting biodiversity. Where possible, we contribute to conservation efforts, so you can be assured that your visit helps fund the safeguarding of these incredible landscapes.
Support Services
Safety and convenience are major considerations. With diverse terrains and long stretches of road, knowing that our support services are available provides peace of mind during your adventure.
Guide Services
As professional guides, we are definitely an indispensable part of your tour experience. We not only lead the way but also share in-depth knowledge about the regions we’ll be visiting. We always make sure that you get the most out of your journey without the stress of navigation and route planning.
Mechanical Support
As you are no doubt aware, mechanical issues can occur during any motorcycling adventure. That’s why access to reliable mechanical support is crucial. Our tours typically include a support vehicle equipped with necessary tools and spare parts. In the event of a breakdown, mechanical experts are on hand to resolve issues promptly, minimising disruptions to your trip.
Medical Facilities
While on the road, access to medical facilities is a concern that’s taken seriously. The tour leader will choose the best course of action depending on the situation. He will have a medic kit with him and can use the satellite messenger or satellite phone to contact our doctor/support vehicle/office.
We will assist from our office, where we can see your exact location from the GPS tracker, and we’ll have the details of your travel insurance company. There will be a medical team on standby who is informed of our tour and areas we ride in. It is a must that you have good travel insurance and medical aid. We will have all your information on hand so that should something happen to you, we can handle the situation in the best way possible
Conclusion
A customised motorcycle guided tour in Africa is an unparalleled experience. You’re given the chance to tailor your journey precisely to your preferences, be it thrashing through rugged terrain on an off-road enduro bike or cruising the scenic coastal roads on a dual sport adventure motorcycle.
Exploring Africa by motorbike is not just an activity; it’s a call to adventure and discovery. Feel the wind in your face as you uncover the stunning landscapes and let each curve in the road lead you to new experiences.
