Planning Our Africa Motorcycle Adventure
After four unforgettable summer seasons of motorcycle travel in Europe, including rides through Turkey and Morocco in North Africa, we found ourselves asking the obvious next question: where to go next on our around-the-world journey? The answer, after a lot of thought, pointed south and east. Africa.
While we had traveled there before, riding a motorcycle in Africa was a completely different challenge. This wouldn’t just be another trip, it would be true overland motorcycle travel across Africa. Before committing, we needed to answer a big question: is it even feasible?
That kicked off a deep dive into everything from how to travel Africa by motorcycle, to motorcycle visa requirements, border crossings in Africa, and even the basics like what gear for motorcycle travel in Africa and motorcycle tyres for Africa’s mix of paved and gravel roads. We researched the best countries to ride a motorcycle in Africa, safety concerns, and the real dangers of motorcycle travel in Africa.
Shipping the Bike to Africa
One of the first major hurdles was shipping a motorcycle to Africa. After digging through large logistics companies that offered little personal service, we found a smaller operation - Africa Overlanders. The owner, Duncan, provided exactly what we needed: clear communication, flexibility, and a reliable route.
Our plan was simple: ship the bike from Rotterdam to Cape Town. The cost came in at approximately €800 (about $1,000 USD), which we found to be surprisingly reasonable for international motorcycle shipping. The timing also worked perfectly, allowing us to finish our Europe trip and have the bike arrive in South Africa ahead of our 2026 riding season.
Documentation, Insurance, and Logistics
Next came the paperwork. In Europe, we relied on Green Card insurance, but in Africa, a different approach was required. We secured a COMESA Yellow Card, a multi-country insurance policy covering several nations on our route. The cost for this was approximately $300 USD for four months of coverage across about eight countries. For the remaining countries, we’ll purchase insurance at motorcycle border crossings in Africa.
We also needed a Carnet de Passage. Working with Boomerang Carnets, we secured a one-year carnet. The cost was approximately $1,900 USD, along with a $3,000 refundable deposit.
Routes, Safety, and Planning the Ride
From there, the focus shifted to the ride itself, motorcycle touring in Africa. We studied organized tour routes through companies like Renedian Motorcycle Tours to understand road conditions and best motorcycle routes.
We also relied on the U.S. Department of State website to review travel advisory levels for each country, helping us avoid higher-risk areas.
Because we will be traveling through very remote areas, we added a couple of extra safety precautions. We purchased a Garmin inReach satellite communication unit, which allows us to send and receive text messages from virtually anywhere and provides an SOS function connected to a global emergency response team. In addition, we placed Apple AirTags in our most important gear, including luggage and hidden on the motorcycle, as an added layer of security in case of theft.
Final Prep: Visas, Health, and Gear
Most visas are available on arrival, with a few requiring advance online applications. We completed vaccinations, carry our yellow card, and are bringing essential medications and anti-malarials.
What Comes Next
We’ll be sharing this Africa motorcycle trip in real time and reporting back on lessons learned, safety realities, border crossings, and what we wish we'd known before riding in Africa.
This isn’t just a trip, it’s a motorcycle safari across Africa! 🌍 🏍️
-
Motorcycle travel in Africa can be safe with proper planning, route awareness, and local knowledge. Safety varies by region, so researching countries, road conditions, and current travel advice is essential.
-
Popular destinations include South Africa, Namibia, and Morocco due to better infrastructure, established routes, and accessibility for international riders.
-
Most countries accept a standard motorcycle license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP). Requirements vary, so checking each country in advance is important.
-
Motorcycles are typically shipped via container or air freight to major ports like Cape Town or Durban. Costs depend on origin, shipping method, and timing.
-
Common challenges include road conditions, fuel availability, border crossings, weather extremes, and limited access to parts or repairs in remote areas.
-
Essential items include spare parts, tools, water storage, navigation systems, a first aid kit, and protective riding gear suited for heat and off-road conditions.
-
Costs vary widely, but riders typically budget for fuel, visas, accommodation, food, and maintenance, with daily costs ranging depending on the country and travel style.
Read our above post to learn about the exact costs! -
Yes, many riders travel two-up across Africa. It requires strong communication, careful packing, and a reliable bike setup, but it’s absolutely achievable.
-
Border crossings can involve paperwork, insurance checks, and temporary vehicle permits. Processes vary, so patience and preparation are key.
-
Adventure bikes with strong suspension, reliability, and off-road capability are ideal. Simpler bikes are often easier to repair in remote areas.
🧭 Follow Our Journey
As always…
…ride along with us at:
🌍 buggyteeth.com
🎦 youtube.com/@BuggyTeeth
🏍️ facebook.com/BuggyTeeth
✨ instagram.com/BuggyTeeth
💥 tiktok.com/@buggy_teeth