Africa Motorcycle Tour – Off-Road Adventure
A 10-day Africa motorcycle tour through Ethiopia’s wild south, combining off-road adventure, tribal encounters, and breathtaking landscapes from the Rift Valley to the Bale Mountains.
Overview
Africa Motorcycle Tour
Off-Road Adventure
10 Days | 9 Nights
The Africa Motorcycle Tour: The Wild South & The Bale Heights is a 10-day adventure designed for riders seeking a unique blend of off-road exploration, cultural immersion, and spectacular natural beauty.
Starting from Addis Ababa, the journey takes you deep into Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, through remote tribal regions, and into the breathtaking Bale Mountains. Along the way, riders will encounter diverse landscapes ranging from savannahs and lakes to high-altitude plateaus and dense forests.
This tour is not only about riding – it’s about experiencing Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity. You’ll meet indigenous tribes such as the Hamer, Karo, and Konso, witness traditional lifestyles, and explore vibrant local markets.
With a mix of paved roads and thrilling off-road sections, this motorcycle adventure is perfect for experienced riders looking for both challenge and discovery. Wildlife encounters, including crocodiles, hippos, and the rare Ethiopian wolf, make this journey even more unforgettable.
Tour Highlights
Africa Motorcycle Tours – Off-Road Adventure
- Ride through Ethiopia’s Rift Valley and stunning landscapes
- Explore Nech Sar National Park and Lake Chamo by boat
- Experience authentic tribal cultures (Hamer, Karo, Konso)
- Adventure riding with a mix of paved and off-road routes
- Reach the Sanetti Plateau (4370m), Africa’s highest rideable point
- Spot rare wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala
- Discover the Bale Mountains and Harenna Forest
- Camp under the stars in remote tribal regions
- Ride scenic routes to Lake Langano
Departure dates
Africa Motorcycle Tours – Off-Road Adventure
on request
Contact us for more details
Prices
Africa Motorcycle Tours – Off-Road Adventure
3369 euro/rider
*Minimum 4 riders required
**Price is based on 2 people sharing a double room
* all payments will be taken in €.
Notes & Additional Information:
- Duration of the t our: 10 days
- Riding days: 10 days
- Total distance: approx. 2445 Km
- Skill level: medium
- Lodging type: Hotels
Tourism infrastructures are almost inexistent in the Parks, therefore for accommodation we will rely almost exclusively on camping, some of it wild. Come with an adventurous spirit and be prepared for some amazing riding in the Omo and Gambela plains alongside its wildlife. Meet some of most remarkable, fascinating and less visited tribes in Africa and if lucky witness their come of age rituals – a spectacle few have witnessed.
- At request we can refund the full amount of deposit paid if there isn’t a minimum number of 4 riders attending the tour.
- The tour company reserves the right to cancel this calendar tour if no bookings are made 45 days before the tour commencement.
- Prices for passengers on support car may change if an additional car is needed to transport all passengers.
- The single room surcharge will apply to the last rider booking for the tour when double occupancy is not possible.
- We only offer third party liability & theft insurance. There is no CASCO (comprehensive insurance) option in Ethiopia for our business.
Itinerary
Ride beyond the ordinary on this 10-day Africa Motorcycle Tour through Ethiopia’s untamed south and dramatic highlands. From remote tribal lands to the towering Sanetti Plateau, this journey blends thrilling off-road riding with raw cultural encounters and rare wildlife sightings – crafted for riders who want more than just the road.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 460 km (paved)
Departure from Addis Ababa towards Arba Minch, located in the Rift Valley. Known as “Forty Springs,” this lush area is fed by natural underground springs and serves as the gateway to southern Ethiopia. Overnight in Arba Minch.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 110 km (off-road)
Ride through Nech Sar National Park on scenic off-road tracks, ideal for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, famous for its large populations of crocodiles and hippos. Overnight in Arba Minch.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 290 km (59% paved | 41% off-road)
Journey south to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. Along the route, pass through territories of the Konso, Tsemay, Erbore, and Banna tribes. Camp overnight in Turmi.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 150 km (off-road)
Visit Dimeka market (if timing allows) and explore Hamer villages. Option to witness the traditional bull jumping ceremony. Continue to Karo villages known for body painting traditions. Camp overnight in Turmi.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 200 km (40% paved | 60% off-road)
Ride back toward Konso, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape. Visit a traditional Konso village upon arrival. Overnight in Konso.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 270 km (71% off-road | 29% paved)
Travel through less-visited gravel roads with diverse scenery en route to Yirga Alem. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at Aregash Lodge.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 275 km (paved)
Head toward the Bale Mountains National Park. Discover highland wildlife, including the endemic mountain nyala. Continue to Bale Goba for overnight.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 120 km (off-road)
Ride to the Sanetti Plateau at 4,370 meters—the highest rideable point in Africa. Look for the rare Ethiopian wolf and unique alpine flora. Descend into the lush Harenna Forest before returning to Bale Goba. Overnight in Bale Goba.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 350 km (70% paved | 30% off-road)
Ride toward Lake Langano, combining paved roads and scenic off-road sections with stunning lake views. Overnight at Lake Langano.
Time : 09:00
Distance: 220 km (paved)
After a relaxed morning, return to Addis Ababa. Expect lively traffic as you re-enter the capital, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Trip Includes
- Motorbike (KTM 690 Enduro or 500 EXC), bike insurance against third parties and theft.
- Support car for luggage and passengers (inclusive of driver, his expenses and but exclusive of fuel)
- Expert multi-lingual tour leader in his own bike, inclusive of his expenses and mechanical support
- Double occupancy accommodation (note: single occupancy incurs an extra-charge)
- Restoration (dinner for the arrival day and lunch for the departure day; every other day breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- With the exception of water in the car beverages and snacks are not included (please note that drinks are not included in any of the meals including water).
- Entry fees to parks and other sites (except Addis Ababa)
- Local guides, local taxes and fees
- Luggage storage
- Photos of the trip
- Motorbike (KTM 690 Enduro & 500 EXC), bike insurance against third parties and theft
- Support car for luggage and passengers (inclusive of driver and his expenses but exclusive of fuel) • Expert multi-lingual tour leader in his own bike, inclusive of all his expenses and mechanical support
- Luggage storage
Trip Excludes
- Bike fuel
- Support Vehicle Fuel
- Broken parts on bike when insurance is not applicable
- Beverages and snacks
- Personal items
- Passport and visa fees
- Laundry
- Telephone calls
- Room service
- Travel insurance
- Personal and Accident insurance and medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation/Hospitalization
- Flight tickets
- Protective riding gear: helmet, riding suit, gloves, kidney belt, back protector, boots, earplugs, sunglasses (strongly advised)
- Tips, souvenirs, photo and video fees and spending money
- single occupancy incurs an extra-charge
- Camping fees, camping equipment, preparation of campsite where no hotels are available.
Advice for Americans Traveling Abroad
Before you go
- Confirm your passport is valid for 6 months from when you think your trip will end. Don’t get stranded.
- Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you and your gear. Get insurance that’s right for you and covers your activities in the places you’ll go. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
- Consider your physical and mental health. Get advice from your doctor if you’re unsure.
- See your doctor or travel clinic 8 weeks before you go for a basic health check
- Check if your medication is legal and available in the places you’re going. Take enough of your prescribed medicines to last the whole trip. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor.
- Tell your bank you’re travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options.
- If you’ll drive overseas check out the local traffic laws and practices. You’re likely to need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your US driver’s license.
- Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Give them copies of your passport
Travel insurance
Holidays don’t always go as planned. If you’re going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. Without it, you or your family could suffer financially if things go wrong. No matter who you are, where you’re going and what you’re doing, get insurance.
Travel insurance is especially important if you need medical assistance. Healthcare overseas can be very expensive. Most countries won’t give you free care, or subsidies the cost of your care. You, or your insurer, must usually pay full price.
Travel Advice for Americans visiting Romania
Safety
Keep your personal belongings close. Lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside.
Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Bucharest’s Old Town. Don’t accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you’ve just met.
Dating and marriage scams occur.
Only use ATM’s in banks, shops and shopping centers, especially at night. Always keep your credit card in sight. Be wary of people you’ve met online.
Local laws
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include jail sentences of up to 20 years.
By law, you must always carry photo ID. Keep your passport in a safe place. Carry a photocopy.
It’s illegal to take photos of airports, military sites or other secure locations.
It’s illegal to engage in sex work or have sexual relations with a person under 18.
Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania, but not widely accepted.
Local contacts:
You can get full consular help from the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest.
FAQ
Reservations are required. We recommend booking early, as tours often sell out well in advance. You can make reservations online. If you prefer to book by phone, please call 0040-364-405641. Reservations can also be made by fax – download and complete the booking form and send it to 0040-364-405641 – or by email at office@motorcycle-tours.travel.
Yes. We can design an itinerary that suits your schedule, comfort level, and budget. Please send your request by email or fax.
Yes, the guaranteed departure motorcycle tours run even with just one participant. For special tours a minimum of 2 – 4 riders is required.
No, we do not provide individual tickets for rail, air, or ferry travel unless they are part of a tour package.
The minimum age for passengers is 14. A written consent from both parents required.
If a hotel is fully booked, we will provide accommodation of equal or higher classification. In cases of road closures, dangerous weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, the itinerary may be adjusted.
Your tour guide will meet you holding an A4 sign with your name. If you arrive by different flights or transport, please join the group at the designated meeting point. If a delayed or missed flight prevents you from arriving on time, call 0040-364-405641.
Tour prices are based on two people sharing a double room. Single occupancy requires the single room supplement listed in the itinerary.
If you are traveling alone, you must book with a single supplement. We will try to match you with another participant if you prefer a shared room. If no match is available, the single supplement applies. We strongly recommend booking the tour with the single supplement when traveling alone.
These are welcoming rural guesthouses where you stay with a local host. The accommodations are comfortable and authentic, though not necessarily decorated in traditional peasant style. Dinner and breakfast are usually included. Rooms are generally double occupancy, with one shared bathroom between two rooms located in the hallway. Staying in these inns offers a unique cultural experience.
Yes, vegetarian meals can be provided. Please indicate your dietary preferences when booking.
We accept VISA and MasterCard for online payments.
Online payments can be made with cards in any currency; amounts will be converted to EUR. Bank transfers are accepted in EUR only.
Yes, discounts are available for senior citizens, members of motorcycle associations, motorcycle clubs or private groups. Contact us for details.
Yes. Online bookings are processed via Romcard, with SSL security provided by RapidSSL. We follow ASTA’s Code of Ethics and comply with Romanian and EU regulations, including traveler protection in case of insolvency.
Our prices include secure online payment fees. Additional international transfer fees may apply depending on your bank.
All reservations are prepaid. A minimum deposit of €145, 15% or 30% of the tour price is required. Final payment is due at least 65 days before departure. For reservations made within 65 days of departure, full payment is required. A refundable cash deposit is required for bike damage or accessory loss.
The client is at all times entitled to cancel the Travel Contract, but must pay Motorcycle Tours Europe a cancellation charge as stipulated below:
65 days or more prior to departure 90 EURO per motorcycle / tour cancellation fee 64 – 41 days, loss of deposit 40 – 31 days will be subject to 50% of tour price 30 days or less will be subject to 100% of tour price.
All motorcycles are safety and mechanically-inspected before each rental. Emergency support is provided via phone, and repairs or towing are arranged if necessary.
Every renter is provided with an emergency telephone number at pick-up. In case of a mechanical breakdown our staff will arrange for towing to Motorcycle Tours Europe location or repair facility.
You must have a valid motorcycle license to rent a motorcycle from Motorcycle Tours Europe. The license from your country is sufficient – you don’t have to get an international drivers license.
All models have power outlets built into the fairing that allow you to plug in your Global Positioning Unit.
Certain vehicles provide for lockable storage.
Unfortunately, at this time Motorcycle Tours Europe does not offer sidecars.
Yes, for your own safety, and per Romanian law, both you and your passenger are required to wear a certified helmet at all times when you ride our motorcycle.
You can send your enquiry via the form below.
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