Africa Off-Road Motorcycle Tour – North Historical Route
Explore Ethiopia’s North Historical Route by motorcycle! Ride the Blue Nile Gorge, historic Gondar, Semien Mountains, Axum, and Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches on this 11-day adventure.
Overview
Africa Off-Road Motorcycle Tour
North Historical Route
11 Days | 10 Nights
Discover Ethiopia like never before on this North Historical Route motorcycle tour, blending breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural heritage. Ride through the majestic Blue Nile Gorge, cruise along Lake Tana, and explore the 16th-century castles of Gondar. Journey through the Semien Mountains, spotting endemic wildlife like Walia Ibex and Gelada Baboons, before exploring the ancient Axumite Empire and sacred sites. End the adventure at Lalibela’s world-famous rock-hewn churches, all while riding on a mix of paved, gravel, and off-road trails. This tour delivers history, culture, and adventure for riders seeking an unforgettable Ethiopian experience.
Tour Highlights
Africa Off-Road Motorcycle Tour
North Historical Route
- Ride the legendary North Historical Route of Ethiopia
- Cruise the stunning Blue Nile Gorge
- Explore Lake Tana and its historic monasteries
- Visit Fasiladas Castle and the historic churches of Gondar
- Experience Semien Mountains National Park and endemic wildlife
- Discover Axum’s ancient sites linked to the Axumite Empire
- Climb Abuna Yemata Guh Church atop Gheralta Mountains
- Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Ride on mixed surfaces: paved, gravel, and off-road trails
- Immerse in Ethiopia’s history, culture, and breathtaking scenery
Departure dates
Africa Off-Road Motorcycle Tour
North Historical Route
on request
Contact us for more details
Prices
Africa Off-Road Motorcycle Tour
North Historical Route
Rider with Motorbike Rental (KTM 640 and 690 LC4 Enduro)
3689 euro/rider
*Minimum 4 riders required
**Price is based on 2 people sharing a double room
Notes & Additional Information:
- Duration of the tour: 11days
- Riding days: 10 days
- Total distance: Approx. 2655 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 Ethiopia’s North Historical Route and experience epic adventure and history on two wheels. From the Blue Nile Gorge to Axum, through Semien Mountains, and ending at Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, this 11-day tour offers unforgettable scenery, culture, and riding challenges.
Time : 09:00
Road Type: 390 km, paved
Ride through the majestic Blue Nile Gorge, one of Africa’s most scenic motorcycle roads. Overnight in Finote Selam.
Time : 09:00
Road Type: 170 km, paved
Arrive in Bahir Dar and take a boat to explore Lake Tana’s monasteries. Spot the start of the Blue Nile and possibly hippos. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Time : 09:00
Road Type: 190 km, paved
Visit Fasiladas Castle and 16th-century Fasil Bath, plus historic churches adorned with storytelling paintings. Overnight in Gondar.
Road Type: 180 km, 40% off-road / 60% paved
Ride into Semien Mountains National Park, enjoy rugged mountain roads, and spot Walia Ibex and Gelada Baboons. Overnight at Semien Lodge.
Road Type: 270 km, 25% off-road / 75% paved
Travel through the Semien Mountains chain via gravel roads, with breathtaking panoramic views. Overnight in Axum.
Time : 09:00
Road Type: 220 km, 55% off-road / 45% paved
Explore ancient Axumite Empire sites, including churches, obelisks, and the legendary Ark of the Covenant location. Overnight in Axum.
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Time : 09:00
Road Type: 190 km, paved
Optional stops: Debre Damo Church and Yeha ruins. Climb to Abuna Yemata Guh Church, perched atop the Gheralta mountains. Overnight in Hawzen.
Road Type: 360 km, 80% off-road / 20% paved
Ride mostly gravel to reach Lalibela, home to its rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site and architectural marvel. Overnight in Lalibela.
Time : 09:00
Road Type: 30 km off-road
Explore Lalibela churches and ride to the mountain above town for panoramic views and a cliffside church visit. Overnight in Lalibela.
Road Type: 225 km, 25% off-road / 75% paved
Start the return to Addis Ababa, riding scenic rural landscapes and stopping overnight in Dessie.
Time : 09:00
Road Type: 415 km, paved
Final day ride back to Addis Ababa, completing the epic North Historical Route adventure.
Trip Includes
- Motorbike (KTM 690 Enduro or 500 EXC), bike insurance against third parties and theft.
- Support vehicle 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 (Every 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 WHAT IS INCLUDED in the Bike & Car package:
- Motorbike (KTM 690 Enduro & 500 EXC), bike insurance against third parties and theft
- Support vehicle 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 WHAT IS INCLUDED in the Bike Only package:
- Motorbike (KTM 690 Enduro & 500 EXC), bike insurance against third parties and theft
- Expert multi-lingual tour leader in his own bike, inclusive of all his expenses and mechanical support
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
- Accommodation:
Double occupancy accommodation (note: single occupancy incurs an extra-charge)
Camping fees, camping equipment, preparation of campsite where no hotels are available. - Meals:
Dinner on the arrival day and lunch on the departure day
Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Day 1 to Day 11
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.
Our off-road tours do not accommodate children.
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.
No, USA citizens do not require a visa.
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
Typical costs: Soft drink ~$1.3, Beer ~$1.7, Wine ~$8–18, 3-course dinner ~$13–18
ATMs: Available in all cities; our guide can advise you on nearby ATMs
Voltage: 220V AC, standard 2-prong outlets
At an additional cost services of support car and driver/mechanic are available. The mechanic will accompany you in order to ensure the motorcycle service and the security checks and to intervene in case of emergency.
Prices:
Mechanic services: 90 EURO/day + accommodation and meals
Support car following you on your itinerary: 569 EURO/week + gasoline and parking fees
The support car will be driven by the mechanic. For some sectors pillions could travel in the support car, depending on pillions number and seats available.
All reservations are prepaid. A minimum deposit of €145 or 15% 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.
For off-road tours we do not provide motorcycle luggage.
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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