Motorcycle Tours in Africa

Why choose Africa for a motorcycle tour?

Africa offers a different scale of motorcycle travel. The routes can cross mountain passes, desert tracks, arid plateaus, savannas, remote villages and wide-open roads. Each country has its own rhythm, terrain and riding conditions. A motorcycle tour in Africa is not something to improvise: the beauty of the ride often comes with real demands in terms of preparation, timing and experience.

What types of motorcycle trips are possible in Africa?

The format depends on the country and the terrain. In Morocco, routes often combine the Atlas Mountains, desert plateaus, valleys and high passes. In Tunisia, the experience can become more Saharan, with sand, tracks and a stronger sense of open space. In southern Africa, motorcycle travel can feel broader and more remote, with scenic roads, desert regions and large transitions between landscapes. Planet Ride selects routes according to the level, pace and experience riders are looking for.

Where should you start for a first motorcycle trip in Africa?

Morocco is often one of the best entry points. It delivers a strong adventure without immediately becoming too demanding. The Atlas roads, desert landscapes and southern villages create a balanced mix of riding pleasure, immersion and scenery. For this kind of experience, a motorcycle route through the Atlas and Moroccan desert is a solid way to discover Africa with a clear framework and varied terrain.

What riding level is required?

The level depends on the destination, the road surface and the format of the trip. Some African routes are accessible to riders used to long days and winding roads. Others require more confidence on tracks, better fatigue management and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. The key is to choose an itinerary that matches your experience. Planet Ride helps riders find the right balance between ambition, riding pleasure and safety margins.

Can you experience the desert by motorcycle?

Yes, but desert riding requires serious preparation. Heat, sand, autonomy, navigation, water management and daily rhythm all matter. Tunisia offers powerful experiences for riders drawn to the Sahara. A journey such as a motorcycle adventure in the Tunisian Sahara focuses on open spaces, tracks and the feeling of remoteness, within a structure designed to keep the ride controlled and enjoyable.

What is the best season for a motorcycle tour in Africa?

There is no single best season for the whole continent. Morocco and Tunisia are often most comfortable in spring and autumn, when temperatures are better suited to riding. Southern Africa follows different seasonal patterns depending on the regions crossed. The right period should always take into account heat, rain, track conditions and trip duration. This is a key part of building a reliable itinerary.

Should you choose a guided or self-guided trip?

In Africa, support can make a major difference. On some routes, a guided format adds fluidity, safety and a better reading of the terrain. On others, a self-guided trip can work well if the itinerary is carefully prepared and the rider has the right experience. Planet Ride’s approach is based on guided freedom: keeping the spirit of the roadtrip while providing selected routes, precise advice and human support.

Which regions of Africa offer the strongest contrasts by motorcycle?

North Africa offers dense variety: mountains, oases, desert, high roads and mineral tracks. West Africa brings another kind of journey, more cultural and rooted in savannas, rivers and villages. Southern Africa opens the scale even further, with immense landscapes and spectacular transitions. For riders looking for a larger journey, a motorcycle trip from Cape Town to the Namib Desert shows the power of Africa’s wide-open spaces.

Why travel with Planet Ride in Africa?

A motorcycle trip in Africa takes more than a desire for open spaces. Routes, tracks, riding times, seasons, required level and safety points all need to be considered. Planet Ride selects itineraries shaped with local experts, creating reliable, human and terrain-aware motorcycle adventures. You keep the intensity of the journey, with the preparation needed to ride with greater peace of mind.