Untouched nature and around 2.3 million kilometers of road network – Africa has something to offer for every type of motorcyclist. The routes are ideal not only for adventurers, but also for nature lovers and those interested in culture. This article provides a glimpse of the touring highlights that await riders.
Garden Route
South Africa is home to one of the most beautiful routes for both motorcyclists and car drivers: the Garden Route. It is approximately 300 kilometers long and runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Thanks to its good road conditions, it is well suited for motorcycles and offers riders a unique view of the country’s natural beauty.
The route follows the southern coast along winding coastal roads and through forests. Highlights include the Tsitsikamma National Park as well as numerous cliffs and stretches of beach. The optimal travel period is from September to April, as is the case for many road trips moto on the African continent. During these months, the climate is mild and pleasantly warm without becoming extremely hot. In the winter months from May to August, temperatures along the Garden Route can be noticeably cooler, and rain and strong winds occur more frequently.
Atlas Mountains
A completely different natural setting awaits motorcyclists in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This route is demanding and best suited for experienced riders. Depending on preference, riders can choose individual sections or complete the full route of around 800 kilometers. Most tours start in Marrakesh, continue to Ouarzazate, and may end in Merzouga.
Along the way, riders cross high mountain passes and deep valleys. Additional variety comes from sections that run along the edge of the desert. From Marrakesh, for example, the route initially leads over the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Morocco. Here, riders encounter rugged mountain landscapes with tight curves, steep drops and sweeping views of the Atlas range.
Beyond Ouarzazate, the landscape changes noticeably. The road passes through dry valleys and along oases, past mud-brick fortresses and kasbahs such as Ait Ben Haddou. From this point on, the desert draws closer, and greenery gives way to barren, sand-colored terrain.
Namib Desert
Motorcyclists who prefer less steep or rocky terrain can take on a very special challenge: riding through the Namib Desert in Namibia. The route can be up to 1,200 kilometers long and is particularly demanding. Starting in Windhoek, it leads via Swakopmund to Sossusvlei. Endless gravel roads as well as desert and savanna landscapes make this route truly unique. However, it also requires thorough preparation.
Because there are only a few towns, fuel stations and supply points along the way, riders must carefully plan their stages. Distances between stops can be very long, making sufficient fuel, water and provisions essential. In addition, extreme climatic conditions prevail. Temperatures can rise sharply during the day, while nights cool down significantly. Wind also plays a major role in the Namib Desert and can make riding across open terrain even more challenging.
Nile
Traveling along the Nile by boat is widely known, but the river is also a paradise for motorcyclists. Stretching over approximately 900 kilometers, a beautiful route runs through Egypt. The best travel period is from October to March, when temperatures are pleasant and tourist crowds are comparatively low.
Along the way, riders can admire not only the pyramids, but also visit the Temple of Karnak and Abu Simbel without long waiting times. The flat, well-developed roads are ideal even for beginners and are perfectly suited for touring the country on a touring bike.
Great Rift Valley
A contrasting experience to the Nile in Egypt can be found in Kenya. In the Great Rift Valley, motorcyclists can experience high plateaus, lakes and untouched nature along a route of up to 900 kilometers. Starting in Nairobi, the route leads via Naivasha to Nakuru.
It is worth allowing extra time along the way, as the route passes numerous national parks and areas rich in wildlife. Among the most famous sights are the flamingo lakes. With a bit of luck, flamingos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes can sometimes be spotted directly from the roadside.
Victoria Falls
One tour takes motorcyclists through two African countries at once: Zambia and Zimbabwe. On the way to Victoria Falls, riders can experience impressive savanna landscapes as well as wide, quiet roads over a distance of more than 550 kilometers. The highlight is the famous Victoria Falls, where up to 1,700 cubic meters of water per second plunge into the depths, making them one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
The crashing water masses create a massive spray cloud that is visible from several kilometers away. The best time to travel this route is between May and September. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, roads are easy to ride and visibility at the falls is clear. As traffic along the route is relatively light and the roads are well developed, this tour is also suitable for beginner touring riders.