Ride around Mount Kilimanjaro on a guided motorcycle adventure through northern Tanzania. This off-road journey blends thrilling dirt tracks with rich cultural encounters — from Chagga villages to Maasai homelands. Expect raw landscapes, natural springs, and a deep connection to East Africa’s untamed beauty.
This guided motorbike tour takes you deep into the heart of northern Tanzania. Ride along the base of Kilimanjaro, through remote Maasai territory, past natural hot springs, and across gravel roads winding through savannahs, forests, and wildlife corridors. Perfect for adventurous riders, the route is 75% unpaved and leads to places few tourists ever see. Visit remote villages, meet Maasai communities, and explore the green coffee hills of the Chagga. Wildlife sightings may include giraffes, elephants, antelope, and monkeys — all in the wild. Whether you're an experienced off-roader or looking for a real challenge,this motorcycle tour combines rugged terrain, local culture, and unforgettable scenery. With full support, expert planning, and deep immersion, it's East Africa at its purest.
Tanzania on a Shoestring is a shorter, budget-friendly version of our standard tours. The experience is just as adventurous — we simply skip costly lodges and safaris. A skilled, English-speaking local team leads the way. Optional add-ons include a safari or beach stay in Zanzibar.
Enjoy the unique landscape and culture of Tanzania on this unforgettable motorcycle journey!
Everything you need to know about this tour. Do you have any further questions? Please contact us!
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is known as the gateway to Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. The city boasts a pleasant climate, bustling local markets, and cultural highlights. Rest and prepare for your upcoming motorcycle adventure through East Africa.
We begin our motorcycle journey from Arusha, heading toward Mount Meru. A brief stop in Mererani Township may allow us to visit a colorful Maasai market. The ride features a mix of paved and off-road trails, with changing scenery and terrain. One of today’s highlights is a refreshing break at the natural hot springs of Maji Moto—a hidden oasis perfect for a mid-day swim. We continue through Moshito Marangu, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 m). Known as the starting point of the Marangu Route, this lush area offers waterfalls, coffee plantations, and a glimpse into Chagga culture. About 50% of today’s route is unpaved, offering a taste of the off-road challenges to come.
Today we traverse from the windward to the leeward side of Kilimanjaro. Riding through remote Chagga tribal lands, we’ll have chances to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys or blue monkeys in the forest reserves. After a picnic lunch in the open air, we continue along a combination of newly paved roads and dirt trails. On a clear day, both Kilimanjaro’s Mawenzi and Kibo peaks may be visible. We end our day in an agricultural region dotted with cattle and vegetable farms, and spend the night in the West Kilimanjaro area.
Leaving the green slopes behind, we ride into open savannah and dry rural landscapes. This leg of the journey brings us close to the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, a lesser-known gem that forms a vital wildlife corridor between Amboseli National Park in Kenya and Kilimanjaro National Park. Expect possible sightings of elephant herds, zebras, and antelope. Our destination is Longido, a Maasa village nestled at the foot of Mount Longido. This area is rich in traditional Maasai culture, and 85% of today’s ride consists of dusty sand and gravel roads, offering a real off-road motorcycle adventure in Tanzania.
"The information beforehand is very informative and complete! The trip itself was a great fantastic adventure!!! Lots of variety, lots and lots of beautiful off road motorcycling!!! Challenging at times but always mega fun!!! This was my 3rd organised motorbike trip , but certainly the one with the most adventure. That was also due to the overnight stays in great places! And certainly not to forget tour guide Lidwien, she accompanied the whole trip super, what a great girl!!! Thank you so much!!! And see you next time."
We begin with a short stretch of tarmac before hitting rocky, dusty gravel roads for the remainder of the day. The landscape becomes increasingly wild and remote. You may spot giraffes roaming through acacia bushland. Occasional sand pockets add challenge and excitement to the ride. After a simple lunch in a small Maasai town, we enjoy distant views of Mount Lengai, the sacred volcano of the Maasai. Later, the landscape shifts again as we ride past the Ngorongoro Crater rim, nearing our destination. We overnight in Mto Wa Mbu, a vibrant multicultural town known for its markets, banana plantations, and proximity to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. 99% of today’s route is off-road.
Our final riding day takes us through the rolling hills around Monduli, offering scenic views and lush valleys. A stop in the town of Monduli allows us to engage with local Maasai communities, explore markets, and admire traditional crafts. As we head back towards Arusha, the scenery opens up to offer views of Mount Meru. Capture the beauty of the landscape at one of the many viewpoints along the way. Returning to Arusha, you’ll notice the contrast between bustling city life and the serene, wild routes we’ve ridden. This motorcycle tour through northern Tanzania is more than a ride—it’s a cultural journey across tribes, terrains, and untouched wilderness. Around 85% of the route today is gravel.
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Alternatively, extend your adventure with a custom add-on: go on a safari in Tanzania’s world-famous national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire; climb the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro or the scenic Mount Meru; or relax with a beach getaway on Zanzibar – white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and authentic Swahili culture await.
During this trip, we’ll be riding Sinoray 250cc adventure motorcycles (or equivalent), featuring a seat height of 840 mm. These lightweight and easy-to-handle bikes are well-suited to the varied terrain of East Africa.
During this motorcycle tour through Tanzania we do not reach considerable heights. The day trips are sometimes long, but easily doable. You should feel comfortable riding on dirt roads, but you don't need to be a professional. On our way we always have time and opportunities to stop and take pictures or visit villages. We ride an average of 6 to 8 hours a day in temperatures between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius.
This trip is suitable for any healthy motorcyclist who is not afraid to ride off-road. We alternately follow the paved main roads and then regularly swerve onto narrow side roads. About 75% of our route is on dirt roads and tracks, sometimes over rocks, sand, through the mountains and across the savannah. Off-road riding experience is necessary. Basic off-roadtraining is very useful as preparation. It teaches you how to best handle your motorbike off-road. It will certainly increase your confidence and therefore your riding pleasure. Your motorcycle will be a light enduro bike easy to handle and perfect for the local dirt tracks. Even though we do a lot of off-roading, you don’t need to be a pro. The focus of our trips is on getting to know the country and its people.
During this guided motorcycle tour we stay in comfortable mid-range hotels, resorts or tented camps where tents, towels and bed linen are included.
Tanzania is close to the equator, so it is pleasantly warm all year round with temperatures between 25 and 32 degrees. Of course, this depends on the altitude and location where you are. In some regions it also cools down considerably during the day in the Tanzanian winter, such as in the Usambara Mountains. The climate in Tanzania is determined by two dry periods and rainy seasons. The best time for safaris is from June to September and from December to February. During these two dry seasons, there is little water in most game parks and the animals stay close to the remaining waterholes. Most rainfall is expected from late March to early June and from mid-November to mid-December.
A helmet is mandatory, as well as protective clothing with protectors, good gloves and boots or sturdy, high shoes. Because of the heat, it is advisable to wear breathable protective clothing. Because of the dust, bring a decent pair of goggles.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Tanzania. Most nationalities need a visa for Tanzania. The visa for Tanzania must be applied before the start of the trip via an online system and currently costs USD 50 for a single entry. Further information can be found here https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ Those who fly on directly via Nairobi or Addis Abeba without leaving the airport do not need to apply for a transit visa for Kenya or Ethiopia. Contact the embassy in your country well before your departure about possible deviating entry regulations.
An international driving license is required.
For direct entry from most European countries to mainland Tanzania, no compulsory vaccinations are required. It is recommended that you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Either way, please check with a specialist doctor in good time.
We must point out to you that you, as our tour participant, are responsible for observing the health and entry regulations of all countries you visit (including transit countries). You should also ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents with you. We strongly recommend that you check for any changes before you travel https://www.traveldoc.aero/
The motorcycles are covered by liability insurance. This insurance covers personal injury and property damage caused to third parties. In the event of damage to the motorcycle caused by the rider, the rider is responsible for the material costs. A security deposit of 200 USD/EUR is required. You are required to have international health and accident insurance that includes repatriation. Additionally, you have the option to take out supplementary insurance through Amref Flying Doctors, which provides emergency medical air rescue and evacuation from remote regions in Africa.
Rider starting at: € T.b.a.
Pillion: € not available
Single room occupancy additional charge: € T.b.a.
Pocket money to bring with you: € T.b.a.*
Minimum number of riding participants: 6
Maximum number of riding participants: 10
Maximum number of pillion riders: 0
This tour is available on these dates:
.svg)
.svg)
