Questions riders ask

You tell us what you want to see, how long you've got, your riding experience and who's coming. We draw a route around that, from scratch, using roads and tracks we've ridden ourselves.

Then we source everything the ride needs: bikes, places to stay and whatever else your route calls for. You get a plan and a quote, we adjust it until it's right, and then you ride.

Yes. There are no set routes. Your ride can cross one country or several of the eleven we know first-hand: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Start with what you want to see, such as desert, rivers, waterfalls, birdlife, mountains or coast, and we'll find the roads that get you there.

As long as suits you. We plan around the time you have, and we'll be honest about what fits comfortably into it, so you're riding and seeing things rather than racing to the next stop.

It depends on where you're going. As a rough guide, the cooler, drier months from about May to October suit most of southern Africa. Parts of East Africa have a second dry spell around December to February.

Rain changes dirt roads and river crossings a lot, so we'll match your route to the season, or the season to your route.

The earlier the better, because good places to stay fill up in the busy season and some paperwork takes time. A few months ahead is ideal, but get in touch even if your dates are sooner.

Your choice. There are three ways to ride:

• Guided: we ride with you, the whole way.
• Self-guided with back-up: we plan and book everything, you ride on your own, and we're on the end of the phone or WhatsApp if you need us.
• A mix of both: for example, guided through the trickier stretches and self-guided for the rest.

You need a full motorcycle licence. Beyond that, we plan the route around your experience:

• Easy: tarmac and good gravel roads. Fine for confident road riders who are new to Africa.
• Moderate: gravel and dirt roads, the odd rough section. For riders comfortable off tarmac.
• Challenging: sand, mud, rocky tracks and river crossings. For experienced off-road riders.

A ride can mix levels, with easier days either side of the tough ones. Be honest about your experience and we'll make sure the ride is enjoyable, not just survivable.

Either. We can source a hire bike suited to your route, or you can bring your own.

Bringing your own takes more planning: shipping, and for some countries extra paperwork such as a Carnet de Passages for the bike. We'll tell you exactly what your route needs.

Both. We plan rides for solo riders, couples and small groups. With a group, we plan around the least experienced rider so everyone enjoys it.

Yes. Tell us who's coming and we'll plan the route, the bikes and the places to stay around everyone.

Every ride is planned from scratch, so every ride is priced individually. There's no brochure price, because there's no brochure ride.

What affects the price:

• Length: the number of days and riders.
• Bikes: hiring versus bringing your own.
• Guiding: guided, self-guided with back-up, or a mix.
• Where you stay: from simple and local to a bit of luxury.
• Route: the countries and borders you cross, and the time of year.

Tell us what you have in mind and we'll send you a quote. You'll know exactly what you're paying for before you commit to anything.

Your quote lists everything that's included in your ride, item by item, so there are no surprises.

A full motorcycle licence for the size of bike you'll ride. Many countries also ask for an International Driving Permit alongside it. Requirements differ by country, so we'll tell you exactly what your route needs.

Yes. You'll need travel insurance that covers motorcycling on the size of bike you'll ride, including off-road riding if your route has any. Many standard policies don't, so check the small print. We're happy to tell you what to look for.

Visa rules depend on your passport and change from time to time, so we check them for your route when we plan it and tell you what you need. Border crossings are part of the adventure. We'll explain what to expect at each one, and on a guided ride we'll be there with you.

Wherever suits you and your route: lodges, guesthouses, camps or somewhere special. Tell us how you like to travel and we'll book places to match.

Every ride is planned with back-up in mind. On a guided ride we're with you. On a self-guided ride you can reach us by phone or WhatsApp. Your plan sets out exactly what support you'll have before you set off.

We plan routes we know, on roads we've ridden, and we keep up with local conditions. As with any adventure riding, there are risks, and we'll talk you through them honestly for your route.