An Adventure Tour across Maasai Lands

It is our only tour in Tanzania and one of our most committing raids: 10 days on a loop from Arusha, deep in the Great Rift Valley, with more tracks than tarmac, from the slopes of Kilimanjaro to Lake Natron and Tarangire National Park. In Rwanda, the level is Intermediate on rolling tracks, with the gorillas as an option. The Great Red Island follows the RN7 one way across Madagascar, mostly on tarmac.

The level is Sustained: this raid is for experienced riders who feel at home off the tarmac. Most of the route is on tracks, with sand towards Lake Natron, then steep and rocky passages in the land of the baobabs. Real off-road practice is strongly advised, and one of our off-road training courses is good preparation. Some stages are far from medical help and the phone signal is patchy.

About 559 miles (900 km) in all, in stages of 31 to 124 miles (50 to 200 km). The longest, to Lake Natron and between Lakes Eyasi and Burunge, cover 124 miles (200 km), the first almost entirely on tracks. Sand and corrugations slow the pace: a stage that long fills the day, with lunch in the bush. The last one, back to Arusha, is a gentler ride.

Yes: on day 8, the motorcycles stay parked for a full day of 4x4 safari in Tarangire National Park, known for its elephants. Lake Natron entrance fees are included too. On the road, zebras, giraffes and antelopes often show up beside the tracks. On day 6, at Lake Eyasi, you can meet the Hadzabe in the afternoon, and the Maasai steppes line the whole route.

The Himalayan 450 from Royal Enfield, made for tracks and kept in shape by our mechanic. Two-up riding is only possible for a pair who have already ridden off-road together, at £3,090 (€3,480) per pillion: sand and technical passages are demanding with two on board. If in doubt, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

On riding days, an English-speaking motorcycle tour leader opens the track. An experienced mechanic and the driver of the 4x4 support vehicle carry the luggage and spare parts; on some narrow trails, the vehicle joins the group by another route. You are at most 10 motorcycles, 12 participants counting pillions. If anything goes wrong, our team in France can be reached around the clock.

£3,990 (€4,490) per rider and £3,090 (€3,480) per pillion. This covers the motorcycle, fuel, the team, accommodation, full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 10, the Tarangire safari, Lake Natron entrance fees and transfers from Kilimanjaro airport. You pay for your flights, the visa, drinks, tips and a €600 deposit per motorcycle. The £31 (€35) registration fee is only charged on your first trip with us.

The season runs from January to February, then from June to October, outside the long rains from mid-March to May. Next published departures: 10 to 19 January 2027, 3 to 12 October 2027 and 22 to 31 January 2028; other dates are possible on request to your travel advisor. It is hot by Lake Natron, cooler in the hills and in the evening; in January and February, Arusha sees 15 to 25°C by day. See the weather in Tanzania.

You book your flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our team welcomes you there on day 1 and drives you to the hotel in Arusha, at the foot of Mount Meru, where you meet the tour leader and the group. On day 10, the return transfer is timed to your flight, sometimes with a few hours left for the Arusha markets. To arrive earlier or stay on, ask your travel advisor what can be arranged.

A passport valid for at least 6 months after you arrive, with a blank page, and a visa: according to GOV.UK, British citizens apply online on the official Tanzanian e-visa site before travelling, or get one on arrival. Other nationalities, including EU citizens, should check their own government’s advice. For this tour, bring an international driving permit with your full licence. Pack full riding gear, goggles or a mask against the dust, and a soft bag: plastic bags are banned in the country. Our list of documents for Tanzania covers the rest.