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The Big 5 and Lake Victoria Tour
Tour Rwanda – Tanzania – Kenya – Ethiopia – Uganda

Duration (days): 30 Skills Level (1-5): 3,4 Total Distance: 6031 Kms Maximum number of Riders: 10 Period: YEAR 2022: 2 November - 1 December Lodging Type: Hotel,Camp,Lodge
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Tour Cost
  • Gallery
  • Riding Skills level
  • An exceptional adventure across 5 East African Countries
  • The Ngorongoro Crater, a world unique conservation area
  • The Great Rift Valley lakes: Lake Natron, Lake Turkana, Lake Shamo and Abaya, Lake Baringo, Lake Victoria and the White Nile, Lake Edouard, Lake Kivu…
  • The Omo Valley, the tribal region of South Ethiopia
  • Riding through the Bwindi impenetrable forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • The majestic Virunga volcanoes chain and their mountain gorillas
  • The famous Congo-Nile trail and the Nyungwe Forest

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Itinerary

Day 1

Departure to Tanzania

The first day is one of the longest days of the tour with much riding and border crossing procedures to be done. But it is needed for better accommodation at the end of the day. A distinctively Rwandan craft is the cow dung 'paintings' called Imigongo, that are produced by a local co-operative in the village of Nyakarimbi near the Rusumo Falls border with Tanzania (Kamuganguzi). (410 km paved and some off-road parts) .

Overnight in Geita

Day 2

Departure to Mwanza

On this day we will have to take a ferry for a short part, which is a nice short African experience. Mwanza is located by Lake Victoria, it’s known for its mining and for its charm. There are very good restaurants and it’s a good treat to have… some good meals!! (135 km paved) .

Overnight in Mwanza

Day 3

Departure to Ngorongoro Crater

which will be divided in two sections, as the way is quite long for one day. (300 km paved) .

Overnight in Igunga

Day 4

Departure to Ngorongoro Crater

On the way we will encounter the pastoralist and semi-nomadic Maasaï tribe, where we will stop to take some photos and souvenirs if wanted. (350 km paved) .

Overnight in Karatu

Day 5

Visit of the Ngorongoro Crater

by car, (as motorcycles are not allowed in the National Park), and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of one of the world's most unchanged wildlife sanctuaries.

Overnight in Karatu

Day 6

Departure to Lake Natron

We will ride on a rocky and sandy trail along the eastern branch of the rift valley, passing by the foot of the Sacred Ol Dinyo Lengai, or “Mountain of God” for the Maasaï people, which is a semi-active volcano. We will end our ride for the day on the shore of the lake Natron, a unique salted and soda lake offering wonderful sceneries and hosting East African Flamingos. We will end the day by the scenic walk to the spectacular Engare Sero waterfalls. The night will be spent at a campsite overlooking the lake. (135 km off-road) .

Overnight camping close to Lake Natron

Day 7

Departure to Nairobi

We will start the day with a beautiful ride toward the Kitumbeine Mountain, crossing some valleys where wild animals assemble for pasture, and then head toward the border town of Namanga where we will enter in Kenya and have memorable views of Mount Kilimanjaro. We will then ride to Nairobi on paved road. (320 km off-road and paved road) .

Overnight in Nairobi

Day 8

Nairobi

There is a lot to keep you busy in Kenya’s bustling capital city but if you want to get out of town maybe you will end up visiting the Langata giraffe centre or bond up and close with orphaned animals at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage which is the oldest animal orphanage in Kenya.

Overnight in Nairobi

Day 9

Departure to Isiolo

On this day we start our way North to Ethiopia. We will ride to Isiolo enjoying the landscape of the Rift Valley. We will also cross the Equator for the first time on this tour. (270 km paved road) .

Overnight in Isiolo

Day 10

Departure to Marsabit

This road used to be called the worse in Africa, but now is all paved. On the way we might encounter wild animals (Elephant, Giraffes), but of course this is something that we can’t guarantee. On the way it will be quite hot weather. (260 km paved road) .

Overnight in Marsabit

Day 11

Departure to the border town of Moyale

It will be a long day because of the heat and the border crossing. If we manage we will continue to Yabelo. (460 km paved road) .

Overnight in Yabelo

Day 12

Departure to Konso

The way is spectacular and the road has been refurbished. Once we arrive in Konso, we check-in in the Lodge, have lunch and as soon as ready, you will be visiting one of the Konso village, which is quite interesting and unique way of living. (120 km paved and off-road) .

Overnight in Konso

Day 13

Departure to Arba Minch

The ride will be short but good to visit the Dorze people and have a good Boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the biggest crocodiles in the world, hippos and many kind of birdlife. Our hotel will offer us some amazing views on 2 lakes of the Rift Valley. (90 km paved and off-road) .

Overnight in Arba Minch

Day 14

Departure to Jinka

Early in the morning we leave to Jinka, through a very beautiful way, which is not much trafficked but have a gorgeous landscape to admire while riding. When we arrive in Jinka, we will have a quick lunch and right after leave to visit the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are probably the most known tribe in Ethiopia because of the plate that is put in their lips. This visit will have to be done by car, because motorcycles are not allowed in the National Park, which is where the Mursi live. (240 km paved and off-road) .

Overnight in Jinka

Day 15

Departure to Turmi

On this day we will be riding to Turmi, passing through Key Afer (we will stop if it’s the market day, to visit it). Turmi is the town of the Hamer tribe, where we will spend a couple of nights to visit the area. Visits will be done including this day. If lucky you can admire the “Bull Jumping Cerimony”, which is a unique experiense, but unfortunately it something that doesn’t have a schedule, so we will see… (130 km paved and off-road) .

Overnight in Turmi

Day 16

Ride to the Karo tribe area

another tribe of the Omo Valley, which is located by the shore of the Omo River. This tribe is known for the painting on their body. (140 km off-road) .

Overnight in Turmi

Day 17

Departure to Omorate

We will do all the paper work at the immigration for crossing into Kenya, cross the Omo River with the small local boats and Visit the Dasenech tribe. We will spend the night at a basic hotel. (100 km paved road) .

Overnight in Omorate

Day 18

Departure to Eliye Springs and border crossing with Kenya

This will be one of your toughest riding days. The road is mostly sandy but you can also find rocks and fesh-fesh. There are 55 km of sand riding alongside Lake Turkana where you can find different kinds of sand: moist, hard, soft, deep. It’s lots of fun and one of the most beautiful rides you will ever do in your life, We will put up our tents between the sand dunes of Eliye Springs, an Oasis in the Desert of North Kenya by the shore of Lake Turkana. (240 km off-road) .

Overnight in Eliye Springs

Day 19

Resting day in Eliye Springs

where you will relax, take a bath in the lake or simply read your book lying on the beach.

Overnight in Eliye Springs

Day 20

Departure to Lake Baringo

The first 40 km part of the way out of Eliye Springs is wild and fun to ride, but then quite a bad part starts for quite a way (unless it has been refurbished lately). The day will be quite tiring and a good rest at the end of it is well deserved. (420 km paved and off-road) .

Overnight at Lake Baringo

Day 21

Departure to Kisumu

a pleasant town, hosting the larger lake port on the North-East side of lake Victoria. (260 km paved and off-road) .

Overnight in Kisumu

Day 22

Departure to Jinja

Border crossing day with Uganda, via Busia, to reach our destination of Jinja located on the shore of lake Victoria. In Uganda motorcycles are not respected much, therefore a lot of caution is advised while riding. (230 km paved and off-road) .

Overnight in Jinja

Day 23

Day in Jinja

Jinja is where the White Nile flows out of Lake Victoria and where action goers meet: go white-water rafting or kayaking, horse riding, bungee jump or what the hell… just relax.

Overnight in Jinja

Day 24

Departure to Lake Mburo National Park

where we will be in close contact with the wild animals inhabiting this National Park. We will camp by the side of the lake and if you wish you could have a nice boat ride where you will see some crocodiles, hippos, monkeys, wild life and different kind of birds. (315 km paved and off-road in N.P.) .

Overnight in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 25

Departure to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early start, we will ride deep into the Ugandan state and see the most beautiful landscape and people. We will ride across the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which has a rich variety of flora and fauna, home to 95 species of mammals and more than 600 species of birds, making the park a popular tourist attraction. The park has 5 types of vegetation: the equatorial forest, the grass savannah, the bush savanna, the acacia forests and the wetlands. Riding across the Park is a unique experience and guarantees the meeting with one or more of the "Big Five" of the savannah! We will also ride until the Mbeya peninsula and along the fascinating Katwe explosion craters trail. (273 km paved and off-road in N.P.) .

Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 26

Departure to Kisoro

the main town next to the land of the Gorillas, which is located few kilometres from Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. We will ride through very beautiful landscape toward the south of Queen Elizabeth N.P. and go across the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where its also land of the Mountain Gorilla. (242 km paved and off-road) .

Overnight in Kisoro

Day 27

Gorilla visit in Kisoro

Visit the Gorillas if you wish, but keep in mind that this might be a one-time life opportunity, therefore we suppose that you want to visit them even though the fee is quite expensive on our opinion. A Mountain Gorilla Trekking is the pinnacle of all the wildlife experiences available in Africa. People are limited to spend only one hour with the Gorillas and should expect to hike for two to four hours to see them. If you chose otherwise we will continue to the next destination planned.

Overnight in Kisoro

Day 28

Departure to Kibuye

Border crossing with Rwanda. As soon as you enter Rwanda you will understand why it is called the country of the thousand hills. On this day, we will ride along the Volcanoes National Park with breath taking views until Gisenyi located on the border of Congo and lake Kivu. We will then ride the northern part of the famous Congo-Nile trail with amazing views on Lake Kivu, until Kibuye, where we will spend the night by the lake. (240 km mostly off-road) .

Overnight in Kibuye

Day 29

Departure to Nyungwe Forest National Park

We will continue our ride on the Southern part of the Congo Nile Trail through the picturesque tea plantation of Gisovu and then ride on highland fun trails along the West side of the Nyungwe Forest National park until Uwinka reception centre, where we will stop for a Canopy Walkway, a wonderful experience on top of the trees of one of the oldest and better-preserved montane rainforest in Africa (better not to be afraid of heights!!!). Then we will continue our ride until our hotel on the edge of the forest. (140 km off-road and paved section) .

Overnight in Gisakura

Day 30

Departure to Kigali

We will start the day by a beautiful ride on a winding paved road across the Nyungwe Forest. We will reach the town of Nyanza, where we can visit the traditional residence of the last Rwandan King. We will continue our tour toward the Rwandese countryside and its irrigated lands, to finally reach the capital city Kigali. In the evening we will have a well-deserved last dinner. (201 km paved) .



 

To get the cost of the various packages, Please contact us!

  Prices are based on a minimum group of 4 riders Africa Riding Adventures Tours proposes 3 different packages (see details hereafter):
  • All Inclusive Package
  • Bike and Support Vehicle Package
  • Bike Only Package
At request, Africa Riding Adventures will refund the full amount of deposit paid if there isn’t a minimum number of 4 riders attending the tour. Please read our Terms and conditions for the full text of our policy. Africa Riding Adventures reserves the right to cancel this calendar tour if no bookings are made 30 days before the tour commencement.

What is included in All-Inclusive package:

  • Motorbike (SWM RS 500 R & RS 650 R), bike insurance against third parties
  • Support car for luggage and passengers (inclusive of driver, his expenses, but exclusive of fuel)
  • Expert multi-lingual tour leader in his own bike, inclusive of his expenses and mechanical support
  • Double occupancy accommodation (note: single occupancy incurs an extra-charge)
  • Restoration (Breakfast, lunch and dinner). With the exception of water, beverages and snacks are NOT included (please note that drinks are not included in any of the meals, excepted water)
  • Entry fees to parks and others sites (except the Gorilla visit, which is paid by the client directly if he/she is interested on visiting as well as Kigali’s visits)
  • Local guides, local taxes and fees
  • Luggage storage
  • Photos of the trip
  • Medical Air Ambulance in East Africa – Flying Doctors

What is included in the Bike and Support Vehicle package:

  • Motorbike (SWM RS 500 R & RS 650 R), bike insurance against third parties
  • Support car for luggage and passengers (inclusive of driver, his expenses, but exclusive of fuel)
  • Expert multi-lingual tour leader in his own bike, inclusive of his expenses and mechanical support
  • Luggage storage

What is included in the Bike Only package:

  • Motorbike (SWM RS 500 R & RS 650 R), bike insurance against third parties
  • Expert multi-lingual tour leader in his own bike, inclusive of his expenses and mechanical support

What is Never included:

  • Bike Fuel
  • Diesel for support vehicle
  • Gorilla trekking fees
  • Broken parts on bike when insurance is not applicable
  • Beverage and snacks
  • Personal items
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Laundry
  • Telephone calls
  • Room service
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal and Accident insurance and medical expenses
  • Emergency evacuation/Hospitalisation
  • Flight tickets
  • Tips, souvenirs, photo and video fees and spending money
 
Skill Level Description Our tours are skill levelled from 1 to 5. We sometimes rate them with two difficulty levels e.g. 2/3 as some tours require different riding skills in different parts of the itinerary. In these cases the first number represents the main difficulty level present and the latter, only stretches of the itinerary. Please don’t forget to fill our skill level description form when inquiring about a tour so we can better match you with the tour of your dreams.
  • Level 1: Riders who have ridden only a few times or just started, ride sporadically, never rode on an Enduro bike or off-road or haven’t been on a dirt or enduro bike for a few years. A person in this level will experience difficulty riding off-road, manoeuvring on loose gravel, on stones, in sand and climbing and descending hills.
  • Level 2: Riders who do not feel comfortable riding up and down hills, whoops, or standing up on the pegs. Street bike riders with no dirt/enduro bike experience. Riders who have ridden before but struggle with basic off-road techniques.
  • Level 3: Riders who can ride over stones, sand, up and down ledges with little difficulty and can ride at a faster pace. Riders in this class will have a good understanding of body language as it applies to motorcycles, such as sliding when necessary, shifting and braking at the right time and in a synchronized way.
  • Level 4: Riders who have ridden for years and are comfortable riding in almost all conditions, but would like to work on techniques that need improvement. The rider may or may not need help on more advanced skills, such as cornering in sand, riding through whoops, climbing steep hills, riding dunes and on rocks, doing jumps or wheelies.
  • Level 5: Very experienced riders who are able to ride with full confidence on any surface and who can ride for extended periods of time in hard conditions without stopping. Well seasoned riders and off-road racers will be in this category.