HEART OF AFRICA – MOTORCYCLE SAFARI
Before the introduction of our motorcycle safaris through East Africa, you would need to arrange an African vacation with a luxury travel company to experience what we’ve included in our Heart of Africa Motorcycle Safari.
This 15-day “Luxury Motorcycle Safari” begins in Nairobi, Kenya, and offers travel through four countries Kenya that can be described as “the heart of Africa” Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. In addition to great riding, stunning amazing landscapes, upscale accommodations and delicious meals, this adventure includes several of Africa’s most popular wildlife experiences including two nights inside Serengeti National Park, a game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater and a trek to see the Silverback gorillas.
Highlights of this Adventure include:
- Two full days “on safari” inside the Serengeti. Approximately seventy large mammal species are found in the Serengeti, including elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe. The Serengeti is also famous for its large lion population.
- A visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, adjoining the Serengeti. This conservation area has the densest known population of lions and large numbers of leopards and elephants.
- An exclusive gorilla safari in Rwanda. Starting from our luxurious home base nestled within the Rwandan jungles, we will set off on foot to encounter these magnificent animals in their natural environment – a sight that only few have the opportunity to experience.
- Stunning views of the Great Rift Valley, which extends more than 3,000 miles from Syria to Mozambique.
- Several crossings of the Equator, as we pass back and forth between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Although this adventure is predominantly on paved roads, the road conditions are poor at times and we’ll occasionally encounter hectic traffic and bad drivers. This tour is for experienced riders with an adventurous spirit and a taste for the unusual.
At a Glance Your HEART OF AFRICA MOTORCYCLE TOUR
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI, KENYA
Welcome to Nairobi! The tour leaders will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, we’ll meet for the motorcycle handover followed by a group briefing providing in-depth information about the tour. After the briefing we will enjoy our first dinner together.
DAY 2 – NAIROBI TO KISUMU, ~ 225 MILES
The first day of riding will take us northwesterly out of the city. Our first stop will be a stunning overview of the Great Rift Valley, which extends over 3,000 miles from Syria to Mozambique. We’ll then head west through the rift valley to the town of Narok. From Narok, our route will take us northward through tea plantations until we reach Kisumu. There we will spend the night at a pleasant local hotel near the shores of Lake Victoria.
DAY 3 – KISUMU TO KAMPALA, UGANDA, ~195 MILES
Our first photo stop will be at the Equator sign where we will cross from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. We will cross the border from Kenya into Uganda and pass through the town of Jinja, where we will see Lake Victoria to the left and the start of the Nile River to the right – the world’s longest north-flowing river. Tonight, we will stay in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
DAY 4 – KAMPALA TO KABALE, ~260 MILES
After leaving the hustle and bustle of Kampala, we will enjoy open roads on our ride toward Kabale and then onto Lake Bunyonyi. We will spend the night at a stunning privately-owned lodge nestled on the banks of the Lake. During today’s ride we will again cross the Equator, this time from the Northern to the Southern Hemisphere.
DAY 5 – KABALE TO RUHENGERI, RWANDA, ~115 MILES
Today’s ride will be short as we cross the border from Uganda into Rwanda. The riding in Rwanda is spectacular with its rolling green hills and extinct volcanoes. We will spend two nights at a small lodge strategically located near the entrance of Volcanoes National Park – where we’ll go on our gorilla safari in the morning.
DAY 6 – GORILLA SAFARI IN RUHENGERI
Gorilla Safari!! We will get up early to enjoy one of the most amazing wildlife experiences in the world. Led by knowledgeable local guides, we will go into the forest to track the gorillas. We will have an entire hour to spend with these amazing creatures. There will be plenty of time to take photographs and to simply enjoy watching them – from only a few yards away!
Since only a small number of people can participate in gorilla trekking on a given day, the availability permits is limited. Therefore, our tour itinerary alternates between Uganda and Rwanda based on permit availability.
DAY 7 – RUHENGERI TO KIGALI, ~70 MILES
Although today’s ride to the capital city of Kigali is short, it will be some of the most exciting riding of the tour. We will ride on stunning, twisty roads and view the most spectacular scenery that Rwanda has to offer.
DAY 8 – KIGALI TO KAHAMA, TANZANIA, ~290 MILES
From Kigali, it’s a spectacular ride to the border crossing into Tanzania. We will ride through several small towns bustling with animals and children. We will reach the town of Kahama in the late afternoon. The accommodation will be a basic hotel with simple but comfortable amenities for our overnight stay.
DAY 9 – KAHAMA TO KARATU, ~385 MILES
With a long day of riding ahead, we will set off early from Kahama. Our route will take us through rural areas of Tanzania, along the shores of Lake Manyara. Watch out for wildlife on the road as we ride through part of the game reserve. We’ll also begin to see the Maasai people adorned in their traditional clothing, known as the Shúkà.
On the outskirts of the town, our lodge offers breathtaking views of Lake Manyara.
DAY 10 – INTO THE SERENGETI
Following breakfast, our local guides will bring the safari vehicles and take us into the Serengeti National Park. It’s a full day’s drive to reach our lodge located inside the Park. Along the way, we will stop at the paleoanthropological site of Olduvai Gorge, where remains of the earliest humans have been discovered.
After Olduvai Gorge, we’ll visit a small Maasai Mara Village.
We’ll have a nice packed lunch in the park while enjoying world-class game viewing in one of Africa’s most famous national parks.
“Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plains”. Spanning an impressive area of 12,000 square miles, the Serengeti is considered one of the top ten wonders of the world. It is home to a diverse array of large and small animals, as well as Africa’s Big 5. The Serengeti is home to hundreds of types of trees and plants.
DAY 11 – GAME DRIVE IN THE SERENGETI
Today, we will have the opportunity for a full-day game drive in the Serengeti, where we can expect spectacular wildlife sightings. The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, during which tens of thousands of zebra and wildebeest migrate through the park in search of food. We will be able to observe these incredible animals during part of their migration, as well as view the Big 5.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the lodge for a beautiful dinner overlooking the African plains.
DAY 12 – SERENGETI TO KARATU
Our drive back to Karatu, where we left the bikes, will be a full day’s drive because of the activities included. Along the way, we will drive to the basin of the Ngorongoro Crater, a geological marvel that has its own biodiversity. As we go down the side of the volcanic rim, we will enjoy spectacular views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will have a picnic lunch inside the crater while enjoying its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. We will also see the vast flocks of pink flamingos inside the crater. What a spectacular day!
DAY 13 – KARATU TO MOSHI ~145 MILES
Today we have a shorter riding day, allowing us a relaxing start in the morning. We will backtrack slightly as we ride through the Lake Manyara reserve on our way to Arusha, where we will have lunch.
From Arusha, we will ride to the small town of Moshi, where we will stay overnight. Moshi is the primary starting point for many hikers aiming to get to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro from the motorcycle, the highest mountain in Africa.
DAY 14 – MOSHI TO DAR ES SALAAM ~ 355 MILES
We’ll have an early morning start since it will be a full day of riding to Dar es Salaam. The riding will be delightful as we will travel through varying landscapes, farmlands and several very twisty roads. We will pass through several small towns bustling with street vendors, children, and animals along the road. As we leave Moshi, we may be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro on our left-hand side.
Tonight, we will stay at a beautiful ocean-facing hotel in downtown Dar es Salaam, where we will enjoy our final great dinner together.
DAY 15 – DEPARTURE FROM DAR ES SALAAM
Following a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, the tour leaders will arrange a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
TOTAL MILES: ~2040 MILES
Road Conditions
The majority of this tour is on good paved roads. However, there are a few short sections of gravel roads into/out of game lodges. Towns can be very busy with people, busy traffic and animals on the roads. There is always a chance of road works which can include several miles of gravel where the pavement has been removed/currently under repair. Riders should be prepared for a wide variety of road conditions throughout this tour. This tour is suitable for two-up riding. There are several very twisty mountain passes scattered throughout this tour as well as riding through national parks/game reserves.
Weather
The weather will be warm and tropical with some days being slightly humid. There is not a high chance of rain on this tour.
Please contact us about low frame and/or low seat options for our bikes.
- Includes BMW F750GS
- Additional charge of $250 for a BMW F850GS
- Additional charge of $400 for a BMW F850GS Adv
- Additional charge of $1000 for a BMW R1250 GS
- Additional charge of $1,200 for a BMW R1250 GS Adv
- Additional charge of $1,350 for a BMW R1300GS
- Personal motorcycle: deduct $2,050 from the rider price.
Standard Inclusions
- Late model, low mileage motorcycle
- Upscale accommodations
- A la carte dining
- Two Ayres Adventures professional tour leaders
- Airport arrival/departure transfers
- Luggage handling
- Comfortable support vehicle for non-riding companions
- Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
- Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
- Commemorative shirt
- Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
- All breakfasts
- All dinners
- Several lunches
Special Inclusions
- Gorilla safari
- Serengeti game drive
- 4×4 safari inside the Ngorongoro Crater
2024 Schedule
Date | 2024 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 3 - 17 | Heart of Africa | 15 days | $12,950 | $9,900 |
2025 Schedule
Date | 2025 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 2 - 16 | Heart of Africa | 15 days | $12,950 | $9,900 |
2026 Schedule
Date | 2026 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 1 - 15 | Heart of Africa | 15 days | $13,900 | $10,650 |
Full payment is due 90 days prior to scheduled commencement
Cancellation fee and refunds
FROM DATE OF SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT | AMOUNT FORFEITED |
---|---|
More than 90 days | 50% of deposit |
90 days or fewer but more than 60 days | 100% of deposit |
60 days or fewer but more than 45 days | 50% of full tour payment |
45 days or fewer | 100% of full tour payment |
What a wonderful experience
Ayres Adventures has taken us to seven continents through their exciting adventure programs combined with comfort and led by professional tour guides. What a wonderful experience.
Alex and Ida's Adventures include:
Heart of Africa
Epic Journey: Riga to Hong Kong
Munich to Istanbul
Ushuaia and Antarctica
Escape to Machu Picchu (Private)
Best of Alaska/ Canada (Private)
Discover Africa (Private)
Scotland Adventure (Private)
Jakarta, Indonesia
It was incredible and exceeded our expectations.
We joined the Heart of Africa tour in September, rider with pillion. It was incredible and exceeded our expectations. The tour was led by Jason, supported by Janis, both were great, knowledgable, very capable, fun and flexible. During this trip the highlights were many - number one would be spending time with the gorilla's in Rwanda - a truly remarkable experience. The riding is challenging at times, some long days but nothing impossible - it is an adventure after all...... We would definitely recommend Ayres, Jason, Janis and this trip.
Martin and Carmel's Adventures include:
Heart of Africa
South Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
If you’ve never been to Africa, Ayres Heart of Africa tour is certainly a trip of a lifetime
If you’ve never been to Africa, Ayres Heart of Africa tour is certainly a trip of a lifetime. A word of caution: You will want to return to Africa again and again, once you’ve experienced the wonderful people, riding, wildlife and culture.
The highlight of the trip was spending time with the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda. What a privilege to be a few feet from these magnificent animals. To be able to view, interact and take pictures of a gorilla family where the elder Silverback watches over his group is breathtaking. The young ones are very curious and may very well come right up to you for a closer look.
The safaris in the Serengeti region include the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorogoro Conservation Area. From the comfort of your private game vehicle, you’ll view and learn about the abundant wildlife.
The great riding in East Africa contains a smorgasbord of roads that carve through pristine mountain sweepers to rural villages where speed bumps are common to large cities where few road rules exist or enforced, and mix in some unpaved patches to keep things interesting and a lot of fun.
The people you’ll see and interact with are amazing, especially the children who are sweet and beautiful. The gorgeous, colorful clothes locals wear will amaze you. Beware, the motorcycles will attract a LOT of attention from the locals. We all felt like royalty, as huge crowds of locals stare, question you about the bike and snap pictures with their cell phones.
Our tour leaders were outstanding with their attention to details, their wealth of knowledge on the history of the areas and current events, and their willingness to go the extra mile. They worked tirelessly to make the tour an unforgettable experience.
Ayres Adventures will not disappoint with the premium accommodations, food and activities you’ll encounter. They simply are the best.
Paul and Lisa's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild
Prudhoe Bay Excursion
Best of Alaska/Canada
Heart of Africa
Trussville, AL
You can't go wrong by booking a tour with them.
"Adventures" is an essential part of the Ayres company name. The professionalism of the tour guides is a strong point for this company. You can't go wrong by booking a tour with them.
Gary's Adventures include:
Heart of Africa
Machu Picchu Excursion (Empire of the Incas)
Mission Viejo, California
We have NO complaints
Thanks for a great trip. We really enjoyed ourselves and we have NO complaints.
There is not much we could suggest that would have improved the experience for us.
Nick and Jool's Adventures include:
Africa Iron Butt Tour
Prudhoe Bay Excursion (Alaska)
Heart of Africa
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
How does Ayres Adventures keep coming up with these ideas?!
Recipe for an awesome motorcycle adventure: start with a destination that's on every motorcyclist's bucket list (Ushuaia, "The End of The World"), toss in a trip to Antarctica on a world-class cruise ship, and then finish it off with drop-dead gorgeous scenery in the southern Andes.
How does Ayres Adventures keep coming up with these ideas?!
I've been looking forward to this trip for 2 years, and yet, despite having been on other Ayres Adventures and knowing what an outstanding outfit they have, Ron, Barb, Mauricio, John, and Nuno again managed to exceed my expectations. So, for that matter, did Antarctica.
Well done, Ron and Ayres Adventures!
Don's Adventures include:
Escape to Antarctica (and Ushuaia)
Call of the Wild (Africa)
Brazil - Rendezvous in Rio
Heart of Africa
Don created a blog post about his Heart of Africa Adventure. Click here to read Don’s blog.
Cornelius, North Carolina
START CITY: Nairobi
- Nearest international airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Airport code: NBO
- Approximate distance from city centre: 12 miles/20 kms
END CITY: Dar es Salaam
- Nearest international airport: Julius Nyerere International Airport
- Airport code: DAR
- Approximate distance from city centre: 8 miles/12 kms
Private Tour Inquiry
We are happy to book any of our motorcycle tour as a private tour. For most tours, we require a minimum of 8 bikes, or 12 participants (riders plus co-riders). We can provide a private motorcycle tour for smaller groups, but a surcharge may apply. We can also customize any of our regular tours for a private group.