Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you kick the kickstand up.
BOOKING THE TOUR AND TOUR EXPERIENCE
What does "all-inclusive" actually mean? +
We believe the price you are quoted should be the price you actually pay, with zero hidden extras. Our tours are fully inclusive of the motorcycle rental, fuel, hand-picked accommodation, all meals, national park entry fees, and support vehicle logistics. We handle all the day-to-day payments along the route so that you do not have to worry about local currency conversions or unexpected bills. Your only job is to focus on the road and enjoy the ride.
Are airport transfer days included in the tour duration? +
Yes. For all our multi-day tours, we build in dedicated travel days at the start and end of the itinerary. These days are fully supported and covered in your tour cost. We will collect you from the airport, settle you into your first night's accommodation, host our welcome dinner and safety briefing, and ensure you are transferred back to the airport at the end of the trip. This prevents you from having to rush or manage logistics immediately after a long-haul flight.
Do you include rest days and off-bike activities? +
Yes, our longer itineraries feature built-in rest days. High-mileage adventure riding on dirt and gravel is physically demanding, so these rest days are designed to help you recover. They are also a fantastic opportunity to experience the best of Africa's landscape off the bike. Depending on the route, rest day activities can include guided wildlife safaris, kayaking, visiting local attractions, wine tasting, or simply relaxing at the camp. All scheduled rest day activities and entry fees are included in your tour price.
Is there a minimum age limit for riders? +
To rent a motorcycle or ride on our guided tours, you must be at least 23 years of age and hold a full, unrestricted motorcycle licence that has been valid for at least one year.
Can my partner ride pillion (two-up)? +
We generally advise against two-up riding for our off-road expeditions due to the technical nature of the terrain. However, some of our Cape Town trips and the Garden Route are perfectly suited for pillion riders! Our bespoke trips can also cater for non-riders who need a break from the bike and would like to travel in the support vehicle.
Can I bring my own motorbike on a guided tour? +
Yes, you are very welcome to ride your own motorcycle on our guided tours.
However, your bike must be fully road-legal, registered, and suitable for the terrain of the specific tour you have chosen (for example, fitted with dual-purpose or off-road tyres capable of handling gravel and sand).
If you bring your own motorcycle, we will naturally deduct the vehicle rental portion from your tour cost. Because this discount depends on the length and route of the specific itinerary, please get in touch with us directly so we can calculate an adjusted price for your trip.
How does small group pricing work for your expeditions? +
Our multi-day expedition prices are calculated based on a standard cohort of 4 riders. This allows us to deploy our full safety and logistical infrastructure—including a dedicated lead guide, a backup driver, and a support vehicle equipped for remote routes—while keeping the per-person cost optimised.
To guarantee this identical, uncompromised support structure for smaller or more exclusive departures, fixed trip overheads are distributed across fewer participants. The following per-person supplements apply to multi-day tours:
3-Rider Group: +5% supplement per person
2-Rider Group: +15% supplement per person
Please note: These supplements apply to multi-day expeditions only. Our 1-day tours operate on a flat-rate basis and are not subject to small-group surcharges, though they do require a minimum of 2 riders to run.
What is the booking deposit and cancellation policy? +
To secure your spot on a tour, we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the tour start date. If you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. Detailed terms regarding refunds and rescheduling can be found in our Booking Terms & Conditions.
PREPARATION, GEAR AND EXPERIENCE
How difficult is the riding, and do I need off-road experience? +
Our tours are designed for varying skill levels, and we categorise each itinerary on our website to help you choose the right trip for your experience.
While all riders must have a valid motorcycle licence and solid road-riding experience, the off-road demands vary by tour category:
Easy: Suitable for riders new to dirt roads or those who prefer a relaxed pace. These tours consist of scenic asphalt roads and well-graded, smooth gravel. There are no technical dirt sections, steep climbs, or loose surfaces, making them perfect for building confidence or riding two-up.
Moderate: Designed for riders with basic off-road confidence. These routes feature a mix of asphalt, wide gravel roads, and winding mountain passes. You should expect some loose gravel, corrugations, and occasional shallow sandy patches.
Challenging: Aimed at experienced adventure riders with active off-road skills. These itineraries involve long days in the saddle, steep and rocky mountain passes, loose terrain, deep sand or ruts, and potential river crossings. Physical stamina and confident bike control on loose surfaces are essential.
If you are unsure which category suits you best, please get in touch with us. We can discuss your riding background and recommend the perfect route.
Do we have to ride in a strict group formation? +
While our tours are fully guided, we do not require riders to travel nose-to-tail in a tight pack. Riding in a close line on dirt roads causes visibility issues due to dust.
Instead, we operate a flexible "marker" system or ride with a comfortable gap between bikes. The lead guide navigates at the front, and the sweep rider secures the rear. We also provide GPS tracks for our routes. Some routes allow you to ride at your own pace between designated regrouping points, rather than feeling rushed or held back.
Which side of the road do you ride on, and are the local rules different? +
In South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho, we ride on the left-hand side of the road. In Angola, we ride on the right. If you are new to this, do not worry—you will quickly adjust. During our first morning safety briefing, we will explain local road etiquette, as it may be different to what you are used to.
Do I need an international driver's licence? +
Yes. If your standard motorcycle licence is not printed in English, some African countries require you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. Contact us to find out which versions you need for the countries you'll be visiting.
Do I need to bring my own riding gear, or can I hire it? +
We offer both options to suit your travel plans.
While you are welcome to bring your own protective gear—which we highly recommend for optimal fit and comfort, especially on our longer expeditions—we understand that luggage space is often at a premium. If you are joining us for a shorter itinerary or a single-day ride, packing full riding gear may not be practical.
For safety and comfort in Africa's varied climates, we require all riders to have:
An adventure-style or off-road helmet (ECE, DOT, or SNELL approved).
Proper off-road or adventure boots that offer solid ankle protection (road touring boots or soft leather boots are not sufficient).
An armoured riding jacket and trousers (ventilated mesh with removable windproof/waterproof layers) are highly recommended.
Armoured gloves and protective eyewear or goggles.
To make your trip as straightforward as possible, we have a range of high-quality, protective adventure gear available for hire.
If you would like to hire gear for your tour, please get in touch with us directly. We can provide a quote and ensure we have your correct sizes reserved and ready for your arrival.
Do I need to carry my own luggage on the bike? +
No. All your main luggage is carried in our dedicated 4x4 support vehicle, which follows the tour group. You only need to ride with what you want for the day—such as a small hydration pack or tank bag for your camera, driver's licence, passport, and sunscreen. The support vehicle also carries our comprehensive toolkits, spare parts, and medical supplies, ensuring you can ride light and fully enjoy the technical terrain.
SAFETY, SUPPORT AND RULES
What kind of travel insurance do I need? +
Personal medical and travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all our riders. When selecting your policy, you must verify three critical details with your insurer:
Engine capacity: Ensure your policy covers motorcycles of at least 450cc (matching our CFMOTO 450 MT fleet). Many standard travel policies cap motorcycle coverage at 125cc or 250cc.
Off-road riding: Confirm that your policy covers riding on unpaved, gravel, and dirt roads. In South Africa, these are often classified as "unpaved gazetted roads" (official public roads that are simply not asphalted).
Medical evacuation: Your policy must include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
Is riding in Africa safe? +
Yes, especially on our guided tours. Our lead guides are highly experienced, carry satellite trackers in areas without cell reception, and are trained in remote emergency first aid. We carefully curate our routes to avoid high-risk areas.
What happens if I drop the motorcycle? +
Adventure riding means that dropping the bike happens! The CFMOTO 450 MT is equipped with heavy-duty crash bars. Minor scrapes are considered normal wear and tear. For major damage, your required travel insurance and our standard excess policy will cover the repairs.
Is alcohol allowed on the tours? +
We certainly appreciate a cold beer or a glass of wine at the end of a long day in the dust. Moderate drinking is welcome once the bikes are parked securely for the evening, and alcoholic drinks are included in the trip cost. However, safety is our absolute priority. If you are riding the next day, we expect moderation.
Our guides carry breathalysers. If we have any reason to suspect a rider is over the legal blood-alcohol limit before starting a morning leg, they will be tested. Anyone over the limit will not be permitted to ride and will spend the day in the support vehicle and may incur additional costs.
CLIMATE, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Can I drink the tap water on tour? +
Yes, tap water in South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho is safe to drink, as well as in many parts of Angola. If not, or when visiting remote wilderness areas, we will always provide clean drinking water to ensure you stay healthy and hydrated.
Will my mobile phone work on the tour? +
Mobile coverage is excellent across African towns and major routes, but you will experience "dead zones" in remote valleys, mountain passes, and wilderness camps. For ease of contact, we recommend installing an eSIM before you arrive. For safety, our lead guides always carry satellite trackers and communication devices in areas without mobile reception.
Are the tours in malaria areas? +
The majority of our tours are entirely malaria-free. For our longer wilderness itineraries further north, we do enter low-risk malaria zones. We advise discussing prophylaxis options with your travel doctor before departure. The best approach is to avoid being bitten in the first place, and we will advise you on the correct protocols.
What if I have an existing medical condition? +
Your safety is our absolute priority. Our lead guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), trained specifically to handle medical emergencies and manage trauma in remote, off-grid environments where standard emergency services are unavailable.
Because we often ride through isolated areas, we ask that you discuss any existing medical conditions, severe allergies, or regular prescription requirements with us before booking your tour. This information is kept strictly confidential, but it ensures that our guiding team is fully prepared, carries any necessary specialised medical supplies, and can plan routes with your health needs in mind.
What vaccinations do I need for the tours? +
Vaccination requirements vary depending on which itinerary you choose, particularly when crossing borders:
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is legally mandatory for entry into Angola. While Namibia does not have a local yellow fever risk, you will also be required to show proof of vaccination if you are entering Namibia (or returning to South Africa) after travelling through a risk-endemic country like Angola. You must receive this vaccination at least 10 days before crossing the border.
Routine Boosters: We highly recommend visiting your local travel clinic to ensure your routine vaccines are up to date before departure. In particular, we strongly advise getting a tetanus booster if you have not had one in the last 10 years, as adventure riding occasionally comes with minor scrapes or trailside maintenance.
Other Recommendations: Depending on your specific route, your travel doctor may also recommend updates for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid.
What is the weather going to be like? +
Africa is a continent of extremes. In South Africa, you can expect misty, cool mornings in Cape Town and sweltering 35°C+ heat in the Karoo on the exact same day. Multi-layer, ventilated adventure gear is an absolute must. We can advise on the best times of year to go to the countries you want to include on your trip.