The Northern Tanzania Motorcycle Adventure is a 7-day, 6-night tour starting and ending in Arusha, combining rugged off-road riding, deep cultural encounters, and wildlife safaris.
Tour Summary
* Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
* Start/End Point: Arusha, Tanzania
* Terrain: A diverse mix of tarmac, gravel, dirt, and challenging sand or rock off-road sections.
* Core Experience: A blend of motorcycling, indigenous cultural immersion, and classic wildlife viewing.
Major Highlights
* Wildlife Safari: A dedicated morning game drive in Tarangire National Park to spot elephants, lions, and giraffes.
* Cultural Immersions: Interactive, authentic experiences with the local Maasai, Hadzabe, and Datoga communities.
* Scenic Landscapes: Riding through the West Kilimanjaro plains, the green Ngorongoro highlands, and the dramatic Rift Valley.
* Natural Wonders: Spectacular views of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, Lake Natron's flamingos, and the Engare Sero Waterfalls.
DAY 1 — ARUSHA - SIMBA FARM
Distance: Approx. 130–150 km
Riding: Tarmac, gravel & off-road sections
After breakfast, meet your DustTrail guide and begin the adventure from Arusha toward Simba Farm. The ride
takes you through beautiful rural landscapes, villages and farming areas, with a mixture of paved and unpaved
roads. There will be stops along the way for photography, refreshments and enjoying the scenery. Arrive at Simba
Farm in the afternoon, check in and relax after the first day of riding.
Overnight: Simba Farm
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 2 — SIMBA FARM - LAKE NATRON
Distance: Approx. 220–240 km
Riding: Gravel, dirt & challenging off-road sections
After an early breakfast, start one of the most adventurous riding days of the tour. The route takes you through
remote Maasai landscapes, villages and open plains toward Longido and the Lake Natron area. Expect a
combination of gravel, dirt, rocky and sandy sections depending on road conditions. As you approach Lake Natron,
enjoy spectacular scenery and views toward Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Overnight: Lake Natron
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3 — LAKE NATRON EXPLORATION
Activity: Full day at Lake Natron
Today is dedicated to exploring the Lake Natron area without a long-distance motorcycle ride. Activities may
include flamingo viewing, a visit to Engare Sero Waterfalls, views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, a Maasai cultural
experience, photography and scenic walks. Enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by the dramatic Rift Valley
landscape.
Overnight: Lake Natron
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4 — LAKE NATRON - KARATU
Distance: Approx. 150–180 km
Riding: Dirt, gravel & tarmac
After breakfast, leave the dramatic landscape of Lake Natron and ride toward Karatu. The route gradually takes
you from the dry Rift Valley landscape into the greener and cooler highlands around Karatu. Enjoy scenic riding
through rural Tanzania, with opportunities to stop for photographs and refreshments.
Overnight: Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5 — KARATU - LAKE EYASI
DustTrail Motorcycle Tours Tanzania
Distance: Approx. 100–130 km
Riding: Gravel & dirt roads
After breakfast, continue the adventure toward Lake Eyasi. Today’s route takes you away from the main tourist
routes and deeper into rural Tanzania. Upon arrival, guests can experience the unique culture and traditional
lifestyle of the Hadzabe and Datoga communities, subject to local arrangements and availability. Spend the
evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Lake Eyasi.
Overnight: Lake Eyasi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6 — LAKE EYASI - TARANGIRE
Distance: Approx. 150–180 km
Riding: Dirt, gravel & tarmac
After breakfast, begin the ride from Lake Eyasi toward the Tarangire area. The scenery changes as you move
through rural landscapes and toward the wildlife-rich ecosystem surrounding Tarangire. Arrive at your lodge or
camp in the afternoon, check in and relax. The evening is free to rest and prepare for the following morning’s
wildlife experience.
Overnight: Tarangire area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7 — TARANGIRE GAME DRIVE - ARUSHA
Early Morning Wildlife Safari + Motorcycle Ride
Wake up early and have breakfast before heading into Tarangire National Park for an early morning game drive.
Guests may see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, lions and many species of birds, depending on
the season and wildlife activity. After the game drive, exit the national park around late morning or midday. Have
lunch before starting the final motorcycle ride back toward Arusha. Continue through the countryside and arrive in
Arusha in the afternoon/evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Northern Tanzania motorcycle adventure
• Simba Farm & West Kilimanjaro landscapes
• Remote Maasai countryside
• Ol Doinyo Lengai
• Lake Natron flamingos
• Engare Sero Waterfalls
• Maasai cultural experience
• Karatu & Ngorongoro Highlands
• Hadzabe & Datoga cultural experience
• Tarangire National Park
• Combination of off-road, gravel and tarmac riding
• Morning Tarangire game drive
• Motorcycle return to Arusha
Starting Point: Arusha Ending Point: Arusha
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Main Experience: Motorcycle Adventure + Culture + Wildlife Safari
Here is the recommended gear and clothing breakdown, specifically matched to each unique climate zone you will encounter on the trip:
🏔️ 1. Highland & Mountain Zones (Usambara Mountains & Magoroto Forest)
The Climate: Cool, crisp mountain air with high humidity, dense tropical forests, and potentially sharp temperature drops in the mornings and evenings.
Riding Gear:
- A multi-layer adventure riding jacket and pants with zip-in thermal liners and closeable ventilation flaps.
- A dedicated neck buff or balaclava to shield against the mountain chill.
- High-quality waterproof adventure boots to navigate slippery mountain dirt tracks and streams.
Off-Bike Clothing:
A warm fleece or softshell jacket for relaxing at Mambo Viewpoint Eco Lodge in the evening. Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking boots for exploring the forest trails around Magoroto Estate.
A swimsuit for kayaking or swimming at the Magoroto lakeside beach.
🏜️ 2. The Hot & Arid Savanna Zones (Orkesumet, Tarangire, & Lake Natron)
The Climate:
- Intense, direct equatorial sun, high midday heat, heavy dust, and dry conditions.
Riding Gear:
- Moisture-wicking synthetic base layers (top and bottom) to keep you cool under your suit and prevent chafing during long, sweaty riding stretches.
- Full-fingered, perforated summer riding gloves with reinforced palms to manage handlebar vibrations on rough dirt tracks.
- A hydration backpack (e.g., CamelBak) with a 2 to 4-liter capacity to constantly sip water and avoid heat exhaustion while traversing Maasai lands.
- A dual-sport or adventure helmet with a peak visor to block out glare, combined with UV-protective sunglasses that fit comfortably inside.
Off-Bike Clothing & Safari Protection:
- Lightweight, loose, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, tan, olive green) for the Tarangire safari. Avoid bright whites (which spook wildlife) and dark blue or black (which attract biting tsetse flies).
- Convertible (zip-off) safari pants and breathable long-sleeve shirts for sun and bug protection.
- A wide-brimmed safari hat or cap for downtime.
- A bandana or handkerchief specifically to tie over your nose/mouth to block out the heavy dust kicked up by safari vehicles and bikes.
🛠️ Universal Off-Road & Safari Essentials
Sun & Skin Care:
High-SPF sunscreen (sweat-resistant), heavy-duty lip balm, and strong insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.
Rain Gear:
A compact, high-visibility waterproof rain suit that fits easily over your main riding gear. Even in dry seasons, sudden tropical downpours can occur in the mountains.
Luggage Note:
Tanzania has a strict ban on single-use plastic bags. Pack your clothing items in lightweight fabric packing cubes or waterproof dry bags inside your motorcycle luggage.
Prohibited Items:
Do not bring any camouflage or military-style clothing. It is illegal for civilians to wear in Tanzania and will be confiscated by authorities.
* Motorcycle & Fuel: Fully prepped rental bike and fuel for the official planned route, backed by basic mechanical maintenance.
* Support & Crew: Experienced lead guide and a dedicated 4x4 support vehicle carrying your luggage, spare parts, and a professional mechanic.
* Accommodation & Meals: Pre-booked stays in lodges, tented camps, or hotels, paired with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the active tour.
* Park Fees & Permits: National park entry fees, conservation fees, and local community taxes required for riding through protected wildlife areas.
* Emergency Evacuation: Local emergency medical evacuation services for remote stabilization.
* Flights & Visas: International airfare to and from Tanzania, domestic connections, and tourist visa fees upon arrival.
* Personal Gear: Certified helmets, riding jackets, off-road boots, and gloves, which riders must typically bring themselves.
* Extra Beverages & Upgrades: Alcoholic drinks, sodas outside of standard meal allotments, and single-room accommodation upgrades.
* Damage Security Deposits: Cash or credit card holds required by operators to cover accidental bike damage.
* Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Full personal medical and travel insurance policies that specifically cover off-road or on-road motorcycle riding abroad.