14 Day From Kenya to Tanzania Bush to Beach Guided Motorcycle Adventure Tour

Overview

Nairobi - Lake Masinga - Emali - Amboseli - Diani Beach, Kenya; Longido - Marangu - Same - Mambo - Tanga, Tanzania

Highlights

• Starts in Nairobi and ends in Diani Beach
• Guided motorcycle adventure from Nairobi to the Kenyan–Tanzanian coast
• An English-speaking tour guide rides with the group throughout the journey
• Support vehicle with local driver and accompanying mechanic for on-route assistance
• Ride through iconic landscapes, including the Amboseli plains and Kilimanjaro viewpoints
• Scenic coastal ride along the Indian Ocean from Tanga to Diani Beach
• 13 nights' accommodation in lodges, guesthouses, and beachfront stays
• Airport transfers and all logistics support included for arrival and departure

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival - Nairobi

   Karibu, welcome! Pickup is arranged from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, named after Kenya’s first president post-independence. The journey begins with the hectic city life of Nairobi, full of traffic and people on the move. The city has a population of around 5 million, increasing to 10 million including the suburbs. Nairobi is named after the Nairobi River and is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters, making the temperature very pleasant and even quite cool at night in the summer months. The city was officially founded in 1899 with the arrival of the railways. Today’s program depends o

2. Day 2: Nairobi - Lake Masinga (265 km / 164.66 mi)

   Early rise to leave the city. The route heads north, quickly leaving main roads and following country roads through small towns. The roads are a mix of asphalt and some gravel. Construction, buildings, and traffic jams are soon left behind, replaced by village life, nature, and lush hills. Easy, quiet roads are followed by some off-road patches. The route crosses the Thika Highway before continuing to Lake Masinga, offering a beautiful view over the reservoir.

3. Day 3: Lake Masinga - Emali (215 km / 133.59 mi)

   The day begins on a good road before transitioning into a network of gravel roads. A coffee stop is made in Matuu, followed by lunch at a local spot. The route passes through plantations, small bridges, and lively villages. Most roads in this area are dirt roads, even the main ones, offering a true countryside experience of Kenya.

4. Day 4: Emali - Amboseli (145 km / 90 mi)

   The route crosses the busy Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, the main road linking the capital to East Africa’s most important seaport. The journey continues on a smooth, quiet road to Amboseli National Park, formerly known as Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve, named after the Maasai tribe, a Nilotic ethnic group known for its distinctive customs and dress. The final 20 km are gravel. Accommodation is in a comfortable resort. Weather permitting, Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen in its full glory.

5. Day 5: Amboseli - Stay

   Morning views of Mount Kilimanjaro are often clearer with fewer clouds. An optional car safari offers the chance to encounter large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, as well as giraffes and lions. Amboseli is especially known for its elephant population. Time is available to explore this magnificent park. Cameras are highly recommended to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.

6. Day 6: Amboseli - Longido (178 km / 110.6 mi)

   The route heads closer to Mount Kilimanjaro and crosses into Tanzania. Border crossings may require patience, as local timing and processes can vary. After completing formalities, the journey continues west toward Longido. Accommodation is basic but located in a well-run family guesthouse.

7. Day 7: Longido - Marangu (196 km / 121.78 mi)

   The day begins on gravel roads through open fields with occasional sandy patches and potential wildlife sightings. The route joins a partially tarmac main road around Mount Kilimanjaro, circling the northern side. Gravel transitions into tarmac, followed by a short single-track section through mountain forest. Marangu is a small mountain village with a comfortable hotel.

8. Day 8: Marangu - Same (160 km / 99.41 mi)

   Only a few kilometers are on asphalt. The route turns toward the Pare Mountains, following dirt tracks through the hills near the Kenya border. The support vehicle does not accompany most of the day. Mkomazi National Park lies on the right-hand side, with possible wildlife sightings along the road. This park connects to the vast Tsavo parks in Kenya. Before reaching Same, the route follows a scenic track through the eastern Pare Mountains. Same is a small town.

9. Day 9: Same - Day trip to Mkomazi

   An optional safari can be taken in Mkomazi National Park. This park is less visited compared to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but it is rich in wildlife, including a rhino sanctuary.

10. Day 10: Same - Mambo (150 km / 93.2 mi)

    Another adventurous day on gravel roads. The route continues along dirt tracks through bushland, passing a dammed lake, small Maasai settlements, and villages. In the afternoon, the Usambara Mountains are reached, with an ascent featuring stunning views and winding roads. At the top, the environment shifts to a cooler, greener landscape. A short dirt ride leads to a hotel on a cliff edge with panoramic views over the plains.

11. Day 11: Mambo - Tanga (272 km / 169 mi)

    The journey heads east toward the coast, descending from over 2,000 meters to near sea level. Tanga, Tanzania’s northernmost port city, evolved from a small fishing village and has historical influences from Portugal, Oman, Germany, and Britain. It was once an important export hub for the sisal plant. Accommodation is by the seaside.

12. Day 12: Tanga - Diani Beach (145 km / 90 mi)

    The route follows the Indian Ocean coastline with refreshing sea breezes, though humidity is higher. The border crossing is usually smooth, and re-entry procedures are straightforward. The journey continues south of Mombasa to Diani Beach, where time is available to relax and reflect on the adventure.

13. Day 13: Diani Beach - Stay

    A relaxing day at the beach before departure.

14. Day 14: Diani Beach - Departure

    If no extension is booked, it is time to pack and depart.

Ride Details

Terrain

asphalted main roads, a variety of narrow routes off the beaten track, and about a third of the route is on unpaved roads

Bike

rental bike (Kibo 250cc)

Mileage

1,726 kilometers / 1,072 miles

Daily rides

145 - 272 kilometers / 90 - 169 miles

Riding gear

not included: helmet (with visor or a good pair of glasses), armoured motorcycle jacket with protection, gloves, armoured (motorcycle) trousers, loose knee armour, sturdy high (mountain) boots, sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen

Meals

most breakfasts

Accommodation

During this tour, stay in comfortable hotels or resorts. You will spend a few nights in tented camps. Some hotels are basic, family-run places. Breakfast is included in most but not all places.

Getting There

The Kenya and Tanzania Bush to Beach tour begins in Nairobi, Kenya, and travels through a mix of countryside, national parks, and mountain regions before reaching the Indian Ocean coast. The route includes rural areas around Lake Masinga and Emali, the wildlife-rich Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and continues into northern Tanzania through Longido, Marangu, and the Pare a