Best motorcycle destinations in Africa
Best motorcycle destinations in Africa
Paved coastal highways and remote mountain pass routes in Africa
Africa has some of the most memorable roads on earth for riding a motorcycle, from smooth coastal highways to long gravel tracks where you might not see another vehicle for hours.
In South Africa, the Garden Route and the mountain passes of the Western Cape have good tarmac, tight bends and ocean views, and renting a bike in Cape Town is easy. Morocco is a favorite for riders from Europe, with the hairpins of the Atlas Mountains, the Dadès Gorge and desert pistes near Merzouga all within a few days of each other. Namibia is perfect for adventure bikes, with wide gravel roads, huge empty landscapes and very little traffic. Some riders go further and take on a full trans-Africa trip from Cairo to Cape Town, which can take months.
Distances between fuel stops can be long in remote areas, so carrying extra fuel and water is a good idea.
Lists by region
Region in Morocco
Atlas Mountains
Majestic peaks echo ancient desert horizons
French military engineers built the road over Tizi n'Tichka in 1936 along an old caravan trail. A 2022 GPS measurement put the pass at 7,234 feet, the highest major pass in North Africa. It links Marrakesh with Ouarzazate across the High Atlas. Snow can fall from November to March.
Nature Reserve in South Africa
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
Barrier of spears touching sky
Border posts on Sani Pass open at 6am and close at 6pm. Bad weather often shuts the pass, especially in winter. The 5.6 mile gravel route climbs to 9,436 feet with gradients up to 1 in 3. South Africa generally allows only 4x4 vehicles, so check the rules for motorcycles first.
Town in Namibia
Swakopmund
Coastal charm meets desert horizons
Where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic, the city began in 1892. It served as the main harbour of German South West Africa. Benguela Current fog can reach 87 miles inland. Coastal areas see more than 180 days of thick fog a year, so ride with care. Dune activities near Langstrand include quad biking.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
Chapman's Peak Drive covers 5.6 miles and 114 curves between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. It starts at the Hout Bay fishing harbour and skirts the peak above the Atlantic. The toll road was built during the First World War. Motorcycles count as Category 1 vehicles. Check the current road status before riding.
Village in Morocco
Merzouga
Sahara Dunes, Starry Nights
Dry riverbeds and desert sections surround Merzouga. One guided tour follows old Dakar Rally routes and rates the riding extremely challenging, aimed at experts. Erg Chebbi's dunes are among the tallest in the Sahara. The village lies about 31 miles from the Algerian border. Take an offroad training course first.
Road in South Africa
Garden Route
Scenic vineyards and coastal cliffs
Archaeological finds near Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay and Stilbaai link the area to the origins of human culture. The route runs about 190 miles from Witsand to Storms River. Outeniqua Pass and Garcia's Pass climb to the Little Karoo. Winters rarely drop below 50°F and rain falls year round, so pack rain gear.
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