Motorcycle road trips around Africa are always fun! A friend of mine – Dean and I embarked on a journey to Tanzania via the Namanga border. Before the trip, we had everything in check and ready to go the previous day.
Pre-Ride Checklist.
Motorcycle:
– A Thorough Service
– TCLOCKS
– Enough Fuel
– Valid Motorcycle insurance
– Toolkit
Documents
– Valid driving license
– Logbook
– Valid insurance cover
– Travel passport
– Yellow fever card
Others.
– Full Motorcycle Gear
– First Aid Kit
– Change clothes (T-shirt, Pair of Jeans, Socks, ..)
– Go-pro camera
– Wet wipes
– snacks
– Selfie Stick
– WALLET AND PLASTIC MONEY
Day 1: Nairobi – Namanga – Arusha
Left Nairobi at around 0900 hrs. We were accompanied by a friend up to Athi-River then got back as we rode to Namanga.
The traffic was clear and the weather was good so the ride was non-stop. We arrived at the Namanga border around 1400 Hrs where we met our contact who assisted us in the cross-border documents for our motorcycles as we did our own clearance.
To cross to Tanzania with a motorcycle the following are required:
– Kenyan travel passport
– Valid driving license
– Valid logbook bearing your name.
– Yellow fever card
– Motorcycle Insurance
– Personal medical cover (optional)
What you get
– Third-party insurance cover (valid for 1 month) for KSHS 3000/-
– Entry permit
After clearance, we resumed the ride to Arusha. After a journey of around 2 hrs, we checked in to Green Mountain hotel Arusha.
I can highly recommend this hotel for a budget traveler. Their costs are as low as Kshs 2000 for Bed and Breakfast,
Great rooms, good staff, and a clean swimming pool.
After resting we freshened up and rode for Dinner at Njiru Shopping complex (A few minutes from the hotel).
It is way easier to ride in the streets of Arusha compared to the ones in Nairobi. Motorists are saner.
Day 2: Arusha – Moshi – Taveta
We did the normal checks to make sure the motorcycles were in good condition then hit the streets of Arusha.
There we fueled and withdrew some money to use along the way. The distance from Arusha to Taveta is about 6hrs but we ended up using about 8hrs.
From Arusha, we rode to Moshi and visited the kids at Light In Africa children’s home in the Kilimanjaro area. This home has managed a lady called Mama Lynn. Her great work has inspired me to be a volunteer and a Community worker.
From Moshi, we made one more stop at Hewa (Dar – Moshi – Taveta Junction) before heading to the Taveta border.
We stayed there for about 30 min, then started the journey back to Arusha.
We parked our bikes and walked to a nearby restaurant to have dinner before resting.
Day 3: Arusha- Namanga – Nairobi
The return journey started at 0900 Hrs from the hotel. Halfway the journey to Namanga, my motorcycle started giving a low fuel indication. Since there is no gas station between the two towns, we ended up riding at 60 km/h for about an hour and lucky enough we made it to Namanga.
There we met another two riders who had come to receive us. After clearance, the four of us headed to shell petrol station where we refilled the motorcycles and took some pictures together. The journey back to Nairobi was smooth and with no incidents. All of us had a stopover at Athi-River for Nyama Choma lunch before heading to our respective residences.
The Trip was safe and fun.
Summary
1. Best Road: Arusha – Namanga
Clear, straight road with no vehicles and couple of corners.
2. Budget hotel (Green Mountain Hotel – Arusha)
Green Mountain Hotel
As low as kshs 2000/- per night BnB
3. Documents
Travel Passport
Yellow fever card
Valid Driving license
Motorcycle insurance
Personal Medical Insurance
Motorcycle log book in your name
4. Places to visit
Arusha National Park
Light in Africa Childrens Home – Moshi
Njiru Shopping Complex
Get a close view of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro
Arusha clock tower
Safari makers
5. Motorcycle
Ensure the motorcycle is in good condition
Obey Traffic rules
Have Enough fuel
Be safe and have fun
Fellow Rider:
Dean Otsyeno
Other Riders:
