Thinking about renting a motorcycle in Africa? Kevin, who runs iRideArusha, shares his expertise and explains how one‑way rentals in Africa work. Here’s what you need to know…
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One Way Motorcycle Rentals in Africa Explained
By Kevin Bulger
Founder of iRideArusha in Tanzania and part of the iRideAfrica network of rental companies
This article’s job is to explain what you need to know about one way motorcycle rentals in Africa between Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Renting a motorcycle in one country and being able to drop off in another is an incredible way to explore the continent with so much more ease.
Here’s who this guide is for and why you might be interested in how this works.
- Solo riders looking for the freedom to explore East Africa on their own schedule without the hassle and expense of shipping a bike.
- Overlanders who may already be traveling the continent and want to link different regions without backtracking or doing a massive loop.
- Fly-and-ride adventurers who want to land in Kigali, Nairobi, Arusha, or Dar es Salaam and be on a fully-prepared motorcycle the same day.
- Small groups of friends or clubs who want to experience the open roads, dirt tracks, wildlife, and culture of East Africa together.
- Whether you want to go on a two-week loop or a one-way journey across Africa, this guide is for you.
Why Rent in Africa Instead of Taking Your Own Bike
Shipping your own motorcycle to Africa sounds brilliant, but in reality, it’s often expensive, slow, and bureaucratic. Here’s why renting might be the smarter move:
Cost and logistics: Airfreight or sea freight for a personal bike can run into thousands of dollars, with weeks or months of waiting at ports or airports. Rentals let you skip all of that and put your money toward riding time.
Paperwork headaches: Bringing your own bike usually means dealing with carnets, customs bonds, temporary import permits, and border hassles. A rental comes with all the paperwork, insurance, and cross-border permissions handled.
Flexibility: With one-way rentals, you can start in Kigali and finish in Dar es Salaam, or ride Nairobi to Arusha, without worrying about looping back to your bike’s entry point.
Reliability and backup: Our bikes are locally serviced, proven on African roads, and easier to source parts for. If you ship in a Transalp, BMW, or Africa Twin, you may face long lead times and difficulty sourcing spares when something breaks. With a rental, we stock the parts and provide roadside support so you can keep moving.
Travel light: Renting lets you fly in with just your passport. You can also rent all the riding gear you need — helmets, jackets, gloves, and luggage systems — so there’s no need to haul heavy kit halfway around the world.
In short, renting is faster, simpler, and often cheaper than shipping your own machine — and it gives you more time to focus on what matters: the ride.
How One-Way Rentals Work in Africa
One-way motorcycle rentals are simple. We’ve developed a system for travellers who want to pick up in one country and drop off in another called iRideAfrica. Here’s how it works.
Pick your start and end points: Choose any combination of our hubs — Kigali, Nairobi, Arusha, or Dar es Salaam. We will also provide a quote that includes return shipping of your bike from the final location, so you don’t have to worry about getting it back yourself.
Select your bike and gear: Reserve the motorcycle and any gear you need (helmets, jackets, luggage, GPS) — everything is delivered ready to ride.
Pre-arranged cross-border paperwork: iRideAfrica handles all the permits, temporary vehicle import papers, and insurance needed to cross borders legally.
Ride and enjoy: Follow your custom route, staying where you like and exploring at your own pace.
Drop-off: End your ride at the hub of your choice. iRideAfrica takes care of returning the bike internally or preparing it for the next rider.
Africa Regional Overview for One-Way Rentals
iRideAfrica offers one-way rentals throughout East Africa. The service currently operates in the below countries, you can pick up and drop off your motorcycle at any of the below cities.
- Rwanda – Kigali
- Kenya – Nairobi and Mombasa
- Tanzania – Arusha and Dar es Salaam
All rentals must be returned to one of the above hubs, and the cost of returning the bike from your final hub is included in your quote, so you don’t need to worry about shipping logistics.
While the above locations are the pick up and drop off points, you can cross borders with your rental bike to any of the below countries also.
- Uganda
- Malawi
- Zambia
- Burundi
- Mozambique
Location map
Country Options
Choose where you want to pick up your bike wisely, as a strategic choice will save you travel time, reduce cross-border paperwork, and optimize your route depending on where you want to start your adventure. Here’s the benefits of each pick up and drop off location.
Rwanda
Options: iRideKigali
Website: iridekigali.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +250 791 573 915
Email: info@iridekigali.com
Point of contact: Dominik is a Swiss pilot based in Kigali, running the Rwanda hub. He ensures fully supported rentals and tours in Rwanda.
Service: Rentals and guided day tours and motorcycle service at their Kigali workshop.
Why choose Rwanda: Ideal for riders seeking scenic tarmac routes, lush green landscapes, and a compact road network. Rwanda’s well-maintained roads and manageable distances make it perfect for those new to adventure motorcycling.
- Scooters and semi-automatics (110–150cc: TVS Wego 110, TVS Jupiter 110, TVS Ntorq 125, Haojue VS125, Haojin 150, Haojue 110 semi-autos)
- Haojue Cruiser TR150S
- RTR 180–200cc
- Cyclone RX1 250cc
- Honda CRF (dual-sport)
- BMW G 650 GS
- Harley Davidson Road King
Tanzania
Options: iRideArusha and iRideDarEsSalaam
Website: iridearusha.com
Website: iridedaressalaam.com
Phone: +255 743 279 691
Email: info@iridearusha.com
Point of contact: Kevin is an American originally from Chicago. He oversees operations in Arusha and throughout Tanzania, coordinating tours, one-way rentals, and cross-border logistics.
Services: Rentals, guided tours and motorcycle lessons tailored to various skill levels.
Why choose Arusha: Perfect for riders aiming to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. The region offers a mix of off-road and tarmac routes, rich wildlife experiences, and cultural interactions with local communities.
Why choose Dar es Salaam: Ideal for riders interested in coastal routes, exploring the Swahili Coast, and experiencing Tanzania’s vibrant city life. The region offers a blend of urban and rural riding experiences with scenic beachside roads.
- TVS 125cc
- Kibo K250 Adventure
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc
Kenya
Options: iRideNairobi and iRideMombasa
Website: iridenairobi.com
Phone: +254 794 592 350
Email: info@iridenairobi.com
Point of contact: Lenny, originally from Germany, works with the United Nations and is the founder of iRideNairobi. Lenny set up the first iRide Hub and runs guided tours and rentals across Kenya.
Services: Rentals and guided tours, including the popular Safari & Beach Combo, and have a fully equipped motorcycle service center.
Why choose Nairobi: Ideal for riders seeking diverse terrains, from bustling city streets to scenic safaris and coastal routes. Nairobi serves as a gateway to Amboseli, Tsavo, and the Indian Ocean coast, offering a rich blend of adventure and culture.
Why choose Mombasa: Perfect for riders interested in coastal adventures, exploring Kenya’s southern coast, and connecting to southern Tanzania. Mombasa offers a mix of beachside riding and cultural experiences.
- Kibo K250
- Voge 300 Rally
- KTM 390 ADV
- Tekken 250cc
- Bajaj Boxer X150
- Wego 110
- Scooters and boda-boda style workhorse bikes
Costs
Rental rates are typically $20-125 USD per day. The price is dependent on the bike type and length of rental. Check the iRide website for more info on bike options and prices.
Note, if you’re planning a one-way rental between cities or crossing borders, there will be an extra fee. Refundable deposits vary by bike size.
Insurance usually covers third-party only with deductibles. For full comprehensive options, speak to the team in the country you’re picking up from.
Route planning options
Rwanda
Kigali → Nairobi
- Huye: Coffee plantations and tea fields
- Nyungwe Forest: Scenic forest hikes (motorcycles not allowed inside)
- Gisenyi: Lake Kivu shoreline for relaxation
- Goma (DRC border): Scenic views of Lake Kivu and volcanoes
Kigali → Arusha
- Akagera National Park: Wildlife viewing from outside park boundaries
- Musanze: Volcanoes National Park scenery
- Moshi (Tanzania): Kilimanjaro views, coffee tours, local markets
Kenya
Nairobi → Arusha
- Amboseli National Park: Kilimanjaro views from outside park
- Suswa Crater: Off-road loops and lava tunnels
- Namanga: Border town with local markets
Nairobi → Dar es Salaam
- Voi / Tsavo East: Wildlife-viewing areas outside park
- Mombasa: Beaches, Old Town, Swahili culture, markets
Nairobi → Mombasa
- Machakos: Scenic hills and viewpoints
- Kitui: Fuel and resupply stops
- Mombasa: Beaches, Old Town, Fort Jesus, markets
Mombasa → Dar es Salaam
- Tanga: Coastal beaches and local culture
- Lushoto: Hiking trails, waterfalls, local villages
- Usambara Mountains: Scenic mountain roads
- Moshi / Dar es Salaam: Coffee estates, beaches, markets
Tanzania
Arusha → Nairobi
- See Nairobi → Arusha route
Arusha → Kigali
- Ngorongoro Highlands: Scenic viewpoints outside park
- Moshi / Marangu: Coffee tours, local culture
- Musanze (Rwanda): Volcanoes and tea plantations
Arusha → Dar es Salaam
- Usambara Mountains: Scenic twisty mountain roads
- Lushoto: Waterfalls, forest hikes, local villages
- Tanga: Coastal beaches, markets, historical sites
Dar es Salaam → Nairobi
- Tanga, Lushoto, Usambara Mountains, Moshi / Arusha → follow reverse route
- Voi / Tsavo East: Wildlife-viewing outside park (optional detour)
Dar es Salaam → Kigali
- Dodoma: Markets and historical sites
- Arusha / Moshi: Coffee estates and Kilimanjaro views
- Musanze / Nyungwe / Kigali (Rwanda): Volcanoes, forests, and city highlights
Paperwork and Borders
Motorcycle documentation
- Rental agreement from iRideAfrica (proof of rental)
- Vehicle registration papers
- Insurance documents (third-party liability included; optional upgraded insurance available for personal injury and bike damage)
Rider documentation
- Valid motorcycle license (International Driving Permit recommended for cross-border travel)
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Copies of important documents (stored separately from originals)
Border control
- Inform iRideAfrica of any planned cross-border travel in advance. They will provide the correct permits and paperwork.
- Expect vehicle inspection at borders.
- Motorcycles may require a temporary import permit at each country entry.
- Some borders may charge a small temporary import fee or road levy.
- Border crossing can take 30–90 minutes depending on traffic and paperwork.
Insurance, tips, and license
- All bikes come with standard third-party liability insurance.
- Optional upgraded insurance covers rider injuries and bike damage (recommended for remote rides).
- Local motorcycle license accepted within the country.
- For cross-border travel, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Visa requirements
- Rwanda: Visa on arrival for most nationalities; e-visa available online.
- Kenya: E-visa required for most non-EAC nationals; available online.
- Tanzania: Visa on arrival for many countries; e-visa available online.
- Multiple Countries: Some riders doing multi-country trips may need visas for each country before departure—check consulate websites.
Reliability and support
What if things go wrong? All the bikes in the network undergo in-house servicing and inspection before each rental. And we will brief riders on how to perform the daily checks on their trip. So you’ll be expected to handle minor maintenance issues like fixing a flat tyre, tightening and oiling your chain and replacing basic consumables.
But sometimes things go wrong. If you have a major breakdown and the bike is unrideable, we’ll provide local support and dispatch a replacement bike when available. Local mechanics and the iRide team can guide you through roadside fixes if needed too.
If you’re involved in an accident, focus on safety and medical needs first, then notify us. A police report may be required for insurance purposes and we will assist with the process.
About the iRideAfrica Network
iRideAfrica began in Nairobi seven years ago, founded by Lenny, a German national who works with the United Nations. His vision was simple: to make East Africa accessible to adventure motorcyclists through professional, well-supported tours and rentals. What started as a single hub in Nairobi quickly grew into a regional network connecting multiple East African cities.
Our mission is to build a connected network across Africa, giving riders the ultimate freedom and flexibility to explore the continent on their own terms — from one-way journeys to multi-country tours. Riders can start in one hub and finish in another, traveling point-to-point without the logistical headaches of shipping bikes or dealing with cross-border paperwork.
All hubs share resources, knowledge, and support. This ensures that whether you start in Kigali, Nairobi, Arusha, or Dar es Salaam, you receive a seamless and professional rental or tour experience anywhere in the region.
If you’re interested in renting a motorcycle in Kenya, Rwanda or Tanzania, joining one of iRide’s guided tours or learning to ride off-road, get in touch here:
- Web: iride.africa
- Email: info@iride.africa
This article was contributed by Kevin who runs iRideArusha in Tanzania, to share his experience running one-way motorcycle rentals in Africa. If you’re interested in renting a bike, please reach out to Kevin directly via his website or email.
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Are you planning a motorcycle trip in Africa? Do you have any questions or tips? Let us know in the comments below.