Round trip.
Three continents, two months, one epic journey!
- Miles: 17800
- Start: London
- End: London
- Time: 60 to 80 days +
- Suitability: A2 or above, adventure or tourer
- This route has tolls.
- This route includes a ferry and or car transporter (train).
- This route crosses through multiple countries/regions.
- This route has restricted usage or includes private roads.
Thirty countries and three continents in the ultimate ride of a lifetime!
London to Cape Town – The Mistakes and the Wins! Riding a motorcycle from London to Cape Town comes with its fair share of challenges, but it’s also packed with victories and valuable lessons. Here are some highlights from different journeys along this adventurous route:
- Preparation is key, so having a multi-tool for motorbike repairs along with other essentials can make all the difference when dealing with unexpected situations on the road.
- Road conditions can be tricky, with bumpy dirt stretches and plenty of potholes. Staying alert and adjusting your speed is key to navigating safely.
- Cultural interaction, like connecting with locals and lending a hand, can create meaningful experiences while helping you steer clear of risky situations.
- Adventure, the journey is packed with excitement, from traversing vast deserts to exploring dense jungles, and experiencing diverse cultures and wildlife along the way.
- Personal Growth, many riders say they feel more confident and open to taking risks after finishing the journey.
These moments show how crucial preparation, flexibility, and a love for adventure are when traveling by motorcycle. Whether you’ve been riding for years or are just starting out, the journey from London to Cape Town promises a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience.
Leg One – Europe to Africa
Leg two – Africa, southbound
Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Nambia & South Africa.
- This route crosses through multiple countries/regions.
- This route has restricted usage or includes private roads.
Leg three – Africa and Asia
South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan & Egypt.
- This route crosses through multiple countries/regions.
- This route has restricted usage or includes private roads.
Leg four – Asia through Europe
You can save a few hundred miles by getting the ferry from UK to Spain or even to Africa, but where is the fun in that?
Short on time? Cut the trip in half and ship your bike back to the UK from South Africa, then decide whether to take the Europe or Euro-Asia route.
The best time for this trip would be April, May, June, or September and October, since South Africa’s summer coincides with winter in the UK.
As of December 2025, a few countries are on the FCDO “do not travel” list. While riding through them is allowed, it’s not recommended. Fortunately, these countries fall within the Euro-Asia legs (three and four), so you can travel safely along legs one and two.
My advise if you do not wish to travel the Euro-Asia route back, would be to hug the Western Coast of Africa on the return journey, riding through Guinea, Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco.
