If you’re asking, “What are the best countries to go motorcycle touring?”, you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear a lot, especially from riders planning their first big overseas trip or looking for an experience that is bigger and even more thrilling than their last.
At Motor Adventures, our expert journey planners have designed a range of Morocco and South Africa motorbike tours using decades of experience. Our team has enjoyed some of the best biking experiences around the world, and there are a few countries that stand out above the rest.
Whether you’re into full-on off-road enduro or long-distance adventure touring on tarmac and gravel, certain places offer that magic mix of scenery, freedom, and challenge. Scroll down to find our picks for the best places to go motorcycle touring — and if you have any questions for us, please just get in touch.
Morocco is the Ultimate Off-Road Playground
If you’re looking for real enduro riding, it’s hard to beat Morocco. The mix of terrain here is second to none — from deep desert sand to high mountain trails and rocky riverbeds. This is where we run the majority of our off-road tours, and once you’ve ridden here, you’ll understand why.
Breathtaking Desert and Mountain Landscapes
From the towering Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara near Merzouga to the vast rocky plains and jagged peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s scenery never lets up. The contrast between open desert and tight, technical trails is what keeps riders coming back year after year.
You’ll ride under blue skies, through palm-lined valleys, and across mountain passes that feel like they’ve been built for two wheels.
An Unparalleled Sense of Freedom
Riding in Morocco is pure freedom. You’re often off the grid, following tracks through endless open space with no traffic, no noise, and no boundaries. It’s just you, your bike, and the seemingly unending desert landscape.
The remoteness is real — and so is the sense of adventure. If you want to get away from the world and into proper riding territory, this is the place to do it.
Close Proximity to Europe
Aside from the sheer quality of Morocco’s landscapes and experiences, one of the biggest reasons it’s such a popular choice for off-road riders is location. It’s just a short flight from mainland Europe, which makes it logistically simple to join a tour. You don’t need to travel halfway around the world and lose precious time in transit — all this incredible riding is within easy reach.
And with our range of vehicles ready to go when you are, you can be riding the dunes within a few hours of landing.
Tour Lengths to Suit All Needs
We offer a wide range of Morocco off-road tours to suit every rider. Whether you’re after a short, sharp blast or a longer challenge, there’s something here for everyone. Tours range from 3 and 4 days riding to 8 days riding, and all include full support, expert guidance, and carefully crafted routes.
From beginner-friendly options to journeys designed for experienced enduro riders, Morocco has something for everyone!
Morocco is Also a World-Class Adventure Touring Destination
If tarmac is more your thing, but you still want a bit of gravel and grit, Morocco is also a great destination for adventure motorcycle touring. You’ll wind your way through the Atlas Mountains, explore remote villages, and ride into one of the country’s best-kept secrets: Aït Bouguemez, also known as The Happy Valley.
The roads here are smooth, scenic, and quiet. And the landscapes? Just as epic as the off-road zones. You can take on mountain passes, sweep through wide valleys, and feel like you’ve left the tourist trail far behind.
Sound like your kind of ride? Find out everything you need to know about our Happy Valley Adventure Tour!
South Africa Offers Adventure Riding with Everything in One Place
South Africa is a dream destination for adventure riders. Rides here are mostly on-road, but they’re anything but straightforward. The variety you get on a single tour is incredible, and the roads are made for bikes. Our Sea to Summit 10-Day Tour is built to show off the best that South Africa has to offer, so be sure to check it out when you have finished here.
Diverse Landscapes: Coastlines, Mountain Passes, Wildlife Reserves
You’ll ride along the famous Garden Route, up dramatic mountain passes like Sani Pass, and through private game reserves where you might spot iconic wildlife like rhinos from the saddle. One day you’re riding the coast, the next you’re in the mountains — and the day after that, you’re in the bush.
South Africa offers big open skies, varied terrain, and plenty of space to enjoy the ride.
Major Rider Appeal: Sani Pass, Garden Route, Baviaanskloof
The names speak for themselves. Sani Pass is a bucket-list ride — a steep, twisting ascent into Lesotho that’s as challenging as it is scenic. The Garden Route is smooth and coastal, with cliffside curves and ocean views. Baviaanskloof is more rugged and remote, offering a taste of the wild side.
Together, they tick every box for adventure riders looking for the best places to go motorcycle touring. And remember, these famous highlights are only the beginning! We’ve barely scratched the surface here.
Strong Paved Infrastructure with Adventure-Friendly Off-Road Sections
The roads are generally in excellent condition, but there’s still the option to ride gravel when the route calls for it. It’s not an off-road tour, but it’s close enough in places to give you that feeling of exploration and unpredictability.
If you prefer the idea of a more flexible, exclusive excursion, consider our Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa Private Adventure Bike Tour with 10 days of riding. As one of our tailor-made tours, we can customise aspects of this experience to better suit your needs.
The Best Places to Go Motorcycle Touring: Honourable Mentions
While Morocco and South Africa are true showstoppers when it comes to motorcycle touring, here are a few more honourable mentions:
- United States – Especially Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Utah/Arizona desert. Long highways, huge scenery.
- Vietnam – The Hai Van Pass is world famous, and the north offers dramatic mountain routes and authentic local experiences.
- New Zealand – Excellent roads, low traffic, and jaw-dropping views. Great mix of coast, forest, and mountains.
Join Us for Motorcycle Tours in Morocco or South Africa!
For us, Morocco and South Africa stand out as clear winners when it comes to the best places for motorcycle touring. The terrain, the freedom, the support — it’s all there. And whether you’re into enduro riding, big-bike adventure touring, or just want to try something new, we’ve got a tour that’ll suit.
For the adrenaline rush of pure off-road enduro, explore our Morocco off-road tours. Or for scenic, on-road adventures, check out our Happy Valley, Atlas Mountain, and Sahara Desert Tour or our Sea to Summit South African Motorcycle Adventure Tour.
We take care of the planning, so you can focus on the ride. For all pre-booking questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
