David C., UK

The Black Elephant Tour was truly a special experience that my fiancé and I will remember with the fondest of memories for the rest of our lives.  It all began when we found Africa Riding Adventures on the internet and were soon in touch with Monica & Flavio regarding the logistics of such a large undertaking: 16 riding days traveling over 3,000 kilometers (nearly all off-road), visiting or camping with 6-8 different tribes of the Omo Valley, visiting national parks (where we would get up close and personal with hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.), organizing local guides, hiring a chef who would accompany us on the entire trip, etc.  From the very first email, both my fiancé and I were pleasantly surprised by Monica’s and Flavio’s level of organization and the attention paid to both our initial concerns about safety and to every day’s itinerary (how many km we’d travel per day, plans for accommodation, stoppage points for pictures, rest areas, etc.).  It also turned out to be extremely well priced, both as a stand-alone trip and compared to other off-road motorcycle adventure tours offered by other operators around the world (we researched in detail for several weeks other trips in Russia, South America, Asia, Africa, etc.).  Given Africa Riding Adventure’s professionalism and inviting presentation, it wasn’t long before we decided to choose Ethiopia!

As it turned out, Flavio and I were the only two on bikes while my fiancé decided she would enjoy the trip from the passenger seat in the Land Cruiser. Three things (among many others) were clear about Flavio from the minute we began riding: 1) he was an excellent but very safe rider, 2) he was a fantastic guide who left nothing to chance, and 3) he was someone who truly cared that we have an experience of a lifetime.  Additionally, he always kept the bikes in fantastic condition as my KTM 525 and his KTM 690 didn’t have a single mechanical problem the entire trip.  Flavio was also a ton of fun to be with and share stories.... although given he is a die hard Brazil football fan, thankfully the trip was over by the time they lost in the World Cup! :)

The landscape heading south out of Addis and before arriving in the main tribal areas was spectacular.  Green, luscious and mountainous, it was nothing like what we had expected.  There were sections of riding in the clouds (literally) followed by long winding roads descending into steep valleys housing sections of the Omo River.  Almost always encountering local people along the way, they were sweet and at all times happy to welcome us into their villages and homes.  Never once did we feel tension or indifference from the locals or the tribes.  They were happy to have us and it showed. 

Upon arriving in the main tribal area of the Omo Valley, we were amazed to see the simplicity of daily life.  Even today, most tribes continue to live without what we would consider the basics: electricity, running water, motorized transportation, etc.  The cultural integrity and respect of individual tribal traditions were amazing.   They understand that a more developed world exists beyond their borders, but they have zero interest in wanting to experience it. Witnessing the scarification of a woman during our stay with the Surma Tribe will not soon be forgotten either (scars are a sign of beauty for women there). She experienced nearly 40 slices of the skin and didn’t make a noise.  It was amazing. 

In closing, I could go on sharing more of our trip’s experiences but I would recommend anyone reading this to take a chance and try the Black Elephant Tour yourself.   It was the perfect off-road motorcycle enthusiast’s trip: intense riding combined with a beautiful landscape, generous and welcoming people, and a once in a lifetime experience with one of the last remaining tribal areas in the world.

Thank you Monica and Flavio.  You provided my fiancé and I with a pre-wedding “honeymoon” and an experience that we’ll never forget.  We’re looking forward to seeing you again soon. 

All the best to you, your staff and your family,

David C.
July 2010

16-day Black Elephant tour, 2010
See photos from David and Emily's trip

Dainius Matijosaitis, Lithuania

This was one of the biggest lifetime adventures for all 8 of us from Lithuania, who have been traveling the Historical Route for 2 weeks. Ethiopia appeared to be a very friendly country with its incredible rocky landscape and incredibly friendly people, whom you met every time we stop – they are just everywhere!:)

Even though we got tired in some moments, one of us even had an injury, but the best tour guide of them all – Flavio sorted out all the problems that appeared! Doesn‘t matter if it’s only a minor technical bike problem, or a broken leg (which we wouldn‘t wish for anyone) – Flavio is an organized and professional guide who can take care of all the problems arising. He is also a very good company to drink beer with and chat after every day’s ride. BEST TOUR GUIDE, BEST TOUR ROUTE, BEST BIKES – what more can you ask for your adventure holidays?

2-weeks Custom Made Tour: Historical Route, 2010

I have always wanted to discover new countries and enjoy beautifull sceneries, thus my husband Hans and I registered for the daring north calendar tour organised by Flavio and Monica taking place from the 1-10 February 2010. We thought it over for some  time, but thanks to the enthousiastic mails from Monica  and the reliable impression she gave it didn't take long to pull us over the line.

When telling friends at home about our plans they often frowned and wondered what  we were going to do in the desert and why we took such a risk going to a  dangerous country like Ethiopie.... Of course all there worries were in vain.

We were five: 3 youngsters; adventurous Ella ( 28)  from Australië, Lucky Luke (28) from Australië, Steve the Captain (31) born in New Zealand living in Holland and Hans (52) alias doc holiday and I (47) from Belgium. All  very different but blending well because we all loved to travel by  motorbike.

We had good fun and the atmosphere was very relaxed.  Being the least experienced I never had the feeling to be a  burden to any of them or Flavio...

Such a variety of mountainous landscapes unique in the world. Long distances of all kinds of gravel and winding  roads and hundreds of villages, all different. So many children often with Obama T-shirts. All the different impressions absorbed during the trip still play like a movie in my head. I keep smelling the odours and fragraces and the taste of the red dust between my teeth. We had to be very alert because the roads in Ethiopie have a lot of hidden  surprises. Such as cows, donkeys and sheep strolling by and suddenly
crossing the road. Once I was surprised by an almost invisible rope blocking the road at the entrance of a village.

Flavio prooved to be a very charming man; an Ethiopian with an italian  flair, who's proud of  his country and knows how to cope with its limitations. Fond of his job and KTM motorcycles and a professional technician. He had no macho mentality and acted very modest, though he is an amazingly good rider. He was like a friend to us and we liked his company very much.

For us it was one of the most unforgettable and adventurous tours we've made. One item we can already delete from our "bucket list".

10 day 'Daring North' Calendar Tour, 2010

Nadia Guillin, France

Je revais de decouvrir l'Ethiopie a moto! Je n'aurais jamais eu le temps ni le materiel necessaire pour organiser cette aventure. Je cherchais a louer une moto sur place, et je suis tombee sur Africa Riding Adventures! Ces quelques jours sont devenus mon meilleur souvenir de cette annee 2009!!! Une KTM dans un etat impeccable, un guide extra et un paysage a couper le souffle!

On a fait notre plan de route en fonction du temps que j'avais et de ce qui pouvait me plaire. Flavio, le directeur, m'a emmene decouvrir des coins off road que je n'aurais jamais eu l'occasion de voir par moi meme. On s'est arrete a la rencontre des villageois, on s'est pose aux sommets des montagnes, on a traverse des champs de Teff en fleur!!

Cote pratique, c'est pas cher pour ce que c'est et ils sont super reglo! La grande Classe!!! J'y retourne des que je peux!!

Michel Donck, Belgium
Raid Bulex 2010

Ethiopia is a fantastic country , we never expect such a beautiful landscape; mountains, lakes, plains, forest...

Population we met was very nice and welcoming... and every arrival of our motorcycle group in a village was an unforgettable experience. Africa riding has organized our 7 days tour on a very professional way. Really a country to visit on a motorcycle..  but always drive carefully as tracks and roads are used by everybody: trucks, cars, people, animals... and nobody cares about others ... and nobody expects fast motorcycles...”

8-days Custom Made Tour to the South (Maze Tour), 2009

Nicolas Guilbert, France

N’ayant jamais pratiqué de moto off-road, j’ai frappé a la porte de Monica et Flavio en espérant pouvoir tout de même profiter de cette occasion. Je n’ai vraiment pas été déçu du résultat, le tour correspondait à mes attentes et a mon niveau. L’ambiance est très sympa et chaleureuse, on est entre de bonnes mains ! Dans un pays tel que l’Éthiopie, c’est un vrai plaisir que de pratiquer dans ces conditions de la moto off-road. Expérience à renouveler sans hésitation…

Weekend scheduled tour, Fincha Lake, Northwest, 2009

Karl Schleich, Austria

Thank you for the perfect trip to the north of Ethiopie ( 27. Mar. - 5. Apr. 2009). The motorbike (KTM 640), the route, the hotels and the food was perfect and also the organisation.

10-days Custom Made Tour to the North, 2009

Phil Randall, Australia

After Dubai, Addis Ababa airport is uncomplicated and quick. My guide was waiting and I was whisked off to the safety of a very pleasant hotel, not withstanding that the place had two security guards with metal detection equipment to pass through. Thankfully we were not staying at the Hilton where the security was adorned with automatic pistols and the walls with razor wire. What have I got myself in for? I ask myself!!

I had a day to unwind and we got away the following day, four of us on bikes and two in the support car.  Our guide an Italian Ethiopian, a 60ish Italian three times Dakar finisher, a 23 year old motocross racer from London  and Me. So you can imagine the sequence of riders.

Our first stop was Arba Minch, where we spent three days, perched on the edge of a rocky precipice and overlooking a lake with a beautiful view of the rising sun.  We visited the local National Park, great  100k ride. We got some good shots of the Zebras,  but the other inhabitants that we were assured lived there, had more sense than to be out in the midday sun. The boat trip across the lake was more fruitful, pelicans in their thousands, hippos and giant crocodiles, and the bravest of all by far, the locals setting their nets from tiny rafts half the length of those complacent looking beasts basking in the sun.

Next stop a little camping area called Turmi on the banks of a dry river bed.  Surprised myself in that my tent was not half as uncomfortable as I had dreaded it would be,  and the food was exceptional,  prepared by our own chef in the most primitive of circumstances.

The trip to Jinka was to be the highlight of the trip, too rough for the vehicle, we were to be on our own, 130 km of rocky tracks, flowing level two trails, loose sand and thick dust.  A great days riding, though a bit tiring.   The sun was relentless and when we found the most inviting creek I have seen for some time, it was time for swimming,  boots, clothes and all.

The trip was drawing to a close, two more nights in pleasant accommodation and then back to the city and our original hotel.  I have had a marvellous time, different to what I had expected, but then I am not sure just what I expected. 

I thank my fellow travellers and Africa Riding Adventure Tours, for making this experience possible. My Ethiopia photos are available on picassa.

14-days calendar tour, wild and ethnic route to the south, 2009

Vincent Tissier, France

Débarqué à Addis, sans aucun programme défini pour huit jours de vacances, je suis arrivé chez Monica et Flavio par hasard, au gré de mes pérégrinations à pied dans cette ville. L’accueil chaleureux et familial m’a vite décidé d’entreprendre un périple de cinq jours vers le Sud, en compagnie de Flavio. Un petit tour au Mercato avec Eden, la jolie et gentille assistante de Monica pour m’acheter une paire de chaussures adaptée, un essayage des vêtements de protections et me voila désormais prêt.

Mon expérience de rider étant ancienne et limitée, Flavio a su définir un itinéraire progressif et adopter au début un rythme propre a me mettre en confiance. Quelle fantastique première journée, avec les deux dernières heures effectuées de nuit pour conclure ces sept heures de route !
Instant magique du réveil à Arbaminch, dominant les lacs depuis le haut du rift. La pluie empêche d’emprunter l’itinéraire prévu pour la deuxième journée : Flavio a toujours une solution de secours, et nous voila sur un autre itinéraire.

La troisième journée compte parmi les meilleures journées passées depuis très longtemps: trip off-road magique d’Arbaminsh à Yabello,  poussière, boue, cailloux, paysages, habitants, singes, chameaux, toute l’Afrique est là, la KTM 640 tourne parfaitement: du pur bonheur. Le soir, la magie du voyage opère encore et nous nous lions d’amitié avec Yolande, une charmante canadienne installée en Egypte voyageant seule avec son chauffeur. Cette rencontre improbable entre deux riders poussiéreux et cette charmante grand-mère très distinguée marque notre voyage, car nos routes vont désormais se croiser tout au long de notre remontée vers Addis. Notre quatrième jour nous fait traverser des plantations de café et des paysages de végétation luxuriante, pour arriver à un superbe éco-lodge. Nous y passons une soirée familiale, d’autant plus que notre nouvelle grand-mère Yolande nous y rejoint. Le dernier jour nous ramène enfin à Addis, ou après une baignade méridienne dans un lac superbe, la route devient incroyablement encombrée de véhicules et camions de toutes sortes. C’est un fantastique embouteillage mais qui devient finalement ludique, puisqu’il nous faut emprunter les bas cotés ou doubler de tous cotes possibles pour nous en sortir.

5-days Custom Made Tour to the South, 2008

Yacob G/Medhin, Ethiopia

I first heard of Africa riding adventures about a year ago and have always meant to contact them but couldn’t due to a heavy workload. Eventually I was able to visit their offices. I had a warm welcome and professional reception. Having discussed at length about the tours they organized, I opted to try-out one of their day tours. As per my preference, it was a combination of road and off-road riding. The tour was scheduled and organized very easily and all I had to do was confirm the chosen date. 

On the date of the tour, I appeared toting only my helmet (the company provides good quality off-road riding gear for a nominal fee). After an introductory briefing by the tour leader, we were on our way. To make a long story short, I had one of the best adventures I have ever had. The tour leader is quite experienced and skilled enough to gauge riders’ abilities and match his pace accordingly. The pace of the tour was just right, with appropriately scheduled stops (coffee/lunch breaks). I had a really great time whisking the big KTM 640 around on and especially off tarmac.

In all, I have only one thing to say to all motorcycle adventure lovers in Ethiopia: do give Africa Riding Adventures a try. Trust me. You will be coming back for more!

Wonchi Crater Lake Day Tour, 2008

Eamon Sheehan, UK

I hired a motorcycle from Monica & Flavio to do a couple of days touring from Addis, bike was ace and had a wonderfully exciting trip to the Lakes South of Addis. Bike worked perfectly and Monica & Flavio could not have been more charming and helpful.

Bike Rental, 2008

Joe Pichler, Austria

It was in the autumn of 2004 that I met Flavio for the first time in Addis.  I was on the way from Cairo to Capetown, and Flavio told me of his plans to organize motorbike rides through Ethiopia on KTM Enduros.  Meanwhile I've been twice with friends to Ethiopia.  We made 2 unforgettable tours with Flavio. Both tours, to the north and to the south have been perfectly  prepared and a large experience for all participants. I am sure, we will return to Ethiopia as soon as possible.

19-days Custom Made Tour, North Historical route and Danakil, 2005
14-days Custom Made Tour to the South, 2007

Heiner Raschhofer, Austria

The days on tour with Flavio were some of the best days of my life...

Thank you so much!

19-days Custom Made Tour, North Historical route and Danakil, 2005
14-days Custom Made Tour to the South, 2007

Carlo Tortora Brayda di Belvedere, Italy

Ethiopia is one of the most beautiful countries to ride in, it is vast, with diverse stunning  landscapes. Flavio is a great guide, a professional, and an unbelievable enduro rider - he is integrated with the machine. Flavio and I went on a fantastic trip to Harar, and beyond, going via Awash.  I was mixing business and pleasure - and Flavio had the flexibility to mould to my unusual itinerary demands.

I often day dream about my next big trip with Africa Riding Adventures, and I could recommend it to anyone.

5-days Custom Made Tour to the North, 2007

Astrid Neudecker, Germany

On November, 20th 2007, we started a trip that for a long time had been a dream for me. The plan was to ride our KTM motorcycles from Mombasa to Cairo, crossing Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. Preparation work for this trip was immense. I had a contact person in Cairo but to be on the safe side I thought it might be wise to have an address in Ethiopia in case of a breakdown. Through a befriended journalist I heard that there was a company - Africa Riding Adventures Tours doing motorcycle tours in Ethiopia. So I emailed them, explained my request and I got the most helpful answer. Monica provided me with all sorts of information though she didn’t know me at all. I promised to pop up once I was in Addis. A few weeks later we were actually there, met for dinner and had a brilliant evening - Flavio and Monica are great people - people I felt very familiar with after only a few minutes. They also offered me and my travel companion assistance in case we had a breakdown with our KTM bikes. Their company is the official KTM importer and Flavio is a KTM qualified mechanic. They only do tours on KTM bikes which are in top condition.

A few weeks later our travel got overshadowed: we were stopped at the Sudanese border although we had a valid visa. The police didn’t let us pass insisting our 2 month visa was false. I tried everything from sobbing to bribing to no avail. Luckily we had a multiple entry visa for Ethiopia.... so I called Monica again and told her about our misery and asked for help shipping the bikes back to Munich. Once in Addis everything was easy. Flavio escorted us to the agency and things went smoothly. A few weeks later we picked-up our bikes at Munich airport.

Without the help of Monica and Flavio we would have lost a lot of time plus they saved us a lot of hassle. Most important of all for me: they were the nicest company. Monica and I became good friends and I wished she would be closer to where I live - I really got to like her.

Once again I want to say thank you Monica and Flavio, you are great guys and I hope to see you again!

Independent Traveller, 2007

Burt Richmond, USA

I have ridden in and across 117 countries around the world. At this point in my life, I am always looking for the next great adventure. The year before [2005] we toured Japan, which we thought was unique and fantastic from a historic & cultural point of view.  However, nothing prepared us for the majesty of northern Ethiopia with mountain topography rivaling the Alps, the Rocky Mountains or even the Himalayas. One day we climbed a serpentine gravel road over a 3,700 m pass. The scenery was more dramatic than all those mt. passes in India and Bhutan.  This is exciting riding with the daily rewards of remarkable history as described by our ever calm Ethiopian guide, Flavio Bonaiuti.

The people are hard working and very friendly which makes the visits to the historic sites very comfortable. The churches that were hand hewn from solid rock in Lalebela rival the Royal Castles and walled citadel in Gondar. Our boat trip across Lake Tana to see the round Coptic churches was only highlighted by the waterfalls of the Blue Nile that traces south and west through the Great Rift Valley before turning north towards Egypt. This was a good introduction, which has whetted our appetite to return to experience the southern portions of Ethiopia.

14-days Custom Made Tour to the North, 2006

Mickey Brown, USA

Fantastic Visuals and Incredibly Friendly and Beautiful People.  The Ruins at Aksum are only beginning to be discovered.

14-days Custom Made Tour to the North, 2006