FAQs

Riders & Route

Where does the trip start from?

Currently it is from the Ace Cafe in London – you’ll be given the meeting address and full details nearer the time.

How many are on the trip?

The trip is limited to 10 riders plus typically the challenge leader, mechanic and medic with support vehicles.

Do we ride in a group every day?

No – the way in which we run our trips is unique and it means that most days you will not be riding in one big group but you will be free to head out away from the pack to travel at your own pace, stop when you want and have your own adventures. You will be given comprehensive notes, digital navigation plans and verbal instructions from the staff telling you where we will be meeting up next. This is usually at lunch, at a key petrol station or at the end of the day’s ride at your accommodation. Those who prefer to stay with the guide are more than welcome to do so however. You will be armed with all of the information you need to be able to summon help from the support crew if you encounter any problems during the day. One stipulation is that all riders must travel in a minimum of pairs, and all off-road rides are done as group rides for obvious safety reasons.

Can you give me a daily itinerary with mileages, locations and times?

Every Paris Dakar Challenge is different and unique – no two routes are ever exactly the same and so we cannot give out detailed itineraries until a few weeks before departure. You can see a good example of a typical itinerary on the trip Information page on this website to give you a good idea of the kind of places we will be going through.

What route notes and information will I get?

During the trip you will receive comprehensive notes providing you with a wealth of information on all aspects of the route. The detail covering roads, accommodation, food and fuel will mean that you can start the day’s ride confident that you know where you are going, and exactly how you are going to get there. Contingency plans in-case of any problems en-route will also be given to you so that if the need arises you can summon help from the PDC team as quickly as possible.

What is the typical mileage of each day?

It varies significantly depending on where you are and what the terrain is like. Typically the furthest distance you will ride in one day is 400 miles and this is normally on motorways when crossing Europe. Once in Africa distances are significantly reduced and are typically 150 to 300 miles. Days when riding off-road trails are usually shorter still.

What is the normal start and finish time of each day’s ride?

Normally we aim to be on the road for 8am although there are usually a few late starts and half days during the trip as well. You can expect to reach your destination before dark – usually from 4 to 6pm but this is obviously dependent on any problems you encounter during the day.

How many rest days are there?

Normally there are 2 full rest days during the trip, but in addition to this there are usually 3 or 4 half days as well. Please remember that our routes and itineraries change each time we run the trip and so the number of rest days and half days can change slightly as well.

Can I join or leave the trip part way through?

All riders must stay with the trip itinerary throughout for logistics and safety reasons. Riders on their own motorcycles may leave and join the tour but only with prior agreement from the tour organisers and on the understanding that they have formally left the tour and the organisers are no longer responsible for them in any way.

Off road riding

How much off-road riding is there?

At present there is typically about 450 miles of off road riding however this changes with each trip and also it is dependent upon local weather conditions at the time. Some trails, in particular in the Atlas Mountains, may be taken off the itinerary due to poor local weather. In these circumstances we will always try and replace the missed trail with an additional one in another location further on.

I have limited off-road experience – is this suitable for me?

Yes — usually in the past around half the riders on any trip typically have very limited off-road experience and have no experience of doing anything like this before. Many have only experience of doing things like occasional and casual green laning. We love having the less experienced trail riders on the trip as they tend to get the most out of the adventure.

I’m a complete off-road beginner – can I still join?

Yes — the trip is designed to be achievable for any determined off-road beginner. You don’t need prior off-road experience, but you will need a willingness to learn, a good level of general bike confidence, and the determination to push yourself when it gets tough.

We’ll support you every step of the way, and you’ll be in a positive, encouraging environment. That said, for safety reasons, the trip leader may ask you to skip certain remote trails if you’re not yet ready — in which case, there will always be tarmac alternatives available. Our goal is to help you succeed, safely and confidently.

What do I do if I want to opt out of an off-road trail?

This is not a problem and if you like you can go almost the entire distance on perfectly good tarmac. The support vehicles and staff however are committed to being with the off-road riders as that is where they are most needed. This means that when you opt out of a trail ride you will have to make your way to the next meet up point without the PDC team in support. We will ensure you have all of the information regarding routes, fuel and accommodation to make sure that you can do this, but you must accept that we can’t offer you full support during this period. Riders who take this option usually find that they really enjoy getting away from the group and having their own adventures, even if just for a day or two.

Can I do my own trails and off-road riding separate from the group and itinerary?

No — off-road riding must always be done as part of the planned group sections. For safety, support, and trip logistics, we don’t allow riders to head off on their own trails or ride their own off-road routes during the expedition. It’s essential that all off-road riding is done in a managed, supported environment with the group. You’re welcome to ride at your own pace on the tarmac sections, but when it comes to the trails, we stick together.

I’m an advanced, experienced off-road rider – is this suitable for me?

Yes — if you’re looking for a serious adventure travel experience. This trip is about exploring wild, remote landscapes, bustling African cities and navigating real overland challenges, not racing or rally competition.

If your main goal is an off-road rally or a Paris-Dakar-style race replica, this isn’t it. The riding includes some brilliant trails, but it’s part of a bigger journey — one focused on adventure, not adrenaline alone. Many experienced riders join us for the landscapes, camaraderie, and sheer scale of the trip, not just the terrain.

Payments

How do I book and pay my deposit?

Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of your deposit, however bookings aren’t open yet as we are still finalising the trip details. To be among the first to know when they are, simply join the waiting list — there’s no cost and no obligation. When bookings go live, everyone on the list will receive full details and a chance to secure one of the limited places before it’s opened to the general public.

When is full payment due and how do I pay it?

The final balance is due 10 weeks prior to departure. We will e-mail an invoice with payment instructions to you at the appropriate time.

What is included and not included in price?

Please see the Prices and Booking page.

Motorcycle maintenance and repair

Who is responsible for maintaining my bike ?

Those riding their own bike are responsible for maintaining it, however the PDC mechanic is there to assist you as and when required with more technical problems – he is there to help all riders, not just those on PDC bikes. Those on our bikes are responsible for daily maintenance and safety checks as follows:

• Chain lubrication and tension
• Tyre pressures
• Oil and coolant level
• Brake checks
• Light and indicator checks

How you carry out these checks will be demonstrated during the training and orientation day and it is essential that you are fully aware of your responsibilities for making sure that your bike is safe to ride before you get onto it each day. When you take over your bike at the start of the trip you will be required to inspect and sign a handover sheet to say that you received it in a safe and roadworthy condition. The mechanic will be regularly inspecting the bikes but the ultimate responsibility to ensure that the basic safety checks have been done is you – the rider.

What happens if my own bike breaks down?

You will have access to the equipment and mechanic expertise that comes with the support vehicle and our staff. Assistance will generally be given free of charge but parts and costs incurred to third parties must be paid by the trip member. We will make every effort to fix your bike ourselves, and if this is not possible, to recover it to a location where it can be fixed or recovered back to the U.K. or elsewhere. It cannot, however, be allowed to significantly affect the progress or running of the trip for other riders. You can bring your own spares to keep in the support vehicle at the discretion of the trip leader – please discuss with us what items you wish to bring at the earliest opportunity to enable us to limit weight on the support vehicle.

Note: If your own bike becomes unrideable and you are unable to continue the trip, we are unable to offer prorated refunds.

What happens if my PDC bike breaks down?

We use the latest well proven, strong and reliable bikes and so significant mechanical problems are very unlikely. If you do have a problem then our support vehicles are packed with a comprehensive list of spare parts and we should have you back on the road very quickly indeed.

Damage to PDC motorcycles

What damage can I be charged for?

We expect the usual wear and tear: scrapes and dents are all part of the adventure and won’t be charged. However, we do ask that you treat the bike with care and respect and take on primary responsibility for its upkeep during the trip. In the unlikely event of serious damage caused by reckless riding, neglect, or avoidable abuse, we reserve the right to charge for the cost of repair.

Bike licenses and riding PDC bikes

I have a provisional licence – can I still join a trip?

Sorry no – you must have a full, bike licence to take part in the Paris Dakar Challenge.

I have a restricted licence – can I still join a trip?

Yes, but only on your own bike which must legally comply with the restrictions on your licence.

I have a non-UK bike licence – can I still ride a PDC bike?

YES – this is normally no problem at all.

Riding own motorcycles

What pre-trip service preparations do I need to make?

In order to reduce the amount of spare parts you will need to carry we suggest the following as minimum pre-trip preparation for your bike:

• Fit a new, good quality O/X chain and sprockets
• Carry out a full service with spark plug and oil/air filter changes
• Fit new tyres (we recommend Continental TKC80)
• Fit new brake pads if needed and check that the disks have at least 6,000 miles of life
• Have the bike inspected by a trusted mechanic – they may notice something crucial which you do not!

What bike modifications will I need to make?

Bike preparation can be expensive but often the modifications aren’t really necessary. Treat most of the following as optional extras to consider – some bikes are pretty much built ready to go and require no essential modifications at all.

• Lever guards – non-essential, but strong lever guards such as Bark Busters, mean you don’t have to carry spare levers.
• Radiator guard – non-essential but a good idea although your bike may already have a plastic one which can be perfectly adequate.
• Fork seal protectors – non-essential and more for long term wear and tear.
• Handlebar risers – purely down to personal preference and available from Touratech for most models.
• Engine/Fairing crash bars – non-essential but can be a good idea depending on the bike you are riding.
• Sump/engine guard – non-essential but a good idea for the Tenere in particular if this is your bike of choice.
• Taller screen – non-essential and once again down to personal preference.
• Intercom – non-essential but it means you can chat with your riding partners as you go along if they also have one.
• Off-road foot pegs – If you only have rubber pegs on your bike then consider this an essential modification. Aftermarket wider pegs are dependent on which bike you are riding and personal preference. Most dual purpose bikes have serrated metal pegs which are adequate.

What spare parts should I bring?

Provided you have had your bike well serviced and inspected, we recommend that you carry the following:

• 1 front and 1 rear inner tube where applicable (with puncture repair kit)
• 1 clutch lever and 1 brake lever (if you do not have strong lever guards)
• Optional – 2 mirror mounting bolts or means of repairing broken mirrors after a fall/dropped bike
• 1 x clutch and 1 x throttle cable (if worn)
• 1 x indicator
• 1 x spark plug

Accommodation

What is the standard of accommodation like?

In Europe the places that we stay are often family run, very friendly establishments which may be considered equivalent to 2 or 3 star category. In Africa the accommodation varies considerably from Bedouin Camps to city centre tourist hotels, to beach side travellers paradises like Zebrabar in Senegal. Accommodation is selected to be secure, friendly and welcoming to motorcycle groups. The split between hotels and camping is currently 3:1 and most camps are in the wild where there are no facilities other than what is carried on the support vehicle.

Can I get a single person supplement?

We do not have single person supplements however having your own room is often possible, but not always – many of the places that we will be staying are small and family run establishments where rooms are limited. Single rooms may be taken but must be reserved and paid for by you on arrival. You will have your own designated tent (1 per person) throughout the trip for use when camping.

How does the camping work?

Most camping is in the wilderness where there are no facilities. We provide all tents, chairs and communal camping equipment (cooking stoves, plates, cutlery, food etc) and you must provide your own sleeping bag and mat. You do not need any prior camping or cooking experience – you can learn as you go along! Cooking is done in small groups under the close supervision of the support crew.

Wild camping

I can’t cook – will this be a problem?

No – the cooking system is closely managed by the support team and if you can’t cook you will be paired with people who can. As long as you help where you can, even if it is just chopping vegetables or washing the dishes, then it won’t be a problem.

I don’t want to camp – are there alternative hotels I can stay in?

Wild camping can be hard work compared to staying in hotels all the way through, but it also a core part of the experience and often where the best memories are made. The wild camping is a central part of the whole experience of the Paris-Dakar Challenge so if you are really not keen on it then consider if this trip is really the right fit for you – or get in touch for a chat so we can make sure you know exactly what it entails. 

Food

What food is included in price?

All meals are included when wild camping; all other meals are as per the information on the Prices & Booking page with most breakfasts included in price and a number evening meals also. Most lunches you will need to pay for yourself. Food from the support vehicle is prepared by trip members on a rotational basis under close supervision (and usually with plenty of help) from the support crew. 

Can you cater for vegetarians?

It is not a problem and we have had plenty of vegetarians on the trip in the past but it is a good idea to be closely involved most nights in the preparation of your own food. Please inform us at the time of booking that you are a vegetarian.

Luggage

How is personal luggage carried?

The majority of your personal kit is carried on the support vehicle (bikes do not have panniers). All you need to have with you on your bike are your documents, tool kit and personal items such as wallet, phone, snacks and water – we recommend that you bring a small day sack to carry these items which you can wear or bungee to the back of the bike when riding. You will meet up with the support vehicle and your main luggage bags at the end of a day’s ride.

How much luggage can I bring?

There are strict limits on the size of baggage that we can accommodate per person. Each rider will receive 2 x tough 40L waterproof bags in which to store their kit and this represents their total allocation of space. If you follow the list in the info pack as a guideline you will find yourself well equipped to look after yourself throughout the duration of the trip, and you should easily be able to fit it into your allocated bags. Please be aware, if you arrive at the start with excessive baggage it will not be allowed onto the support vehicle and you will have to make alternative arrangements to send it home.

Insurance

Is motorcycle insurance included?

Motorcycle insurance is only included in EU countries (UK, France, Spain) for those on PDC bikes. You will need to obtain bike insurance at each border that we cross once we leave Spain and the support crew will show you where and how this is done when required. Riders on their own bikes must provide their own insurance throughout, and once in Africa this will be done at the borders as a group – some insurers will issue a green card to cover the EU and Morocco and so it is worth obtaining this if possible.

What travel insurance do I need?

Get good travel insurance, which includes all medical costs and repatriation if you should become injured. You must make sure that your insurance company is aware of the nature of the trip, and also that you will be riding a motorcycle and the cc of the bike. Some insurers will cover riders up to 125cc only so make sure you check the small print!

Vaccinations and Health

What vaccinations do I need?

You must have a valid yellow fever certificate but apart from that we will not advise you on what vaccinations you need as you must speak to your own doctor concerning this. Tell him/her what countries you are travelling through and they will tell you what jabs you need.

What happens if I have an accident?

Our tours are staffed by an experienced and qualified medic with first aid equipment who will take care of you until we have transported you to the nearest and best medical facility available. This will normally be in the nearest major town or city. Our staff will make sure that you are taken care of properly and that you are getting the medical attention that you need for as long as you need it. It is worth noting that past injuries on this trip have tended to be less serious bangs and bruises relating to off-road spills, where riders can continue on the trip after a quick check up by the medic or a local doctor.

I have a medical condition – can I still join the trip?

It is your responsibility to make us aware of any ongoing medical issues that you may have prior to booking so that we can make an informed judgement on whether to accept your booking or not. We reserve the right to decline bookings where we believe it may compromise safety, despite medical clearance. Seek advice from your doctor if you have any concerns. Make sure he knows the true nature of what it is you are undertaking and if you require any further information regarding the trip then don’t hesitate to contact us.

Do I need Malaria tablets?

Southern Mauritania, Senegal and Gambia are all malaria areas. Ensure that you have enough tablets to cover at least the 2 weeks that the Paris-Dakar Challenge will be in the malaria area. We will not advise you on which type of tablet you should use – please consult your own doctor.

Money

What extra costs can I expect to incur?

See the Prices and Booking page for further details >>

What currencies should I bring and how should I carry it?

Euros are best and you should carry them in smaller denominations for ease of changing (10 and 20 Euro notes). Although traveller’s cheques are a safe way to carry money they can be difficult and time consuming to change these days, and they attract poor rates. It is more convenient to carry a combination of cash and a Visa/Master Card for use in cash machines in towns and cities (please note: Visa is more widely usable than other brands of credit/debit card in Africa). Cards are most practical for withdrawing money from cash machines once out of Europe as they sometimes cannot be used to pay for items directly from Morocco onwards.

Communications

Will my mobile phone work in Africa?

Provided you have set up a roaming facility then it should do however different mobile phone companies have different results when it comes to using them abroad – check with your provider first. By far the cheapest means of staying in touch is to take an “unlocked” mobile phone and purchase sim cards locally which can be easily done in Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal and Gambia.

What internet access will there be?

You can easily buy data for your local sim card if you get one to use with your unlocked phone. Internet cafes are still fairly common in African towns and cities and although sometimes slow they are cheap and easy to use.

The end of the trip

Where does the trip end?

Currently in Serrakunda, near Banjul in Gambia. The final day’s ride is from Dakar in Senegal, over the border to Gambia where it is English speaking and a very easy location from which to fly riders and bikes home. Please make sure you book your flights home from Banjul prior to the start of the trip.

What time will we arrive at the final location?

The final day’s ride is a packed one, with some slow, broken roads, a border and the vast Gambia River to cross. The potential for delays is quite high and so although we normally arrive at Banjul by about 5pm, there are no guarantees that you will not arrive later. Therefore we recommend that you book flights home for the following day.

Is the last night’s accommodation included?

Yes – when you arrive at the final location your accommodation is included in price for that night.

Can I stay on for a few extra nights before flying home?

Certainly – Gambia is a great place to unwind in for a few days with plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars to choose from. It is English speaking and a very friendly country indeed. You can book a room on arrival and the PDC staff can assist you with this.

What is the best way to get to the airport?

You can book an airport transfer at the lodge where your final night’s accommodation will be, or alternatively taxis are easily hailed on the street.

I’m on a PDC bike – what do I need to do?

The staff will briefly do a handover of your bike and then take it back from you after which you are free to fly home – it’s as simple as that!

Shipping of motorcycles

I’m riding a PDC bike – do I need to worry about shipping at the end?

No – it’s all taken care of. On the final day of the tour, you’ll hand the bike back to the support team in Banjul and that’s it. You’re free to relax, fly home, or explore The Gambia at your leisure — the bike is our responsibility.

I’m riding my own bike – how does return shipping work?

Return shipping of your motorcycle from The Gambia to the UK is now included in the trip price. This covers sea freight from Banjul to a UK port of entry (usually Tilbury or Southampton). However, please note the following important requirements:

• You must remain in Banjul for at least one full working day after the tour ends to personally hand over your bike to the shipping agents.
• This includes assisting with basic shipping prep, signing customs documentation, and ensuring your bike is ready for export.
• You will be notified once your motorcycle has cleared UK customs and is ready for collection at the port.
• It is your responsibility to collect the bike promptly. Any storage charges incurred due to delayed collection will be at your own expense—though no charges should arise if collected quickly.
• Shipping insurance (to cover loss or damage during transit) is not included but can be arranged separately if desired.

In short: we organise the shipping, but you are still responsible for personally overseeing the handover in Banjul and for collecting your bike from the UK port once it arrives.

Can I ride my own bike back to Europe from Gambia?

This is something that several riders have done in the past and it is entirely up to you if you want to do this. By the time you reach the end of the Paris-Dakar Challenge you will know the routes, borders and roads to enable you to ride back to Europe on your own. If you want to get back on the fastest and most direct route then we estimate that it will take between 6 and 8 days to reach Spain.

Can I continue travelling in Africa on my own bike after the trip?

Yes, absolutely. If you’d prefer to continue your adventure independently after the PDC tour ends, you’re welcome to do so. The return shipping service is included in the trip price, but it’s entirely optional for own-bike riders. Just let us know in advance so we don’t book space for your bike in the return container.

Do keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for arranging your own route, accommodation, border paperwork, and return shipping once you leave the group. We’re happy to offer advice or contacts if needed.