Trip Overview
Welcome to the Paris Dakar Challenge – the ultimate overland motorcycle adventure.
This is not a race but it most certainly is a challenge – expect long days on the road, remote trails and chaotic African cities. At times you will be exhausted, other times elated, but the ultimate goal is to make you feel utterly alive.
Open to everyday riders with a sense of adventure, the Paris Dakar Challenge is about grit, camaraderie, and the thrill of the unknown. Whether you’re chasing a lifelong dream or craving a story worth telling, this is your chance to break the routine, test your limits, and experience a side of the world few ever see. Are you in?
Key Facts
Dates
15th Mar – 5th Apr 2026
Prices
Distance
Approximately 4,000 miles
Countries
UK, France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia
Accommodation
Approx 75% hotels, 25% camps
Rider numbers
Max 10 riders only
Pre-trip
Familiarisation day (optional) 14th Mar ’26
Bikes available
Honda CFR300 Rally
Off-highway miles
Approx 450
Off-road difficulty
Achievable for determined novices & road alternatives always available.
Enquiries
support@parisdakarchallenge.com
Trip Highlights
- The group photo taken in Paris, before starting your marathon 4000 mile adventure across Europe and North Africa, en route to Dakar.
- Getting used to the dirt during off-road practice in Morocco.
- Remote Atlas trails in Morocco and getting well off the beaten track.
- Exploring the colourful markets and meeting the locals in Fez.
- Practicing your sand techniques as you enter the Sahara for the first time.
- Riding vast Saharan plains for 2 days during the desert crossing in Mauritania.
- Chatting around the fire about the day’s adventures when camping out in the African bush.
- Getting the sand out of your hair with a much needed cold beer in the cultured colonial town of St Louis, Senegal.
- Cruising into Dakar on the last stage of your unforgettable adventure – amazed at what it is you have just achieved.
Which bike?
You have the choice of riding either one of our bikes or taking your own. People have done this adventure on big adventure bikes like the BMW 1250GS and Honda & Yamaha equivalents, but smaller, lighter machines have their benefits as well – the choice is yours.
We use the Honda CRF300 Rally, which has an enviable reputation for all-round ability and build quality, being comfortable on those long road miles and highly capable on desert trails too. If you want to bring your own bike and want some advice then just get in touch for a chat.
Your Typical Day
Each morning starts with a hearty breakfast and a full briefing covering the day’s route, terrain, and key details like meals, destination and what to do if you need assistance. You’ll ride independently or in small groups — this isn’t a convoy. Except on remote sections, you set your own pace, with the support crew following if needed.
Riding typically runs from 8:30am to late afternoon, with stops to rest, refuel, and take it all in. With over 4,000 miles to cover some days will inevitably be long with significant miles to cover – especially in Europe. We balance those with shorter days in the best locations, however with a long way to go you will need to be ready to get those miles done when needed.
Nights are spent in hotels or at campsites — sometimes wild camping under the stars. Wherever you are, the support vehicle ensures comfort, hot meals, and a place to unwind, whether that’s around a fire or in a bustling town.
Optional Familiarisation Day
The day before we depart, we’ll be holding an optional Familiarisation Day near our base in Worcestershire — and we strongly recommend coming along if you can. This is a low-pressure, informal get-together where you’ll cover:
- Meeting the team and each other
- Equipment and route familiarisation
- Ride out and navigation practice
- Puncture repair
- Motorcycle maintenance
It’s a relaxed, friendly way to ease into the trip. We typically depart early on Sunday morning to the Ace Café for the official start before riding to the ferry. So if you’re planning to join us from Worcester, it makes a lot of sense to stay locally the night before and join the familiarisation day on Saturday. You’ll start the trip well-prepared, relaxed, and already part of the group.
Is this trip for me?
If you are as inspired by the thought of undertaking such an adventure as we are, but have concerns about how suitable you may be, simply have a look at our “Is this for me?” page to decide if this kind of adventure is for you – you may just surprise yourself!
We pride ourselves on striving to make these amazing adventures accessible to as many people as possible, irrespective of background or experience.
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QUESTIONS?
Embark on the ride of a lifetime with the Paris Dakar Challenge. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to off-road biking, don't let doubts hold you back; our team is here to answer all your questions and support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how you can join this unforgettable adventure.
