About Zebra Trails
1. Does Zebra Trails rent out their bikes?
No. We do not rent motorcycles independently. Our bikes are only available as part of our guided or custom tours.
This ensures the bikes are used safely, maintained properly, and fully supported by our professional team.
2. What makes Zebra Trails different from other motorbike tour companies?
Zebra Trails is the dedicated B2C adventure brand of Dragon Trails Travel Adventures, backed by:
- 75+ years of combined international & local expertise
- Safety-focused operations
- Purpose-driven, responsible travel values
- Local partnerships with community-owned lodges
- A strong support ecosystem including
- Dragon Trails Shared Services
- A trained tour leader team under Dragon Academy
We don’t just offer tours, we deliver thoughtful, culturally connected, meaningful adventures.
3. Why do Zebra Trails motorbike tours provide a superior experience in Africa?
Our tours stand out because:
- Routes are fully scouted and risk-assessed by professionals.
- We use well-maintained dual-sport motorcycles ideal for African terrain.
- Most of our tour leaders are trained through our Dragon Academy.
- Accommodation is carefully chosen for rider comfort, character, and cultural authenticity.
- We prioritize community impact, partnering with local businesses and projects.
- Our parent company, Dragon Trails Travel Adventures, ensures top-quality service, logistics, and safety.
You get an adventure that is safe, meaningful, and truly African.
About Tours
1. Do tours come with protective gear?
2. What is not included in a Zebra Trails tour?
Typically not included – unless explicitly mentioned otherwise:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal riding gear
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch, dinner & personal expenses
- Fuel
- Visa fees
A full list is provided for each specific itinerary.
3. What if I crash the bike and I’m too injured to continue riding?
Your safety is our priority.
- Our backup vehicle team will assist you.
- We help coordinate medical care and evacuation if needed.
- You may continue the tour in the support vehicle once medically allowed.
4. What does a Zebra Trails Tour leader and crew team pack?
Our crew team carry:
- GPS navigation
- First aid kit
- Tools & spare parts
- Emergency contact equipment
- Daily briefing materials
- Safety & environmental guidelines
You are in professional hands!
5. What happens if the schedule is delayed?
Minor delays are common on adventure routes.
Our guides adjust the pace, stops, or route as needed to ensure safety and comfort.
We always prioritize rider wellbeing over rigid schedules.
We do expect people to bring in flexible attitude!
6. What happens if I want to finish the tour early?
We will arrange safe transport to the nearest major town or Nairobi (cost may apply depending on location).
Your motorcycle will be transported via support vehicle.
7. What is the Zebra Trails cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms depend on the tour type and season.
Full details are in your booking confirmation.
We aim to be transparent and fair in all cases.
8. What is the booking process of Zebra Trails?
You can book through our website booking form or contact us directly via email at info@zebratrails.nomadix.pro -> we will reply with a confirmation email within 24 hours.
For the booking form, you can visit the pricing section of a specific tour, click on the “book this trip” button, and fill in your information. Once we receive your request through our system, we will send you an email to confirm your booking.
- If the tour is not yet confirmed -> we will put your info in our list of interested people and inform you about the tour’s status as soon as possible.
- If the tour is confirmed and you agree to proceed with the booking -> we will prepare your down payment invoice and send it to you promptly.
9. Can I book private tours with Zebra Trails?
Absolutely, each tour has several publicly available dates but if these dates do not fit with your schedule, you can request a private tour with your preferred dates. Additionally, if you want to do tours with your group of friends/family on a specific date, please feel free to contact us to book your private tour.
10. Are Zebra Trails tours suitable for solo travelers?
Every rider is welcome to join our scheduled group tours and self-guided tours. Our participants come from different nationalities, ages, and genders and may not be familiar with each other at first. However, they come together to enjoy the ride as a group and have the opportunity to make friends in no time.
11. What types of motorbikes do you have in your motorcycle tours?
Our tours typically feature 200cc and 250cc motorbikes.
In Kenya and Tanzania, we often ride KIBO 200cc. In other African countries, we will mostly ride the Haojin 250cc.
For information about motorbikes used in other destinations, please refer to the “Particulars” section of each tour or contact us for further information.
12. If I don’t have off-road experience, can I still join the tour?
If you have ridden some kilometers on your motorbike, you can join some of our tours that have less off-road time (35%-45%), such as Kenya and Tanzania. It can be helpful for you to have some off-road experience to prepare for the tour, but we have seen inexperienced riders doing well on their first try.
For adventures in Africa, the roads can be challenging. If you are unsure whether your riding skills are suitable for the tour, feel free to send your questions via email: info@zebratrails-africa.com
13. How much pocket money should I bring along on the tour?
This depends on each tour. The amount is estimated and shown in the “Pricing” section of each tour. Your pocket money will be spent on gasoline, food, and drinks along the way.
14. Do I need to bring cash or a credit card on my motorcycle trip?
You can bring both USD and Euro. They can be easily exchanged upon arrival of the tour, and credit cards are also widely accepted in big cities.
15. When staying in the rural areas, how do I find restaurants? Or what kinds of meal do we eat?
Normally, the tour leader will recommend a restaurant where all participants can dine together, or we will have a meal prepared by the homestay where we’re staying.
16. When I arrive at the starting location of the tour, who and how will I be picked up?
We will arrange for a driver holding a welcome board with the Zebra Trails logo and your name to pick you up upon your arrival at the starting destination.
17. Should I arrive at the starting location on the arrival day or the day before the arrival day?
We recommend flying to the starting location on the morning of the arrival day so you can have a decent rest and the energy to begin your motorcycle trip the next day.
18. Can you help us book the hotel at the starting destination the night before or after the tour?
Yes, we are happy to help you book your extra stays. Please inform us about this so we can help with your hotel booking.
Money, Local Conditions & Practicalities
1. What is the best currency to bring, and how much money will I need?
USD is the easiest currency to exchange, though EUR and ATMs are also widely available. Recommended pocket money amounts are included in our tour information, but please feel free to contact our team if you need more details.
2. Do I need to buy a local SIM card?
Many riders don’t buy a SIM card, since hotels have Wi-Fi.
If you prefer data on the road, affordable local SIM cards are available.
3. Do we need internet for navigation?
No.
For guided tour: Your tour leader manages all navigation. You are free to enjoy the ride without worrying about GPS.
For self-drive tour: Our GPS system work without the need of internet covarage
4. Is electricity available at night stops?
Yes. All partner hotels offer:
- Electricity
- Hot water
Some regions face at times, power cuts and load shedding. Always good to bring a spare power bank with you just in case
5. What clothing and riding protection do you recommend?
Bring or rent:
- Helmet
- Riding jacket
- Gloves
- Knee protection
6. Do I need a mosquito net?
Not necessary for most locations.
Hotels either provide nets or manage mosquitoes effectively.
Bring one only if it gives you extra comfort.
7. Do I need a visa to enter Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Tanzania?
Yes. All four countries require entry visas for most international visitors.
The process is generally simple and done online:
- Kenya: eTA, apply online via Kenya eTA applying portal
- Rwanda: eVisa or Tourism Visa on arrival (Kigali International Airport)
- Uganda: eVisa via the official Immigration Portal
- Tanzania: eVisa via the Tanzania Immigration Services portal or visa on arrival at International Airport/ borders
We will send you the correct links and instructions once you book your tour.
Tip: Always apply through the official government website to avoid scams.
8. What is the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)?
The EATV is a multiple-entry visa that allows travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda on a single visa, valid for 90 days.
Tanzania is not included in the EATV.
You can apply for EATV if you enter the group from Rwanda or Uganda only
9. Do I need vaccinations to travel to these countries?
Some vaccines are recommended and may be required depending on your travel history:
- Yellow Fever:
- Required if you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever–risk country.
- Recommended for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended
- Typhoid: Recommended
- Tetanus: Recommended
- Rabies: Optional but recommended for adventure travelers
We recommend visiting a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
10. Is a Yellow Fever certificate required for Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Tanzania?
In most cases, yes, especially if you are arriving from Africa or South America.
If you are flying directly from Europe, North America, Australia, etc., it’s often recommended rather than mandated.
We will advise based on your flight route and passport.
11. Are malaria tablets necessary for these destinations?
All four countries have malaria risk in some areas.
Most travelers use prophylaxis (malaria prevention pills).
Consult your doctor for the best option for you.
Our itineraries are designed to minimize risk, and all hotels use mosquito control.
12. Do I need any vaccination for the border crossings on my motorbike tour?
If your tour crosses borders (e.g., Kenya ⇄ Uganda ⇄ Rwanda), ensure:
- You carry your Yellow Fever certificate
- Your passport is valid for 6+ months
- You have the correct visa (or East Africa Tourist Visa)
Our team will brief you before departure and assist at border posts.
13. What health precautions should I take for adventure riding in Africa?
General recommendations:
- Stay hydrated
- Bring personal medication
- Use sunscreen
- Carry insect repellent
- Wear proper protective gear
- Your tour leader will provide daily safety briefings.
Booking & Payment
1. How do I book a Zebra Trails tour?
You can:
- Book through our website
- Request a private tour
- Book via our Dragon Trails global partners network
2. What payment methods do you accept?
- Bank transfer
3. What is your deposit policy?
- A deposit of 20% is required to secure your spot after the booking is confirmed
- The remaining balance is due 45 days before departure.
Custom & Private Tours
1. Can you design custom itineraries?
Yes.
We create bespoke routes for:
- Private groups
- Corporate teams
- Special-interest travelers
- Media teams
- Luxury tour agencies
2. Do you offer self-guided tours?
Yes, depending on route difficulty and rider experience.
Some areas require guided tours due to terrain and remoteness.
Responsible Travel & Community Impact
1. What is Zebra Trails’ approach to responsible travel?
In partnership with Dragon Trails Travel Adventures, we ensure:
- Respectful cultural engagement
- Support for community-run lodges
- Low-impact travel practices
- Meaningful conservation participation
- Climate and CO₂ compensation options
- Stewardship-inspired business values
2. How do your tours benefit local communities?
Your trip supports:
- Maasai women’s economic empowerment (Memuruti Manyatta)
- Community-based tourism enterprises
- Family-owned hotels
- Local guides & artisans
- Youth skill-building through Dragon Academy
Adventure with purpose.
3. Who can I contact for more information?
Email: info@zebratrails-africa.com
Or contact us via our website or social channels.