Question 1

Who can apply to ride?

Accepted Answer

Licensed motorcyclists with genuine long-distance touring or adventure-riding experience. We also welcome co-riders, support crew, medics, mechanics and media. See the register-interest page for every path.

Question 2

Do I need my own bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the full expedition assumes you bring a road-legal adventure or touring motorcycle suited to mixed tarmac and gravel. If you're joining only the Fouta Djallon Rally in Guinea, we can help arrange a local bike.

Question 3

Is there a fee to take part?

Accepted Answer

Riders cover their own bike, fuel, insurance, ferries and accommodation. We publish an indicative kit and cost sheet in the rider onboarding pack once your application is accepted.

Question 4

Which visas do I need?

Accepted Answer

UK passport holders typically need visas for Mauritania, Senegal and Guinea. France, Spain and Morocco are visa-free for short stays. We share a country-by-country checklist with confirmed riders.

Question 5

What about the bike's paperwork?

Accepted Answer

You'll need V5 logbook, valid MOT, a Carnet de Passage for West Africa, and green-card insurance covering the European legs. We provide sample templates and a recommended agent list.

Question 6

Do I need vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

Yellow fever is mandatory for West Africa; hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended. Speak to a travel-medicine specialist at least 8 weeks before departure.

Question 7

What bike specification is recommended?

Accepted Answer

A mid-to-large capacity adventure bike (650cc+) with long-travel suspension, a 20L+ fuel tank, tubeless spoked wheels and luggage rated for corrugated roads. Full recommendations are in the rider pack.

Question 8

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Tools and consumables for basic roadside repairs, hydration for 24 hours off-grid, first-aid kit, riding kit rated to CE Level 2, spare visor, and paper backups of every document. We share a full packing list on acceptance.

Question 9

How is safety managed?

Accepted Answer

We ride in convoys with lead and sweep riders, satellite trackers, a support vehicle carrying spares and medical kit, and daily route briefings. Every rider signs a safety charter aligned with our Ride Safe Africa mission.

Question 10

How can I donate?

Accepted Answer

Head to the donate page — you can give a one-off amount or set up a monthly pledge to Ride Safe Africa. Every donation funds helmets, road-safety education and community outreach in West Africa.

Question 11

Can my company sponsor the expedition?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer tiered corporate sponsorship with brand placement on bikes, kit, film content and social channels. Start with the Become a Sponsor form and our team will follow up within 48 hours.

Question 12

Is UK2WestAfrica a registered company?

Accepted Answer

Yes — registered with Companies House (No. 17303823) in England & Wales. Charity partnership details for Ride Safe Africa are published on the Charity Mission page.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Joining the expedition

Visas & documents

Bike, packing & safety

Donations & sponsorship