The journey began with a bang—literally, the sound of revving engines and cheering crowds.
On Flag Off Day, the turnout was nothing short of overwhelming. Bikers, friends, family, and every other two-wheeled enthusiast escorted us out of Nairobi in style.
A biker team even committed to escorting us all the way to Moyale. Talk about dedication!
If that wasn’t enough, we got a front-row seat to an impromptu superbike showdown on the smooth Marsabit-Moyale Highway.
Think Fast & Furious, only with more leather and fewer explosions.
Border Adventures: Lunch, Patience, and Bureaucracy
Arriving at the Moyale Border Crossing at 1:00 pm, brimming with excitement to stamp our passports, we were greeted with... silence.
The Customs and Immigration team had gone on a lunch break, leaving us with little else to do but bake in the sun and perfect our patience.
When they returned at 2:30 pm, the real fun began. Hours of paperwork later—well past closing time—two kind-hearted officers stayed late to ensure we crossed.
We owe our entry into Ethiopia to their dedication, and maybe a little divine intervention.
Ethiopia: A Feast for the Senses (and a Workout for the Nerves)
Once in Ethiopia, we dove straight into the culture. Our taste buds were both thrilled and slightly confused as we sampled Tibs, Injera, and Kitfo—delicious but definitely an acquired taste.
We also had our first brush with the Ethiopian Birr, a never-ending quest for fuel, and a sudden digital detox courtesy of the country’s famously elusive SIM cards.
Just as we were starting to settle in, disaster struck.
Blixen, one of our fearless riders, had a nasty accident that left her injured and her bike in pieces.
Thanks to nearby medical care and the kindness of strangers, she was quickly flown to Nairobi for treatment, and her bike was safely returned home.
While we missed her deeply, her spirit of resilience inspired us to carry on.
Addis Ababa: Where Chaos Meets Comfort
The ride to Addis was as thrilling as it was exhausting. First, a detour off the expressway led us onto a bumpy, soul-testing highway.
By the time we arrived, our spirits were lifted by the incredible hospitality of the Kenyan Ambassador to Ethiopia, who welcomed us with a feast.
To top it off, a generous Kenyan in Addis surprised us by booking our stay at the Hilton Hotel. Yes, from border delays to five-star luxury, the rollercoaster continued. Our rest day in Addis was nothing short of magical.
We explored the African Union Headquarters, indulged in Ethiopian delicacies, and bonded with the Kenyan community. It was the perfect recharge before hitting the road again.
Adventures in the Northern Frontier: Punctures and Wrong Turns
Leaving Addis, the adventure gods decided we hadn’t had enough challenges. Two punctures forced an unexpected pit stop, but luck was on our side. A local bike mechanic (and enthusiast) appeared out of nowhere like a hero in an action movie. Then came the ultimate plot twist: we missed a critical turn and found ourselves 100 kilometers in the wrong direction. Cue sheepish smiles, a hearty breakfast in Chiro, and a long, painful U-turn.
Danakil Depression: Africa’s Nat Geo Moment
In Semera, we temporarily swapped bikes for a tour vehicle and ventured into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most surreal places on Earth.
Between the salt flats, an active volcano, and the unworldly beauty of Dallol, we felt like we’d stepped into a Nat Geo documentary.
It was the break we didn’t know we needed—and a reminder of why this journey is worth every challenge.
Distance So Far
The team has now covered an incredible 2,400 kilometers from Nairobi to Semera, navigating through challenging roads, breathtaking landscapes, and unexpected surprises at every turn.
Next Stop: Djibouti!
After a week of highs, lows, and plenty of laughs in between, we’re ready to cross into Djibouti. We’ve survived scorching heat, endless paperwork, wrong turns, and even unexpected luxury.
What’s next? Only the road knows, but we’re ready for whatever comes our way. "In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility, and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds." (Psalms 45:4).
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