Born and bred in the heartwarming city of Reggio Emilia, we, Jaxon and Craig, are impassioned souls with an undying zeal for travel and exploration. Documenting our escapades has become a part of our lives.
The winds of April 2023 bore witness to a dream turned reality – a riveting motorcycle odyssey across the cradle of civilization, Africa. It wasn’t just any trip; it was a pilgrimage with a purpose, a venture in support of a noble NGO. This expedition was more than just sightseeing; it was a confluence of our deepest desires with the tenets of giving back.
With the spirit of philanthropy fueling our engines, we hold a fervent hope that this is just the genesis of many more ventures to come. Join us on our mission, as we aim to stitch together the tapestry of travel with the threads of charitable work, creating a mosaic of adventures that resonates with purpose.
Preparation
Setting off on our motorcycle odyssey across Africa was a significant undertaking. This trip was more than an adventure; it was a mission with purpose. Our aim was to traverse the African landscape on two wheels while also contributing positively. To fulfill this dual objective, we reached out to the ‘Bambini nel Deserto’ NGO to explore opportunities for assistance, and that’s how we learned about the needs of a community in Casamance, a remote area in southern Senegal.
We must admit that it was not only humanistic considerations that pushed us into Africa moto adventure. We love watching stream MotoGP and have always dreamed of riding desert Africa. To our surprise, we didn’t even know how to watch MotoGP during our trip. But a solution was found and during breaks from our Africa enduro tours we used a VPN. We felt like we were in MotoGP.
To our delight, the fundraising efforts exceeded all expectations. Our initial target was €5,000, sufficient to commence the enterprise. However, the overwhelming support helped us gather €8,000.
Start of African Motorcycle Tour
As darkness blankets the city of Tangier, our excitement is palpable despite the late hour of our arrival. Our itinerary is set; Marrakesh is calling us, approximately 550 kilometers to the interior. In the early morning coolness near the ocean’s edge, we don our winter wear, ready to face the crisp air. However, as we draw further from the coast and closer to the heart of Marrakesh, the air warms and the essence of inland Morocco welcomes us. It’s a steady ride across the evolving landscape, and by the time the sun begins to wake around 6 p.m., we’ve reached our daily milestone.
Conquest of the Atlantic Ocean
On the following morning, our adventure leads us southward from Agadir to the coastal haven of Tifnit, a quaint fishing community nestled along the Atlantic’s shores. The scenery during our ride is nothing short of breathtaking. With the sprawling ocean ceaselessly stretching to our right, we’re accompanied by the gentle oceanic breeze and a landscape that undergoes a dramatic transition from verdant greens to earthen hues. Gone are the days of cruising on the smooth tarmac of the highway; we now find ourselves on a rugged coastal road where domesticated life roams free—goats and cows wander at liberty, and we catch our first glimpses of dromedaries in the wild.
Next Stop Adventure Riding – Legzira Arch
It was an experience of a lifetime when we made our way to Tan-Tan Plage, knowing fully that a pitstop at the awe-inspiring Legzira Arch was essential. While we’ve scrolled through countless images of this stunning natural wonder, nothing could prepare us for the real deal. Witnessing the sandy grandeur and cruising beneath it on our faithful motorbike stirred within us an outpouring of sheer bliss—tears of joy were undeniable, even if hidden behind our helmets.
Dakhla
Rising with the sun, we set our sights on Dakhla, feeling the vast expanse of the desert draw near, yet the sea remains our constant companion to the right, its winds fierce and unyielding. Our journey leads us to the enchanting terrain of the Dakhla Valley, where towering dunes capture our imagination, instilling a sense of solitude in this untouched wilderness. No other soul in sight, no trace of civilization – just us and the boundless sands. We pause, eager to capture this remarkable isolation, snapping countless photographs, our attire a testament to the relentless desert climate that envelops us.
Senegal
Drawing nearer to the city’s heart, the onset of street lights becomes a beacon in the desert vastness. The roads broaden in welcome, accommodating a vibrant tide of traffic as we seamlessly merge into Nouakchott’s dynamic pulse. Tonight, we find shelter and camaraderie within a local’s home, a hospitable arrangement where rented rooms offer more than just rest. Our evening unfolds in shared stories and a hearty meal, graciously prepared by our host. It’s interactions like these—with the warmth and traditions of the inhabitants—that embroider travel with the richness of genuine connection.
Arrival in Casamance
Traversing the wild heart of Casamance, our adventure leads us through a rugged savannah landscape. Construction abounds as efforts to carve out a main thoroughfare are in full swing, causing us to weave through a myriad of detours. Despite our best efforts, we invariably find ourselves enveloped in dust clouds, trailing the network of vermilion dirt roads that stretch out like veins amidst the vast golden terrain.
Each jolt and jostle from the recently overturned earth beneath our tires serves as a reminder of the challenges this path presents, not to mention the sweltering humidity that accompanies us like an unwelcome companion.
Seeking respite, we pause. Lunch is simple yet somehow extravagant—a spread of mangoes whose sweetness bursts forth, a delectable treasure procured from a roadside vendor. Sheltered by the grandeur of an ancient baobab, we’re transported to a scene straight out of the nature documentaries that once captivated us from the comfort of our living room. Yet here we are, truly immersed in the majesty of it all—monkeys frolic among the great tree’s limbs as we dine in the raw splendor of the savannah, fully present in the moment’s rugged beauty.
Conclusion
Our travels are drawing to a close; this is our final evening before the inevitable return. A bittersweet feeling envelops us as we prepare to depart for Dakar to hand over the motorcycle, signaling the end of our incredible voyage. Italy beckons from afar with the promise of home. Reflecting on the expansive journey behind us, Morocco’s tapestry of landscapes – from the bustling bazaars to the tranquil dunes, the sprawling savannah, and the welcoming village – imprints lasting memories. Tomorrow, we’ll be reluctantly heading to Dakar.
