From Portugal to Africa: My First Taste of Overlanding on a Motorcycle
Share your love
Solo Female Motorcycle Overlander on a BMW F700GS: My Journey from Europe to Africa
Hello, fellow ADV riders and motorcycle travel enthusiasts!
My name is Steffi, and I’m a solo female overlander currently exploring Africa on my trusted BMW F700GS, lovingly named “Schimmelchen.”
My Motorcycle Overlanding Journey Begins in Europe
In 2022, I kicked off my overlanding adventure from Portugal, where I live. I rode across most of Europe, from the Atlantic shores of Portugal to the Baltics in the north. My initial goal was to reach St. Petersburg, Russia. But just five days into my trip, the Ukraine war began and changed everything.
Why Europe first? I wanted to test whether I would enjoy this nomadic lifestyle — living on the road, experiencing new cultures, and connecting with fellow adventure riders. The answer? I loved it.
Visa Challenges and Changing Course from the Americas
After eight months in Europe, I dreamed of heading west to North America, crossing the US and Canada, then continuing through Central America to South America. However, I quickly realized that the standard 90-day ESTA visa wouldn’t be enough. I needed a B2 visa.
I applied for the B2 visa through the US Embassy in Portugal, but things didn’t go as planned. Disappointed by the process and timeline, I abandoned my US travel plans in early 2023, just as I was preparing to ship my bike to Florida.
Pivoting to a New Route: Middle East to Africa
With the East blocked and South America off the table due to seasonal challenges, I turned my sights on motorcycle travel through the Middle East and Africa.
My journey took me through parts of the Middle East. Navigating tricky visa situations between Kurdish Iraq and Federal Iraq, and with Iran not being a viable option, I ended up shipping my motorcycle from Greece to Israel, just three weeks before the conflict there began.
By then, I was already approaching the Saudi Arabian border. With Saudi Arabia having only recently opened to tourists in 2018 (and then shut down again due to COVID-19), I truly felt like a pioneer: a solo woman on a big bike exploring the unknown.
Riding Through Africa on a BMW F700GS
After crossing the Middle East, I shipped my BMW F700GS from Dubai to Kenya in early 2024. I officially began my African overlanding journey at the end of May 2024, and so far, it has been nothing short of incredible.
From the stunning landscapes to the warm people, motorcycle travel in Africa has been a deeply rewarding experience. This continent offers some of the most beautiful and rugged ADV routes out there.
Follow My Journey
If you’re curious about life as a solo female overlander or want tips on riding through different countries, watch this space! I’ll be sharing regular updates and stories from the road.
Have a question about a specific country, border crossing, or gear setup? Send it in! I’d love to build stories around your questions.
And if you want more frequent updates, follow my journey here:
- Instagram: @steffi_motorbikegirl
- TikTok: @steffimotorbikegirl
Until next time — ride safe and keep the rubber side down!
