The World’s 3 Best Major Motorcycle Expeditions Back to News List
Words: Pete Vorst.
Nothing compares to these three Major Expeditions for sheer life-changing adventure. These are not just tours — they are epic journeys of between 85 and 100 days that redefine adventure motorcycling. Traversing vast regions and some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth, they are odysseys that will leave you with stories to last a lifetime.
Plenty of places can offer you a week or two in the saddle. What makes these Major Expeditions different is the scale, ambition, and sheer sense of discovery that these epic adventures deliver. These are journeys for riders who want to push further, see more, and experience the pulse of South America, Asia, or Africa from the seat of a motorcycle.
Whether you dream of laying eyes on the soaring Andes or exploring Machu Picchu, visiting the Great Wall or the Terracotta Warriors of China, or experiencing the glow of the red sands of the Namib Desert and the surreal wonder of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat, these three Major Expeditions are the pinnacle of adventure motorcycling.
Ultimate South America
For those chasing an epic two-wheeled South American adventure, this expedition is the very pinnacle. Over 100 incredible days, this expedition will take you through seven countries and across more than 20,000 kilometres (12,500 miles) of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth.
From the steaming jungles of the Amazon to the high passes of the Andes, every mile delivers new discoveries. You’ll marvel at the legendary Machu Picchu, stand dwarfed by the surreal salt flats of Uyuni, and trace the spine of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on the planet. Further south, ride into the wilds of Patagonia, where jagged peaks, endless steppe, and turquoise lakes form one of the most dramatic backdrops in the world. Along the way you’ll witness the thundering power of Iguazu Falls, explore colonial cities steeped in history, and meet locals whose warmth and culture bring this continent to life
This is not a quick escape or a box-ticking holiday. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey that immerses you in the heart of South America. Days in the saddle give way to evenings of shared stories, laughter, and the camaraderie that only comes from tackling such an epic ride together.
Few ever get the chance to experience an adventure of this scale. For those who dare to take it on, the reward is simple: memories that will last forever: Ultimate South America.
Asian Overland
From the equatorial heat of Singapore to the cultural heart of Beijing, Asian Overland is a journey that stitches together ancient trade routes, vibrant cultures, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. Over 90 unforgettable days, you’ll cross five countries and cover more than 13,000 kilometres (8,000 miles), tracing a route that has connected Asia for centuries.
Ride north through Malaysia and Thailand before stepping back in time among the gilded temples and French-colonial charm of Luang Prabang, Laos. From there, the road climbs ever higher onto the vast Tibetan Plateau, where fluttering prayer flags and timeless monasteries mark the path across the “Roof of the World.” With the Himalayas as your backdrop, the ride east into China is nothing short of spectacular, culminating in visits to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an and the majestic Great Wall of China before rolling triumphantly into Beijing
This is a rare expedition that brings the diversity of Asia into sharp focus: bustling cities, sacred temples, remote mountain hamlets, and landscapes that test the limits of imagination. Evenings are spent sharing stories with fellow riders, reflecting on a day’s ride that few others on the planet will ever experience.
An extraordinary chance to follow in the footsteps of traders, monks, and explorers while carving your own story across Asia’s ancient landscape: Asian Overland.
Ultimate Africa
Embark on one of the most awe-inspiring expeditions on earth: Ultimate Africa. Over 85 days, you’ll journey through 11 captivating countries and ride more than 17,000 kilometres (10,675 miles)—on the ultimate African adventure.
This is a safari of the senses. You’ll begin in South Africa, tracing the rugged coastline and soaring passes through Namibia’s desert dunes. You’ll taste silence in vast, arid landscapes, watch wildlife in Etosha National Park, glide along the Caprivi Strip, and feel the pulse of Botswana’s Chobe River. You’ll chase waterfalls at Victoria Falls, ride the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and trek into Uganda’s ancient forests in search of mountain gorillas. Each stage of the journey reveals sweeping vistas, remarkable wildlife encounters, and an ever-changing rhythm of cultures that make Africa unlike anywhere else on earth.
Ultimate Africa is more than just banging out big distances; it’s depth, immersion, and raw connection with wild places most people only dream of. From the roar of lions across the savannah to drifting past pods of hippos on remote rivers, and from Namibia’s towering dunes to the lush highlands of East Africa, this expedition immerses you fully into the cradle of humankind.
This rare expedition is only run once every two years, making it one of the most sought-after journeys on the planet. Are you ready for: Ultimate Africa?
These Major Expeditions are not just tours — they are life-changing journeys that only a handful of riders will ever experience. Because they are so unique, we understand you’ll have questions. That’s why we offer a personalised consultation with a member of the Compass Expeditions team.
We’ll walk you through the details, answer your questions, and help you decide if one of our expeditions is right for you – just get in touch and we’ll call you to discuss.