Can you hear the thunder?

Dani Beaini from Lusaka Chapter and Pierre-Yves Roten, of Mauritius Island Chapter, share what to look forward to at the Mosi Oa Tunya sub-Saharan Rally in Zambia

It always starts the same way: with someone leaning on their tank, saying, “Screw it, let’s ride.” But this time, it won’t just be any old ride.

The sub-Saharan H.O.G.^® community is springing to life for a incredible rally, held between 26 to 29 September in Zambia. And it really is a setting like no other, sitting within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA for short), a huge conservation area which spans several countries. Right next to the Victoria Falls – that’s right, the smoke that thunders. Or, as we like to say, Africa’s original sound system.

This isn’t your average chrome-fest; this is the moment where wild landscapes meet wide handlebars, as 1,500 Harleys roll into the land of elephants, eagles and eternal sunsets. Here’s what to look forward to.

Day 1: Livingstone – mist, SIM cards and a lot of leather
The rally will kick off at the Kazungula border, where four countries awkwardly high-five over the Zambezi River. Riders will cross into Zambia with police escorts, Zambian hospitality and a huge convoy of Harleys.

Zamtel will be waiting with free SIM cards because and by noon, the town of Livingstone will be vibrating with the thrum of engines. The Radisson Blu parking lot will fill up with iron, chrome, denim, patches and enough wildness to make the locals raise their eyebrows and phones.

In the afternoon, riders can experience one of the most iconic river crossings on Earth: the Victoria Falls Bridge. After parading across this incredible structure, riders will be welcomed back to the main event with a food market party to remember. Picture grilled ribs, sadza wraps, local brews and a stage with live music shaking the tarmac, while the Minister of Tourism, Minister of Transport and Logistics, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts provide an official welcome to Zambia.

Day 2: The Great African Highway Run
On Saturday morning you can expect to wake up sun-kissed, perhaps a little saddle-sore and completely alive. Get ready to fire up your engine at 8.30am sharp and hit the open road for a 500km-long excursion past towering baobabs, through dusty villages, past waving children under an endless sky.

We’ll stop at the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Stadium in Monze, where Madison General Insurance is rolling out a rider oasis with cold drinks, buffet food and hot towels that’ll make you forget you’ve been riding through Africa’s September heat. From there, it’s full throttle to Lusaka, where Woodlands Stadium becomes our official parc fermé – a secure staging area where bikes can rest while we shift into party mode.

And then? We’ll descend on The 1903, a Harley-Davidson-themed café in Lewanika Mall for a Rock and Ride Night. Think food stalls, rock bands, new friends, and so much denim the mannequins at Levi’s will blush.

Day 3: Elephants, parades and purpose
On Sunday, we’ll turn the noise into meaning. The Lusaka parade will roll out at 9am, flags raised, engines roaring and streets lined with curious onlookers. But this day won’t just be loud – it’ll be loud for a reason. We’ll be riding for road safety, for elephant and habitat conservation, and for the belief that these wild African roads deserve to be safe – for Harleys, for wildlife and for the future.

Back at The 1903 café, we’ll have more music, more fire and closing awards as part of our second Rock and Ride Night.

Day 4: Farewell, for now
On Monday morning, we’ll gather for brunch, photographs and one final ride around the block, before loading up and heading home. We’ll look tired, sunburnt and like a family who’ve just done something unforgettable – because we have.

We ride to write stories into the landscape and share a brotherhood with strangers. The Mosi Oa Tunya Rally 2025 will be the first sub-Saharan rally of this scale and will see Harley-Davidson motorcycles and elephants sharing the same tracks for the same cause.

So, pack your bags, shine your pipes and join us for an unforgettable weekend.

Further information and updates are available via the Facebook page.