2022 Icelandic Africa Twin

Honda has always been credited with its ability to adapt and overcome. Aside of pioneering technology and infinite vision, Honda reacts to the changing environment and demands of its customers. Setting off with a clear, defined plan for the Icelandic Tour proceedings soon called for this adaptable personality, as Jez explains in this insightful interview. Jez talks us through the application process to Honda Adventure Roads, how he got some additional time off work and some of the trials and tribulations both man and machine faced.

With a difficulty rating of 4/5, the 10-day Icelandic Tour was certainly not for the faint-hearted, and several 2022 CRF1100 Africa Twin machines saw the whole journey through without any problems. Supported by the likes of Dakar Rally professionals and closer to home, our very own Dave Thorpe; there's no denying that the Africa Twin is unrivalled when it comes to it's on and off-road capabilities. If you want to own your very own piece of the action, you can!

Honda Adventure Icelandic Tour Itinerary 2022

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland

Guests will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the hotel, where a full briefing will take place, alongside a welcome dinner to allow everyone to get to know each other and ask any questions. It's important to know that riders' physical fitness and experience will be fully tested on this adventure.

Day 2: Your adventure begins - 94 km

The first day on bikes will be a 'training day' to get used to the terrain, test fitness and ensure riders are comfortable on the bikes before setting off into the highlands. Everyone will be accompanied by professional off-road riders who'll provide advice and guidance. At the end of the day, the Stracta Hotel is a home away from home, where warm and welcoming rooms await, with saunas and hot tubs to relax in and take in the views.

Day 3: Steady away - 140 km

The journey into the highlands will kick off on tarmac roads, but very quickly turn into the varied terrain you'll be getting to know over the next 8 days. This day takes us up and over Hekla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, giving you a perfect bird's-eye view of the landscape below. Ending the day at the luxurious Hotel Geysir, guests are able to view Geysir Strokkur from the hotel restaurant.

Day 4: Heading north - 335 km

Time to leave the tarmac for a ride over gravel roads and lava fields. Physical fitness and riding experience is important here too as riders will experience some of the most beautiful mountain passes in northern Europe while travelling between two of Iceland's largest glaciers. After a good days' hard riding, which includes approximately 200km on winding roads through hills and valleys - stopping for coffee and then lunch - we arrive at the beautiful Camp North, situated within the valley, closing the day with a BBQ under the evening sun.

Day 5: Off the beaten track - 290 km

This is where we go off piste and where we'll all get a real chance to explore the centre of Iceland, riding across dirt, sand, gravel, rocky terrain, lava fields and seeing areas that look out of this world. We'll also be travelling through challenging rivers and streams, so be sure to pack plenty of socks! The day ends at a hotel by Lake Myvatn, with a beautiful view over the lake to help you relax.

Day 6: The power of waterfalls - 150 km

This is the mid-way point and we'll be taking things a little easier with a ride on light gravel to see Dettifoss Falls; the second most powerful waterfall in Europe after the Rhine Falls. Guests will then ride to Husavik for lunch, before being given the chance to go on a private whale watching tour on a high-speed boat. After a relaxing afternoon, dinner will be by the harbour in a traditional fish restaurant.

Day 7: North to south - 270 km

This is a day when we'll really be on our own and physical fitness and riding skills will be tested once more riding up through some of the remotest roads in Iceland. The challenge begins as the route takes us from North to South along the highland pass, through twists and turns, via rivers and gravel tracks. The majority of this day is off-road, where riders will experience lush green areas and flat baron landscapes - all within a day - ending at the Highland Centre for a well-deserved rest and sauna.

Day 8: Langisjor Lake Day - 160 km

This maybe a shorter day, but it's one where riders can let loose on packed sandy and muddy terrain. We pass Landmannalaugar, known for its natural geothermal hot springs and head along F235 to our lunch stop by Langisjor Lake, within Vatnajokull National Park. The day will consist of small river crossings in this natural playground for Africa Twins.

Day 9: Top level challenge - 200 km

This is a big and challenging day, and one which will test even the most experienced riders. Skirting the edge of the Myrdalsjokull Glacier, the route will take riders on a journey through fast-flowing rivers, on narrow mountain roads and rocky terrain with breath-taking views at every turn. The day ends at the relaxing Hotel Katla, a charming countryside hotel with an outside hot tub for weary travellers to relax.

Day 10: Return to Reykjavik and The Grand Finale - 215 km

The final part of the journey begins on tarmac, stopping at two iconic Icelandic waterfalls, including Seljalandfoss, where you can walk behind the thundering falls. Then we head for Reykjavik, stopping at a local restaurant by the sea, before making a slight detour to complete a final (and fun) off-road loop. Finally - and for the famous photo finish - we stop at the iconic Blue Lagoon, where guests will say bye to their Africa Twins and relax in the natural waters to help ease those aches and pains. After a short coach journey, we all arrive at a stunning hotel in Reykjavik to refresh and relax, before the final celebrations.