diff --git a/swh/loader/git/loader.py b/swh/loader/git/loader.py
--- a/swh/loader/git/loader.py
+++ b/swh/loader/git/loader.py
@@ -153,8 +153,12 @@
             ignore_history=self.ignore_history,
         )
 
+        transport_url = origin_url
+        if transport_url.startswith("https://github.com/"):
+            transport_url = "git" + transport_url[5:]
+
         client, path = dulwich.client.get_transport_and_path(
-            origin_url, thin_packs=False
+            transport_url, thin_packs=False
         )
 
         size_limit = self.pack_size_bytes