Africa
Cycling with Elephants in Botswana, 6 Days - From: $3,920
Trip Summary
In the remote corner of Botswana at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, lives the largest herd of African elephants on privately owned land. Here you can have the extraordinary experience of game viewing with naturalist guides while cycling along elephant paths, adventure travel that gives you a completely different perspective.
Your guides and staff will handle all the details so you can enjoy exhilarating rides through the bushveld, and arrive at your overnight camp set underneath giant Mashatu trees for a delicious meal and a well-earned night's sleep under the stars. In addition to your cycling safari, you'll also have three days to take walking safaris, game drives, and night drives in open landrovers in search of buffaloes, giraffes, elands, ostriches, lions, leopards, and wild dogs.
Highlights
- Jeep safaris in open four-wheel drive vehicles.
- Day cycling safaris
- Overnight under the stars in the Kgotla, a protected enclosed boma.
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| April - September | $3,920.00 |
Based on two guests traveling. |
- This 6-day safari is intended to be combined with another Bushtracks safari for a minimum 7-day adventure.
- Trip operates Apr-Sep only
- Maximum 12 guests, minimum 4 guests.
- Included in rate: bicycle and cycling helmets.
- Guests to provide own gloves, cycling attire, hydration packs and sunglasses. Cycling shoes with pedals may be brought if preferred; otherwise we have flat pedals (running shoes are adequate).
- Guests must be reasonably fit. Non-cycling partners may be included and will be transferred to Kgotla by vehicle.
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Day 1
Mashatu Private Game Reserve, Botswana
Arrive in Johannesburg and connect to a commercial flight to Polokwane. Upon arrival you will be road transferred to Limpopo, Botswana by open four-wheel drive vehicles.
Upon arrival at Mashatu Main Camp and high tea on the terrace, embark on your first game drive with experienced rangers and trackers to explore the rich variety of game and bird life in the area.
At sunset, stop for sundowners and watch as the African sun sets slowly into the dusty horizon.
After dark, trackers scan the bush with a spotlight and point out more elusive nocturnal wildlife.
Return to camp for dinner served in the traditional open-air boma under the stars.
Lodging: Mashatu Main Camp
Day 2
Mashatu Private Game Reserve, Botswana
Today meet the Cycle Mashatu team for an early morning briefing and breakfast. This morning's ride is an opportunity to orient yourself to the terrain and master your skills and gain confidence while exploring the trails around Mashatu Main Camp (10-30 klm, 6-19 miles). Look for elephants, giraffe, zebra and herds of antelope. Expert guides will ensure your safety at all times. Return to camp for brunch.
Later this afternoon go on an afternoon jeep safari in search of game returning to the camp for dinner.
Lodging: Mashatu Main Camp
Day 3
Mashatu Private Game Reserve, Botswana
This morning start out early on our cycle ride towards the Kgotla, 30 klm or 19 miles. Ride sweeping elephant trails towards the Matloutse river valley. Arrive at the overnight camp in time for lunch. Nestled under giant Mashatu trees the Kgotla provides an opportunity to sleep under the stars in the protection of the open-air boma surround.
Lodging: Mashatu Kgotla
Day 4
Mashatu Private Game Reserve, Botswana
Another early start on our bicycles, this time toward Mashatu Tented Camp. Trails lead through open plains, river forests and mopani woodland. Meet guides from the Tent Camp along the Mojali River, where a bush breakfast awaits (35 klm, 22 miles).
Here the Cycle guides depart and the game viewing continues with a jeep safari on to Mashatu Tent Camp our accommodation for the night.
Lodging: Mashatu Tent Camp
Day 5
Mashatu Private Game Reserve, Botswana
An early morning call for the morning game drive to explore the wonders of nature. Return to camp for brunch and a chance to relax in the tent or in a wildlife hide.
The late afternoon jeep safari sets out again in search of game. Return to camp for your last night in the reserve.
Lodging: Mashatu Tent Camp
Day 6
Departure
This morning enjoy a jeep safari transfer to Polokwane, South Africa. Upon arrival, board a scheduled flight to Johannesburg.