Mountain Bike Trip to Botswana

Day 1

Your shuttle will be waiting at the airport in Johannesburg or will meet you at your local hotel. The group will then transfer to the Mahatsu Game Reserve, arriving in time for a light lunch and an introductory talk about what to expect for the week.  After lunch, you will have your first opportunity to take in the beauty of the Mashatu Game Reserve and with a short ride to view wildlife. Mashatu is home to Africa’s largest herd of free-roaming elephants on private land, so your chances of seeing them is very high.

Accommodations: Tree Camp. This is a very unique camp that can fulfill childhood dreams of sleeping in a treehouse. Nestled in the bough of a giant Mashatu tree and two ancient Leadwood trees is where you’ll enjoy accommodations for the night. You will dine on the deck, overlooking the Majale River, able to view wildlife below as thirsty visitors arrive to drink at the watering hole. 

Day 2 

You will set off early on the day’s ride that ventures through the center of Mashatu to the ancient rock formations and centuries old giant baobab trees in the west of the reserve. In the afternoon, you can rest your legs on a game reserve drive with hopes of seeing the resident lion. A sunset happy hour at the ancient “Amphitheater” rocks will conclude the day’s adventures before heading to camp at The Kgotla to enjoy dinner around a large log fire. The night will be spent under a ceiling of stars and Africa’s night-time melodies singing you to sleep. This experience is just about as far away from city life and the modern world as anyone can imagine. 

Accommodations: The Kgotla. An old Leadwood enclosure that was used in the past as a traditional law court of a Botswana village. This open-air enclosure forms the perfect, secure camp for the night.

Day 3 

The day’s ride includes the unique sandstone formations in the area, including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Some of the oldest civilizations in southern Africa settled in this valley, as evidenced by archaeological finds including middle and late stone age tools, and rock art from the legendary Mapungubwe Dynasty. The ancient and timeless Mapungubwe area topography, combined with wildlife sightings, makes for an incredible riding experience. In the afternoon, enjoy the option of another game drive, which ends at one of the most visually stunning and ethereal sunset spots in the reserve – the Mmamagwa Hill. A short climb will allow you to enjoy happy hour beneath a beautiful baobab tree with breathtaking views of the area before returning to The Kgotla for another night under the stars.

Accommodations: The Kgotla.

Day 4 

The day will begin by winding your way through Elephant Valley along ancient trails stomped into the soil by centuries of migrating elephants. Then head north towards the upper reaches of the Majale River. This area is peppered with enormous baobab trees and is one of the most remote areas of the reserve. After an exhilarating ride through this timeless countryside, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Tree Camp. For the afternoon, choose from another ride, a bush walk, or game drive. 

Accommodations: Tree Camp.

Day 5 

This day is spent exploring the center of the reserve. This area is notable because of its small hills, known as koppies. These hills make for some excellent uphill challenges on the bike and really fun downhills as a reward. A stop on the top of the koppies to enjoy the neverending views into both Zimbabwe and South Africa is not to be missed – the views will literally take your breath away. They also provide a great vantage point to see the herds of wildlife in the area.  After the ride, return to Tree Camp, where you will again have options for an afternoon activity followed by a delicious dinner to celebrate the last night at magical Tree Camp.

Accommodations: Tree Camp.

Day 6 

This day of riding promises a wonderful downhill ride and some great wildlife viewing as you explore the Pitsane River Valley. Watering holes, dug by elephants along the course of the Pitsane River, attract thirsty herds of animals that you are sure to see when passing by. The ride returns to the Two Mashatu Camp in time for lunch and a cooling swim in the pool and a relaxing afternoon. There is also the option for one last ride, where we are likely to encounter plentiful wildlife including plains animals, giraffes, and herds of elephants. The ride meanders across the hills with vast views back towards South Africa, and arrives back at Two Mashatus in time for sunset happy hour.  As evening falls, take a seat in the thatched boma and enjoy a last three-course dinner while reminiscing with your fellow adventurers.

Accommodations: Two Mashatu Camp.

Day 7 

Take in the sunrise and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the savannah at dawn with tea or coffee delivered to your tent. Following breakfast, we will return by shuttle to Johannesburg in time for evening flights. 

*Itinerary subject to change.