BIg Game Cycle Safari (MTB Mountain Bike) Botswana 7 Nights

BIg Game Cycle Safari (MTB Mountain Bike) Botswana 7 Nights

Awesome elephant country, stunning accommodation and real bush experiences.
On a scale of 1-5 it would be graded a 2 or 3. There are no big climbs, (we mainly follow elephant tracks and they take their babies around hills instead of over but!) but there are some technical areas such as sandy river crossings and rocky areas. The riding can be adjusted for the group. Those wanting technical or longer rides can easily be catered for, as can those who just want to use the ride as a great way to enjoy the game viewing and this pristine reserve. We mainly follow elephant and game tracks; this is something all MTB enthusiasts should do at least once.

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport pickup and transfer to Botswana for 4 nights (6.5 hours by car, 1.5 hours flight)

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
Approx 6 hour drive, 1.5 hours flight, arrive have lunch, get fitted for bike and do afternoon ride. Rides, min 20km - max 50km
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Excellent accommodation in the bush

Day 2: Morning ride 20 - 50km

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
Opportunity to see elephants. Mashatu is home to the largest free roaming population of wild elephants on private land in Africa and you are almost assured of seeing these incredible creatures.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Excellent accommodation in the bush

Day 3: Morning ride 20 - 50km

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
An early rise and hearty breakfast is a good start before you set off to explore. Winding our way through the mopane and thornveld savannah, with the chance of spotting elephants, you will spend the day in excellent cycling country with some challenging riverbanks and rocky routes to add a bit of fun to the day.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Excellent accommodation in South Africa

Day 4: Early morning ride 20 - 50km

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
The safari passes through the centre of Mashatu to the ancient rock formations synonymous with the Limpopo Valley. Giant Baobab trees continue to scatter the landscape as they have for centuries. Whilst cycling alongside the banks of the Motloutse River, discover the old Leadwood ‘Kgotla’ (or enclosure used for the traditional law court of a Botswanan village). This open-air enclosure forms the perfect, secure camp for the night. In the afternoon, we search for the area’s resident lion on a game drive and draw the day’s adventures to a close with sundowners at the ancient “Amphitheatre” rocks.
Duration: 4 days

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: luxury accommodation Mashatu

Day 5: Early morning ride 20 - 50km

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
The sandstone formations, including the famed Solomon’s Wall, one of the numerous dolorite dykes in the area, are explored. Some of the oldest civilisations in southern Africa settled in this valley. Archaeological evidence in the area includes middle and late stone age tools, rock art and the legendary Mapungubwe Dynasty. Mapungubwe means “Place of the Jackal” in the Venda language and this dynasty existed around 1220 AD. The Mapungubwe topography
itself is ancient and timeless, and combined with marvelous wildlife sightings, it makes for an incredible riding experience. This afternoon enjoy a game drive in one of the most game rich areas of Mashatu.
For the most visually stunning and ethereal sundowner, we visit the
Mmamagwa hills.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: luxury accommodation Mashatu

Day 6: Early morning ride 20 - 50km

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
Wind along ancient trails stamped into the soil by centuries of migrating elephants and cycle upto and along the Zimbabwe border.
Follow the historical Zeederberg coach trail through open scrub, winding its way back to the luxury lodge. An opportunity to relax by
the pool and enjoy the comfort of a permanent camp with shady
established gardens and en-suite bathrooms. This afternoon stretches out cycle weary muscles and enjoy a game drive in the central area of Mashatu where the big cat sightings are plentiful.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Luxury accommodation

Day 7: Early morning ride 20 - 50km

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
Today’s cycling promises abundant game and spectacular views into the Limpopo River Valley as you make your way to our next camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the option of a bush walk or game driver before your last African sundowner.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Luxury accommodation

Day 8: Early Morning ride, brunch then depart for airport in SA (6 hours drive)

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
Your last cycle in the Limpopo valley is a great opportunity to snap one last picture of elephants and enjoy a long and winding ride through the scattered mustard bush with your guides. You will arrive back at the reception area with plenty time to enjoy a hot shower and a tasty brunch, before saying farewell to Mashatu.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.