Mountain Bike Safaris

Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana

Head out each morning early and push yourself to your physical limits on ancient elephant paths, over rough gravel and through cool streams of water. In a land as diverse as Mashatu, you are guaranteed new mediums and trails around every corner. Your safety is secure in the hands of armed rangers who head and tail the group of cyclists - and who remain in radio contact with a vehicle that travels close behind but out of earshot and sight.

We offer three types of cycling safaris – Wilderness, Combination and Camp based.

WILDERNESS SAFARI

Minimum 4 guests ; Maximum of 8 guests

Daily Itinerary

·         On arrival at the Pont Drift Border Post or by plane at Limpopo Valley Airfield you will be met by the bicycle guides and bicycles. Here you will change into your cycling gear (recommended that you arrive in cycling gear) and cycle to the first destination, a wilderness camp set up in the fascinating bush in Mashatu Game Reserve.

The 1st evening will be spent enjoying a wonderful meal prepared over a log fire and chatting about the next 3 adventurous days. In bed the noises of the African bush will serenade you to sleep.

·         Rise early the following morning and cycle for 4 – 6 hours to the next camp. The day will be spent exploring the unusual terrain and enjoying long game viewing breaks. In the evening choose between a short ride or walk in the vicinity of the camp, or simply relax and enjoy the sunset. This evening will again be spent around the log fire chatting about the wonderful day’s sightings.

·         On the 2nd morning you will repeat day one by cycling off to the next wilderness camp this time exploring a totally different part of the reserve, following spoor and learning more from the guides about the abundance of birds and trees in the area. ( Including the legendary Baobab!)

·         The last morning will either entail a ride to the border post or to another wilderness camp where you can enjoy a hot shower, a late breakfast and check out. Once packed and ready you will then be transported by vehicle to the border post or airfield and head off after a unforgettable stay at Mashatu - Land of Giants.

Rate: US$140.00 per person per night  ( Rates valid until 31 March 2005)

2005 Rate: US$160.00 per person per night – rates valid from 1 April 2005

Rand rate:  R1100.00 per person per night

COMBINATION SAFARI

You have the option of staying 2 nights in 2 different wilderness camps and 1 night at the Tented Camp .

Minimum of 3 nights. Single supplement will be charged in camps, no single supplement will be charged for wilderness nights.

Minimum of 4 guests and maximum of 8 guests.

Rates: US$140.00 per person per night sharing ( Rates valid until 31 March 2005)

Single suppliment: US$70.00 per person per night ( nights based at Tent Camp)

2005 Rate: US$160.00 per person per night – valid from 1 April 2005

Single suppliment: US$80.00 per person per night ( only apply’s to TK night)

Rand Rate:  R1100.00 per person per night

Single suppliment: R550.00 per person per night

CAMP-BASED CYCLING SAFARI

This cycling safari is based at the Mashatu Tent camp or the Mashatu Main Camp and undertaken on a daily basis.  You will be taken out in the early mornings and late afternoons. In the evenings you can do a night game drive from Sunset Koppie.  Midday is spent around the pool or at the hide watching wildlife and birds.  You will have the choice of going on a Ivory and Archeology tour with our resident Elephant researcher.  (This is at an extra fee of US$30.00 per person)

Minimum of 4 guests, maximum of 8. Single supplements will be charged

No maximum or minimum number of nights.

Daily itinerary :

·         Upon arrival you will be transferred by Earthwalkers from the border post or airport to the camp where you will be met by the cycling guides and bicycles.

·         A short orientation ride will take place on the first afternoon or evening to Sunset Koppie. You will be then put onto the game vehicle and taken on a game drive , returning to the camp for supper in the boma.

·         Next morning light refreshments will be served before heading out ( 4 – 6 hour ride). You will be given a light refreshments during the ride and will return to camp for lunch. A short evening ride will take place to watch the sunset at Sunset Koppie.  You will be taken on a game drive on their way back to camp and return in time for another wonderful dinner in the boma.

·         Day 2 goes much the same as day 1.  You will be taken to new areas in the reserve learning more about the history at Mashatu and tracking more wild life. Ending the day with a game drive and dinner.

·         On the final morning – tea, coffee and rusks before a short early morning ride. You will return to the camp for a breakfast and have time to clean up and check out by 11h00. You will be transported to the border post or to Limpopo Valley Airfield

Rates:

2004: US$190.00 per person per night sharing – Valid until 31 March 2005

          Single supplement – US$70.00 per person per night

2005: US$210.00 per person per night sharing – Valid from 1 April 2005

         Single supplement – US$80.00 per person per night

Rand rate: R1300.00 per person per night sharing - Valid from 1 April 2005

          Single supplement – R550.00 per person per night

Rates are inclusive of meals, cycling activities, road transfers to and from the Pont Drift Border and Limpopo Valley Airfield and game drives.  

A combination of the above itineraries will apply.

• Radio-linked groups of cyclists accompanied by armed rangers set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna, flora and historic artefacts that abound throughout the reserve.

• Mashatu has well serviced quality bikes available for hire,  but it is recommended that visitors bring their own.

• The cycling safari is completely flexible and whilst a program is recommended, this can be amended according to the preferences and fitness of the respective cyclists.

• Participants may elect the cycling safari but this will not exclude them from game drives if fatigue or injury dictates. ( Applies to Camp based safaris)

• Mashatu Game Reserve recommends that all participants wear cycling helmets for the duration of the cycling safari. They are not obligatory. Tyre liners for the prevention of punctures are compulsory.

• It is recommended that cyclists dress in neutral colours - light clothing for daytime and very warm insulated jackets for evenings and early mornings.

Bookings and Further information:

Email info@Extreme-Safari.com or call +44 (0)207 652 7577. 

All Images © Cycle Mashatu