Day 1: Meet at Border, ride to wilderness camp

We meet on the South African side at Pont Drift Border Post at 13h00. Once done with border formalities, we prepare our bikes, load the support vehicle and enjoy a light lunch we bike to our 1st wilderness camp. After an exhilarating afternoon ride we arrive to chilled drinks, a hot bucket shower and a wholesome dinner. Our temporary, low-impact, fully equipped wilderness camp provide for an unforgettable nights rest after a hard days ride. Meals are prepared on open fires. Starlit skies and night sounds will awaken your senses, and a night under canvas will inspire your instincts. Two qualified trails guides accompany each group and ensure the safety and enjoyment of the group.

Day 2: Explore

After a night under the stars, awake early to fresh brewed coffee and breakfast, prepare bikes and head off to uncharted terrains. Discover new skills as rocky outcrops, sandy riverbeds and open plains test biking abilities. We’ll break for a tea/drinks stop along route and arrive back at camp for lunch. A welcome afternoon siesta follows. The late afternoon will bring the chance to ride or drive to a nearby sundowner point.

Day 3: Ride to Kgotla

Today brings a new dawn and we bike out towards Kgotla, our last camp. Testing terrain and changing landscapes make for a great ride. A pasta lunch and hot showers welcome weary legs and an opportunity to sit back, relax and savour that sense of achievement. After an afternoon of leisure, we head off for a short walk to a nearby cliff for a sundowner. Return to an open fire prepared meal, fireside chatter and restful nights sleep under the stars concludes the safari on a high.

Day 4: Departure

Breakfast on Day 4 brings an end to the safari with a departure by vehicle to Pont Drift by 11:00. This itinerary is a guideline and may, where possible, be adapted to suit specific requirements.

Location

Mashatu Game Reserve is situated within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana. The adventure begins and ends at the Pont Drift Border Post, approximately 5 ½ hours drive from Johannesburg.

Travel dates

Departures are available Tuesdays and Fridays from January through to November. The dry, cooler months (May through Sept) provide the best weather conditions for a visit.

Accommodation

Beautiful bush camps. Sleep in tents or under the stars. The choice is yours! 

Group Size

Groups of 8 people are recommended. Larger groups can be accommodated by special arrangement. Structured packages for corporate groups are available.

Technical Rating

The distance, pace and route is tailored to each group. The aim is to ride 4-5 hours per day, covering 30-40km’s. The pace is generally easy going with regular game sightings, and scenic picnic stops, but be prepared, the riding at Mashatu is deceptively challenging. Rated 2/5.

A backup vehicle is on hand at all times to rescue tired riders or tired bikes!

Bike requirements

Mountain bikes with off-road tyres and tyre sealant. Bike hire is available on request. Helmets are compulsory.

No bike, no problem! We have robust all terrain mountain bikes for hire at R250/day.

Food and Beverages

All meals are included in the package price. Please bring your own riding snacks. A fully stocked cash bar is also available. 

Age Limit

No children under the age of 12 are permitted. All children must be accompanied by an parent or guardian.

If you want to join a Cycle Mashatu Wilderness trail but don’t want to ride bicycles

Bush walks, horse riding and games drives are available, on request, for those not so keen to be on two wheels. Bookings are subject to the number of guests and availability.