Majestic Botswana Safari Bike Tour

Arrive in Johannesburg, the vibrant heart of South Africa.

After settling in, enjoy a hearty breakfast at our centrally located hotel before we begin our journey north toward Mapesu Game Reserve. As the city fades behind us, the scenery transforms into peaceful countryside and wide stretches of bushveld.

The journey to the Mapesu Game Reserve takes a little over 5 hours. We take short breaks along the way, soaking in the calm and quiet of the open road. By afternoon, we reach Mapesu, where the air feels fresh and the wilderness begins to unfold.

In the evening, we step into the reserve for our first game drive, watching wildlife move gracefully across the golden plains as the sun dips toward the horizon.

The day begins early, as soft light spreads across the horizon and the bush slowly awakens. We set out on our bikes into the open plains of Mapesu Private Game Reserve, surrounded by the beauty of the wild.

Each turn of the trail brings new sights, from graceful giraffes grazing beneath tall trees to the quiet presence of cheetahs resting in the shade. A mid-morning coffee stop in the bush gives us a moment to pause and take in the calm of the surroundings before we ride back through the heart of the reserve.

The afternoon is for relaxation, followed by a sundowner drive or walk, where the sky glows golden and the day ends in peaceful stillness.

Elevation: +100m

Surface: 100% unpaved

We begin the day with an early departure, heading towards the Pont Drift border post. Crossing into Botswana on our bikes, we immediately find ourselves immersed in untamed wilderness.

The ride leads us along quiet gravel roads, winding through vast game reserves where the scenery shifts from open plains to rugged bushveld. Our journey takes us deep into Central Tuli, with Harena as our destination. By evening, we arrive at our riverside camp where the Limpopo flows gently past, providing a serene and unforgettable setting after a rewarding day of adventure.

Elevation: +200m

Surface: 90% unpaved, 10% paved

The Harena region offers some of Botswana’s finest game viewing, with riverbanks frequented by plains game and watched over by the local lion pride. We ride gently through rocky outcrops and dry riverbeds, taking in the quiet beauty of the bush around us. In the afternoon, we rest by the Limpopo River, where the calm of the surroundings fills the air. The day concludes with a sundowner game drive, as the soft evening light casts a warm glow across the landscape.

Elevation: +250m

Surface: 100% unpaved

After breakfast, we continue our ride north toward the remote Harena Trails Camp. The trail unfolds through untouched wilderness, where open skies stretch endlessly and the sounds of nature guide our way. Hidden deep within the reserve, this exclusive trail camp feels like a world of its own, surrounded by vast silence and natural beauty. The afternoon invites rest beneath the shade of ancient trees, while the evening brings a flickering campfire and the distant calls of lions and hyenas echoing across the night. It is an experience that captures the true spirit of the wild.

Elevation: +150m

Surface: 100% unpaved

Today’s trail takes us further north, beyond the boundaries of the Central Tuli Reserve. We cycle through open bushland and along winding paths until we reach Mathathane, a small, welcoming village that offers a glimpse into everyday life in rural Botswana. Meeting the locals and sharing smiles brings a sense of warmth and connection to the journey. After a short refreshment break, we ride back into the heart of the reserve, returning to the peaceful comfort of our private trails camp for another night under the stars.

Elevation: +100m

Surface: 100% unpaved

After a comforting cup of morning coffee, we set out on our ride south toward the Limpopo River, following its western trails that lead us to Koro Island Camp. The scenery changes beautifully along the way as we pass shimmering salt pans, often visited by herds of elephants, before the plains give way to rugged rocky formations. We pause at a natural spring, a peaceful haven where the shade and soft sounds of nature invite us to rest. As the day mellows into golden light, we descend toward the river and follow its winding paths to our secluded island camp. The evening ends with a tranquil bush walk at sunset, surrounded by the warm glow of twilight and the calm of the wilderness.

Elevation: +200m

Surface: 100% unpaved

We wake to the soothing sounds of nature on our private island in the Limpopo River. After breakfast, we set out to explore the Koro Conservancy, following ancient elephant paths and winding jeep tracks that lead us past waterholes and hidden viewpoints. The morning ends with a scenic bush breakfast, surrounded by the soft rustle of Mashatu trees and the gentle rhythm of the wilderness. Later, we descend once more to the flowing paths beneath the canopy, enjoying a relaxed afternoon at camp. As the sun begins to set, we gather for a special sundowner game drive, celebrating our final evening in Botswana with golden skies and unforgettable views.

Elevation: +220m

Surface: 100% unpaved

Before we bid farewell to Botswana, we enjoy one last ride through the Central Tuli Reserve. After a quick coffee, we set out on a final loop, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the bush one more time. Once the ride concludes, we make our way back into South Africa, crossing the Platjan border post, carrying memories of the wilderness and the adventure we’ve shared.

We drive back to Johannesburg for our onward journey.