The Mashatu Cycling Safari

Trip Codes: Z526 & Z527

A superb opportunity to combine exciting game viewing with adventurous cycling across the diverse terrains of the Mashatu Game Reserve with a 4 night cycling safari

Highlights:

• The 30 000 ha Mashatu private game reserve offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa
  
  
• Ancient archaeological sites add a touch of mystery to the spectacular, wide open scenery.
  
  
• Cycling safaris are led by an experienced, armed ranger with a radio link to base camp at all times, with a second ranger/tracker bringing up the rear of the group.
  
  
• Cyclists have the choice of either cycling in the mornings and afternoons from base camp, or leaving base camp and cycling to simple yet comfortable wilderness camps situated in the bush.
  
  
• Intensity and duration of rides is entirely dependent on the capacity of the participating cyclists.

Itinerary

Below are 2 sample itineraries for Mashatu Cycling Safaris. Whether you would like to cycle for only a couple of days or a whole week, you are an experienced cyclists or inexperienced, or whether you want to cycle from a base camp or cycle between a variety of wilderness camps, we can tailor make your itinerary to best suit your needs and abilities:

5 Night Cycling Itinerary: [Trip Code Z526]

1) Meet and greet at Pont Drift Border or Limpopo Valley Airfield.  Cycle to Mashatu Tent Camp
2) Met by cycling guide before heading out on the bikes for a full day's cycling, with evening dinner and drinks around open log fire. Overnight at a Mashatu wilderness camp under stars on comfortable stretcher beds.
3) Full day cycling safari through Mashatu Game Reserve, followed by an evening at a different wilderness camp.
4) Full day cycling safari and another night under the stars at another wilderness camp.
5) Last morning cycling the diverse terrains of Mashatu. Afternoon relaxing legs back at the Tent camp followed by an evening game drive and dinner in the boma.
6) Early morning game drive, brunch and departure to Pont Drift border or Limpopo Valley Airfield.

4 Night Cycling Itinerary: [Trip Code Z527]

1) Meet and greet at Pont Drift Border or Limpopo Valley Airfield.  Cycle to Mashatu Tent Camp
2) Met by cycling guide before heading out on the bikes for a full day's cycling, with evening dinner and drinks around open log fire. Overnight at a Mashatu wilderness camp under stars on comfortable stretcher beds.
3) Full day cycling safari through Mashatu Game Reserve, followed by an evening at a different wilderness camp.
4) Full day cycling safari ending at Mashatu Tent Camp, followed by an afternoon game drive, returning to camp for a boma dinner.
5) Early morning game drive, brunch and departure to Pont Drift border or Limpopo Valley Airfield.

Costs:

Due to the current economic climate with daily fluctuating rates, please contact us for a tailor made quote for 2010 -2011.  Our long term close relationship with our core suppliers, has enabled us to negotiate special rates on many of our trips and we can therefore pass these savings on to you.

Includes: cycling, game drives, teas, coffees, snacks, accommodation, meals, and transfers to and from the Pont Drift border or Limpopo valley airfield

Excludes: beverages, sports supplements and road transfers/flights

Tips and Notes:

• Guests are met at the Pont Drift border post @ noon by Mashatu Representatives and are assisted through South African and Botswana Customs and Immigration
  
  
• The transfer across the Limpopo River is either by cable car if the river is flowing, or via open safari vehicles. A charge of P20/R30 per person per crossing using the cable car.
  
  
• Border post opening and closing times are strictly enforced. Opening at 08h30 and closing at 16h00.
  
  
• The intensity and duration of the rides are entirely dependent on the capacity of the participating cyclists.
  
  
• Although Mashatu does have a number of bicycles available, it is recommended that guests bring their own.
  
  
• All cycling participants will be required to complete a questionnaire prior to arrival at Mashatu relating to their abilities and preferences, and is essential for those intending to hire bicycles for the safari.
  
  
• Malaria is endemic to the Tuli Region and anti-malarial precautions are advised.
  
  
• An equipment guideline and checklist will be provided by your consultant so that you know what to take with you.

Featured Camps

• Mashatu Tent Camp
• Mashatu Main Camp

Best Access

• Mashatu is an easy 5 hour drive from Johannesburg on tarred roads
• Air Botswana offer a scheduled return service from Johannesburg International Airport to the Limpopo Valley Airfield at Mashatu, 3 times a week.
• Private charters with flexible arrival and departure times are also an attractive option with quotes dependent on the route required and number of passengers traveling. 

"At First Glance Mashatu appears to be pretty flat and lifeless.  But once you get down to ground level you find it's far from flat and that nature and history cram every kopje and corner"

The Mashatu experience through the eyes of a cyclist.