Picture yourself pedalling through Botswana’s golden savannahs with nothing but the sound of the wild.
A bike safari in Botswana is one of the most immersive and exciting ways to explore the country’s legendary landscapes. From the wide-open plains of Mashatu Game Reserve to the island trails of the Okavango Delta, cycling through this southern African gem brings you face to face with its natural beauty, wildlife and rich sense of solitude.
Why a bike safari in Botswana?
Botswana is celebrated for its pristine wilderness and commitment to conservation. Unlike many destinations, it limits visitor numbers to protect its fragile ecosystems, creating an exclusive and intimate safari experience. On a bike safari, this exclusivity becomes even more personal. You travel at your own pace, guided by expert rangers who read the land like an open book, pointing out animal tracks, bird calls and native plants that tell stories of survival and adaptation.
The slower pace of cycling allows you to experience the bush in a way that vehicles never can. You can hear the rustle of grass as impalas dart through the scrub, feel the warm air shift as an elephant passes nearby and watch the light change across the plains as the day unfolds. Every sense is alive, and every moment feels more connected to the wild.
Top places for a bike safari in Botswana
Mashatu Game Reserve
Known as the Land of Giants, Mashatu is a dream destination for cyclists. The reserve’s network of ancient elephant trails and open terrain makes it ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders.
Guided bike safaris take you along dry riverbeds, mopane woodlands and open plains where elephants, giraffes, and big cats roam freely. The riding is exhilarating yet safe, with trained guides ensuring you maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Evening rides often end with a sundowner, watching the horizon glow pink and gold as the bush settles into twilight.
Okavango Delta
When water levels drop during the dry season, sections of the Okavango Delta transform into natural biking trails. Cycling here feels like gliding through another world—an intricate maze of islands, floodplains and palm-fringed paths alive with birdlife and antelope.
Richardk85/Wikimedia Commons
Riders often combine cycling with mokoro (dugout canoe) trips, giving a unique perspective on one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems. The Delta’s remoteness means rides are small and exclusive, offering a true escape into the heart of Botswana’s wilderness.
Tuli Block
This lesser-known region in eastern Botswana offers rugged trails and sweeping vistas where the Limpopo River meets red sandstone cliffs.
Tuli Wilderness/Matt Artz/Unsplash
The Tuli Block’s network of gravel tracks is perfect for mountain biking, with opportunities to spot baboons, kudu and even the occasional leopard. Many safari lodges here offer guided biking excursions alongside traditional game drives, making it a great destination for travellers seeking variety and adventure.
When to go and what to expect
The best time for a bike safari in Botswana is during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes. Trails are easier to navigate, and visibility is at its best. Most lodges provide high-quality mountain bikes and safety gear, and rides are tailored to different fitness levels. Short morning or afternoon rides are ideal for beginners, while full-day or multi-day trails cater to experienced cyclists looking for a physical challenge.
Expect early starts to avoid the midday heat, with plenty of rest stops for photos, snacks and wildlife spotting. You will typically ride between 15 and 30 kilometres per day, depending on the terrain and your pace.
Sustainable adventure
Botswana has long been a leader in low-impact, high-value tourism, and bike safaris fit perfectly within this ethos. Travelling on two wheels minimises environmental impact, reduces noise pollution and allows wildlife to behave naturally. Many safari operators partner with local communities, ensuring that tourism supports conservation efforts and provides economic benefits for nearby villages.
Whether you are cycling through Mashatu’s open plains or weaving along the Okavango’s sandy trails, Botswana’s landscapes will stay with you long after the dust has settled on your tyres.
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