A cycling safari is led throughout by an armed private guide and makes a journey across a reserve, or combines wildlife areas, staying in permanent camps and lodges with vehicle back up throughout. Generally, cycling is on game trails – a criss cross network of paths trampled by herds of elephant for thousands of years, resulting in single tracks that are often smoother than any man-made equivalent.
The pace is generally easy going with regular wildlife sightings and scenic picnic stops – in some areas it can be more challenging – but generally the pace is set to suit the abilities of all participants and you always have the options of hopping into a vehicle if you are tired.
Cycling safaris are either scheduled trips for small groups or the safari can be exclusive and tailored to your private party.
One particular private guide in Botswana likes to swap mountain bikes for quad bikes for a unique safari around the Makgadikadi Pans of the Kalahari Desert for those with an adventurous spirit.