South Africa & Botswana Multisport
Biking, Walking & Big Game Viewing on a Unique Active Safari
Experience the wonders of southern Africa in true Backroads style - biking and hiking through the wilds of South Africa and Botswana. Relish in the beauty of mountains, coastlines and unique flora, discover ancient Bushman rock art and journey on foot and by bike into the bush. Private open-topped Land Rovers and the continent's best rangers offer intimate close-ups of spectacular wildlife. Each day features multiple activity options, and private flights provide unique and convenient access to a wide diversity of African landscapes and many of Southern Africa's top lodges. Join us for the best Africa has to offer!
Trip Planning Links
- Bike among elephants in Botswana, zebras in the Cederbergs, and penguins on the Cape
- Chances to spot the Big Five
- Hike the dramatic but rarely visited Great Escarpment
- Enjoy private charter flights that smoothly connect diverse African landscapes
- Relax and rejuvenate at some of Africa's top lodges
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 constantia
Meet in Cape Town 
Hike along the base of Table Mountain, the city's cloud-draped landmark Explore the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Bike from Cape Point - with chances to spot ostriches, cape mountain zebras, baboons and rare African penguins - to incredibly scenic Chapman's Peak.
Days 3-4 cederberg mountains
Mountain bike and walk through the Bushmans Kloof game reserve to view ancient Bushman rock art and perhaps spot eland, ostrich and bontebok Relax at the hotel spa, taste local vintages in the wine cellar, or go hiking or canoeing.
Days 5-6 mashatu game reserve
Fly on a private plane to Botswana's Mashatu, a remote game reserve teeming with wildlife, including all the big cats Learn to track Africa's classic animals such as giraffe on a guided game walk Mountain bike along ancient elephant paths Safari through the bush in open-topped Land Rovers.
Days 7-8 drakensburg mountains
Return to South Africa via private plane Explore a small Afrikaner pioneer town with a thriving artist community and shop for African crafts From the Great Escarpment, take in stunning views of the wild bush below Meet our friend Lotus, who welcomes us into his traditional Shangaan community.
Days 9-11 sabi sands game reserve
Travel to Londolozi Private Game Reserve for exhilarating excursions into the bush - on foot and in Land Rovers - to view the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos), as well as other fascinating creatures like dung beetles and lilac-breasted rollers Fly to Johannesburg.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This trip to South Africa and Bostwana was so much more than we expected...we cannot emphasize that enough. We have told all of our friends and family that if they really want to have the adventure of a lifetime they need to schedule themselves with Backroads. There was nothing we would change about our experience - our thanks to the Backroads leaders for their enthusiasm and attention to every detail.- Roswell, GA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the South Africa tour experts. For multisport tours in Africa, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Africa multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Africa biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Africa walking and hiking tours click here.
South Africa & Botswana Multisport
IDEAL OASES: Premiere Inns
The Cellars-Hohenort
Constantia (2 nights) This historic Relais & Châteaux manor house in the Cape Winelands features comfortable guest rooms, two swimming pools, a tennis court, spa and stunning views of Table Mountain.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat
Cederberg Mountains (2 nights) Winner of the coveted Hideaway Report Grand Award and set on an 18,000-acre reserve known for its ancient rock art sites and gorgeous landscape, this Relais & Châteaux retreat offers a lion's share of amenities: a spa, swimming pool, delectable cuisine, beautifully appointed guest rooms and magnificent surroundings.
Mashatu Main Camp
Mashatu Game Reserve (2 nights) Built around a waterhole amid one of southern Africa's largest elephant herds, this spectacularly remote luxury camp has spacious, authentically decorated suites, a swimming pool and atmospheric open-air dining.
Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa
Drakensburg Mountains (2 nights) This secluded and luxurious Relais & Châteaux farmhouse is set amid 300 lush acres of forest, banana plantations, meadows and gardens and features a renowned spa.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Game Reserve (2 nights) At this elegant Relais & Châteaux member, featured by Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel+Leisure's World's Best Awards, luxurious chalets have private dipping pools and balconies for observing elephants, hippos and other animals in the wild bush.
South Africa & Botswana Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1, 2.1, 3, 5 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 45 minutes
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 18, 38, 46 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
- Mountain Biking 2 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Afternoon Game Drive
Day 4
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 4.3 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Afternoon Game Drive
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1 hour
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Evening Game Drive
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Mountain Biking 3.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Walking 1 hour
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Morning and Optional Evening Game Drives
Day 7
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- Mountain Biking 3.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Morning Game Drive
Day 8
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1 hour
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking 4.3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1 hour
- Walking 1 hour
- Afternoon Game Drive
Day 10
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Morning Game Drive
Day 11
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Morning Game Drive