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South Africa & Botswana Multisport

South Africa & Botswana Multisport

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!

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.

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IDEAL OASES: Premiere Inns

The Cellars-Hohenort (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 (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 (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 (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 (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.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Trips 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.
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

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.
Shannon Grosko - Roswell, GA

This is a very special trip. Just about perfect - the itinerary, transportation arrangements, quality of food and accommodations, activity, and spectacular scenery, culture and game viewing.
Arnold Ziegel - Stowe, VT

I am still in awe of the experiences we had on this trip. I was expecting a lot but had no idea it would be such an exceptional adventure. I have taken numerous trips with Backroads (and other companies for that matter) and this African trip will stand out in my mind and stay with me for a long, long time.
Catherine Colby - Powell, GA

This was the best Backroads trip we have taken. It was very well planned in terms of places we visited, amount of time at each, variety of activities and quality of our experiences. Everything ran very smoothly. We especially liked the occasional surprise such as a singing group or visit to a community. While active, the trip was also relaxing because we just had to show up. We never had to make a decision.
Marty Brandt - Menlo Park, CA

Having spent a great deal of time in Southern Africa as a student on anthropological expeditions, I've been fortunate to see its great diversity and beauty - from majestic leopards at Londolozi, great herds of elephant in Botswana to stunning scenery of Cape Town and the Drakensburg mountains. It really is a world within one country - and has the luxury comforts and cuisine to make any visit a treat.
Christian Chumbley - Regional Manager Asia, South Africa & the East Coast