South Africa & Botswana Multisport
- Bike among elephants in Botswana, zebras in the Cederbergs, and penguins on the Cape
- Chances to spot the Big Five
- Hike the dramatic and rarely visited Great Escarpment
- Private charter flights smoothly connect diverse African landscapes
- Relax and rejuvenate at some of Africa's top lodges
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An Active Safari from Untamed Wilderness to Unrivaled Luxury
There is no other Africa trip like this. And you know it when you first hear the nearby screech of a baboon and get close enough to look a giraffe in the eye - on foot, from the seat of a bicycle, as well as from open-topped 4x4s. This southern Africa adventure promises more than you can imagine and everything you expect: the premiere lodges, untamed landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime cycling and hiking through wild game reserves with the continent’s best rangers - all connected by our private charter flights that seamlessly link dramatically distinct regions.
Days 1-2 Exclusive insight into traditional and contemporary culture from our local friends, including one who served on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela 
Hike along Table Mountain's base to world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Bike from Cape Point to Chapman's Peak - one of our all-time favorite rides - possibly spotting ostrich, baboons, rare Cape Mountain zebras and elands.
Days 3-4 Relax and rejuvenate at some of Africa's top lodges Mountain bike and walk through Bushmans Kloof game reserve, where ancient Bushman rock art and Red Hartebeest embellish the scenery In the mood to taste local vintages, indulge at the spa or go canoeing? It's up to you.
Day 5 Private charter flights smoothly connect diverse African landscapes Learn to track classic African animals, such as giraffes, on a guided walk in remote Mashatu, teeming with wildlife - including the big cats.
Days 6-8 Bike in Botswana among elephants on their ancient paths Open-topped Land Rovers make for great game viewing Hike the dramatic but rarely visited Great Escarpment, offering wild views of the bush Browse the crafts in a special Afrikaner pioneer town that's home to a thriving artist community.
Days 9-11 Spot the Big Five and other fascinating creatures like dung beetles and lilac-breasted rollers at Londolozi during exhilarating bush excursions on foot and in "Landies" Join our friend Lotus in his traditional Shangaan village.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Our expectations were very high for the South Africa Multisport. We had travelled to South Africa before. Not only were our super-high expectations for this trip surpassed, but our return visit still felt completely new. Backroads is truly the best. Biking as giraffes stared at us, walking as we listened to lions roar, elephant poop...the people we met, the places we saw, the wine we drank(!) -- this is why we work. If there had been a Backroads brochure in the seat pocket on our last flight to Johannesburg, I think I would have already booked the next trip.- Washington, DC
This trip to South Africa and Botswana 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
Simply the best. We could not have seen or done so much had we tried to book this independently. Backroads has done it again! Didn't think we could top our first Backroads experience...we were so wrong! South Africa multisport took us places we would never have found on our own. Truly the trip of a lifetime. Can't wait for another chance for Backroads to wow us once more.- Calgary, AB
Premiere Inns
The Cellars-Hohenort
Constantia (2 nights) A historic manor house in the Cape Winelands with stunning views of Table Mountain. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa, tennis)
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat
Clanwilliam (TP says (2 nights) This Condé Nast Traveler Gold List wilderness retreat, set in the Cederberg Mountains on an 18,000-acre reserve with ancient rock art sites and a gorgeous landscape, is home to a wide variety of antelope and birds. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Mashatu Main Camp
Mashatu Game Reserve (2 nights) A spectacularly remote luxury camp built around a waterhole where one of southern Africa's largest elephant herds congregate. (pool)
Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa
Drakensburg Mountains (2 nights) A secluded and luxurious farmhouse set amid 300 lush acres of forest, banana plantations, meadows and gardens. (pool, spa)
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Game Reserve (2 nights) An elegant, Travel + Leisure World's Best Award-winning game lodge on the Sand River offering luxurious chalets with private dipping pools and balconies for observing elephants and hippos in the wild bush. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool)
Morocco Multisport
Unveiling the Magic of Marrakech, the High Atlas & Essaouira
Classic:
Thailand Biking
Exploring the Golden Triangle near Laos & Myanmar
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1, 2.1, 3, 6.4 miles
- 300 - 500 feet elevation gain; 600 - 1500 feet elevation loss
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 45 minutes
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 17, 38, 46 miles
- 700 - 1500 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
- 300 feet elevation gain; 300 feet elevation loss
- Afternoon Game Drive & Walk
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Morning Game Drive
- Game Walk 1 hour
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Evening Game Drive
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Mountain Biking with Optional Game Drive 3.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Walking 1 hour
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Evening Game Drive
Day 7
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- Mountain Biking with Optional Game Drive 3.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hike 1 hour
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Optional Hike/Run 1 hour
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking 4.3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Guided Walk 1 hour
- Evening Game Drive
Day 10
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 1.5 hours
- Morning and Evening Game Drives
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the South Africa tour experts. See our award-winning Africa multisport tours, Africa biking tours and Africa walking and hiking tours.
