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South Africa & Botswana Multisport

South Africa & Botswana Multisport

Experience the wonders of southern Africa in true Backroads active style - biking and hiking through the wilds of South Africa and Botswana. Relish in the beauty of moutains, coastlines and unique flora, discover ancient Bushman rock art, and journey on foot and by bike into the bush, with a private open-topped Land Rover always available for intimate close-ups of spectacular wildlife. Each day features multiple activity options and private chartered flights provide access to a wide diversity of African landscapes and many of the continent’s best lodges. Join us for the best Africa has to offer!

Days 1-2 constantia

Meet in Cape Town Hike along Table Mountain, the city’s cloud-draped landmark Explore the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden  Bike to Cape Point, with chances to spot ostriches, cape mountain zebras, baboons and rare African penguins.

Days 3-4 cederberg mountains

Journey to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, one of Africa’s most luxurious settings Mountain bike and walk through the bush to view ancient Bushman rock art, keeping an eye out for zeland, ostrich and bontebok  Relax at the hotel spa.

Days 5-6 mashatu game reserve

Fly on a chartered plane to Botswana’s Mashatu, a remote private game reserve teeming with wildlife Track classic animals such as giraffe on a guided game walk Mountain bike along ancient elephant paths  Safari through the bush in open-top Land Rovers.

Days 7-8 drakensburg mountains

Fly by private plane back to South Africa Meet our friend Lotus who welcomes us into his Shangaan community Explore a small town with a thriving artist community and shop for African crafts  From the Great Escarpment, take in stunning views of the wild bush below. 

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, buffalos and rhinos), as well as other fascinating creatures such as dung beetles and lilac-breasted rollers  Fly to Johannesburg.

big map South Africa & Botswana Multisport

IDEAL OASES : Premiere Inns

The Cellars-Hohenort (2 nights): This exquisite Relais & Châteaux–member winelands manor house, with stunning views of Table Mountain, offers elegantly decorated guest rooms, two swimming pools and a spa.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat (2 nights): This Relais & Châteaux member, winner of a coveted Grand Award from Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, has a spa, delectable cuisine, exquisite guest rooms and magnificent surroundings.

Mashatu Main Camp (2 nights): In the midst of one of southern Africa’s largest elephant herds, this spectacularly situated luxury camp has spacious suites, a pool and open-air dining.

Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa (2 nights): This luxurious Relais & Châteaux farmhouse is set amid 300 lush acres of forest, meadows and gardens.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve (2 nights): At this unabashedly elegant Relais & Châteaux member, featured by Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel+Leisure's World's Best Awards,  luxurious chalets have balconies for observing elephants, hippos and other animals.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

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Day 11
South Africa & Botswana Multisport
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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
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
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

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
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
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
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