Botswana's remote Tuli Block is home to elephants and some of the continent's largest baobab trees -- hence the reserve's nickname, "The Land of the Giants." Photo Credit: Mashatu Game Reserve
Mountain biking through elephant territory while lions watch from nearby rocks isn't your typical safari experience. But in Botswana's remote Tuli Block, it's becoming the new standard for adventure-seeking travelers looking beyond traditional game drives.
This 2,300-square-mile wilderness that straddles Botswana's borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe is working to establish itself as southern Africa's most exciting active adventure destination. And the best thing is that it's still flying completely under the radar for most international visitors.
Ancient highways, modern adventures
What makes the Tuli Block's cycling safaris unique is the trail system itself. Riders follow routes carved by elephants over thousands of years, natural highways created by countless generations of Africa's largest land mammals. These ancient paths are perfectly graded, leading directly to water sources and optimal wildlife-viewing areas.
Operators like Mashatu Game Reserve have developed guided cycling programs along these elephant highways, with distances and technical difficulty tailored to fitness levels. The terrain varies from gentle savannah rides suitable for beginners to challenging rocky sections that test experienced mountain bikers.
The annual Tour de Tuli, a 300-kilometer, multiday mountain bike event crossing three countries, has put the region on the map among serious adventure cyclists. But guided rides are available year-round for individuals and small groups, with professional guides providing both safety oversight and wildlife expertise.
The silence of bicycle travel creates the ideal wildlife experience that motorized vehicles can never achieve. Cyclists report pedaling alongside curious giraffes, sharing trails with zebra herds and experiencing close wildlife observations while animals often ignore them completely.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
