Price:
US $1,655 for 4 days/3 nights
Schedule:
TBA
Call for more info
CYCLE SAFARI OVERVIEW
The SEAL Cycle Safari is a unique and phenomenal new look at the African safari experience.
The expeditions take place in the Tuli region of Botswana, just over the South African border and run throughout the year, departing on fixed dates.
The perspective of the wild from a bicycle is completely different to the sedate and elevated view from a vehicle - the experience is invigorating
and not comparable with traditional safari.
By day we cycle through the game reserve and by night we sleep under the African stars in SEAL Wilderness-camps in comfort and absolute safety, or
in the semi-luxury tented camp of Mashatu Game Reserve. See Accommodations below.
Location:
Mashatu Game Reserve (Land of Giants), Tuli enclave, Botswana
SEAL operates a cycle safari concession within the 75 000 acre Mashatu Game Reserve.
Duration:
The 3 night/ 4 day add-on begins on the day following the last day of any SEAL dive expedition, the interim day being used for travel
between our the various dive locations and Botswana - all transfers and accommodations for the travel day arranged by SEAL.
4 Night/ 5 Day - This extended version includes an additional night in the SEAL Wilderness-camps - otherwise the format is unchanged.
Ratings Table:
Technical Difficulty 1/5
Physical Difficulty 3/5
Mental Difficulty 1/5
Expedition Comfort 3/5
Accommodations 3/5
Expedition Safety 5/5
Expedition Security 5/5
SEAL Team
Each expedition is led by a full-time SEAL Ranger and SEAL support team of trackers and hospitality staff.
- Each cycle group is led by 2 SEAL Rangers - one in the front of the group and the other at the rear
- SEAL Rangers are armed - as a precaution only
- When cycling the group is always in contact with the SEAL support team via VHF radio and satellite phone
- The SEAL support team follow the cyclists out of sight and earshot to cater to guest needs as they arise, tea breaks, fatigue etc
The SEAL Team has a goal to create the best experience possible for all SEAL guests.
Group Size:
Min - 4, Max - 12
Accomodations:
On the 1st and 2nd nights of the cycle safari our group stays in the semi-luxury Mashatu Tent Camp.
On the 3rd and night our group stays in the mobile Wilderness-camp set up by the SEAL support team.
Mashatu Tent Camp (1st + 2nd nights)
Nestled in the remote northern area of the reserve lies Mashatu Tent Camp;
Although rustic in character every facility is provided. The tents are insect-proofed, have comfortable beds and each has an en-suite shower and W.C. facility. There is an open sided thatch deck where meals are served and a traditional boma for intimate campfire dinners. This camp also contains a very welcome plunge pool. Your total comfort is the priority of your hosts. While on cycle trips, you will be taken care of by your ranger and on your return, the camp staff will gladly attend to your every need.
Mashatu Tent Camp Includes:
- Full range of guest amenities
- Insect proof screening in the tents
- Purified water
- Filtered plunge pool
- Lala-Palm enclosed boma where dinner is held under the stars
- Facsimile, telephone and e-mail facilities available at the border post
- Safari Bar
- En-suite shower facilities
- Safari Boutique
- Fans in the tents
- Limited solar power
- Hide overlooking a floodlit waterhole
SEAL Wilderness-camp (3rd night)
The SEAL support team set up the mobile Wilderness-camps at prominent locations within the reserve, usually under the Giant Mashatu Trees that populate the reserve.
- Guests sleep in super-wide stretchers around the camp fire
- Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags are provided
- Towels are provided - guests to bring own soaps & shampoo
- Tables & chairs provided
- Outdoor ablution facilities are built by the SEAL staff at each location including hot bucket shower and bush toilet
- Guest luggage is transported by the support team in vehicles from location to location
- The mobile bar is always fully stocked - beer, wine for guest account, complimentary soft drinks
Cuisine:
Fine African dining prepared around the camp fire by the SEAL hospitality staff
Guests will be asked to specify prior to travel any special dietary requirements
Guard Duty:
Sleeping in the open under the African stars is a very special experience - listening to the sounds of the bush so far removed from the noise of urban life. For this purpose we have the SEAL Wilderness-camps.
It is however necessary for a team member to be awake at all times to keep the fire going as wild animals will keep their distance from movement and firelight.
Both staff & guests take turns on the 1 hour long watch through the night.
Expedition Includes:
- Guides - Dedicated full-time SEAL guides, trackers and support team.
- Safari - 3 full days cycling including morning and evening rides
- Meals - All meals as prepared by your SEAL hospitality staff
- Equipment - Mountain Bike
- *All Transfers - see detail below
Expedition Excludes:
- Alcohol - For guest account
- Porterage - Excess baggage penalties and transportation
- Gratuities - At guest discretion
*Transfers & International Flights:
Arrival (Day 0) - SEAL will greet guests at Johannesburg International Airport on Day 0 and transfer through to 4 star luxury hotel in Johannesburg prior to following day departure for Mashatu Game Reserve and the Cycle Safari
Departure (Day 4) - SEAL will transfer guests from Mashatu Game Reserve to Johannesburg International Airport for departure flight
