Mountain biking through elephant territory while lions watch from nearby rocks is not your typical safari experience. But in Botswana’s remote Tuli Block, it’s becoming the new standard for travelers seeking adventure beyond traditional game drives.
Straddling Botswana’s borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe, this 2,300 square mile wilderness strives to establish itself as South Africa’s most exciting and active adventure destination. And the best part is that it is still completely unnoticed by most international visitors.
Ancient highways, modern adventures
What makes Tuli Block’s cycling safari unique is the trail system itself. Riders follow paths created by elephants for thousands of years – natural highways created by countless generations of Africa’s largest land mammals. This ancient path is perfectly graded and leads directly to water sources and optimal wildlife viewing areas.
Operators such as Mashatu Game Reserve have developed guided cycling programs along the Elephant Highway, adapting the distance and technical difficulty to suit your fitness level. The terrain varies from gentle savannah riding suitable for beginners to challenging rocky sections that will test experienced mountain bikers.
The annual Tour de Tuli, a 300km multi-day mountain bike event that traverses three countries, has put the region on the map among serious adventure cyclists. However, guided rides are available year-round for individuals and small groups, with professional guides providing both safety supervision and wildlife expertise.
The tranquility of a bike tour provides an ideal wildlife experience that can never be achieved by car. Cyclists report experiencing pedaling alongside curious giraffes, sharing the trail with herds of zebras, and closely observing wildlife. Animals, on the other hand, often ignore them completely.
Beyond Biking
Tuli’s adventures are not limited to cycling. Walking safaris are a major attraction, giving travelers the opportunity to track animals on foot, learn about the bush up close, and notice small details missed from vehicles. Those looking for a deeper immersion can enjoy multi-day walks combined with fly camping.
Horseback riding safaris are another highlight. Experienced guides lead riders across vast plains and mopane forests, often getting close to wildlife in an almost surreal way. The scenery itself is attractive. Giant baobab trees dot the horizon, some of which are over a thousand years old. These trees provide an unmistakable backdrop to every ride or walk and are the inspiration for Tully’s nickname, “Land of the Giants.”
Walking safaris are the main attraction of Tuli Bock reserve. It gives travelers the opportunity to track animals on foot, learn about the bush up close, and see small details missed from vehicles. Photo credit: Mashatu Game Reserve
For photographers or wildlife fans, Tuli’s award-winning underground photo hideaways (particularly the Matebole Hide) offer the opportunity to observe and capture animals in waterholes above ground just meters away. If you want something truly out of the ordinary, Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide allows travelers to spend the night in a secure underground suite right next to the action.
There is also a Night Under the Stars experience hosted by Mashatu. Sleep wild in a custom-made tent, complete with fireside stories and views of the darkest and clearest night skies in Africa. Cultural visits to local communities and ancient mountain petroglyph sites round out the experience, adding history and context to the wilderness environment.
land of giants
Tuli’s nickname comes to life wherever you look. The baobab trees here are among the oldest and largest trees on the continent, and the area is home to the largest herd of elephants found on private land in Africa. Wide plains stretch out towards impressive sandstone ridges like Solomon’s Wall, and are home to over 350 species of birds, making it a popular destination for bird lovers.
Mashatu Game Reserve is one of the most recognizable names in the area, operating six hotels ranging from the flagship Mashatu Lodge to more intimate options such as Euphorbia Mashatu and Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu. The reserve’s team of guides boasts an average of 14 years of experience and has a staff of over 230, 98% of whom are from Botswana, ensuring local knowledge remains at the heart of every guest experience.
The luxury market received a boost last May with the opening of Shaturia Manor, a five-star hotel with a private lake and flexible layout for families or single-occupancy groups. At the other end of the spectrum, operators such as Tuli Wilderness focus on a true bush experience, including the Eagle View Star Deck for stargazing enthusiasts.
For travel professionals, Tuli Block offers a new angle for guests looking for an alternative to the traditional safari experience. The combination of cycling adventures, underground wildlife viewing and authentic bush experiences appeals to travelers who prioritize active, sustainable experiences over crowded hunting grounds.
