The journey to Botswana’s legendary Mashatu Game Reserve was born from a moment of inspired divergence. While my wife planned for an adventurous equestrian safari, a simple question while reading the book Long Way Down by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman sparked a corresponding mountain biking adventure. This set the stage for two separate but parallel odysseys sharing one incredible African backdrop. Following a necessary but brief stopover in South Africa — where in Pretoria, the arresting purple bloom of the jacarandas provided a vivid counterpoint to the region’s raw power, before an intimate walk with elephants at a local sanctuary left us in quiet awe — we arrived in the bush. The dual nature of the safari immediately became apparent: the equestrians glided into the landscape atop horseback, while on my mountain bike, I was a distinctly vulnerable, two-wheeled guest, forcing an acute, profound awareness of every movement and every sight.

Our passage across the reserve was defined by the three camps—from the comforting amenities of Two Mashatu and Tree Camp to the exposed, primal experience of the traditional log enclosure of Kgotla. The real core of the adventure lay not in adrenaline, but in something more profound: intentionality. Every silent pedal stroke was an act of respect for the environment, and it demanded an absolute reliance on my guides, Max and Elliot. Their competence was the thin, capable line that turned potential peril into pure thrill.

The deep connection forged was not only with the vast, untamed landscape, but also with my guides, in a beautiful exchange of knowledge and passion. This intentional, peaceful navigation of the bush – covering 25 km a day on worn but still capable equipment – was a profound experience: total immersion in a primal environment and a daily physical meditation. On the flight home, reading Peter Allison’s safari guide memoir, the trip crystallized into something more than a vacation—it became a perspective shift. It implanted a life-altering question about a deeper calling to the wild, fundamentally changing my approach to travel, which is now a search for places where the simple act of pedaling – regardless of the machine’s condition – can make one feel both utterly humble and fiercely alive.

The Mashatu Series: What’s Next

This overview is just the start. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be breaking down the specifics logistics and tactical details of the trip. Upcoming posts will cover:

• The Rig: Why using a moderately worn out rental bike added to the adventure and maintenance tips to keep things running.
• The Logistics: How to prepare and pack for a trip like this.
• The Mindset: How the right mindset can make a trip like this truly transformational.

Join my mailing list so you don’t miss the new posts as they drop.