Although done at a more sedate pace than the Tour de France, cyclists riding past elephants and lions in Botswana’s Tuli Block may sometimes secretly wish they had the turn of speed of international champions.

Although always accompanied by trained game guides cycling in big game country is an exciting and unique way to enjoy some of Africa’s wild spaces.

Most riders overnight in comfortable lodges in the area although there are some organized tours that enable riders to overnight in the bush.

Many smaller nature reserves also offer mountain bike trails that vary from the very easy to extremely demanding.

Landscapes range from low altitude bushveld with good game to high cool fold mountains offering wide open views of distant peaks.