When you think of a safari, your mind probably jumps to an open-top vehicle driving across the African savannah. But there’s another way to go in search of wildlife – by bike. Cycling safaris offer a slower, more immersive experience.
With no engine noise, you’re more likely to spot wildlife, feel the terrain under your wheels, and take in the sounds, smells and quiet moments of the natural world. Of course, it’s also possible to create itineraries that involve cycling between wildlife hotspots with more classic driving safari days once there; depending on the nature of your wildlife, this might be the safer and more feasible option!
Africa is certainly a top contender for cycling safaris, offering everything from elephants to ostriches. But it’s not the only place. Around the world, you’ll find bike routes that take you into wild landscapes full of animal encounters – from wetlands in Europe to tropical jungles in Southeast Asia.
Here are seven of the best cycling destinations for breaking out the safari bikes, where incredible wildlife and unforgettable scenery meet in the saddle. Having visited six of the seven destinations on this list myself, I can confidently say they are destinations I’d suggest to anyone with a love of nature and a thirst for adventure. Enjoy!
Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.
1. Namibia
Best for: Seeing wildlife roam freely across vast, untamed desert landscapes
Few places on earth deliver such a sense of wild, open space as Namibia. With its hauntingly beautiful deserts, remote mountains and wildlife-rich plains, it offers a safari experience like no other – especially from the saddle.
Namibia is one of the only places where elephants, black rhinos and lions still roam freely outside national parks, living alongside local communities. On the best safaris in Namibia, through regions like Damaraland, you’ll be lucky enough to spot giraffe, cheetah, oryx and zebra, all adapted to life in this harsh desert climate.
Birdlife is equally impressive, from dune larks to giant ostriches. And while you can’t ride inside Etosha National Park, a visit is easily added to your tour, with guaranteed big game sightings at its famous watering holes. Whether you’re fat biking across ochre dunes or tracking wildlife in the bush, Namibia’s cycling safaris deliver unforgettable encounters.
More information
- NatureFriend Safaris are an excellent option for tailor-made Namibia cycling tours, and our interview with their managing director, Leander Borg, includes tips on the must-visit regions.
Etosha Waterhole (photo credit: NatureFriend Safaris)
2. South Africa
Best for: Classic safari wildlife viewing – including the iconic Big Five
South Africa is a dream destination for riders who want to combine epic landscapes with serious wildlife encounters. It’s one of the few countries where you can see elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo – collectively known as the Big Five – often all in one trip.
The country’s biodiversity is staggering, with over 850 bird species and unique marine life along the coast, including whales and penguins. When cycling South Africa, you might find yourself riding through vineyard-draped hills one day, and spotting elephants in Addo National Park or Kruger the next.
From the wild beauty of the Cape Floristic Region to the open savannahs of the northeast, cycling in South Africa offers a level of variety that’s hard to beat, with adventure and wildlife in abundance.
More information
- An in-depth guide to South Africa cycling tours.
Majestic giraffes roam freely in the golden light of sunset in Kruger National Park (photo credit: African Bikers)
3. Sri Lanka
Best for: Spotting elephants and leopards in lush national parks
Sri Lanka’s vibrant south offers a rich mix of cycling and wildlife encounters, with tropical coastlines, forested hills and national parks teeming with life. It’s one of the best places in Asia to see elephants in the wild – Udawalawe and Yala National Parks are particularly well known for their large herds.
Yala is also home to one of the world’s highest densities of leopards, though sightings are never guaranteed. Add in monkeys, crocodiles, colourful birdlife and a buzzing cultural backdrop, and Sri Lanka becomes a compelling option for a cycling safari with a Southeast Asian twist.
Whether you’re riding between tea plantations or coastal villages, you’re never far from a chance to see wildlife.
More information
- If you’re interested in planning a Sri Lanka bike safari tour, take a look at this in-depth guide to cycling Sri Lanka with Intrepid.
- Or if you’re considering a larger southern Asia trip, we also have a guide to cycling India which may of interest.
4. Sarawak, Borneo
Best for: Close-up encounters with rainforest wildlife – including rare primates and river dolphins
Cycling through Sarawak offers a wildlife experience unlike anywhere else. Found on the island of Borneo, Sarawak is home to ancient rainforests, mangroves, caves, and coastal ecosystems that shelter a remarkable range of species.
As you ride past jungle trails, rivers, and remote villages, you might glimpse orangutans in the wild, hornbills flying overhead, or even Irrawaddy dolphins surfacing in the estuaries. Evening estuary cruises offer the chance to spot crocodiles, fireflies, and proboscis monkeys performing acrobatic leaps through the mangroves.
With national parks like Bako and Niah, and sanctuaries dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation, a Borneo cycling safari is one where nature feels close, raw and real.
More information
- Our interview with JC Chua of Paradesa Borneo is a must-read before you plan a Sarawak bike safari.
- Plus we have a guide on cycling Borneo based on our own trip.
Orangutan spotting at Semenggoh Wildlife Sanctuary (photo credit Paradesa Borneo)
5. Chile (Carretera Austral)
Best for: Spotting rare Patagonian wildlife in dramatic, remote landscapes
Cycling the Carretera Austral is a wild, immersive journey into the heart of Chilean Patagonia – a region of snow-capped peaks, glacier-fed rivers and seemingly endless gravel roads.
Wildlife encounters here are subtle but deeply rewarding. You might see guanacos grazing by the roadside, condors riding the wind above mountain ridges, or hear the call of a chucao echoing from the forest.
While large predators like pumas are rarely seen, other shy and elusive species like the endangered huemul or pudú may appear if you’re lucky. What makes this route special is the sense that you’re sharing the landscape with creatures who live far from human disturbance.
More information
- Cicloaustral have been organising safari bike ride tours in Chile for over 12 years. We spoke to them to put together a guide to cycling the Carretera Austral.
You are likely to see local Guanaco (photo credit: Claudia Huepe via Cicloaustral)
6. The Camargue, France
Best for: Birdwatching and spotting wild horses in peaceful wetlands
The Camargue is one of Europe’s most distinctive landscapes – a wild wetland at the edge of Provence where nature takes centre stage. Cyclists can ride through flat, open terrain, past shimmering salt pans, reed-fringed lagoons and wide beaches.
This region is home to a surprising abundance of wildlife, including its iconic white horses, black bulls and thousands of flamingos that gather in its shallow waters. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
It’s a gentle, scenic cycling experience with a strong sense of place – and a real contrast to the hillier routes of nearby Provence.
More information
- Our guide to bike barge tours in France covers more on cycling the Camargue, with tips from tour company Boat Bike Tours, who’ve been running tours since 2018.
Flamingos in the Camargue wetlands
7. Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Best for: Spotting seals, dolphins and otters along rugged coastal routes
The Outer Hebrides offer a unique cycling safari experience, where wildlife and wilderness meet at the edge of the Atlantic.
As you ride across these remote Scottish islands, the dramatic coastal scenery is matched by the chance to spot marine wildlife. Seals haul out on rocky shores, dolphins glide through quiet bays, and if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of an elusive otter weaving through the kelp.
The roads are quiet, the landscapes raw and windswept, and the sense of space is unforgettable, making it a great destination for riders who want to combine sea views with wild encounters.
More information
- We enjoyed a family tour of the Hebridean Way and have put together this guide on cycling the Hebrides that’s packed with useful tips.
The wild landscapes of the Outer Hebrides
What’s next?
Hopefully, this collection of cycling safaris has piqued your interest!
But for those who want a themed biking holiday that’s a little less wild, there are plenty of alternatives to safari bike tours! How about:
- Rivers: Our guide to the best river cycling routes offers advice on some fantastic tours along epic rivers.
- Food and wine: Like pairing cycling with fine drinking? Read about the best bike and wine tours, which pair beautiful vineyard scenery with excellent tasting opportunities.
- Islands: Touring an entire island feels like a real adventure and so our guide to the best islands in the world for cycling breaks is packed with tips.
- Coasts: Or check out our review of the best coastal cycling routes in the world for those scenic rides with ocean views.
- Multi-country in Europe: Finally, our look at the best bike tours across Europe covers a range of options for all kinds of cycling breaks.
- History: Are you a history buff? Don’t miss these 10 best historical bike tours
Enjoy – and let us know how you get on in the comments below!
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Looking for an organised cycling trip?
If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours where possible)!Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.
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