Tafika is the only South Luangwa camp to offer safari activities by mountain bike, another fresh perspective from which to view the wildlife. Ideal for more energetic, adventurous guests, you will set out on two wheels with a guide and armed scout, following the tracks and paths in the Game Management Area next to Tafika, and then into the park itself on the routes used for game drives. Most animals are less wary of an approaching bicycle than a person on foot, meaning that you can often get closer to them than on walking safaris, as well as covering more ground at a quicker pace. It is also far quieter than a game drive vehicle, so wildlife is not startled by the sound of an approaching car or an engine restarting when photographic stops are taken.
The freedom and tranquillity is difficult to match, and it does tend to provide spectacular photo opportunities and a keen insight into tracking wildlife, in many ways mixing the best elements of walking safaris and game drives. Rides are generally taken in the mid-late afternoon, including a visit to the nearby Mkasanga village, later allowing participants to meet up with a vehicle at a sundowner spot to enjoy a night drive back to camp.
