Route

Day 1: Gaborone to Artesia – 87km

The journey begins in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital city, where riders will depart amidst excitement and support from partners, family, and cycling enthusiasts. The route heads north along the A1 Road toward Artesia through rolling terrain and peri-urban settlements. This first leg serves as an opportunity for the team to settle into the rhythm of the expedition while promoting road safety and healthy living with a stopover in Mochudi. The overnight camp will be hosted at a local primary or junior secondary school, fostering interaction with learners and the local community.  

Day 2: Artesia to Tropic of Capricorn Monument – 65km

Departing from Artesia, riders continue northward along the scenic A1 corridor toward the iconic Tropic of Capricorn Monument. This shorter stage allows for recovery while giving participants time to appreciate Botswana’s unique geographical landmark. The day will include awareness activities and storytelling moments at the monument before camping at a nearby campsite.  

Day 3: Tropic of Capricorn Monument to Radisele – 87km

The tour proceeds through open countryside and sparsely populated settlements toward Radisele. Riders will experience Botswana’s warm hospitality and rural landscapes while maintaining a disciplined endurance pace. Community engagements in Radisele will emphasize youth development, cycling participation, and wellness awareness before the team settles into camp for the evening.  

Day 4: Radisele to Topisi – 80km

From Radisele, the peloton heads north-east to Topisi. The route features long stretches of open road, demanding concentration, hydration discipline, and teamwork among riders and support personnel. Overnight accommodation will be at a school or campsite, where riders will interact with local students and community leaders.  

Day 5: Topisi to Tonota – 88km

This stage connects Topisi to Tonota, introducing riders to one of Botswana’s well-known educational and agricultural communities. The route continues along the A1 highway with relatively flat terrain ideal for maintaining group momentum. Upon arrival in Tonota, the team will host community engagement activities before camping at a school facility.  

Day 6: Rest Day – Tonota / Francistown

The sixth day serves as a recovery and restoration period. Riders will either remain in Tonota or move into Francistown for accommodation at a lodge or campsite. This day allows for medical checks, bicycle maintenance, media engagements, and strategic planning for the northern stages of the expedition.  

Day 7: Tonota to Sebina – 87km

The tour resumes with renewed energy as riders travel toward Sebina. The landscape begins to transition into Botswana’s northeastern plains, with long straight roads testing mental endurance and pacing strategy. Evening community interactions will highlight perseverance, youth empowerment, and active lifestyles.  

Day 8: Sebina to Dukwi – 87km

Leaving Sebina, the route heads toward Dukwi through increasingly remote terrain. Riders will encounter expansive savannah landscapes and minimal traffic, reinforcing the spirit of adventure and endurance. The team will camp overnight and continue outreach activities with the local community.  

Day 9: Dukwi to Nata – 64km

This shorter stage leads into Nata, a strategic gateway to northern Botswana and the tourism corridor. Riders will experience changing vegetation and environmental conditions as they approach the Makgadikgadi region. The reduced distance allows riders to recover ahead of the demanding desert corridor stages.   

Day 10: Nata to Camp 1 – 80km

Departing from Nata, the riders enter one of the most isolated and physically demanding sections of the journey toward Kasane. The route follows the famous elephant corridor road toward the Chobe region, requiring strict coordination between cyclists and support vehicles due to wildlife presence and long distances between settlements. Overnight accommodation will be at a lodge or campsite.  

Day 11: Camp 1 to Camp 2 – 80km

This stage continues through the wild northern corridor of Botswana, characterized by vast bush landscapes and the possibility of wildlife sightings. Riders must maintain discipline, hydration, and team cohesion throughout the day. The overnight camp experience will reinforce the adventure aspect of the BIDII YETU expedition.  

Day 12: Camp 2 to Camp 3 – 80km

The penultimate riding stage continues toward the Chobe region with growing anticipation as riders close in on the final destination. The route symbolizes resilience, determination, and unity as participants overcome fatigue while remaining focused on the mission behind the tour.  

Day 13: Camp 3 to Kasane – 67km

The final stage culminates in a triumphant arrival into Kasane, the tourism capital of northern Botswana and gateway to the Chobe National Park. Riders will be welcomed by community members, stakeholders, and supporters in celebration of completing the 1000km journey. The finish symbolizes endurance, purpose, and the power of sport to unite communities and inspire positive change.  

Day 14: Kasane Community Engagements

The final day is dedicated to engagements with the Kasane community, stakeholders, schools, and partners. Activities may include motivational talks, media appearances, disability awareness campaigns, cycling clinics, and appreciation events for sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the BIDII YETU 1000km Cycling Tour.   

NB: Escort by Botswana Police and Wildlife officers-on wildlife corridors- will be all the way from Gaborone to Kasane