Tuli Horse Riding Safari
8
Days Botswana Safari
Safari Overview
This ‘Land of Giants’, well known for its baobab studded plains and large herds of elephant, is situated in some truly wild landscapes largely untouched by man. The area is home to a variety of wildlife species including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, a multitude of plains game like zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, as well as over 350 species of birds. Combining both bush camping and permanent tented camps, this 7 night mobile safari allows you to soak up the wonderful luxuries of ‘glamping’ with true African bush experiences. The permanent tented camp of Mashatus, offers a complete bush setting, nestled in a grove of giant Nyala berry trees and just a stone’s throw from the mighty Limpopo River. The tents are raised on timber decks, offering a wonderful place to relax and absorb the African bush, each tent is equipped with en suites and hot showers. Weather permitting this ride offers the exciting opportunity to sleep outside under the star studded African sky in the Kgotla Boma, an unforgettable experience. This epic journey, with its brilliant game viewing opportunities, varied and exciting scenery, wonderful accommodation, fabulous sunrises and sunsets, and of course exceptional riding, covers approximately 120 miles over the course of the week and can be scheduled any time of the year. This itinerary is subject to change – it is an example and not an exact timetable. The Tented-Camps chosen route may vary from the below example, as if there has been heavy rains recently or unusually hot days, the Kgotla boma will be swapped out for another camp.
8
Days / 7 Nights
Safari in Botswana
Horse Riding Safari
DAY 1
Arrive at the Pont Drift Border Post or Limpopo Valley
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Two Mashatu Camp
Arrive at the Pont Drift Border Post or Limpopo Valley Airfield, where you will be met and transferred to Two Mashatus stables. Welcomed by an alfresco lunch, taken on the edge of the usually dry Limpopo River – you will feel like you’ve entered paradise!As evening falls at Two Mashatu Camp, relax in the cool of the thatched rondavel lounge and dining areas, before enjoying a three-course dinner and getting to know your fellow adventurers
DAY 2
Horse Riding Safari at Mashatu
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Tree House Camp
After breakfast, it’s time to mount and depart from the dense woodland that hugs the Limpopo River, and head towards the rocky hills that delineate the edges of the great river valley. As the ride traverses the heartland of Mashatu, you will encounter plentiful game: plains game, many giraffe and herd of elephants. Overlooking the Majale river, it is possible to watch the wildlife from above, coming down to drink at the river.
DAY 3
Horse Riding Safari at Mashatu
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Kgotla Camp
The safari passes through the centre of Mashatu to the ancient rock formations synonymous with the Limpopo Valley. Giant Baobab trees continue to scatter the landscape as they have for centuries and ancient elephant trails make for wonderful tracks for long canters through open bush veld. Whilst riding alongside the banks of the Motloutse River, discover the old Leadwood ‘Kgotla’ This open-air enclosure forms the perfect, secure camp for the nigh
DAY 4
Horse Riding Safari at Mapungubwe
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Tree House Camp
The sandstone formations, including the famed Solomon’s Wall, one of the numerous dolorite dykes in the area, are explored on horseback. Some of the oldest civilizations in southern Africa settled in this valley. Archaeological evidence in the area includes middle and late stone age tools, rock art and the legendary Mapungubwe Dynasty. Mapungubwe means “Place of the Jackal” in the Venda language and this dynasty existed around 1220 AD.
DAY 5
Horse Riding & Game Drive at Mopane bush
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Tree House Camp
Following a light and early breakfast, ride out through the Mopane bush in search of elephant. After an exhilarating ride through this timeless countryside, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Tree Camp. An afternoon ride or, subject to availability, a game drive with Mashatu Main Camp vehicles may be possible to enjoy the central area of the reserve (additional cost $75 pp). This is a great chance to photograph big cats and hyena up close.
DAY 6
Followed the Pitsane River into Zimbabwe
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Two Mashatu Camp
Today’s riding promises great game viewing from horseback as we explore the Pitsane River Valley. There was a stagecoach line, called Zeederberg’s, that ran from the towns of the Transvaal in South Africa to the newly forged settlements of Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Those coaches crossed the broad Limpopo and followed the Pitsane River into Zimbabwe. The ride returns to the Two Mashatu Camp in time for lunch and a cooling swim in the pool.
DAY 7
Ride or bush walk for your last African sundowner
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Two Mashatu Camp
Our ride today meanders its way through the beautiful plains between the Majale and Pitsane rivers, with abundant game and spectacular views into the Limpopo River Valley. En route, we explore the remains of an old Boer War fort on a rocky outcrop, In the summer months, rain and water dependent, it can be possible to enjoy cantering through the shallows of the Limpopo River. There is time to relax in camp, before either an afternoon ride or bus
DAY 8
Reserved for Departure - Drop off in Mashatu Airport
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Upon request at extra cost
The last ride in the Limpopo Valley is a great opportunity to take one last picture of elephants and enjoy a long and winding canter through the scattered Mustard bush with your guides. Arriving back at the stables and reception mid-morning, there is plenty of time for a hot shower and a tasty brunch, before saying farewell to safari companions, new found friends and Horizon Horseback Mashatu. You will then be transferred to Mashatu Airport.
The Tour Price Includes
- Accommodation at 3 different camps
- Full board and drinks
- Expert guiding
- All horse riding activities on well trained and responsive horses
- All activities listed in the itinerary
The Tour Price Excludes
- International flights
- Transfer by air from Johannesburg to Limpopo: £700 return
- $70 Conservation Levy paid upon arrival which goes towards anti-poaching and protecting the reserve
- Gratuities and items of a personal nature
- Comprehensive travel & medical insurance
- Game drive with Mashatu Main Camp (USD75 per person – subject to availability)
