Horseback Riding in Botswana
TULI SAFARI |
A classic point-to-point safari which begins at the camp headquarters on the banks of the mighty Limpopo River, and ends a week later at Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu Game Reserve. Riders traverses the varied landscape of this region named The Land of Giants to honor 7 dominant African species: elephant, lion, giraffe, baobab tree, eland, ostrich, and kori bustard.
To make the most of the prime game viewing hours, the day begins just before dawn with a quick breakfast before tacking up and heading toward the next camp as the sun is breaking over the horizon. Gallop along the river courses where huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra. The guide, who is highly qualified and experienced, will point out some of the 360 bird species, and is often able to find elusive nocturnal species like bat-eared fox, African wildcat and the magnificent leopard.
There are significant archaeological and historical sites en route, from subtle sign of the ancient indigenous people to relics from the Boer War. Five or six hours in the saddle has you arriving at the next camp in the early afternoon, with time to relax before an evening walking safari to witness the smaller creatures and plants missed on horseback. The final night is spent in a traditional boma around a blazing fire.
The small group size, the fit energetic horses and the light mobile camp allow this safari to cover a lot of interesting territory in this seldom visited corner of Africa.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Meet in Johannesburg at 8.00am and drive 5 ˝ hours north, crossing into Botswana at the Pont Drift Crossing where you will be met by your guide, Cor or West, and transferred to Two Mashatus Camp. After a light lunch it is time to get acquainted with your horse. You will then embark on an introductory ride along the banks of the mighty Limpopo River. Your first evening is spent enjoying sundowners at the Stable Bar while watching the horses. Dinner is served in the thatch rondavel, retire for the night in the comfort of this quiet, tented camp. |
| Day 2: | Ride northwest to Jwala Camp on the banks of the Jwala River. 6-7 hrs are spent in the saddle enjoying the abundance of game and the magnificent scenery synonymous with The Land of the Giants. |
| Day 3: | The destination today is the Zeederberg Camp. This ride is rich in history, and offers a variety of interesting tales of the past. One of the events of the Anglo Boer War was the destruction of Bryce’s Store in a battle on the banks of the Pitsane River. Remnants of the store can still be found on Mashatu. Your experience is further enhanced by the large herds of antelope that are encountered. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing before you embark on an afternoon walk into the bush. On foot you are able to witness the smaller creatures and plants that are missed on horse back. |
| Day 4: | The open plains so characteristic of this area are perfect for a good gallop as you head in the direction of the Majale and Limpopo rivers. Once you have settled at the new wilderness camp, it's time to explore the Limpopo River banks on foot. This riverine spot is home to large herds of elephant, and offers an excellent location from which to walk ancient elephant–trodden pathways in exploration of the magical surrounding wildlife wonderland. |
| Day 5: | This morning will start off a little slower as the day will be spent exploring the banks of the Limpopo, this time on horse back. The area known for its abundance of wildlife will be the location of camp for a second night. The day will offer exciting riding, game sightings, and photography opportunities. Return to camp and spend the late afternoon relaxing in the shade. |
| Day 6: | Large open plains afford exhilarating riding amongst herds of galloping wildebeest and zebra. On arrival at Pete’s Pond you will be welcomed by a well-deserved lunch which is served outside the hide which overlooks a large waterhole. The wildlife and bird life is prolific in this area. The afternoon can be spent sitting in the hide watching the interactions of wildlife at the waterhole. |
| Day 7: | This route today is rich in history and offers a variety of interesting tales of the past. One often-cited event of the Anglo Boer War was the destruction of Bryce’s Store in a battle on the banks of the Pitsane River. Remnants of the store can still be seen here. Your experience is further enhanced by the large herds of antelope encountered along the way, peeking shyly between foliage.
The open Pitsani plains so characteristic of this area are perfect for a really good gallop, hopefully with zebra and wildebeests. Head in the direction of the Mojale and Limpopo confluence, where lunch awaits at Two Mashatus camp. This ride is about 5-6 hours. This evening you have the opportunity to take a game drive in a landrover, which with any luck will give you a chance to see some big cats up close. Dinner around the log fire, under the spreading branches of the camp’s signature centurion mashatu trees.
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| Day 8: | Today is your last day in the bush and begins with your final early morning tea/coffee and breakfast snack over the open fire. This morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River with the possibility of jumping some of our natural cross country fences enroute back to camp. This is about a 2 hour ride to give you time to prepare for departure.
After a final brunch and sad farewells to your riding companions and trusty steeds, you will have a chance to pack and freshen up before leaving for the Pont Drift Border Post where a car and driver await. The return transfer will have you at the Johannesburg airport by 5.00pm. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Johannesburg |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 7 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Advanced Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-8 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate / fast |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Boerperd, Basuto, Anglos, Warmbloods and Shire cross |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | Feb 17-24*, Feb 24-Mar 2*, March 16-23*, March 23-30*, March 30-April 6, April 13-20, April 27 - May 4, May 4-11, May 11-18, May 18-25, May 25-June 1, June 1-8, June 8-15, June 15-22, June 22-29, June 29 - July 6, July 6-13, July 13-20, July 20-27, July 27 - Aug 3, Aug 3-10, Aug 10-17, Aug 17-24, Aug 24-31, Aug 31-Sept 7, Sept 28-Oct 5, Oct 19-26, Oct 26-Nov 2, Nov 23-30* |
| 2008 Price | $3165
*February, March and November: The safaris are not point-to-point, you stay at the main camp each night. |
| Single Supplement | 50% of total |
| Transfers | $440 (Johannesburg to the Tuli and return) |
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