Horseback Riding in South Africa
BORDER CROSSING SAFARI |
Riding with wildlife in South Africa
Elephant in Botswana
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This is an unforgettable riding adventure, combining four days on a private game reserve in South Africa’s Waterberg Mountains and then travelling north across the border into Botswana for four days of the Tuli Safari. This horseback safari combines responsive well-loved horses with the magic of riding with game in stunning wilderness areas. Nights are spent in a tastefully appointed stone lodge, and comfortable bungalows.
The safari begins on a private reserve in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in a UNESCO biosphere reserve, one of the last true wilderness areas of South Africa. Species to be seen include rhino, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, ostrich and zebra, brown hyena, hippo. In addition riders will encounter a wide variety of antelope, including eland, sable and the exquisite steenbuck.
Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block of Botswana is known as "The Land of the Giants". This is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas and land formations as ancient as time itself. The trails traverse both the riverine terrain and the true African mopane bushveld. The land is home to a multitude of wildlife species including elephant, lion, hyena, and leopard, and remains untouched by the invasion of man.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be met at the Johannesburg airport at 10.00am, for a 3 hour drive north to the welcoming spaciousness of a stone and thatch lodge in the Waterberg Mountains. Arrive in time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings and to meet your guides and fellow riders. Lunch will be served. In the late afternoon you will have an opportunity to become acquainted with your horse, to take in the wonderful open spaces, and to ride out in search of game in the soft afternoon light. The day will finish with sundowner drinks and a sumptuous three course evening meal at the lodge. |
| Day 2: | Days 2-4: Rides will vary from long and adventurous explorations of the escarpment area to gentle pre-sunset rides in search of hippos in one of the many dams in the area. Riders may also be treated to the thrill of cantering alongside herds of plain’s game or encountering the imposing presence of rhinos at close quarters. Little surprises are thrown in, such as a lengthy morning’s ride that is suddenly rewarded with a superb brunch set up in the bush. Here guests can relax and sip champagne, while sharing the morning’s experiences over a delicious spread. Overall the riding is relatively fast and game viewing plentiful and varied. |
| Day 5: | After a final spin on the horses, some last minute photographs, and a hearty brunch, guests are transferred to their next destination, a 4 hour drive which crosses the Botswana border. You will depart the lodge at approximately 11.30, arriving at the Mashatu camp in time for afternoon tea. The camp is an oasis of lush green gardens and trees in the midst of the vast bushveld. You will have a chance to settle into your comfortable bungalow and relax before the late afternoon ride, a chance to familiarize riders with their horses, as well as to give riders a taste of what is in store for the next four days. The ride returns to camp in time for sundowners around a log fire centered in the beautiful gardens. Once the sun has disappeared a hearty dinner is served. The evening draws to a close with a nightcap at the bar. |
| Day 6: | Days 6-8: To finish off the big five list, Mashatu Reserve offers a chance to ride with elephants, leopards and other plains game, and also a chance to take a game drive into the areas frequented by resident lion prides. Riding is fast and exhilarating and can even include the thrill of a pre-novice cross-country course in the bush. For those who prefer a quieter option, leisurely rides to Nylsvlei where elephant can often be seen grazing in this non-perennial marshland are always a favourite. One of the days will bring a ride alone the Zeederburg Stagecoach Trail from Rhode's Drift past the eastern side of the Boer War battle site at Nylsvlei and up to the remnants of Bryce's Store. This fascinating ride will focus on the history of the area with interesting tales about the Anglo-Boer War. |
| Day 9: | After a final chance to encounter elephants on horseback, and a relaxed last lunch under the spreading branches of the camp’s beautiful Mashatu trees, you will be driven to the Pont Drift border crossing, and frm there on to the aiport in Johannesburg, arriving at 5.00pm. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Lodge at Dinaka
Dinaka Lodge interior
The Tuli Block in Botswana
South Africa
Baobab tree in Botswana
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Johannesburg |
| Length of Ride | 9 days, 8 nights and 6 full / 3 half days days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Advanced Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-8 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate / fast |
| Tack | McClellan-type trail saddles |
| Horses | Boerperd, Anglo Arabs, Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds and Shire cross |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | Feb 2-10, Feb 9-17, March 1-9, March 8-16, April 5-13, April 19-27, July 26 - Aug 3, Sept 6-14, Sept 13-21, Sept 20-28, Oct 4-12, Oct 11-19, Nov 1-9, Nov 8-16, Nov 15-23. |
| 2008 Price | April, Sept, Oct: $3,695 (point-to-point safari in Botswana)
Feb, March, Nov: $3,495 (staying at one camp in Botswana) |
| Single Supplement | $50% of total (not required if willing to share) |
| Transfers | $450 |
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