Tuli Safari
8 days - Pontdrift to Pontdrift
Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris is located in the Mashatu Reserve, in the Tuli Block which lies in the south eastern tip of Botswana. Known as 'The Land of the Giants', it is home to great herds of elephants, estimated at least 800 just on Mashatu. In addition to elephants, there is a plethora of plains game as well as numerous cats, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, African wildcat and serval. The plains are dotted with magnificent Baobab trees and huge sandstone outcrops. Along the banks of the "great, green, greasy Limpopo" Mashatus trees are prevalent.The area is perfect for riding; the good going and natural ditches and logs to jump provide fast and exhilarating rides. Encounters with elephant can provide an adrenalin pumping experience and may require fast evasive action.
- Day 1 (L,D)
- Upon arrival at the Pont Drift Border Post 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 whilst watching the horses roll in the setting sun, before a delectable dinner is served in the beautiful Lala Palm Rondavel.
- Days 2 (B,L,D)
- The day begins at sunrise with tea or coffee and a light breakfast before mounting up and heading off in a northwesterly direction for Jwala Camp on the banks of the Jwala River. Six to seven hours are spent in the saddle enjoying the abundance of game and the magnificent scenery synonymous with the Land of the Giants. After arriving at Jwala Camp, a siesta is the order of the day followed by a guided afternoon walk, examining the bush around you in detail. Dinner is prepared over an open fire by Martha, our truly brilliant chef whose 'bush cuisine' is renowned far and wide. Retire to your dome tent where you will experience the sounds of the African bush as it gently serenades you to sleep.
- Day 3 (B,L,D)
- An early wake up call heralds a new day and tea or coffee and a delicious light breakfast is served around the log fire. Cross over basalt ridges following age-old elephant trails, and enjoy long sustained canters to make up for the lost time traversing the ridges.
Camp is at the Kgotla Camp. This is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Mocloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The open-air traditional African enclosure is made of leadwood logs in the shade of a century old Mashatu Tree. Sundowners are enjoyed from a sandstone kopje overlooking the Mocloutse River as it meanders and disappears into the African landscape. Guests enjoy dinner around a large log fire. The night is spent sleeping under the stars in the cacophony of sound generated by the African bush orchestra.
- Day 4 (B,L,D)
- A further day enjoying the bush on horseback. The day may be spent exploring the area around Kgotla Camp or riding on to a new wilderness camp.
- Day 5 (B,L,D)
- Another early rise and a good breakfast around the log fire will set the morning off to a good start. Today's ride will allow you to become one with nature as you head to Liana Camp at a dry river bed overhung with baboon vines. Large, open plains afford the opportunity for exhilarating riding amongst herds of galloping wildebeest and zebra! See the visual wonders of nature, feel the warmth of the sun on your face and taste Africa in its most authentic sense. Another bush lunch is a welcome stop halfway to your camp, enjoy the feeling of eating out in the bush surrounded by miles and miles of Africa. This will probably be your longest day of riding, about eight hours. On arrival at Liana Camp you will be welcomed by a well-deserved sundowner. As evening draws to a close, enjoy the camaraderie and drinks with your fellow riders around the fire.
- Day 6 (B,L,D)
- This morning will begin a little slower, as this day will be spent exploring the banks of the Mojale and Matabole Rivers, following their courses north towards Zeederburg site. The day will offer riding up and down river banks in riverine forest, game sightings and plenty of opportunities for more fabulous photo footage. Today's riding will be about five to six hours. Lunch under the bows of an old Mashatu tree, where a century past, Zeederberg transport riders had their midday break before finally reaching Fort Tuli. Spend the afternoon at leisure before you embark on a guided walk into the bush. On foot you are able to witness the smaller creatures and plants that are missed on horse back. You are also able to follow spoor and are one-on-one with the bush environment. The evening is enjoyed with sundowners around a log fire and a delicious meal sees the close to another exhilarating and rewarding day.
- Day 7 (B,L,D)
- 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 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 zebras and wildebeests! You head in the direction of the Mojale and Limpopo confluence where lunch awaits you. This ride is about five to six hours. Take a game drive in an open vehicle in the evening, providing an opportunity to see some of the big cats close-up. Dinner is around the log fire, under another centurion Mashatu Tree. A dreamless sleep no doubt awaits you as the final day draws to a close.
- Day 8 (B)
- Today is your last day in the bush and begins with your final early morning tea or coffee and snack over the open fire. The morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River with the possibility of jumping some of the natural cross country fences. After brunch transfer back to the border.
- Cost per person:
- Ride Only: £1,575
- Includes: Accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding. Transfers can be arranged from Johannesburg if required for £200 per person.
- All Inclusive: From £2,445 depending on the season.
- Includes: Flights, transfers from and to Johannesburg, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
- Single Supplement: None if prepared to share.
- Departure Dates: 17, 24 Feb, 30 Mar, 13, 27 Apr, 04, 11, 18, 25 May, 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 Jun, 06, 13, 20, 27 Jul, 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 Aug, 28 Sep, 19, 26 Oct, 23 Nov. Departures from the UK are one day earlier.
- The Accommodation: The safari begins at Two Mashatus camp, which provides accommodation on raised wooden platforms on which spacious A frame tents with en-suite toilet and shower have been pitched. The dinning area is in a round traditional hut made with mud walls and a Lala Palm thatch. Thereafter, nights will be spent in rustic, wilderness safari camps comprising of A-frame tents with stretcher beds. A communal short drop toilet and a bucket shower is provided. Horses are picketed within the camp. One or two nights may be spent at Kgotla camp, sleeping out under the stars in a leadwood boma, under the canopy of a great Mashatu tree.
- Food & Drink: The food is 'international' with light breakfasts, buffet lunches and a 3-course dinner. All drinks are included.
- Laundry: Is available.
- Children: Children of 14 years or more are accepted on the ride however they must be accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
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Non-Riders: Are welcome