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LIMPOPO VALLEY HORSE SAFARIS
IN BOTSWANA
These safaris are run from the Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris base, Two Mashatus Camp, in the Tuli Block of eastern Botswana. Guests experience a true mobile riding safari, which starts and finishes at Two Mashatus Camp. The Tuli Ride Safaris are treks which last seven nights, eight days, with each night spent in dome tents at a different campsite. These rides meander through a fascinating and diverse territory of rocky outcrops, mopane woodland and scrubby savannah - a landscape favoured by a particularly large elephant population. The philosophy is to offer a back to nature experience, without concession to the luxuries available on other African riding safaris - a policy that also makes these riding safaris amongst the least expensive in Africa.
Please do contact us to discuss the details of the Tuli Ride - we will be delighted to assist in the planning of your adventure, and having experienced this itinerary, are eminently qualified to advise and help. Below we have compiled a fact sheet, which should answer many questions, sample itineraries (based on our own experiences with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris), prices and availability. Wild and Exotic are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (license number 6445) to sell the international flights necessary for this itinerary. Please contact us for further details and our recommended airlines.
Read what our clients have to say about Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris
Fact sheet for Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris
Accommodation: Safaris begin from the comfort of the Two Mashatus camp. The camp comprises of A frame tents on a wooden platform, with each tent comes a loo, shower al fresco and washing facilities. The central area is built in traditional Botswana style with mud walls and a lala palm thatch. Thereafter nights will be spent in wilderness safari camps comprising basic dome tents, stretcher beds, sleeping bags, camp fires, paraffin lanterns, bucket showers and hygienic pit latrines. Martha's bush cuisine enjoyed around a roaring log fire beneath a million stars, serenaded by the sounds of the night is an unforgettable experience.
Activities: Guests do afternoon game walks and once a week night game drives are also offered. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers notable archaeological sites including the Mmagua Ruins.
Children: We do not usually take children under the age of 16 years unless the safari is exclusively booked by a group or family.
Clothing: All guests will be sent a clothing list prior to departure.
Drinks: Drinks are inclusive of the price, Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris provides a variety of soft drinks, beer and wine as well as after drinks for around the fire night caps!
Game Viewing:
Along the river courses, huge riverine trees provide shade for
eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat eared
fox, African wildcat and the magnificent leopard and
lion search for prey. Some 350
species of birds may be seen. The Northern Tuli Game
Reserve is a
refuge for one of the largest, single population of elephant on conservation
land in Africa. Known as the relic herds of Shashe, these elephants are the last
living testament to the great herds that once populated the meandering Limpopo
Valley. Today, the population is estimated to number in excess of 1500 animals.
Insurance:
Whilst
we carry public liability insurance and take all possible care, it is essential
that you have full medical and holiday insurance. Wild & Exotic Ltd can
arrange this if instructed. Guests will also be asked to sign an indemnity in
camp before they ride.
Length of the Ride: Up to six hours in the saddle per day, broken by refreshment stops.
Meals: Martha, who is a highly qualified and experienced cordon-bleu chef, prepares delicious food over an open fire. Her breakfast treats are a culinary feature of our safari.
Medical: A medical kit is taken on safari. Guests should take Malaria tablets.
Safety: All rides are conducted by two experienced professional guides. The lead guide is armed with a gun.
Size of the Rides:
Maximum of 8 guests. Minimum of two guests.
Tack: We use Australian stock saddles and South African Trail saddles. English saddles are also available.
Terrain: The Northern Tuli Game Reserve is an area of history and legend offering some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. It is located in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, an area known historically as the Tuli enclave, a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. The terrain comprises a network of dry riverbeds, rocky sandstone outcrops and high ridges with views that stretch for endless miles across Africa's game rich plains. It isa place of exceptional beauty, and one ideally suited for exploration from the back of a horse.
Type of Horse: Among the breeds represented in our group of horses include the Boerperd and South African warm bloods and Shire Thoroughbred crosses. They range in size from 15hh to 17hh. The horses are exceptionally well schooled and very responsive to the aids!
Type of Safari:
There are two types of safari offered. The Tuli ride is
a seven night, eight day mobile wilderness safari departing on set dates. The first
night is spent at the Two Mashatus Camp before heading out into the bush and sleeping in
dome tents and returning back to Two Mashatus camp on the final day. These safaris must comprise a minimum of
two people and a maximum of eight. We
also offer Big 5 safaris (please ask Wild and Exotic for further details). We also offer
bespoke trips, where the itinerary is designed
according to the special requirements of an individual
group on an exclusive basis; please contact Wild and
Exotic for details.
Visas: UK citizens do not need visas in Botswana.
Weather Conditions: Summer months are September to April, with October, November and February being the hottest
months, with
temperatures varying from 12 degrees C to 38 degrees C at midday. The rainy
season falls between December and February. Winter is May to the end of August,
a period of very little rain, and delightful temperatures by day and
refreshingly cool at night. Temperature during winter months varies from 8
degrees C to 24 degrees C at midday.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 95 kgs or 210lbs, which is 15 stone.
Wild and Exotic are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (license number 6445) to sell the international flights necessary for this itinerary. Please contact us for further details and our recommended airlines.
Sample Itinerary for the Tuli ride with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris
The itinerary shown below
is an example of an eight-day Tuli safari.
All itineraries are planned around the movements of
game and prevailing weather conditions. We also offer bespoke trips, where the itinerary is
designed according to the special requirements of an
individual group on an exclusive basis; please contact
Wild and Exotic for details.
Day 1: Upon arrival at the Pont Drift Border Post or Limpopo Valley Airfield, 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.
Day 2: The day begins at sunrise with tea/coffee brought to your tent, followed by a light breakfast. Mount up and head 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, lunch 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 or Grace – our truly brilliant chef whose “bush cuisine” is renowned far and wide. Retire to your spacious tent where you will experience the “music” of the African bush as it gently serenades you to sleep.
Day 3: An early wake up call heralds a new day and tea/coffee and a delicious light breakfast is served around the log fire. Test the amazingly sure footed Boerpherd as we cross over basalt ridges following age-old elephant trails, and enjoy long sustained canters to make up for the lost time traversing the ridges. This ride will be about six to seven hours. 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: We spend another night at Kgotla Camp, enjoying a full day exploring the sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Ancient civilizations harbored their wealth among these hills, where two mighty rivers meet; the Limpopo and the Mocloutse. This day’s riding will be about four to five hours, leaving time to explore the surroundings on foot in the afternoon.
Day 5: Another early rise and a good breakfast around the log fire will set the morning off to a good start. Today you wind your way through the mopane bush before reaching the more open plains. 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 drink and a refreshing lunch. Tonight is your opportunity to explore Mashatu from a game drive vehicle; you will try and locate the elusive leopard, cheetah and lion the area is well known for.
Day 6: 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 riverside 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. 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: This ride is rich in history and offers a variety of
interesting tales of the past. 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 upon return to the Two Mashatus camp. This ride is about
five to six hours. Dinner is in the Lala palm Rondavel. A dreamless sleep no
doubt awaits you as the final day draws to a close.
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. The
morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River. We head back to Fort
Jameson’s, a shorter ride about two hours giving you some time to get ready for
departure. After a fond farewell to your horse, you head back to Two Mashatus
for a quick brunch and then it’s off to Pontdrift in time for your return
transfer.
Notes:
This itinerary should be taken as a guide only. Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that might arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason.
Photo gallery -
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Martha’s breakfast at base camp | Limpopo River crossing | Eagle’s rock |
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Inquisitive elephant | Three abreast | Gallop through the water |
Dates and Prices for the Tuli Safari in 2008
30 March to 6 April
27 April to 4 May
4 May to 11 May
11 May to 18 May
18 May to 25 May
25 May to 1 June
1 June to 8 June
8 June to 15 June
15 June to 22 June
22 June to 29 June
29 June to 6 July
6 July to 13 July
20 July to 27 July
27 July to 3 August
3 August to 10 August
10 August to 17 August
17 August to 24 August
24 August to 31 August
31 August to 7 September
28 September to 5 October
19 October to 26 October
26 October to 2 November
Notes:
Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris are closed during December and January.
The 2008 price for the Tuli ride is £225 per person per night and includes full board, accommodation, drinks, rides conducted by horse safari specialists and qualified guides, laundry and game drives. Also included are transfers to and from the Limpopo Valley Airfield or Pont Drift border post at specified times.
We suggest transfers are done by Waterberg Transfers at a rate of £175 per person for a return transfer from Johannesburg International.
Deposits of 50% must be paid in order to secure a booking. Cancellation of a booking three months prior will result in 100% refund of deposit. Full payment is due 45 days prior to departure date. Cancellation six weeks or less will result in no refund, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of Wild and Exotic.
