Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris, Botswana

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Limpopo Lodge Ride Tuli Block, Botswana

A new and exciting seven night mobile ride using Two Mashatus camp as well as private family-owned lodges on Mashatu. If you enjoy more luxurious accommodation on a mobile safari, this is the ride for you. Various dates are on offer from February to November.

This 7 night ride offers guests the same benefits of doing a mobile safari but with the added attraction of more luxurious accommodation. The lodges are family-owned, private and exclusive with en-suite bathrooms and swimming pools.

As we traverse the greater expanse of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, guests have the opportunity to enjoy sightings of animals such as elephant, leopard, lion, wild dog, hyaena and cheetah as well as a huge range of bird species, antelope and smaller game. With no fences within the reserve, this is truly one of the wildest places in Africa!  Currently we have two lodges which we use for this ride as well as our very own ‘Out of Africa' base camp: Two Mashatus.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1:  On arrival into Johannesburg international airport you will be met and transferred by Waterberg Transfers for approximately 5.5 hours to Pontdrift border post where your guide will meet you. After the formalities of crossing the border you will be escorted in an open game drive vehicle to Two Mashatus Camp a short drive away. After settling in and enjoying a refreshing lunch in the Lala Palm Rondavel, you're off to meet the most important members of the team: the horses!  You will then embark on a short introductory ride in the afternoon to make sure that you and your mount are perfectly suited. The ride is followed by sundowners at the stable bar before heading back to our Two Mashatus Camp. A delicious evening meal follows before retiring to the comfort of your tent. Then allow the sounds of the bush serenade you to sleep!

Day 2:  After breakfast, we mount up and head off on the long ride of 6 hours to the luxurious Naledi camp.  This ride traverses hills and ridges and takes you to the most northern parts of the game reserve.  On the open plains there are good opportunities for fast canters, perhaps accompanied by zebra, wildebeest or eland. The lush vegetation close to the Majale River is browsed by a diversity of wildlife, so there is a good chance of excellent game-viewing in this area.

Upon arrival at this beautiful private camp, you are welcomed by cold beverages and a good lunch.  In the afternoon, enjoy the very comfortable rooms or lounge around the swimming pool with a view over the African bush.  If feeling energetic, take a game walk with your guide in the late afternoon.  This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the small and fascinating creatures that are an important part of the local ecology.   Head back to camp before sunset for traditional sundowners, an excellent dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 3: Today we make a leisurely start on the 4.5 hour ride to Kanda Farm, traversing the central game area of the reserve where you may see giraffe, eland or zebra.  The ride passes through an area of rocky cliffs, home to a resident leopard.  Kanda Farm is a family-owned property in a spectacular location overlooking the Majale River.  After lunch and a siesta, you have the option of a game drive which offers the opportunity of viewing predators such as leopard, cheetah, wild dog and lion that Mashatu is famous for.  You may also be lucky to spot some of the other interesting nocturnal residents such as hyaena, genet or porcupine.  You stop for sundowners at a vantage point before returning to camp for dinner.

Day 4: Today we explore the surrounding area, tracking wildlife through the bush and enjoying spectacular views across Mashatu. There is a great diversity of game in this area and you may see bat-eared fox, black- backed jackal, eland, kudu and other plains game. The morning ride is about 4 hours followed by lunch back at Kanda camp.  In the afternoon, we follow the course of the Majale River on a bush walk and climb some of the kopjes in the area.  Back to camp and a dinner under the stars!

Day 5:  After breakfast you head back to Two Mashatus camp, following the Majale River which always offers up some interesting and close encounters with elephant or other wildlife.  After an enjoyable 4 hour ride, we arrive at camp in time for lunch and a traditional African siesta in comfortable surroundings.  A pleasant walk to stretch the legs in the evening before you retire for a good dinner and bed.

Day 6: Today you head out to the Pitsani plains. Descending to the plains, there is the possibility for an exhilarating gallop where you might be joined by curious herds of zebra, wildebeest or giraffe. You will wind your way through the hills before arriving at the beautiful Senthata Lodge on neighbouring Charter reserve. Usually there is a game drive in the afternoon, and a lazy relaxed evening on the cool lawn overlooking the mighty Limpopo while the cooks rustle up another delicious meal.

Day 7:  Another exciting morning's ride as we head out along the Limpopo river in search of the abundant wildlife the area has to offer. Hopefully we will come across some logs knocked over by elephants along the way which the horses love to hop over. Today's lodge is the elegant Limpopo House. Here you can enjoy the stunning pool or sit on the cool veranda with a book while you watch the horses graze nearby. And the afternoon will bring a final game drive and hopefully some cats along the way too.

Day 8:  After a final early morning ride of about 2 hours, its time to pat your trusty steed goodbye.  A quick brunch and a refreshing shower and you head back to the Pontdrift border post and a sad farewell to your guides after an exhilarating week of fun, adventure and multiple wildlife sightings.  A 5.5 hour drive gets you to Johannesburg International airport in time for the evening flight home.

Additional Information

• Transfers to and from JHB International at GB Pounds £225 per person
• Meeting point at Arrivals Hall at the Information Desk at OR Tambo International Airport
• Maximum of 8 guests and minimum of 2 guests
• Rate is inclusive of accommodation, riding, meals, teas and coffees, drinks, game drives (at least 2), bush walks and laundry. Only transfers, tips and curios payable locally in cash.
• Four nights at the comfortable Two Mashatus camp
• One night at Naledi
• Two nights at Kanda camp
• Elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah & wild dog country
• Starts and finishes on a Sunday
• Non riders welcome (game drives, cycling and walking available)
• For experienced riders only
• Children under 16 not permitted

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 may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which will be sent with all booking forms.

Please contact Wild and Exotic for the latest prices and availability on the Lodge ride by email to info@wildandexotic.co.uk or by telephone to 01439 748401

  Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for Limpopo Valley, Botswana / Dinaka, South Africa 
"Big 5" Safari

For an unforgettable, big five riding adventure combine four nights in Botswana, with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris and four nights in South Africa with Horizon Horseback Safaris. This horseback safari combines responsive well-loved horses with the magic of riding with game in stunning wilderness areas. Dinaka is in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Safari is based 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, black impala, giraffe, ostrich and zebra.  In addition riders will encounter a wide variety of antelope, including the impressive eland and sable and the exquisite steenbuck. Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris is in the Tuli Block, home to Mashatu Game Reserve and known as "The Land of the Giants".  This is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas and land formations as ancient as time itself.  It is also home to a multitude of wildlife species and remains untouched by the invasion of man.  The riding trails cover both the riverine terrain and the true African mopane bushveld, including the famous sandstone formations of the Tuli. The richness of the Mashatu horse safari experience is complemented by the prevalence of regularly sighted species such as lion, leopard, elephant and hyena.  The Botswana part of the safari can now be done either as a Mobile camping safari or enjoying the added comforts of a static camp.  (please see alternative itinerary in Appendix B)

Example itinerary: 

Day 1: 11.00 am. Guests are met at the Johannesburg Intercontinental Hotel, (see appendix A) Here guests can enjoy a choice of full English or continental breakfast and can relax whilst their fellow companions arrive.  Our driver will then transfer all guests to the Dinaka, a stunning stone and thatch safari lodge set high above a large hippo dam, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding plains.   Guests will arrive in time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings and to meet with their guides and fellow safari group.  A late lunch will be served to revive the weary travellers.  Late afternoon, guests will have their first opportunity to acquaint themselves with their selected horse, to take in the wonderful open spaces around them, and to go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride will give guests their first taste of the stunning variety of game on Dinaka.  The day will finish with sundowners and a sumptuous three course evening meal.

Day 2: We will take you on a ride to visit the ‘Small Serengeti Plains' where you will be able to look and interpret the behaviour of various plains game species. Your guides will have a surprise of bush "games" up their sleeve.  On the Dinaka plains riders will encounter the dense game populations this beautiful reserve is renowned for. Sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with 11 other species in your view, are not uncommon.  The open plains provide great opportunities for fast riding.  Riders are also able to experience that dream canter alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah.  Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day.  This afternoon you may be able to go on a little cross country jumping or ride amongst beautiful big trees

Day 3:  After an early breakfast we will set out on a hunt for some of the reserves more elusive mountain species - leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, African rock python, rock daisies, klipspringers and cape vultures.  This ride follows a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment.  The path follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams along the way.  The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at one of the dams along the way, returning to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for a cooling swim and siesta.  The afternoon is a gentle pre-sunset ride to one of the larger dams hosting some of the many hippos on the reserve.

Day 4: A ride to another area of the reserve, where Dinaka runs its highly successful breeding programme for highly valued species, which include white blesbuck, sable antelope and bontebok.  En route the ride crosses a particularly fertile plain where riders can experience the exhilaration and thrill of cantering amongst herds of game, with many different species galloping together across the plains. 

The afternoon proves a welcome break to both horse and rider.  A Dinaka guide will escort you on an informative game drive, where you will visit another area inhabited by the buffalo and some unusual red wildebeest.  The guide, who is responsible for the feeding and monitoring of the rhino on the reserve, will accompany the guests for a very special opportunity to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot.  The last night is the final ‘braai' evening where guests relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast their experiences whilst a feast is served.

Day 5: In the morning there is a last chance to find any species not yet found and one last gallop along these endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch, and sad goodbyes, guests are transferred to their next destination - on the other side of the Botswana border!  You will depart the lodge at approximately 10.30 to Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris - a transfer of approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival at the stunning camp afternoon tea will be served and guests will have a chance to settle in and relax. The afternoon will also bring an introductory ride to familiarize riders with their horses.   The ride goes to the Confluence camp, where the Majale and the Limpopo meet.  The ride follows the course of the Limpopo, which has the majestic Mashatu trees all along its course.    Upon arrival at the camp, you will be met by the luxury of a well-deserved sundowner overlooking the river and a hot shower under the stars.  Our well renowned bush cook serves dinner before retiring to your very comfortable beds set up in the comfort of your tent.  Let the night bush sounds serenade you to sleep....

Day 6: After an early rise and a light breakfast you will head out to explore the Limpopo Valley, including a natural marshland called "Nels Vlei", the Majale island which is guaranteed to keep you on your toes, as this is where the Majale Island pride of lions hang out. Possibly you will pass by giraffes, elands, kudus and other game which sometimes browse on the mopane bush, as well as ample elephants! The morning ride is 4-5 hours as you explore the area teeming with game, while heading in a northerly direction to Zederburg camp.  After arrival at the camp, and a well deserved lunch, your guide will enlighten you to the wonder of following tracks and signs of the bush during a bush walk.   On return to camp sundowners await you around the campfire and dinner is served. Enjoy the peace and quiet interrupted only by the occasional sounds of lions, hyenas and jackals.

Day 7:  Today's ride of about 4-5 hours takes you to our Liana camp. The ride is coming down from the Zederberg Hills and on to the open Pitsani plains with the possibility of a fast canter with zebras, wildebeest or giraffe. This ride brings the opportunity of jumping some of the fallen logs, pushed over by elephants. Lunch will await you under a splendid Mashatu tree, and then after a lunchtime siesta you head out on a bush walk. Back at the camp, dinner is served under the stars. Enjoy the comfort of sleeping under the baboon vines that the camp is named after, in an old river bed.  An unbeatable experience!

Day 8: The dawn chorus will awake you, as a sumptuous breakfast is prepared over the fire. Today's ride of about 4-5 hours will take you back to the Two Mashatus camp. This ride goes through the central game area and you have good opportunity to look for Leopards in the Mashatu trees overlooking the Majale river.  Follow the course of the river and enjoy the winding canters through the bush.  This afternoon you have the choice of going on a game drive, in search of the cats which you will no doubt prefer to see from the safety of a vehicle! Sundowners are enjoyed in the bush, usually overlooking a Kopie, and you can soak up the atmosphere of a true African experience...Back at camp another delicious meal, cooked over the fire is served, and as the night draws to a close you can enjoy a night cap around the fire. 

Day 9: After a final breakfast around the fire, you will head off for a final ride in the direction of Nels Vlei, a good chance to catch a final glimpse of elephants here, as this is one of their favourite areas.  Back at the stables a last pat and a fond farewell to you horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and lunch before heading off for the border and the 5.5 hours drive to JHB airport.

Please be aware that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events the itinerary may be changed at the last minute. We will endeavor to keep everyone informed of any changes and the reason for them.

APPENDIX B

(Alternative last four days of Safari for those enjoying the Static camp during February, March and November)

Day 6: After an early rise and a light breakfast you will head out to explore the Limpopo Valley, including a natural marshland called "Nels Vlei", the Majale island witch is guaranteed to keep you on your toes as this is where the Majale Island pride of lions hang out. Possibly out to Kanda Corner where the giraffes sometimes are browsing on the mopane bush, as well as the aptly named Elephants Valley! The morning ride is 3-4 hours as you explore the area teeming with general game. Lunch will be enjoyed under the Mashatu Tree back at the Confluence Camp, as the horses graze around you.  In the afternoon you will be back on a fresh horse and you can enjoy the thrill of a natural cross-country course or a leisurely ride along the Limpopo. Dinner is another unforgettable meal under the stars.

Day 7:  Today is another early start as you will be again in the saddle for up to 4 hours; a good breakfast will fortify you for this day! This fascinating ride will focus on the history of the area with interesting tales about the Anglo-Boer War. Depending on where the game is, you could end up on the Pitsani Plains enjoying a fast gallop, and if you're really lucky zebras, wildebeest and giraffe will join you! In the afternoon guests can choose to go on a game drive (or can go for another leisurely afternoon ride).  If you choose to go on the game drive, you will spend the late afternoon and evening on the "hunt" for the beautiful and awesome cats which are so much a part of the Mashatu experience. Sundowners are enjoyed on a great koppie and at nightfall the spotlight is used for following Africa's big cats on ‘the hunt'.

Day 8: The dawn chorus will awake you, as a sumptuous breakfast is prepared over the fire. Another long day in the saddle, 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon... You pass through a range of vegetation types: riverine forests, savannah acacias, terminalia shrubland and areas abundant in shepard's trees, there is a good chance of seeing Elephants, many species of birds and a wide range of antelopes. The afternoon ride will head towards the rocky outcrop close to Rock Camp where waterbuck, rock daisies, and black eagles are likely to be spotted. On your way back you can head out to the Dam wall for a great view of Mashatu!  Your dinner will be cooked in front of you tonight as its "Braai night" enjoy the comfort of a well earned meal around the fire.

Day 9: After a final breakfast around the fire, you will head off for a last ride in the direction of Nels Vlei, a good chance to catch another glimpse of elephants here, as this is one of their favourite areas.  Some final jumps over our natural cross country course and your back at FJ. A last pat and a fond farewell to you horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and quick lunch before heading off for the border and the 5.5 hours drive to JHB.

Notes:

Prices quoted are based on two people sharing accommodation based on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 guests on the ride. A 50% single supplement is payable for those not able to share same sex accommodation. These safaris can also be booked for private groups. Please contact Wild and Exotic for further information.

The price does not include transfers, Big 5 Safari transfers are £300 per person. This rate includes arrival day transfer at 11am from Johannesburg international airport to Dinaka, fifth day transfer at 11am from Dinaka to Limpopo and departure day transfer at 11:30am from Limpopo to Johannesburg international airport.  

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 may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which will be sent with all booking forms.

Please contact Wild and Exotic for latest prices and availability on the Tuli ride by email to info@wildandexotic.co.uk or by telephone to 01439 748401.