Limpopo Horse Safaris
Botswana’s Tuli Block is a land fully of scenery and history and is home to Limpopo Horse Safaris, and thus offers some excellent horse riding and wildlife viewing.
The unique Tuli Block is set to the east of the country, and borders both Zimbabwe and South Africa. Part of this area is home to the Limpopo Valley - through which the Limpopo River flows (seasonally), and forms a natural border between Botswana and South Africa.
This is a private reserve area, and offers very different scenery from the rest of the country. Here you can experience the area in an entirely different way.
Limpopo Horse Safaris has an extensive stable, with warmbloods, boerperds (South African breed) and other cross breeds. You can enjoy a week-long 'mobile' safari, as you move from area to area, or an exceptional itinerary that allows you to ride in the Limpopo Valley (of the Tuli Block) and the wonderful Okavango Delta. You might also wish to stay in the Tuli Block, and combine your Botswana ride with some luxury accommodation.
You are expected to be an experienced rider, who rides regularly. In addition, you do need to be comfortable at a canter and gallop as well as being able to do small jumps should the need arise.
As the horses are mostly English schooled, it is recommend that Western riders have a course of lessons in English style prior to arrival.
The unique Tuli Block is set to the east of the country, and borders both Zimbabwe and South Africa. Part of this area is home to the Limpopo Valley - through which the Limpopo River flows (seasonally), and forms a natural border between Botswana and South Africa.
This is a private reserve area, and offers very different scenery from the rest of the country. Here you can experience the area in an entirely different way.
Limpopo Horse Safaris has an extensive stable, with warmbloods, boerperds (South African breed) and other cross breeds. You can enjoy a week-long 'mobile' safari, as you move from area to area, or an exceptional itinerary that allows you to ride in the Limpopo Valley (of the Tuli Block) and the wonderful Okavango Delta. You might also wish to stay in the Tuli Block, and combine your Botswana ride with some luxury accommodation.
You are expected to be an experienced rider, who rides regularly. In addition, you do need to be comfortable at a canter and gallop as well as being able to do small jumps should the need arise.
As the horses are mostly English schooled, it is recommend that Western riders have a course of lessons in English style prior to arrival.
This is a 7 night mobile safari, ending each riding day in comfortable walk-in tents with beds, cosy duvets, hot showers and fine dining in lovely settings. A highlight of the trail is two nights spent sleeping out under the stars in an old tribal court called the Kgotla; other nights are at various wilderness camps. The ride covers approximately 120 miles over the course of the week and is scheduled from April to October.
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’s time to head off to the stables to meet your horse for the week. You embark on a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited. Sun downers are enjoyed at the Stable Bar whilst watching the horses roll in the setting sun.
Day 2: Mount up and head off in a north-westerly 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.
Day 3: Test the amazingly sure-footed boerperd as you 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 is six to seven hours, arriving at Kgotla Camp for a late lunch. In the afternoon you have the option of visiting the local village to buy hand-crafted Llala palm curios, view Bushmen paintings and enjoy a sun downer looking out over the Motloutse River.
Day 4: Spend another night at Kgotla Camp, enjoying a full day exploring the sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. This days riding is about four to five hours, leaving time in the afternoon to head to the archaeologically rich Mmamagwa hills where a 360 degree view of the reserve can be enjoyed as well as another beautiful African sunset.
Day 5: Today you wind your way through the mopane bush before reaching the more open plains. This will probably be your longest day of riding of about seven hours. On arrival at Liana Camp you are welcomed with well-deserved drink and a refreshing lunch. Tonight is your opportunity to explore Mashatu from a game drive vehicle and try to locate the elusive leopard, wild dog, cheetah and lion the area is well known for.
Day 6: This morning begins a little slower as this day is be spent exploring the banks of the Majale and Matabole Rivers, following their courses north towards the Zeederberg site. The day offers riding up and down river banks, through riverine forest, game sightings and more fabulous photo opportunities. Today’s riding will be about five to six hours. Spend the afternoon at leisure before you embark on a guided walk into the bush. The evening is enjoyed with sun downers around a log fire and a delicious meal to end another exhilarating and rewarding day.
Day 7: Today’s 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 zebra or wildebeest! You head in the direction of the Majale and Limpopo confluence. This ride is about five to six hours. Dinner is in the Llala palm rondavel.
Day 8: Today is your last day in the bush - the morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River. You head back to the stables where fond farewells are made to your steed. This is a shorter ride of about two hours, allowing you to get back to Two Mashatus with enough time to enjoy a hearty brunch and to get ready for departure. Then it’s off to Pont Drift in time for your return transfer to Johannesburg.
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’s time to head off to the stables to meet your horse for the week. You embark on a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited. Sun downers are enjoyed at the Stable Bar whilst watching the horses roll in the setting sun.
Day 2: Mount up and head off in a north-westerly 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.
Day 3: Test the amazingly sure-footed boerperd as you 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 is six to seven hours, arriving at Kgotla Camp for a late lunch. In the afternoon you have the option of visiting the local village to buy hand-crafted Llala palm curios, view Bushmen paintings and enjoy a sun downer looking out over the Motloutse River.
Day 4: Spend another night at Kgotla Camp, enjoying a full day exploring the sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. This days riding is about four to five hours, leaving time in the afternoon to head to the archaeologically rich Mmamagwa hills where a 360 degree view of the reserve can be enjoyed as well as another beautiful African sunset.
Day 5: Today you wind your way through the mopane bush before reaching the more open plains. This will probably be your longest day of riding of about seven hours. On arrival at Liana Camp you are welcomed with well-deserved drink and a refreshing lunch. Tonight is your opportunity to explore Mashatu from a game drive vehicle and try to locate the elusive leopard, wild dog, cheetah and lion the area is well known for.
Day 6: This morning begins a little slower as this day is be spent exploring the banks of the Majale and Matabole Rivers, following their courses north towards the Zeederberg site. The day offers riding up and down river banks, through riverine forest, game sightings and more fabulous photo opportunities. Today’s riding will be about five to six hours. Spend the afternoon at leisure before you embark on a guided walk into the bush. The evening is enjoyed with sun downers around a log fire and a delicious meal to end another exhilarating and rewarding day.
Day 7: Today’s 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 zebra or wildebeest! You head in the direction of the Majale and Limpopo confluence. This ride is about five to six hours. Dinner is in the Llala palm rondavel.
Day 8: Today is your last day in the bush - the morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River. You head back to the stables where fond farewells are made to your steed. This is a shorter ride of about two hours, allowing you to get back to Two Mashatus with enough time to enjoy a hearty brunch and to get ready for departure. Then it’s off to Pont Drift in time for your return transfer to Johannesburg.
Enjoy a 10 night Riding Safari, which includes the scenic Tuli Block (5 nights) and the unique Okavango Delta (5 nights).
Day 1: Tuli Block
Start your Safari from the Pont Drift border post between South Africa and Botswana. Upon arrival in Camp you will be met by your guide and transferred to the reception area by the stables. After a light lunch it’s time to head off to meet your horse, that will be paired with you for the first part of your Safari. Enjoy a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited and then ride out to camp, where supper will be served in the Llala palm dining room of the Two Mashatu's Camp.
Day 2:
The day begins at sunrise with tea or coffee brought to your tent, which is followed by a light breakfast. Then it's time to mount up and head off from the dense woodland along the Limpopo River towards the shallow rocky hills that mark the edges the river valley. Tonight you stay at Kanda camp, a rustic series of cabins atop the steep banks of the Majala River. Here in the heart of the Mashatu Reserve area the game is plentiful. The Tuli Block is home to one of the largest herds of free roaming Elephant south of the Zambezi and you are almost assured of great viewing of these incredible creatures.
After lunch and a siesta take a gentle ride in the cool of the afternoon to explore the area. Dinner is prepared over an open fire and enjoyed in the thatched lapa overlooking the river.
Day 3:
Today the riding safari takes you through the heart of Mashatu to the ancient rock formations synonymous with the Limpopo valley. Here the Baobabs silently survey the land as they have for centuries, the ancient elephant trails are stamped into the soil and you can enjoy wonderfully long canters in the open scrub. This ride brings you to the banks of the Motloutse River. Set in a stand of dense old Mashatu trees is a Leadwood Boma that called “Kgotla” after the old tribal court that was once held in its enclosure. The open-air traditional African enclosure allows for excellent security for nights spent under the stars.
The afternoon activity today is a guided walk to the “Amphitheatre”, an ancient and fascinating rock formation. The walk concludes with traditional sun-downers overlooking the Motloutse River. Back at “The Kgotla” dinner is enjoyed around a large log fire. The night is spent in the comfort of your bed set within the boma but with a ceiling provided by the southern skies - making for a truly unique experience.
Day 4:
Today you have a choice of either a morning and afternoon ride exploring the amazing sandstone formations of the area, including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Ancient Southern African settlements had their homes in this valley, their kings residing in royal kraals at the tops of these flat topped hills. The Mapungubwe topography is ancient and timeless, and combined with great wildlife sightings, it is certainly an incredible riding experience. As an alternative, the group may prefer a long morning ride and an afternoon excursion to the nearby village of Lentswe Le Moriti (known for its basket weavers), followed by a trip to the Mmamagwa hills. At the end of a short easy climb and beneath a beautiful Baobab you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Tuli area with South Africa to your south, Zimbabwe to the north and Botswana all around you - making for a very memorable sun-downer experience.
Day 5:
An early start and hearty breakfast this morning, for what is probably your longest day on horseback. Winding your way through the Mopane bush, with the chance of sighting elephant, you will make your way to the rich plains area close to the Limpopo River.
Here Liana Camp is snugly nestled amongst giant Mashatu trees that line the Liana lagoon, a tributary to the Limpopo River. To ease any aches you get to enjoy an afternoon game drive that takes you further into the reserve in search of the big cats the area is renowned for including leopard, cheetah and lion.
Day 6:
Today is your last day in the Tuli Block, and it begins with early morning tea/coffee and a breakfast snack over the open fire. The morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River itself. This is a short ride or about 2 hours. Then it's time to head back to the stables for a fond farewell to staff and horses. You have time for a light brunch before the transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to the Okavango Delta. Here you arrive at Macatoo Camp's airstrip. It is a short game drive or (depending on the time of year) an exciting boat ride from the airstrip to Camp. Enjoy a quick look around camp and then it is lunch under the trees. You have time for a siesta before tea, and the evening ride where you can get to know your horse. You return to camp for a hot shower and candle-lit safari dinner.
Day 7:
This morning starts early with a wake up call, combined with a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast with homemade toast and muesli. Then it's time to ride out from camp to stretch the legs and explore. Depending on the season this may involve some galloping, swimming through the flood waters or pushing-on through seas of tall grass following giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, and buffalo.
Then you return to Camp for a wonderful open air lunch with the guides. The evening ride is deliberately slower-paced and it's a good opportunity to ask questions and take photographs. Leopard sightings are not infrequent, the bird-life is arguably some of the best in the world and towards sunset there is often elephant or hippo interaction to enjoy.
Day 8:
Wake up as normal with freshly-brewed coffee or tea and depending on how you feel, you can either ride out again or join a guided walk, game drive or perhaps a spot of fishing for bream from the boat? Riders and non-riders can meet up for a delightful champagne breakfast under one of the large baobab trees.
In the afternoon you might wish to relax and either swim in the pool read a book . Homemade tea and cake is followed by the sunset ride, exploring the lower flood plains where elephant often gather. As dusk closes in, it is a privilege to watch them interact, and being on horseback brings you that much closer.
Day 9:
This morning you ride through different country, making your way through stands of bushman hair grass to plains dotted with fig trees. This allows the chance of encountering giraffe or antelope while passing through Mopane woodlands. The pace increases as you ride out into the the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons. Return to the camp for an afternoon spent at leisure, or some of you you might wish to hire a helicopter for an hour to gain access to remote and otherwise inaccessible parts of the Delta. Finish off the day with a night drive by spotlight - always a wonderful way to see the nocturnally active species.
Day 10:
This morning you get to ride deeper into the heart of the delta, along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains. After tea there is a slower ride to the unique tree house where you have the option to spend the night out, sleeping high up in the tree tops under the stars. This is a wonderful experience and give you a new appreciation for the Okavango Delta.
Day 11:
After waking up amongst the trees to the call of the African Fish Eagle, the riding takes you into the shallow waters of the Delta. The pace is fast as you approach deep reedy areas full of bird life including open-billed stork, Squacco heron, slaty egret and many more.
Return to Macatoo along a tree-lined waterway. Once back at Camp there is time to pack and say goodbye before the drive to the airstrip with a picnic lunch. W
Note: this Riding Safari is exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and water levels.
Day 1: Tuli Block
Start your Safari from the Pont Drift border post between South Africa and Botswana. Upon arrival in Camp you will be met by your guide and transferred to the reception area by the stables. After a light lunch it’s time to head off to meet your horse, that will be paired with you for the first part of your Safari. Enjoy a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited and then ride out to camp, where supper will be served in the Llala palm dining room of the Two Mashatu's Camp.
Day 2:
The day begins at sunrise with tea or coffee brought to your tent, which is followed by a light breakfast. Then it's time to mount up and head off from the dense woodland along the Limpopo River towards the shallow rocky hills that mark the edges the river valley. Tonight you stay at Kanda camp, a rustic series of cabins atop the steep banks of the Majala River. Here in the heart of the Mashatu Reserve area the game is plentiful. The Tuli Block is home to one of the largest herds of free roaming Elephant south of the Zambezi and you are almost assured of great viewing of these incredible creatures.
After lunch and a siesta take a gentle ride in the cool of the afternoon to explore the area. Dinner is prepared over an open fire and enjoyed in the thatched lapa overlooking the river.
Day 3:
Today the riding safari takes you through the heart of Mashatu to the ancient rock formations synonymous with the Limpopo valley. Here the Baobabs silently survey the land as they have for centuries, the ancient elephant trails are stamped into the soil and you can enjoy wonderfully long canters in the open scrub. This ride brings you to the banks of the Motloutse River. Set in a stand of dense old Mashatu trees is a Leadwood Boma that called “Kgotla” after the old tribal court that was once held in its enclosure. The open-air traditional African enclosure allows for excellent security for nights spent under the stars.
The afternoon activity today is a guided walk to the “Amphitheatre”, an ancient and fascinating rock formation. The walk concludes with traditional sun-downers overlooking the Motloutse River. Back at “The Kgotla” dinner is enjoyed around a large log fire. The night is spent in the comfort of your bed set within the boma but with a ceiling provided by the southern skies - making for a truly unique experience.
Day 4:
Today you have a choice of either a morning and afternoon ride exploring the amazing sandstone formations of the area, including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Ancient Southern African settlements had their homes in this valley, their kings residing in royal kraals at the tops of these flat topped hills. The Mapungubwe topography is ancient and timeless, and combined with great wildlife sightings, it is certainly an incredible riding experience. As an alternative, the group may prefer a long morning ride and an afternoon excursion to the nearby village of Lentswe Le Moriti (known for its basket weavers), followed by a trip to the Mmamagwa hills. At the end of a short easy climb and beneath a beautiful Baobab you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Tuli area with South Africa to your south, Zimbabwe to the north and Botswana all around you - making for a very memorable sun-downer experience.
Day 5:
An early start and hearty breakfast this morning, for what is probably your longest day on horseback. Winding your way through the Mopane bush, with the chance of sighting elephant, you will make your way to the rich plains area close to the Limpopo River.
Here Liana Camp is snugly nestled amongst giant Mashatu trees that line the Liana lagoon, a tributary to the Limpopo River. To ease any aches you get to enjoy an afternoon game drive that takes you further into the reserve in search of the big cats the area is renowned for including leopard, cheetah and lion.
Day 6:
Today is your last day in the Tuli Block, and it begins with early morning tea/coffee and a breakfast snack over the open fire. The morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River itself. This is a short ride or about 2 hours. Then it's time to head back to the stables for a fond farewell to staff and horses. You have time for a light brunch before the transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to the Okavango Delta. Here you arrive at Macatoo Camp's airstrip. It is a short game drive or (depending on the time of year) an exciting boat ride from the airstrip to Camp. Enjoy a quick look around camp and then it is lunch under the trees. You have time for a siesta before tea, and the evening ride where you can get to know your horse. You return to camp for a hot shower and candle-lit safari dinner.
Day 7:
This morning starts early with a wake up call, combined with a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast with homemade toast and muesli. Then it's time to ride out from camp to stretch the legs and explore. Depending on the season this may involve some galloping, swimming through the flood waters or pushing-on through seas of tall grass following giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, and buffalo.
Then you return to Camp for a wonderful open air lunch with the guides. The evening ride is deliberately slower-paced and it's a good opportunity to ask questions and take photographs. Leopard sightings are not infrequent, the bird-life is arguably some of the best in the world and towards sunset there is often elephant or hippo interaction to enjoy.
Day 8:
Wake up as normal with freshly-brewed coffee or tea and depending on how you feel, you can either ride out again or join a guided walk, game drive or perhaps a spot of fishing for bream from the boat? Riders and non-riders can meet up for a delightful champagne breakfast under one of the large baobab trees.
In the afternoon you might wish to relax and either swim in the pool read a book . Homemade tea and cake is followed by the sunset ride, exploring the lower flood plains where elephant often gather. As dusk closes in, it is a privilege to watch them interact, and being on horseback brings you that much closer.
Day 9:
This morning you ride through different country, making your way through stands of bushman hair grass to plains dotted with fig trees. This allows the chance of encountering giraffe or antelope while passing through Mopane woodlands. The pace increases as you ride out into the the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons. Return to the camp for an afternoon spent at leisure, or some of you you might wish to hire a helicopter for an hour to gain access to remote and otherwise inaccessible parts of the Delta. Finish off the day with a night drive by spotlight - always a wonderful way to see the nocturnally active species.
Day 10:
This morning you get to ride deeper into the heart of the delta, along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains. After tea there is a slower ride to the unique tree house where you have the option to spend the night out, sleeping high up in the tree tops under the stars. This is a wonderful experience and give you a new appreciation for the Okavango Delta.
Day 11:
After waking up amongst the trees to the call of the African Fish Eagle, the riding takes you into the shallow waters of the Delta. The pace is fast as you approach deep reedy areas full of bird life including open-billed stork, Squacco heron, slaty egret and many more.
Return to Macatoo along a tree-lined waterway. Once back at Camp there is time to pack and say goodbye before the drive to the airstrip with a picnic lunch. W
Note: this Riding Safari is exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and water levels.
This is a 7 night mobile safari, which covers approximately 120 miles over the course of the week. Each riding day ends at either beautiful camps or luxury lodges. The safari embraces fine dining in the wilderness and every evening is a delightful mix of good food and good company.
Day 1: Upon arrival at Camp, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the reception area adjacent to the stables. After a light lunch it’s time to head off to meet your horse, which you will be partnered with for the duration of the Safari. You will embark on a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited and then ride out to camp, where supper will be served in the Llala palm dining room of the Two Mashatus Camp.
Day 2: The day begins at sunrise with tea or coffee brought to your tent, followed by a light breakfast. Mount up and head off from the dense woodland along the Limpopo River towards the shallow rocky hills that mark the edges of this fascinating river valley. Your accommodation for the night is Kanda camp, a rustic series of cabins atop the steep banks of the Majala River. Here in the heart of the Mashatu area the game is plentiful. The Tuli Block is home to one of the largest herds of free roaming Elephant south of the Zambezi River and you are almost assured of great viewing of these beautiful creatures. After lunch and a siesta you will take a gentle ride in the cool of the afternoon to explore the Kanda area. Dinner is prepared over an open fire and enjoyed in the thatched lapa overlooking the river.
Day 3: An early wake up call this morning, with breakfast served around the log fire pit. Today, your journey takes you through the heart of Mashatu to the ancient rock formations synonymous with the Limpopo valley. Huge Baobabs frame the land as they have for centuries, ancient elephant trails are stamped into the soil, and you get to enjoy some long canters across the open scrub. This ride brings you to the banks of the Motloutse River. Here is a Leadwood Boma that called “Kgotla” after the old tribal court that was once held in its enclosure. The open-air traditional African enclosure allows for excellent security for nights spent under the stars and a unique experience of the African bush up close and personal. The afternoon activity is a guided walk to the “Amphitheatre”, an ancient rock formation. Your walk concludes with traditional sun-downers looking out over the Motloutse River. Back at “The Kgotla” dinner is enjoyed around a large log fire. The night is spent in the comfort of your bed set within the boma - and the ceiling is provided by the southern skies.
Day 4: Today there is a choice of either a morning and afternoon horse ride exploring the amazing sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Or the group may prefer a long morning ride and an afternoon excursion to the nearby village of Lentswe Le Moriti and its basket weavers, followed by a trip to the Mmamagwa Hills. At the end of a short easy climb and beneath a beautiful Baobab you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Tuli area - South Africa to the south, Zimbabwe to the north and Botswana around you, making for a sun-downer experience of note.
Day 5: An early rise and hearty breakfast is a good start for the ride, which winds its way through the Mopane bush, with the chance of sighting elephant. The route takes you back to the centre of the Reserve as you head for a night of luxury at Mashatu Main Camp. The suites lie along the camp’s perimeter and are designed to allow absolute privacy and to allow for a communion with the bush and its inhabitants. To ease any aches, enjoy an afternoon game drive that takes you into the reserve in search of the big cats the area is renowned for including leopard, cheetah and lion.
Day 6: Today's riding promises great game viewing from horseback as you get to explore the Pitsane River valley. The Pitsane has a spring high in the hills which provides regular drinking holes along its course to draw thirsty herds of game. There was once a stage coach line called Zeederbergs that ran from the cities of the Transvaal in South Africa to the newly forged settlements of Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Those coaches crossed the broad Limpopo and followed the Pitsane River crossing into Zimbabwe at tonight's acommodation at the Mashatu Tented Camp.
Day 7: The ride today meanders its way through the beautiful plains between the Mojali and Pitsane Rivers. Abundant with game and with spectacular views into the Limpopo River valley you work your way back to the base camp, Two Mashatus. With the feel of a returning traveler you will be greeted with a cool drink around the pool and treated to a homecoming lunch in the Lala palm lapa. Enjoy an afternoon ride to one of the nearby hills for a pre-sundown drink. As the final day draws to a close you may take to your tent for a peaceful and dreamy last night in the bush.
Day 8. Your last ride in the Limpopo valley offers an excellent opportunity to snap one last picture of elephants and take a long and winding canter through the scattered Mustard bush with your guides. Arriving back at the stables with plenty time to enjoy a hot shower and a tasty brunch you get to say farewells to safari companions and newfound friends, it’s time for your onward journey.
Day 1: Upon arrival at Camp, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the reception area adjacent to the stables. After a light lunch it’s time to head off to meet your horse, which you will be partnered with for the duration of the Safari. You will embark on a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited and then ride out to camp, where supper will be served in the Llala palm dining room of the Two Mashatus Camp.
Day 2: The day begins at sunrise with tea or coffee brought to your tent, followed by a light breakfast. Mount up and head off from the dense woodland along the Limpopo River towards the shallow rocky hills that mark the edges of this fascinating river valley. Your accommodation for the night is Kanda camp, a rustic series of cabins atop the steep banks of the Majala River. Here in the heart of the Mashatu area the game is plentiful. The Tuli Block is home to one of the largest herds of free roaming Elephant south of the Zambezi River and you are almost assured of great viewing of these beautiful creatures. After lunch and a siesta you will take a gentle ride in the cool of the afternoon to explore the Kanda area. Dinner is prepared over an open fire and enjoyed in the thatched lapa overlooking the river.
Day 3: An early wake up call this morning, with breakfast served around the log fire pit. Today, your journey takes you through the heart of Mashatu to the ancient rock formations synonymous with the Limpopo valley. Huge Baobabs frame the land as they have for centuries, ancient elephant trails are stamped into the soil, and you get to enjoy some long canters across the open scrub. This ride brings you to the banks of the Motloutse River. Here is a Leadwood Boma that called “Kgotla” after the old tribal court that was once held in its enclosure. The open-air traditional African enclosure allows for excellent security for nights spent under the stars and a unique experience of the African bush up close and personal. The afternoon activity is a guided walk to the “Amphitheatre”, an ancient rock formation. Your walk concludes with traditional sun-downers looking out over the Motloutse River. Back at “The Kgotla” dinner is enjoyed around a large log fire. The night is spent in the comfort of your bed set within the boma - and the ceiling is provided by the southern skies.
Day 4: Today there is a choice of either a morning and afternoon horse ride exploring the amazing sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Or the group may prefer a long morning ride and an afternoon excursion to the nearby village of Lentswe Le Moriti and its basket weavers, followed by a trip to the Mmamagwa Hills. At the end of a short easy climb and beneath a beautiful Baobab you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Tuli area - South Africa to the south, Zimbabwe to the north and Botswana around you, making for a sun-downer experience of note.
Day 5: An early rise and hearty breakfast is a good start for the ride, which winds its way through the Mopane bush, with the chance of sighting elephant. The route takes you back to the centre of the Reserve as you head for a night of luxury at Mashatu Main Camp. The suites lie along the camp’s perimeter and are designed to allow absolute privacy and to allow for a communion with the bush and its inhabitants. To ease any aches, enjoy an afternoon game drive that takes you into the reserve in search of the big cats the area is renowned for including leopard, cheetah and lion.
Day 6: Today's riding promises great game viewing from horseback as you get to explore the Pitsane River valley. The Pitsane has a spring high in the hills which provides regular drinking holes along its course to draw thirsty herds of game. There was once a stage coach line called Zeederbergs that ran from the cities of the Transvaal in South Africa to the newly forged settlements of Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Those coaches crossed the broad Limpopo and followed the Pitsane River crossing into Zimbabwe at tonight's acommodation at the Mashatu Tented Camp.
Day 7: The ride today meanders its way through the beautiful plains between the Mojali and Pitsane Rivers. Abundant with game and with spectacular views into the Limpopo River valley you work your way back to the base camp, Two Mashatus. With the feel of a returning traveler you will be greeted with a cool drink around the pool and treated to a homecoming lunch in the Lala palm lapa. Enjoy an afternoon ride to one of the nearby hills for a pre-sundown drink. As the final day draws to a close you may take to your tent for a peaceful and dreamy last night in the bush.
Day 8. Your last ride in the Limpopo valley offers an excellent opportunity to snap one last picture of elephants and take a long and winding canter through the scattered Mustard bush with your guides. Arriving back at the stables with plenty time to enjoy a hot shower and a tasty brunch you get to say farewells to safari companions and newfound friends, it’s time for your onward journey.
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Limpopo Horse Safaris ... on safari!
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