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Big-5 Horseback Safari: Tuli, Botswana
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7 NIGHTS
FROM $3,467
International flights quoted separately
This thrilling mobile horseback safari is in the heart of Big-5 country - Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana, renowned for its huge herds of elephants & many predators. Ride from one tented camp to the next, exploring this amazing region. As you will be riding amongst dangerous animals, suitable for very experienced riders only. Seasonal scheduled departures.
HIGHLIGHTS
African Horseback Safari Mashatu Game Reserve Botswana Horse Riding
• Tuli Botswana • Mashatu Game Reserve • Horse Riding • Tented Camps
• Elephants • Lions • Leopards • Bird Watching
• Zederberg • Limpopo Valley
Day 1
You will be met at Polokwane Airport and transferred 2-hours through the Northern Transvaal to Botswana. After completing border fomalities at Pont Drift, transfer 90-minutes in an open 4x4 vehicle to your riding camp in Mashatu Game Reserve. Check into your tented riding camp, which is spectacularly situated on the banks of the Limpopo River.
 
The Tuli region ("The Land of the Giants") is largely uninhabited, with vast tracks of wilderness where wild animals roam free. It is famous for its large herds of elephants and baobab trees, as well as its many wonderful ancient rock formations. All riding trails are conducted in the Limpopo Valley and cover both riverine terrain and mopane bushveld.
 
After a light lunch, the balance of the afternoon will be spent selecting and getting acquainted with your horse. The horses have been selected for their temperament and ride-ability and have been chosen from South African breeds that are well known for being of a tougher nature and able to cope under extreme conditions. These breeds include the Boerperd, the Basuto and the S.A. Warmblood and range in size from 14 to 16 hands. Enjoy an introductory sundowner ride along the banks of the mighty Limpopo River, before a delectable dinner served in the outdoor boma.
 
Note: Pont Drift border post between South African and Botswana opens at 08h00 and closes at 16h00. These border post hours are strictly enforced. Should the Limpopo River be in flood, transfer across the river into Botswana is made by cable car or by boat at a small additional cost.
Day 2
Mashatu Game Reserve is an area of great diversity, with magnificent vistas and land formations as ancient as time, including the famous granite rock formations of the Tuli. It is home to a multitude of wildlife and remains untouched by the invasion of man.
 
A horse safari in the Land of the Giants will arouse the explorer in you. Allow the spirit of your horse to carry you in rhythm with the African beat, as you return to an age of old Africa where great herds of elephant roam and where (in the words of Rudyard Kipling) the "great, grey, green, greasy Limpopo" meanders, mighty baobab trees stands tall and lions and hyenas serenade you under a starry night sky!
 
Morning commences at sunrise with tea/coffee and a small breakfast snack. Departing at around 06h30, the ride heads in a north westerly direction to Jwala Camp on the banks of the Jwala River. Ride for 6 to 7 hours through wild countryside teeming with game, amidst magnificent scenery.
 
On rides expect to see large herds of elephant, lion and leopard  – as well as zebra, giraffe, hyena, baboons, wildebeest and many other species. The large open plains that are so characteristic of this area afford the opportunity of riding amongst herds of galloping wildebeest, giraffe and zebra. Unforgettable sightings and exhilarating riding is guaranteed.
 
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk into the Jwala hills. On foot you are able to see the smaller creatures and plants and follow spoor. Dinner is prepared over an open fire by a chef, whose “bush cuisine” is renowned! Later retire to your camp bed, with mattress and inviting duvet!
Days 3 To 4
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast prepared over the open fire, before another early start today with a full day in the saddle, as the ride goes in a westerly direction to the most outlying part of Mashatu – Kgotla Camp set amongst amazing sandstone formations and gigantic baobab trees.
 
You will follow old elephant trails made over great periods of time, with the thrill of a natural cross-country course as you jump over fallen trees pushed down by elephants. Noisy baboons can be seen and heard darting from tree to tree as they scream a warning signal to anyone who approaches the vast baobab, where a leopard is relaxing after a successful night’s hunting.
 
After 6 to 7 hours in the saddle, relax at Kgotla Camp - an old tribal court from a nearby community. Enjoy sundowners under a Mashatu tree on the banks of the Mocloutse River and tonight sleep under the stars in a traditional African boma enclosed by leadwood logs – an unbeatable experience!
Day 5
Another full day in the saddle today, as we ride 4 to 5-hours from the Zederburg hills and onto the open Pitsani Plains to Liana Camp. We pass through a range of different vegetation types including riverine forests, savannah, scrubland and abundant trees. There is a good chance of seeing elephant today, many species of birds and a wide range of antelope.
 
After a lunch time siesta, head out on a bush walk. Back at camp dinner is served under the stars in an old river bed.
Day 6
An early wake up call heralds a new day with tea or coffee and a delicious light breakfast served around the log fire, before today's ride of 4 to 5 hours begins. As you gallop across open plains, the panoramic vistas are enhanced ten-fold as your adrenaline courses through your veins.
 
Your destination today is Zederburg Camp. 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. Feel your spirit lift to unbelievable heights as you become one with your environment.
 
Once you have arrived at your camp, a scrumptious lunch will be served after which you can spend the afternoon relaxing, before enjoying an afternoon guided walk where on foot you are able to view the smaller creatures and plants that are missed on horse back. You are also able to follow spoor and be close to the bush environment. The evening starts with sundowners around the log fire and a delicious meal sees the close to an exhilarating day.
Day 7
The dawn chorus will awake you, as you rise to a hot cup of tea or coffee and a sumptous breakfast. Then head off to explore the Limpopo Valley on horseback for 4 to 5-hours, as you ride back to camp.
 
The open plains are perfect for a good gallop as you head in the direction of the Majale and Limpopo Rivers, where lunch awaits.This riverine spot is home to large herds of elephant and offers an excellent location from which to walk ancient elephant pathways and view the surrounding wildlife, including the leopards and lions which are so much part of the Mashautu experience. You also have the opportunity of a game drive this afternoon in search of these great "cats" from the relative safety of a vehicle, before returning to camp for dinner.
Day 8
After a final early morning ride and brunch, bid farewell to your riding companions and return to South Africa via the Pont Drift border post.
 
Continue 2-hours to Polokwane Airport for your flight home.