2by2 for holidays that will change your life
Request A Quote |  Consult An Expert
01582 766122
Sun City South Africa Sun City Holidays Sun City Madikwe Safari Holiday
Change Currency:
You are here: Home » Detailed Itinerary

Big-5 Horseback Safari: Waterberg + Tuli Botswana
HHYT8J

8 NIGHTS
FROM $4,222
International flights quoted separately
Suitable for very experienced riders only, this thrilling  2-centre "Big-5" horseback safari combines South Africa and Botswana - starting with a riding safari in the stunning Waterberg Mountains, and concluding with an exhilarating mobile tented safari in the wild bushveld of Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli region of Botswana. Seasonal scheduled departures.
HIGHLIGHTS
Horse Riding Safari Botswana Horse Riding Safari South Africa Horseback Safari Botswana Tuli South Africa Big 5
• Waterberg Mountains • Horse Riding • Game Drives • Tuli Botswana
• Mashatu Game Reserve • Tented Camps • Lions • Elephants
• Bird Watching • Limpopo Valley
Day 1
You will be met at Johannesburg Airport and transferred 3-hours to the scenic Waterberg Mountains, a UNESCO biosphere reserve renowned for its diversity of plant, bird and wildlife.
 
Check in and relax at your malaria-free riding lodge situated in a private game reserve offering over 20,000 acres of superb riding country with breathtaking views. After an introductory ride in the game reserve, which is likely to include a close encounter with rhino, enjoy dinner in the warm hospitality of the lodge.
Days 2 To 4
Enjoy riding in small groups in the magnificent Waterberg Mountains each day, with outstanding game viewing and endless horizons plus good company, great food and exceptional horses. With a herd of over 40 highly responsive Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and crossbreeds ranging in size from 14 to 16 hands, the lodge is able to closely match horse to rider capability.
 
During your stay enjoy riding through beautiful mountains, galloping across open sandy tracks and taking your horse for refreshing swims in the cool waters of one of the many lakes. You can canter for miles looking at the wonder of nature around you, jump natural obstacles and hack through thick woodlands, whilst watching the surrounding game.
 
Whilst on safari you will have the opportunity of cantering with zebra and giraffe, and “playing” with the springbok.  You will also encounter rhino, hippo, buffalo and possibly leopard as well as eland, sable, ostrich, steenbuck and over 20 other plains species. As there are no lions or elephants in the riding area,  competent riders can enjoy fast and exhilarating rides each day.
 
Please let us know if you are prepared to share, in which case no single supplement will be charged
Day 5
In the morning there is a last ride in the game reserve to search for species not yet found, before a hearty brunch and 10.30 departure for your 3.5-hour transfer through the Northern Transvaal to Botswana.
 
After completing Botswana border fomalities at Pont Drift, meet your riding safari representative and transfer 90-minutes in an open 4x4 vehicle to your camp in the 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, where the open plains so characteristic of this area are perfect for a good gallop before dining unforgettably under the stars!
 
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 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
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 8
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 9
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 for 5-hours to Johannesburg Airport for your flight home.
Site Map
Regions
Themes
Airlines
Other Useful Links