Horseback Safari: Waterberg + Botswana (mobile)

EXPERIENCED RIDERS ONLY

MINIMUM AGE – 16 years

DEPARTURES: April to October – one safari per month

Day 1

You will be met at Johannesburg Airport and transferred northwards for 3-hours to the scenic Waterberg Mountains, a UNESCO biosphere reserve renowned for its diversity of plant and bird life.

Check in, settle in and relax at your malaria-free riding lodge, situated on 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 white rhino, enjoy dinner in the warm hospitality of the lodge.

Days 2 to 4

Enjoy the flexibility of riding in small groups in the magnificent Waterberg Mountains each day, with outstanding game viewing, endless horizons, 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 you will ride through beautiful mountains, gallop across open sandy tracks and take 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 the natural obstacles and enjoy hacks 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 hippo, buffalo and possibly leopard as well as eland, sable, ostrich, steenbuck and over 20 other plains species. There are no lions or elephants to watch out for, allowing competent riders to enjoy fast and exhilarating rides!

On all rides you will be accompanied by a lead guide and back-up guide, to ensure your safety. As all rides take place during the cooler hours of the day, when the game is most active, there is plenty of time to relax and cool off in the plunge pool between rides.

During your holiday you will also be taken on an open-top game drive in the game reserve as well as a guided walking trail to observe endangered rhino on foot.

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 10h30 departure for your 3.5-hour transfer through the vast Northern Transvaal to the Botswana border at Pont Drift.

Rendezvous with a lodge representative on the Botswana side of the border at 13h00 and transfer 90-minutes to the Tuli Block in an open 4x4 vehicle. Check in to tented Confluence Camp, spectacularly situated on the Limpopo River in the Mashatu Game Reserve.

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: The Border Post between South African and Botswana at Pont Drift 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 an additional cost of P20 per person

Day 6

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; the mighty baobab tree stands tall and lions and hyenas serenade you under a starry night sky.

A glorious 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 superb wildlife – lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah and wild dog – 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 exhilarating 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 witness the smaller creatures and plants that are missed on horse back. You are also able to follow spoor and are one-on-one with the bush environment.

Dinner is prepared over an open fire by a wonderful chef, whose “bush cuisine” is renowned far and wide. Later retire to your camp bed, with mattress and inviting duvet!

Day 7

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast prepared over the open fire.

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 lunch and siesta, in the late afternoon head out to the Mmagua Ruins to see how ancient communities used to live. Also see the baobab where Cecil Rhodes engraved his initials whilst in the area.

Tonight you have the opportunity of sleeping under the stars in the traditional African boma, enclosed by leadwood logs – an unbeatable experience. Guests sleep on stretchers around a large log fire.

Day 8

An early wake up call heralds a new day, with tea/coffee and a delicious light breakfast served around the log fire.

Another full day in the saddle, today will be the longest ride with up to 4-hours in the morning, followed by a break in the heat of the day and another 2-hours in the late afternoon to Liana Camp. Pass through a range of 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.

This afternoon you have the choice of going on an open-top safari game drive, searching from the safety of a vehicle for the awesome “cats” which are so much a part of the Mashatu experience.

Back at camp enjoy sundowners around a log fire and a delicious meal at the close of another exhilarating and rewarding day.

Day 9

After a final early morning ride and scrumptious brunch, bid farewell to your riding companions and return to South Africa via Pont Drift border post.

Travel southwards for 5.5-hours to Johannesburg Airport for your flight home.

NON_RIDERS:

Non-riding partners may stay at Mashatu Game Reserve and enjoy daily open-top safari game drives with a ranger and tracker to view the prolific bird and wildlife. A waterhole also offers exciting game viewing from the perimeter of camp.