Botswana Riding Safari
Outstanding riding safaris in the vast Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Reserve of south eastern Botswana. Aptly named the "Land of the Giants" for its baobab studded plains and large herds of elephant, the land remains largely untouched by man. Game Viewing: The Northern Tuli Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. It is still home to large herds of elephant, prides of lion ,cheetah and wild dogs. Along the river courses, huge riverine trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat eared fox, African wildcat and the magnificent leopard search for prey. Some 350 species of birds may be seen. The Northern Tuli Game Reserve proudly provides a refuge for one of the largest, single population of elephant on conservation land in Africa. Known as the relic herds of Shashe, these elephants are the last living testament to the great herds that once populated the meandering Limpopo Valley. Today, the population is estimated to number in excess of 1400 animals.Terrain: The Northern Tuli Game Reserve(about 120,000 hectares), an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa, and is located in the remote north eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, an area known historically as the Tuli enclave, a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. The terrain comprises a network of dry riverbeds, rocky sandstone outcrops and high ridges with views that stretch for endless miles across Africa’s interminable game rich plains. It is a place of exceptional beauty, and one ideally suited for exploration from the back of a horse.
Choose from four different riding safaris: the traditional 7 night Tuli Safari or try our Big Five Safari Ride with 4 nights in South Africa and 4 nights at Limpopo Valley in Mashatu, Botswana or try our NEW Limpopo Lodge to Lodge Ride or the comfortable static Two Mashatus Ride. This is the chance of a lifetime to see as much as possible of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and Mashatu Game Reserve, an unparalled equine adventure.
Our Horseback Safaris summary:
- Tuli Safari - 7 nights
Our classic and very popular safari is the Tuli Trail: a seven night mobile safari, ending each riding day in comfortable walk-in tents with beds, cozy 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.
- Big Five Safari - 4 nights in South Africa and 4 nights at LVHS
An eight night riding safari in two different countries. Ride the first four days with Saddlebag Safaris on Dinaka reserve in the Waterberg Mountains of South Africa with a chance of seeing rhinoceros and buffalo from horseback. The next four days ride with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris and complete your "big five" game viewing with potential sightings of elephant, lion and leopard. This safari is offered on fixed dates throughout the year from February to November.
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 as well as the exquisite steenbuck.
In the Limpopo area reserve the riding trails are diverse, following the movements of wildlife in the area and observing and interpreting the world around us. The tempo of the rides is always varied and depending on the terrain, there are opportunities to enjoy the spirit and fitness of the horses at a faster pace. The richness of the experience is complemented by the prevalence of regularly sighted species such as lion, leopard, elephant, wild dog and hyaena. Depending on the season, the Botswana part of the safari can now be done either as a mobile camping safari using both wilderness camps as well as the two Mashatu camp or as a static camp using just the Two Mashatus camp with the added comforts this provides.
- Limpopo Lodge Ride - 7 nights
A new and exciting seven night mobile ride using our Two Mashatus camp as well as private family - owned lodges on Mashatu and neighbouring Charter reserve. 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.
- Two Mashatus Ride - Up to 7 nights
Our base camp - Two Mashatus - is located near the confluence of the Limpopo and Majale rivers. We ride out daily to explore the surrounding area which is rich with wildlife and birdlife, returning to base camp every night. Dates are available throughout the year from February to November.
The Two Mashatus camp
Nestled in the shade of a centurion Mashatu tree, two traditionally built Lala palm rondavels serve as dining area and lounge. Accommodation is in big A frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with en-suite enviro loo and hot water shower. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck area on which to relax during the afternoons.
The horses
The horses have been individually selected for their temperament and ride-ability. They have been carefully chosen from the various South African breeds, which are well known for being of a tougher nature - able to cope under extreme conditions. These breeds include the Boerperd, Shire Cross Thoroughbreds, Appalosas, and the S.A. Warmblood. They range in size from 14.3h.h to 17 h.h.
Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris prides itself on horses that have been selected with the same stringent criteria as those selected for eventing and other equine competitive sports. Our schooling concentrates on classical English style, although they neck rein when in the bush. They are schooled to a very high level and respond easily and lightly to the aids. We use good quality, comfortable English saddles with saddlebags including water bottles and have a few Australian stock saddles available for those who prefer.
The Team
Cor and Louise Carelsen are the owners. Cor, a native of South Africa, is a dedicated conservationist and guide. He has a diploma in Nature Conservation and has worked as a project manager for a charitable conservation foundation in Ecuador which was dedicated to preserving virgin Andean cloud forests. Cor has also served as the Estate Manager for a racehorse stud and training farm in England. Cor has ridden from a young age on his family’s farm horses, but only started riding on a professional basis when he worked as a guide for Equus Horse Safaris.
It was at Equus that Cor met Louise, a dual British/American citizen brought up in Germany, Switzerland and England. Louise has been passionate about horses from as soon as she could walk! An experienced competitor on the affiliated British Eventing circuit, Louise has also worked as an exercise rider for top trainers in Newmarket and participated as an amateur jockey at ‘Point to Point’ race meetings. Trained professionally at the French National Riding School at Saumur, Louise is now qualified as an International BHS Intermediate Instructor.
‘West’ Mmanoko is a rare breed of man, a Motswana with a passion for and love of horses and conservation. West started with LVHS in 2003 as a groom. Since 2006, with guidance and assistance from the team of highly experienced equestrians at LVHS, West has become a lead guide and an inspiration to all his co-workers.
The Accommodation
Two Mashatus Camp. Nestled in the shade of a centurion Mashatu tree, two traditionally built Lala palm rondavels serve as dining area and lounge. Accommodation is in big A frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with en-suite enviro loo and running hot water shower and hand basin. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck area on which to relax during the afternoons.
Wilderness/Satellite Camps. Three different Satellite campsites are set up in specific locations throughout the Mashatu Reserve. Accommodation is in A frame tents on comfortable beds with sheets and duvets. Facilities include a bucket shower and “bush-WC”. Meals are cooked over a camp fire.
The Kgotla. The Kgotla is used on the Tuli trail and is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The boma is an open-air traditional African enclosure made up of leadwood logs. Guests sleep on beds around a large log fire which blazes at the centre, toilets and showers have hot running water
The Lodges. Used on our Limpopo lodge ride only…..Naledi is a thatched cottages set up on the hills on the northern part of Mashatu. Very comfy with fun outdoor showers and a nice swimming pool to relax by. Kanda is comprised of 4 rustic chalets in a stunning location overlooking the Majale river. Limpopo House is a big colonial house with 4 rooms for guests, a beautiful garden with pool and all overlooking the Limpopo river on nearby Charter reserve. Sentata is a lovely setup with white painted thatched cottages also with pool and close to the Limpopo river, on Charter
Rates are all-inclusive: riding, guiding, accommodation, meals, snacks, drinks and laundry. Gratuities and curio items are optional extras. Cash payments may be made in US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds or South African Rand. Flights and transfers excluded.
- Tuli Safari - 7 nights £2100 per person
- Big Five Safari - 4 nights in South Africa and 4 nights in Botswana Special Offer for bookings by £2250 per person.
- Limpopo Lodge Ride - 7 nights £2450 (more luxurious than in the tents)
- Two Mashatus Ride - Up to 7 nights £1855 for 7 nights or £265 per night (can be any length of stay, semi-mobile tented camp)
Singles: Many of our guests are singles and we do not charge extra as long as they are willing to share a tent/room with a same sex person.
Meals: Two highly trained experienced bush chefs will look after your every need. Breakfast is buffet of freshly baked muffins, cereals, toast, porridge. Lunch is a buffet usually quiches, salads, and fruit for dessert. Dinner is a 3 course meal served to you at the table, often under the canopy of stars! Vegetarians and other special diets are catered for.
Drinks: Drinks are inclusive of the price – a variety of soft drinks, beer, wines and spirits.
Other Activities: Afternoon game walks and once a week night game drives are also part of the itinerary. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers notable archaeological sites including the Mmagua Ruins.
Non Riders. We can accommodate non-riders at no extra charge, activities offered are walking, cycling, or game drives.
Children: We do not usually take children under the age of 16 years unless the child is a very strong rider and accompanied by parents.
Transfers: We can arrange for your flight to be met by our representative and for you to be brought by road to the camp. The cost is £225 per person return for all the Safaris except the two-country Big 5 safari which costs £300 per person return.
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
How to Get There: International flight to Johannesburg. We can organise road transfers from the airport to the start of the ride, for an extra charge. The road transfer from South Africa’s Johannesburg airport ('OR Tambo International') to the Pont Drift Border Post of Botswana is a five to six hour trip each way . On arrival at Pont Drift Border Post a representative from Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris will transfer you overland to your camp.
Horses: LVHS has a stable of 35 well cared for horses, with something to suit everyone including warmbloods, boerpherds and other cross breds.
Level of Riding Required: Guests must be experienced riders. They must ride regularly (at least once or twice a week) and be comfortable at a canter and gallop as well as being able to do small jumps should they have to. Our horses are mostly English schooled, so we highly recommend that Western riders have a course of lessons in English style prior to arrival.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 95 kgs or 210lbs or 15 stone.
Safety: All rides are conducted by two experienced professional guides; the lead guide is armed with a rifle and a bull whip. All management staff and guides do regular first aid training with a specialised Doctor for remote areas. The lead guide has a local phone and a satellite phone and a radio for use in emergencies.
Hard Hats: Are compulsory, please bring your own well fitting hard hat.
Tack: We have a selection of imported GP English saddles each equipped with saddle bags including water bottles. We have a limited amount of Australian stock saddles and South African Mclelans available for those who prefer.
Number of guests: Maximum of eight guests, minimum two guests.
Other Activities: Afternoon game walks and once a week night game drives are also part of the itinerary. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers notable archaeological sites including the Mmagua Ruins.
Non Riders. We can accommodate riders at no extra charge, activities offered are walking, cycling, or game drives.
Children: We do not usually take children under the age of 16 years unless the child is a very strong rider and accompanied by parents.
What Clothes to Bring: All guests will be sent a clothing list prior to departure, important to bring are half chaps, jodhpur boots or run/ride boots and sun screen. We provide towels, water bottles and soaps.
Insurance: Whilst we carry public liability insurance and take all possible care, it is essential that you have full medical and holiday insurance to include riding horses. Your travel agent can arrange this if instructed. Guests will also be asked to sign an indemnity in camp before they ride.
Medical: A medical kit is taken on safari but we recommend you bring your own necessary items of a personal nature.
Malaria? The Tuli region of Botswana is a low-risk malaria area. Anti-malarial precautions should be taken in this area during the summer months of November through March. You should consult your doctor about this and any other medical precautions.
Charging batteries and Laundry. We have electricity at the stables, and can return batteries to be charged as well as laundry within 24 hours.
Weather Conditions: Summer months are September to April, with October, November and February being the hottest months. Temperatures vary from 12 degrees C to 38 degrees C at midday. The rainy season falls between November and March. Winter is May to the end of August, a period of very little rain, and delightful temperatures by day and refreshingly cool at night. Temperatures during winter months vary from 4 degrees C to 24 degrees C at midday.
Visas and Vaccinations. In South Africa and Botswana you will be given an entry visa at the border valid for your length of stay at no cost. Please check with your doctor for the necessary vaccinations before coming out although there are no specific requirements for either South Africa or Botswana.
Water. All water in the camps is filtered to the highest standards and is guaranteed perfectly safe for drinking.
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to Botswana at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
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