Tuli Reserve (Limpopo Valley), Botswana
Horses
Type of horses:
Boerperd, Shire Cross Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, and the S.A. Warmblood.
Nature of horses:
Responsive, honest and well schooled.
Height of horses:
14.3hh - 17hh
Weight limit:
15st / 209lbs / 95kg
Tack type:
Australian stock saddles, South African Mcllelans and a selection of English saddles for those who prefer.
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 23 C
Forecast:
Wed - Clear. High: 32 Low: 14
Thu - Sunny. High: 34 Low: 16
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Limpopo Lodge
This price is inclusive of accommodation, riding, meals, tea and coffee, drinks, game drives (at least 2), bush walks and laundry. Transfers and tips payable locally by cash.
Per person per week (2010): £2030
Per person per night (2010): £290
Per person per week (2011): £2450
Per person per night (2011): £350
flights and travel insurance are not included in the price.
Two Mashatus
2010: £250 per person per night
£1750 per person for 7 nights
2011: £265 per person per night
£1855 per person for 7 nights
These rates are fully inclusive of laundry, drinks and meals and one game drive is included per stay.
Flights and travel insurance are not included in the price.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Your hosts offer safaris as a concessionaire on Mashatu Game Reserve which is located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve - the eastern tip of Botswana. Mashatu is 30,000 hectares within a greater area of 70,000 hectares. Mashatu is home to great herds of elephants, estimated at least 800 just on Mashatu.
As well as numerous cats, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, African wild cat and some cerval. The Tuli block is known as The Land of the Giants for good reason with the magnificent Baobab tree, huge sandstone outcrops, and magnificent plains and of course the Mashatus trees prevalent along the great Limpopo River.
The area is perfect for riding; good going with natural ditches and logs to jump gives an exhilarating ride. Regular game sightings not only of the elephants and cats but also of antelopes, jackals, bat eared foxes, giraffe and the occasional canter with zebras and wildebeest across the plains leaves you with an unforgettable holiday.
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, Appaloosas, and the S.A. Warmblood.
Your hosts pride themselves on horses that have been selected with the same stringent criteria as those selected for eventing and other equine competitive sports. Their schooling concentrates on classical English style, although they neck rein when in the bush. They are schooled to very high level and respond easily and lightly to the aids. You hosts use Australian stock saddles, South African Mclellans and a selection of English saddles for those who prefer.
Choose from an a traditional seven night Tuli Safari or the Big 5 Ride with four nights in South Africa and four nights in Mashatu. All safaris are tented and mostly mobile, giving you the chance of a lifetime to see as much of Mashatu as possible.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Wilderness accommodation is in A frame tents. These tents are 3.5 x 6 metres so that you have the space you need. With beds, sheets and duvets this is very comfortable camping. A bucket shower is shared, while each tent has a long drop of its own. Meals are cooked around the fire.
The "Two Mashatus" camp is where the static safaris are based during March and November. This camp is also used as the last night of the Tuli safari, and the first night for all Big 5‘s. This camp is in a wonderful location near the Limpopo River but also has a view over open plains to the west. Toilets are long drop but each tent has its own toilet and shower in a private area behind each tent. The central dining area is built on a teak platform using the local building style with a lala palm thatch roof.
The Kgotla is an old tribal court and now performing the function of a wilderness camp. It is built from leadwood poles in the sandstone formations of the Limpopo basin. Equipped with running water and hot showers, the Kgotla provides an alternative exciting night out.
A well known cook will prepare delicious meals offering an array of regional specialities using fresh local produce.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: None specific but a reasonable standard of physical fitness is required.
Age limit: No under 16's
Tuition: No
Included: All riding with qualified guide and armed back up, all meals, drinks, snacks, tea, coffee, concessions fees, luggage transfer beween camps and specified transfers to/from Limpopo Valley Airfield or Point Drift Border.
Not included: Flights, travel / medical insurance, bar services, gratuities and road transfers to/from Johannesburg International airport.
Travel Information
Direct flights from the UK to Johannesburg can be booked with the following airlines:
London Gatwick to Johannesburg - Nationwide Airlines
London Heathrow to Johannesburg - British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Indirect flights from a number of regional airports can be booked with KLM, Lufthansa and Air France.
We suggest return road transfers, arranged by us, from Johannesburg International airport. These cost £200 per person.
Please note:
ARRIVAL DAY: Flights should arrive in Johannesburg by no later than 08:00, (if the arrival flight is delayed beyond 09:30 there will not be time to get the clients to the Botswana border by road before 16:00 when it closes).
DEPARTURE DAY: Flights should depart from Johannesburg at 20:00 or later, otherwise guest haven't got time for a ride, shower and brunch before departure.
Transfers are at pre-set times. If you choose to book flights outside of these guidelines then an additional transfer fee of £250 per person for a transfer will be applicable. Also any transfers with just one person at the regular time, will need to pay an extra £50.
Airport: Johannesburg (JNB)
Programmes
Limpopo Lodge
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This ride takes you from lodge to lodge over 7 nights and offers the benefits of a mobile safari without having to go 'back to basics'. The three lodges you visit are family-owned and therefore have a luxurious but down to earth atmosphere. These lodges are rented out over allotted weeks so guests are able to enjoy the exclusivity that they would on other safaris. There are tranquil surroundings and the lodges have some luxuries such as running water and swimming pools. As you will travel through a large part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sight of animals such as elephants, leopards, lions, wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs, a variety of bird species, antelope and smaller game. As there are no fences in the reserve, it really is one of the wildest places in Africa. Sample Itinerary (subject to change): Day 1: Collection from airport. A drive of 5.5 hours takes you to the Pondrift border post where your guides, Cor or West, will meet you. After crossing the border, you will be escorted in an open game drive vehicle to Two Mashatus Camp which is a short drive away. After settling in and enjoying a refreshing lunch in the Lala Palm Rondavel, you'll be off to meet the horses. You will then take a short introductory ride in the afternoon to make sure that you and your mount are perfectly suited. The ride is followed by sundowners at the stable bar before heading back to the camp. After you delicious meal you can retire to the comfort of your tent and allow the sounds of the bush to serenade you to sleep. Day 2: After breakfast, you mount up and head off on the long ride of 6 hours to the luxurious Naledi camp. This ride traverses hills and ridges and takes you to the most northern parts of the game reserve. On the open plains there are good opportunities for fast canters, perhaps accompanied by zebra, wildebeest or eland. The lush vegetation close to the Majale River is browsed by a diversity of wildlife, so there is a good chance of excellent game-viewing in this area. Upon arrival at this beautiful private camp, you are welcomed by cold beverages and a good lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy the very comfortable rooms or lounge around the swimming pool with a view over the African bush. If feeling energetic, take a game walk with your guide in the late afternoon. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the small and fascinating creatures that are an important part of the local ecology. Head back to camp before sunset for traditional sundowners, an excellent dinner and a good night’s sleep. Day 3: Today we make a leisurely start on the 4.5 hour ride to Kanda Farm, traversing the central game area of the reserve where you may see giraffe, eland or zebra. The ride passes through an area of rocky cliffs, home to a resident leopard. Kanda Farm is a family-owned property in a spectacular location overlooking the Majale River. After lunch and a siesta, you have the option of a game drive which offers the opportunity of viewing predators such as leopard, cheetah, wild dog and lion that Mashatu is famous for. You may also be lucky to spot some of the other interesting nocturnal residents such as hyena, genet or porcupine. You stop for sundowners at a vantage point before returning to camp for dinner. Day 4: Today we explore the surrounding area, tracking wildlife through the bush and enjoying spectacular views across Mashatu. There is a great diversity of game in this area and you may see bat-eared fox, black- backed jackal, eland, kudu and other plains game. The morning ride is about 4 hours followed by lunch back at Kanda camp. In the afternoon, we follow the course of the Majale River on a bush walk and climb some of the kopjes in the area. Back to camp and a dinner under the stars! Day 5: After breakfast you head back to Two Mashatus camp, following the Majale River which always offers up some interesting and close encounters with elephant or other wildlife. After an enjoyable 4 hour ride, we arrive at camp in time for lunch and a traditional African siesta in comfortable surroundings. A pleasant walk to stretch the legs in the evening before you retire for a good dinner and bed. Day 6: Today you head out to the Pitsani plains. Descending to the plains, there is the possibility for an exhilarating gallop where you might be joined by curious herds of zebra, wildebeest or giraffe. You will wind your way through the hills before arriving at the beautiful Senthata Lodge on neighbouring Charter reserve. Usually there is a game drive in the afternoon, and a lazy relaxed evening on the cool lawn overlooking the mighty Limpopo while the cooks rustle up another delicious meal. Day 7: Another exciting morning’s ride as we head out along the Limpopo river in search of the abundant wildlife the area has to offer. Hopefully we will come across some logs knocked over by elephants along the way which the horses love to hop over. Today’s Lodge is the elegant Limpopo House. Enjoy the stunning pool or sit on the cool veranda with a book while you watch the horses graze nearby. And the afternoon will bring a final game drive and hopefully some cats along the way too. Day 8: After a final early morning ride of about 2 hours, its time to pat your trusty steed goodbye. A quick brunch and a refreshing shower and you head back to the Pontdrift border post and a sad farewell to your guides after an exhilarating week of fun, adventure and multiple wildlife sightings. A 5.5 hour drive gets you to Johannesburg International airport in time for the evening flight home. |
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| Accommodation: | The accommodation is at base camp and in two lodges. Base camp involves comfortable tents on teak platforms (with ensuite loo and shower). The two lodges are family-owned and provide comfortable accommodation in fabulous surroundings. |
| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate - Experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | As detailed in programme |
| Departure dates: | 2010: November 14 - 21. 2011 dates: 6- 13 February, 6-13 March, 3-10 April, 22-29 November |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Two Mashatus
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This is a fabulous based ride where you can explore the area around where the Limpopo and Majale rivers meet. The Two Mashatus camp is nestled in the shade of a centurion Mashatu tree and the surrounding area is rich with birds and wildlife. Enjoy the wonders of this exceptional habitat before relaxing in your private luxury tent. These tents are positioned in the shade, on teak platforms, with a small decking area for your enjoyment and they each feature an ensuite enviro loo and hot water shower. Day 1: Upon arrival at Johannesburg International airport, you will be met by your Waterberg Transfers driver at the information desk in the arrivals hall and transferred by road to Pontdrift border post, a drive of about 5.5 hours. At Pontdrift, your horse safari guide will meet you and transfer you to Two Mashatus camp. The transfer is in an open vehicle and lasts about half an hour, providing a good opportunity to spot some game along the way. After a welcome lunch and tour of the simple but very comfortable camp at Two Mashatus, you will be taken to meet the horses. An introductory ride in the open area around Nels Vlei will allow you time to get acquainted with your horse. As the sun sets, enjoy welcome drinks at the Stable Bar before heading back to Two Mashatus camp for a delicious dinner in the Lala Palm Rondavel. Day 2: An early wake-up call with tea/coffee brought to your tent, followed by breakfast around the campfire. You will make an early start each day to enjoy the freshness of the morning and to maximise game-viewing opportunities in the hours that the wildlife is most active. Undoubtedly you will come across the large herds of elephant for which the Tuli is renowned, as well as many different species of antelope; also giraffe, zebra, bat-eared fox, jackal, hyena and possibly even lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah. The terrain is varied, with mopane bushveld, open plains for fast riding, steep river banks and riverine forests along the mighty Limpopo River. After an exhilarating morning, ride back to Two Mashatus camp for lunch, followed by a siesta in the comfort of your tent. After late afternoon tea, you can opt for another ride along the Limpopo River, enjoying the rich birdlife around you, spotting crocodile in the pools and learning about the magnificent trees lining the banks. Alternatively, you have the option of doing a game drive, game walk or visiting the local village Mothabaneng to see the local ladies make baskets as well as have a look at some bushman paintings. After a full and active day of riding and wildlife sightings, enjoy sundowners and a three course meal prepared by bush cooks on the open fire, before turning in for the night. From Day 3 onwards: Each day you will ride out in a different direction, 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. Final Day: After a last morning ride, you will be back at the stables for a final pat and fond farewell to your horse. A quick shower and brunch at Two Mashatus camp before heading back to Johannesburg International via Pontdrift border post. |
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| Accommodation: | Accommodation for this ride is at the Two Mashatus camp. |
| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Experienced riders only. |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | As detailed in programme. |
| Departure dates: | 2010: 14 - 21 November. 2011 : 6-13 February, 22-29 November. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |