General Info

The Equitrekking team, including host and equestrian Darley Newman, recently traveled to Botswana, Africa to ride in Tuli with Limpopo and had an amazing experience. Contact us for first hand information on this trip! We've done it!

Botswana Limpopo Valley Horse Safari in the Tuli Block, an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas, ancient civilizations and dramatic rock formations bordered by the great Limpopo River in the south.

While on these African horseback safaris, you may stay in bush camps, under canvas, enjoying all the necessary comforts of a mobile safari or in lodges, depending on the trip that you choose. If you want to view elephants and perhaps also lions, or leopards, then this is the ride for you!

These Botswana African horse safaris are professionally managed and guided by owners Cor and Louise Carelsen who share a wealth of specialist knowledge on the African bush, horses, and classical horsemanship with their guests. They are assisted by Motswanan guides. Enjoy quality horses that have been schooled to a high standard and are well cared for, as well as guides who pay attention to not only the large mammals, but to the ecology and history of the area.

The Tuli Trail
This classic and very popular horseback safari includes a mobile horse safari. End each riding day in comfortable walk-in tents with beds, cozy duvets, hot showers, and fine dining in lovely settings. You may even be able to sleep out under the stars in an old tribal court called the Kgotla. Other nights are at various wilderness camps. The riding safari includes some nice long canters, some jumping, and riding up and down riverbanks. You must be a strong intermediate rider.

The Two Mashatus Ride
The base camp- Two Mashatus- is located near the confluence of the Limpopo and Majale Rivers. The Limpopo Valley horse safari allows you to ride out daily and explore the surrounding area, which is rich with wildlife and birdlife, returning to base camp every night.

The Limpopo Lodge Ride
An seven night mobile equestrian safari uses the Two Mashatus Camp as well as private family owned lodges on Mashatu. If you enjoy more luxurious accommodations on a mobile safari, this is the ride for you.

Non-riders may also enjoy these safaris and instead of horse riding, try other activities.
 

Packing

Packing for African Horse Safaris

The summer months are September to April, with October, November and February being the hottest months. Temperatures vary from 50°F (12°C) to 100°F (38°C) at midday. The rainy season falls between November and March. Winter is May to the end of August, and is a period of very little rain, delightful temperatures by day, and refreshingly cool temperatures at night. Temperatures during winter months vary from 40°F(4°C) to 75°F (24°C) at midday.

Helmets are required and you must bring your own with you. It is important to bring half chaps, riding boots and sunscreen. Towels, water bottles, and soap are provided.

There are laundry facilities on site.

Please visit Equitrekking Travel's packing list for other suggestions.

 

About the Horses

The horses for these horseback safaris 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 and able to cope under extreme conditions. These breeds include the Boerperd, Shire Cross Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, and the S.A. Warmblood. They range in size from 14.3 hands high to 17 h.h.

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris prides itself on having horses that have been selected with the same stringent criteria as those selected for eventing and other equine competitive sports. The horses are schooled in classical English style, although they neck rein when in the bush.

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 specialized Doctor for remote areas. The lead guide has a local phone and a satellite phone and a radio for use in emergencies.

Tack
Good quality, comfortable English saddles with saddlebags that include water bottles. There are a few Australian stock saddles and South African McClellans available for those who prefer.
 

Activities/Events

These equestrian vacations encompass mobile safaris, different wilderness camps, and luxury lodges throughout a vast nature reserve. There is a high possibility of seeing elephants, lion, leopard, cheetahs, wild dogs, and much more plains game, as well as over 350 species of birds.

The 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. It is located in the remote northeastern 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, 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 game-rich plains. It is a place of exceptional beauty and one ideally suited for exploration from the back of a horse.

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.

Other Activities
Afternoon game walks and night game drives may part of your itinerary. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers notable archaeological sites including the Mmagua Ruins.

Non-riders can be accommodated. Some activities offered are walking, cycling, or game drives.

 

Accommodations/Food

Food
Two highly trained, experienced bush chefs will look after your every need on your Africa horse safari. Breakfast is usually buffet of freshly baked muffins, cereals, toast and porridge. Lunch is a buffet, usually quiches, salads, and fruit for dessert. Dinner is a 3 course meal served at a table, often under the canopy of stars!

Vegetarians and other special diets can be accommodated with prior notice. Please let us know your special dietary needs at the time of your booking.

Accommodations
Please see each respective itinerary for accommodations, as they range from lodges to tented camps, depending on the trip.

The Ideal Traveler

Guests must be experienced riders. You must be fit and comfortable for long hours in the saddle and should ride regularly (at least once or twice a week) and be comfortable at a canter and gallop, as well as being able to jump small jumps should it be necessary. The horses are mostly English schooled, so it is highly recommended that Western riders have a course of lessons in the English riding style prior to arrival.

Non-riders can be accommodated on these trips. Some activities offered are walking, cycling, or game drives.

Children under the age of 16 years are usually not permitted unless the child is a very strong rider and accompanied by parents.
 

Botswana Tuli Trail Mobile Safari

This 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, hot running water and fine dining in lovely settings. You may even spend a night or two 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.

For experienced riders only. Non-riders are welcome and may enjoy hiking, bush drives, cycling and more.

Tuli Trail Riding Vacation
7 nights / 6 days riding
4 - 7 hours riding per day
Weight limit: 14 st 2 lbs (90 kgs) ( 198 lbs)
Usual maximum for this trip: 8

Dates and Rates 2013
March 24-31, March 31-April 7, April 14-21, April 21-28, April 28- May 5, May 5-12 SOLD OUT, May 12-19, May 19-26, June 2-9, June 9-16, June 16-23, July 21-28, Aug 4-11, Aug 11-18, Sept 8-15, Sept 15-22, Sept 22-29, Sept 29-Oct 6, Oct 6-13, Oct 13-20, Oct 20-27

2013: Jan - Mar $3,710 USD (£2,310)*
2013: Apr - May $3,935 USD (£2,450)*
2013: Jun - July $3,710 USD( £2,310)*
2013: Aug - Dec $3,935 USD (£2,450)*

* Prices shown are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are indicative only; the price of your chosen holiday will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant, prior to your making a booking.

Included:
Accommodation; full board; drinks; riding; one game drive.

Not included:
International flights to Johannesburg return. Transfers: A shared road transfer from Johannesburg at a pre-set time is available for further cost. Tips are payable locally and also not included.

Single Supplement:
No single supplement if prepared to share, otherwise £1,155 (£1,225 in 2013 high season).

Riding Level:
Intermediate to Advanced level. Advanced level riders should be comfortable at both trot and canter in a variety of terrain.

Accommodations:
Guests on the Tuli Trail horse safaris stay at wilderness camps in canvas ‘A’ frame tents with beds (made up with sheets and duvets) and additional blankets for colder nights. The camps are not enclosed and a real treat will be to see game in and around camp. Safari camps have bucket showers and long-drop toilets, which may be shared. Please note that it is not always possible to guarantee single accommodation throughout these horseback safaris, so you may have to share.

Sample Horse Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
Met at the airport and transferred by road to Limpopo, about a six hour trip. If you book your own flights, we can advise you on the best arriva time. On arrival at the border you will be met by a representative from Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris, who will take you to the stables, where you will have a late lunch in the thatched dining room.

After a light lunch it’s time to head off to the stables to meet your horse for the week. You will embark on a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited. Sundowners are enjoyed at the Stable Bar while watching the horses roll in the setting sun. Then you will head back to camp for a warm shower and a delicious dinner.

Day 2:
This day begins early. Mount up and head off in a north westerly direction for Jwala Camp on the banks of the Jwala River. While you ride, enjoy viewing game and the magnificent scenery synonymous in this part of Botswana, which is known as the Land of the Giants. After arriving at Jwala Camp, a light lunch is served and you may enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Dinner is served amid the sounds of nature. Retire to your spacious tent where you will experience the “music” of the African bush as it gently serenades you to sleep.

Day 3:
An early wake up call heralds a new day and a delicious light breakfast is served, perhaps around the log fire. Test the amazingly sure-footed horses as you cross over basalt ridges following age-old elephant trails. Enjoy long sustained canters to make up for the lost time traversing the ridges. You'll arrive to Kgotla Camp for a late lunch. This 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.

In the afternoon, you have the option of visiting the local village to buy hand-crafted Llala palm curios (decorate items), view Bushmen paintings and then enjoy a sundowner looking out over the Motloutse River. Back at the Kgotla, dinner is enjoyed and the night is spent sleeping under the stars while listening in on the cacophony of sounds generated by the African bush orchestra.

Day 4:
Spend another night at Kgotla Camp, enjoying a full day exploring the sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Ancient civilizations harbored their wealth among these hills where two mighty rivers, the Limpopo and the Motloutse meet.

Day 5:
Wake up early and enjoy a good breakfast around the log fire. Today, wind your way through the mopane bush before reaching the more open plains. On arrival at Liana Camp you will be welcomed by a well-deserved drink and a refreshing lunch. Tonight is your opportunity to explore Mashatu from a game drive vehicle and try to locate the elusive leopard, wild dog, cheetah, and lion, for which the area is well-known.

Day 6:
The day is spent exploring the banks of the Mojale and Matabole Rivers, following their courses north towards the Zeederberg site. The day will offer riding up and down river banks, through riverine forest, game sightings and more fabulous photo opportunities. Lunch is under the bows of an old Mashatu tree, where a century ago the Zeederberg transport riders had their midday break before finally reaching Fort Tuli. Spend the afternoon at leisure before you embark on a guided walk into the bush. The evening is enjoyed with sundowners around a log fire and a delicious meal to end another exhilarating and rewarding day.

Day 7:
Today’s ride is rich in history and offers a variety of interesting tales of the past. The open Pitsani Plains, so characteristic of this area, are perfect for a really good gallop, hopefully with zebra or wildebeest! Head in the direction of the Majale and Limpopo confluence where lunch awaits you upon return to the Two Mashatus camp. This ride is about five to six hours. A dreamless sleep no doubt awaits you as the final day draws to a close.

Day 8:
Today is your last day in the bush, and it begins with your final early morning tea/coffee and breakfast snack over the open fire. The morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River. Head back to the stables where fond farewells are made to your steed. Enjoy a brunch and to get ready for departure. It’s off to Pont Drift in time for your return transfer to Johannesburg.

* This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors.

Botswana Limpopo Lodge Safari

This 7-night ride offers guests the same benefits of doing a mobile safari but with the added attraction of more luxurious accommodations. The lodges are family-owned, private and exclusive with en-suite bathrooms. Most have swimming pools. Stay at the Two Mashatus camp as well as private family-owned lodges on Mashatu. If you enjoy more luxurious accommodations on a mobile safari, this is the ride for you. Various dates are offered from February to December.

Limpopo Lodge Horse Safari Vacation
7 nights / 6 days riding from February to December
4 - 7 hours riding per day
Weight limit: 14 st 2 lbs (90 kgs) ( 198 lbs)
Usually there are a maximum of 8 riders per trip

Dates and Rates 2013
Limpopoo Lodge Safari Feb 10-17, March 12-19, April 7-14, May 26- June 2, July 1-8, November 17-24, Dec 22-29, Dec 29-Jan 5

2013: Jan - Mar $4,273 USD (£2,660)*
2013: Apr - May $4,497 USD (£2,800)*
2013: Jun - Jul $4,273 USD* (£2,660)*
2013: Aug - Dec $4,497 USD (£2,800)*

A single supplement of $4,273 USD (£2,660)*  and $4,497 USD (£2,800) in high season is payable if you wish to guarantee single accommodation.

* Prices shown are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are indicative only; the price of your chosen holiday will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant, prior to your making a booking.

Included:
Accommodation; full board; drinks; riding; one game drive.

Not included:
International flights to Johannesburg. A shared road transfer from Johannesburg at a pre-set time is not included in the above price.

Riding Level:
Experienced Riders only.

Sample Riding Safari Itinerary:

Day 1:
Arrive at JHB International airport and be met by Waterberg Transfers. A drive of around 6 hours takes you across the border, where you'll meet your a guide from Limpopo Horse Safaris. Settle in and enjoy a refreshing lunch in the Lala Palm Rondavel, followed by a trip to meet the horses. You will then embark on 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 to the Two Mashatus Camp. A delicious evening meal follows before retiring to the comfort of your tent. Then, allow the sounds of the bush serenade you to sleep!

Day 2:
After breakfast, mount up and head off for a long horseback ride 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 may be 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 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 you are 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:
Make a leisurely start on the horse 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 for which the Mashatu is famous. You may also be lucky to spot some of the other interesting nocturnal residents such as hyena, genet or porcupine. You'll stop for sundowners at a vantage point before returning to camp for dinner.

Day 4:
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. After the morning horse ride and lunch, take a break from the saddle with a game drive, a great time to take more photos. You may see elephant and plains game, hyena, leopard, cheetah, lions and wild dog. Back to camp and a dinner under the stars!

Day 5:
Head out to the Pitsani Plains, where there may be the possibility for an exhilarating ride to see curious herds of zebra, wildebeest or giraffe. Wind your way through the hills before arriving at the beautiful Senthata Lodge on neighboring 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 6:
Another exciting morning’s ride as you head out along the Limpopo River in search of the abundant wildlife the area has to offer. Hopefully you 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. The afternoon will bring a final game drive and hopefully some cats along the way too.

Day 7:
After breakfast, head back to Two Mashatus camp, following the Limpopo River which always offers up some interesting and close encounters with elephant or other wildlife. After an enjoyable ride, arrive at camp in time for lunch and a traditional African siesta in comfortable surroundings. You may go for a pleasant walk to stretch your legs in the evening before you retire for a good dinner and bed.

Day 8:
After a final early morning ride, its time to pat your trusty steed goodbye. After a quick brunch and a refreshing shower, 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. You'll head back to Johannesburg to fly home or you may decide to extend your trip!

* This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors.

Botswana Two Mashatus Safari

This base camp - Two Mashatus - is located near the confluence of the Limpopo and Majale Rivers. There are daily rides out to explore the surrounding area which is rich with wildlife and birdlife, returning to base camp every night.

Botswana Riding Safari Information
Open February, March and November
7 nights / 7 days riding
3 - 6 hours riding per day
Weight limit: 198 lbs or 14 st 2 lbs (90 kgs)
Usual maximum number of travelers on this trip: 8
Experienced Riders Only

Dates and Rates 2013
Feb 3-10, Feb 24- March 3, March 19-24, Nov 10-17, Dec 24-Jan 1, 2014

2013: Jan - March $3,542 USD (£2,205)*
2013: Apr - May $3,767 USD (£2,345)*
2013: Jun - Jul $3,542 USD (£2,205)*
2013: Aug - Dec $3,767 USD (£2,345)*

There is no single supplement if you prepared to share, otherwise single supplement of $1,772 USD (£1,103)* or $1,884 USD (£1,173)* in 2013 high season to guarantee a single tent.

* Prices shown are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are indicative only; the price of your chosen holiday will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant, prior to your making a booking.

Included:
Rate is inclusive of accommodations, riding, meals, teas and coffees, drinks, game drives, bush walks, and laundry.  

Not included:
International flights to reach Johannesburg and transfers to safari camp. Please ask us for pricing.

Accommodations for this Riding Holiday
Two Mashatus Camp is a semi-permanent tented camp incorporating comfortable and roomy tents, each on its own raised teak platform, with en suite environmentally friendly toilets and hot running water.

Sample Riding Safari Itinerary:
These Botswana horseback safaris are based at the semi-permanent camp, meaning you can unpack and settle in and then ride out and explore each day. There are early morning rides, usually lasting about three to four hours, and usually two-hour afternoon horse rides. The morning and late afternoons are when the game is most active, so the best time to ride.

In addition to horse riding, enjoy one game drive and a guided bush walk.

For non-riding companions, there is much to do on this riding vacation, including game drives, cycling, bush hikes, and other guided activities. Horse riding lessons are also available.

* This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors.

Related Travel Articles

Traveler Reviews

Equitrekking filmed this ride for its "Equitrekking Botswana" episode on PBS!

Practical Horseman's managing editor Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore took this horse safari in Botswana, Africa and wrote about it for Equisearch.com.

"Our guide "West" Mmanoko slung a rifle over his shoulder as we headed out into the bush. Guides always carry rifles, whether in a vehicle or on horseback, to keep guests safe. It was comforting to know someone had my back should I fall off while being chased by lions. We saw many animals--herds of impala, a family of warthogs and wildebeest. Impala are quite common and plentiful in the bush."

The riding was fantastic, Botswana is a beautiful country. To see all the wildlife was really great and the hospitality of the people was fantastic.
-- Jane, Derbyshire

Reading List

Botswana: The Bradt Safari Guide, 3rd: Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari  (Paperback) by Chris McIntyre

A personal, detailed guide to Botswana, its history, culture, attractions and natural history. With color photographs, maps and excellent travel information. This British series of guidebooks is noteworthy for its focus on culture, nature and responsible travel. It covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari and other popular destinations in detail.

Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia (Paperback)

An informative practical guide to Botswana and its attractions, including nearby Victoria Falls.

Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide (Paperback) by Peter Allison (Author)

Whatever You Do, Don’t Run is a hilarious collection of true tales from top ­safari guide Peter Allison. In a place where the wrong behavior could get you eaten, Allison has survived face-to-face encounters with big cats, angry ­elephants, and the world’s most unpredictable animals—herds of untamed tourists and foolhardy guides whose outrageous antics sometimes make them even more dangerous than a pride of hungry lions!
 

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at Amazon.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.



Equitrekking DVD's featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, available in the Shop section of Equitrekking.com 

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

    

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.