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 ~ horse safaris ~

TULI HORSE SAFARI  $2950 per person sharing (valid for 2010)


Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Tuli area in southern Botswana on horseback - an unparalleled 7 night/8 day equine adventure that will take you back to a time when man and his environment were one. This is a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. The area is home to seven of Africa’s giants: elephant, lion, giraffe, eland, ostrich, kori bustard and the magnificent baobab tree. Wild dog, hyena, bat-eared fox, leopard, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest and a myriad of bird species are also seen. Along the river huge Mashatu trees provide shade for general game, while at night the bat-eared fox, African wildcat and leopard search for prey. This area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa on horseback and in open 4 wheel drive vehicles, guided by expert rangers and trackers.
 

·         Mobile wilderness trail covering up to 120 miles during 8 days riding

·         First and last night at the comfortable Two Mashatus camp

·         Two nights at the Kgotla camp “sleeping under the stars”

·         Three nights in different wilderness camps

·         Starts and finishes on a Sunday

·         Minimum 2, maximum 8 riders

·         Non riders welcome - game drives, cycling and walking available

·         For experienced riders only. Children under 16 not permitted

ITINERARY:

Day 1:  On arrival at the Pont Drift Border Post or Limpopo Valley Airfield, you will be met by your guide, Cor or West, and transferred to the reception area at the stables. A light lunch will be served overlooking the beautiful Limpopo River. You also have time to get acquainted with your guide and some of the staff, but most importantly your trusty steed 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 whilst watching the horses and the setting sun. Then you will head to the base camp Two Mashatus for a warm shower and a delicious dinner served in the Llala palm dining room.

Day 2:  The day begins at sunrise with tea/coffee brought to your tent, followed by a light breakfast. Mount up and head off in a northwesterly direction for Jwala Camp on the banks of the Jwala River. Six to seven hours are spent in the saddle enjoying the abundance of game and the magnificent scenery synonymous with the "Land of the Giants." On arrival at Jwala Camp, lunch is the order of the day followed by a guided afternoon walk, exploring the bush around you in detail. Dinner is prepared over an open fire by Martha or Grace – the brilliant chefs known for their bush cuisine. Retire to your comfortable tent and experience the “music” of the African bush as it serenades you to sleep.

Day 3:  An early wake up call heralds a new day and tea/coffee and a delicious light breakfast is served around the log fire. Test the amazingly sure-footed horses as you cross over basalt ridges following age-old elephant trails and enjoy long sustained canters to make up for the lost time traversing the ridges. This ride will be about six to seven hours, arriving at Kgotla Camp for a late lunch. Kgotla 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 open-air traditional African enclosure is made of leadwood logs in the shade of a century old Mashatu tree. In the afternoon you have the option of visiting the local village to buy hand-crafted Llala palm curios, viewing Bushmen paintings and then enjoying a sundowner looking out over the Motloutse River. Back at the Kgotla, dinner is enjoyed around a large log fire before the night is spent sleeping under the stars.

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. This days riding will be about four to five hours, leaving time in the afternoon to head to the archaeologically rich Mmamagwa hills where a 360 degree view of the reserve can be enjoyed as well as another beautiful African sunset.

Day 5:  Another early rise and a good breakfast around the log fire will set the morning off to a good start. Today you wind your way through the mopane bush before reaching the more open plains. This will probably be your longest day of riding (approx. 7 hours). On arrival at Liana Camp you will be welcomed by a well-deserved drink and 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 the area is well known for.

Day 6:  This morning will begin a little slower as this day will be spent exploring the banks of the Mojale and Matabole Rivers, following their courses north towards the Zeederberg site. The day offers riding up and down river banks, through riverine forest, game sightings and more fabulous photo opportunities (approx. 5 - 6 hours riding). 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 bush walk. The evening is enjoyed with sundowners around a log fire and a delicious meal to end another 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. Dinner is in the Llala palm rondavel as the final day draws to a close.
Day 8:  Today is your last day in the bush and begins with your final early morning tea/coffee and breakfast snack. The morning is spent riding back to the stables where fond farewells are made to your steed. This is a shorter ride of about two hours, allowing you time to shower, have brunch, browse the curio shop and to watch the horses enjoying time in the paddock. You will then be transfer back to Johannesburg.

Accommodation on the Tuli Safari:

Wilderness/Satellite Camps 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 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 center.

Two Mashatus Camp is 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.

Rates include: accommodation; meals, snacks, tea and coffee, drinks at the bar; rides conducted by horse safari specialists and qualified guides; transfers to and from the Limpopo Valley Airfield or Pont Drift border post at specified times; laundry. Rates are subject to change without notice and may fluctuate with the exchange rate.

 

 Email update:

"Our first Tuli Safari of the year is going exceptionally well. Numerous sightings of lions; Monday on the ride, Tuesday on the way to the sundowner spot, Thursday lions mating from the game drive and today on the ride to Zederburg. As the Majale pride has disbanded and been replaced with several we think smaller prides, it is interesting to see how they are setting up their territories and most important, how they react to the horses! So far sightings have been very relaxed and the lions and the horses seem to have a healthy respect for each other. Some very curious giraffe on the ride to Kgotla camp actually came over at break time to look at the horses and riders, later in the day the riders were joined by a lone zebra in canter, when the horses pulled up so did he, posed for photos and then moved off again. Some good sightings of bat eared foxes, as well as numerous elephants in the Motlouse river. The game drive also was lucky enough to see a leopard, very relaxed in a tree as well as three cheetah relaxing in the shade of an acacia bush. So truly an excellent start to this weeks game viewing, and perfect weather to match. Mornings are becoming cool, about 15 degrees with lovely warm afternoons up to 30 degrees. Still lots of spaces to fill for this year...including our new lodge ride date on the 22nd June. Regards, Louise and the Horse Safari team."

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