Rates Note:

Transfer and Other Options:

Sample Itinerary - Progressive Trail

Day 1. Upon arrival at the Pont Drift Border Post or Limpopo Valley Airfield, you will be met by your guide, Cor or West, and transferred to Two Mashatus Camp. 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 whilst watching the horses roll in the setting sun. Then you will head back to camp 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. After arriving at Jwala Camp, lunch is the order of the day followed by a guided afternoon walk, examining the bush around you in detail. Dinner is prepared over an open fire by Martha or Grace – our truly brilliant chefs whose “bush cuisine” is renowned far and wide. 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 tea/coffee and a delicious light breakfast is served around the log fire. Test the amazingly sure-footed Boerperde as we 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. 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. The open-air traditional African enclosure is made of leadwood logs in the shade of a century old Mashatu tree. In the afternoon we 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 after which the night is spent sleeping under the stars while listening in on the cacophony of sounds generated by the African bush orchestra.

Day 4. We 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 of about seven hours. 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 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 will offer riding up and down river banks, through riverine forest, game sightings and more fabulous photo opportunities. Today’s riding will be about five to six hours. 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! You 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. 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 begins with your final early morning tea/coffee and breakfast snack over the open fire. The morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River. We head back to the stables where fond farewells are made to your steed. This is a shorter ride of about two hours, allowing you to get back to Two Mashatus with enough time to enjoy a hearty brunch and to get ready for departure. Then it’s off to Pont Drift in time for your return transfer to Johannesburg.

Please note that this is only an example as is subject to change.

Sample Itinerary - Stationary Ride 
Dates are available from February to November.

The 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 same camp every night.

Day 1: Upon arrival at Johannesburg International airport, you will be met at the information counter in the international arrivals hall, terminal A1 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. We make an early start each day to enjoy the fresh morning and to maximise game-viewing opportunities in the hours that the wildlife is most active. Undoubtedly we 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 sundowner drinks and a three course meal prepared by our expert bush cooks on the open fire, before turning in for the night!

From Day 3 onwards: Each day we 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.

Day 8: 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. 

Please note that this is only an example as is subject to change.

Progressive Option: Land of the Giants - Tuli Safari
Your first and last nights are spent at the Two Mashatus base camp. Nestled in the shade of centurion Mashatu trees, two traditionally built Lala Palm rondavels serve as comfortable and cozy dining area and lounge. Sleeping accommodations are in big A-frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with ensuite toilets and hot water showers. Each tent is private and positioned in tree shade, with a small size deck area on which to relax during the afternoons in privacy. On the trail your safari tents are moved to different wilderness camps which are set up in specific locations throughout the reserve.  Accommodation again is in A-frame tents with comfortable beds equipped with sheets and duvets. Bathroom facilities include a bucket shower, and “bush-toilet.”  Meals are cooked around the camp fire. You may even spend a night or two at the Kgotla Camp “sleeping under the stars”  in an old tribal court. 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. 

Stationary Option: Two Mashatus Camp Safari
The "Two Mashatus" camp is where the stationary safaris are based.  This camp is in a wonderful location near the Limpopo River, with views over theopen plains to the west. Nestled in the shade of centurion Mashatu trees, two traditionally built Lala Palm rondavels serve as comfortable and cozy dining area and lounge. Accommodation is in big A-frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with en-suite toilets and private hot water showers. Each tent is positioned in the shade of a tree, with a small deck on which to relax when not riding.
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This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English trekking
Horses:		Boerperd, Basuto, Anglos and South African Warmbloods
Pace:		6 + hours in saddle / day; fast, exhilarating, challenging! | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3.5 to 5 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 16
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

Please note riding helmets are mandatory. 
You are not covered by our partner's insurances if you do not wear a helmet. They have a few helmets available, but there is no guarantee that they will fit your head comfortably, so best to bring your own if possible!

All of the horses have been individually selected for their temperament and are various South African breeds, which are well known for being of a hardy nature and able to cope under extreme climate conditions. The herd includes the native Boerperd, as well as Shire X Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, and the South African Warmblood. They range in size from 14.3hh to 17 hh.

The safari prides itself on horses that have been selected with the same stringent criteria as those selected for eventing and other strenuous 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. When not on safari, many of the horses compete in local 3-day eventing competitions! We use Australian stock saddles, South African Mclellans and a selection of English saddles.

• Participants must be EXPERIENCED RIDERS, this means they must ride relatively regularly and be comfortable at the fast gaits, canter and galloping.
  
• Children under 16 years are not permitted. 

Passports
Passports valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa);
(b) transit passengers provided continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission/embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Nationals travelling to South Africa, before or after entering Botswana, will require two clear pages in their passport for the South African stamp.
Types of Visa and Cost
General Entry: £60 (single- or multiple-entry).
Validity
Up to 90 days from the date of issue. Extensions are available from the Department of Immigration in Botswana.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
One to three.