Rates Note:

Transfer Option:

The Safari starts AND finishes on a Sunday.

Sample Itinerary - Mashatu Land of the Giants - Tuli Safari - 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 - Two Mashatus Camp Safari - Stationary Ride

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.

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 freshness of the 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 sundowners and a three course meal prepared by our 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.

The climate over most of Southern Africa is temperate. Hot, dry conditions are usually encountered in the Tuli region. Heavy summer thunderstorms of short duration in the late afternoon and evening may be experienced. Rainfall occurs mostly during the summer months (October - March).

JANUARY:    The New Year begins with the area looking lush with verdant plains and dense greenery.  There is copious standing water in the veldt, due to heavy summer rains that normally begin in early December.  Zebra and Waterbuck begin to give birth to their young.  Kudu start calving towards the end of the month.  Elephants are to be found in large numbers, with migrant herds moving into the area.  Enormous herds of up to 200 congregate, with all taking advantage of the new green vegetation.  Temperatures may be high, reaching between 35°c and 40°c.  Fortunately the heat may be moderated in the afternoons and early evenings, by the build-up of clouds and the possibility of a welcome thundershower.  Cheetah normally also make an appearance, drawn to the area by concentrations of Impala moving from the woodlands into the open plains.  The Impala are lured out by the tender new grass shoots, which cover the plains in delicate shades of green, particularly to the north and east of the Majale River.  If the rains have been plentiful, the Limpopo River may be flowing strongly and there is a good chance of flash floods occurring in the Majale, Pitsani, Nyaswe and Matabole Rivers.

FEBRUARY:   This is one of the hottest months of the year, with temperatures soaring.  The conditions are similar to those of January.  Kudus continue to calve and there is a good chance of seeing late Impala lambs, tottering along on spindly, wobbling legs behind their mothers.  Due to the excessive heat, the animals wisely begin to seek shade before 8 o’clock in the morning, only becoming active again in the late afternoon, just prior to sunset.  Tropical thunderstorms are still a regular afternoon feature and there is still a high probability of flooded rivers to add some excitement to game drives.

MARCH:   Finally the harsh, searing heat of summer begins to abate and there is less likelihood of rain. A few late Kudu calves may make a bemused appearance in the beginning of the month.  Large nursery herds of gawky Impala young are found, kept under some control by the watchful eyes of their mothers.  The bush is still dense, but the bright shades of green are starting to become duller as the year progresses.  Due to the decrease in rainfall, the characteristic carpets of yellow flowers, so prevalent in the early summer months, begin to disappear.

APRIL: This is a truly splendid time of the year.  It is now autumn and the daily temperatures are most pleasant with balmy days and nights.  The trees are still green and the bush is thick.  Groundcovers growing away from the larger watercourses are starting to change colour to the browner shades of winter, as water becomes scarcer.  A hush begins to fall over the bush, as the myriad of insects, frogs and reptiles quieten down in preparation for winter.  Flocks of migratory birds also begin to congregate in the treetops, gathering themselves together for the long flight northwards to sunnier climes and greener pastures. The rains have abated, although late unseasonable showers may occur, but this the exception rather than the rule.

MAY:    The transition from summer to winter occurs rapidly in the Limpopo Valley.  Temperatures begin to drop rapidly after sunset and both evening and morning game drives require warmer clothing.  Although chilly in the morning, the days are clear and pleasant with crisp blue skies.  Now that the rains are over, the veldt begins to dry out and game begins to congregate around the major watercourses, such as the Limpopo and associated wetlands, as well as the artificial waterholes scattered throughout the reserve.  Deciduous trees begin to loose their leaves, with crisp, crackling drifts of golden brown leaves forming on the ground and tree bases.  The grasses, forbs and herbs gradually begin to fade away.  As the vegetation begins to thin, the elusive leopard is more frequently seen.  Lions, which dispersed with the game during the wet season, now begin to concentrate their activities in the central area of Mashatu.

JUNE:   Winter is now upon us and has spread its chilly grip on Mashatu.  Most of the natural pans and pools have now completely dried up.  Elephant and a host of other species begin to frequent the artificial waterholes at both Main and Tent Camps, which makes for exciting mealtime viewing.  Predator sightings are good at this time of the year, due to the thinned out vegetation and concentrations of game, cheetah however are scarce.  In general the game is more active later into the day.

JULY:   The conditions are much like those in June.  The days are still good, with crisp mornings. The nights can be very cold.  Elephant may begin to dig for water in the sandy riverbeds, providing water not only for themselves, but a variety of other animals.  This is also a favorable time to visit the archaeological site at the Motloutse River.  The summer vegetation has disappeared and a host of interesting features are now visible.

AUGUST:  Conditions are extremely dry now.  The floodplains and grasslands adjacent to the Limpopo are very dry and barren.  The bush has become harsh and almost inhospitable, with absolutely no groundcover, only dust and rocks visible for kilometers.  The veldt has all the typical winter hues of brown and red, as the Mopane leaves start turning.  The weather is fine with temperatures increasing slightly.  The early mornings and evenings being not as cold as in June or July.  August is a showy month, with respect to sunsets.  Due to the very dry conditions, large quantities of dust is taken up into the air, giving rise to spectacular pyrotechnic displays as the sun sinks below the horizon.

SEPTEMBER:   This is a month of great contrast.  The bush is still very dry, a condition exacerbated by winds, which blow from August through to October.  However, many trees begin to blossom, in anticipation of the rapidly approaching summer.  The vibrant hues of the blossoms enliven the bush, providing a bountiful treat for baboons and other hungry inhabitants of the bush, all of whom have struggled through the lean winter months.  Temperatures begin to creep upwards and game drives are once again early morning and late afternoon affairs, as a wise means of avoiding the debilitating midday heat.

OCTOBER:   Temperatures begin to steadily increase and conditions are becoming desperate for many of the herbivores.  This is due to sub region frontal systems touching on the Limpopo Valley, bringing superheated air into the region.  There may be an occasional tropical thunderstorm, but this early rain is sucked up like a sponge by the barren earth.  This welcome water is however not enough, and seldom results in a notable floral display.  Predators have a field day, as many of the game are weak and tend to restrict their activities to the area close to the waterholes.  The lack of dense vegetation and the dry powdery soil make tracking lion and leopard an easier task and often result in exceptional sightings.  Elephant listlessly wait out the dry season, moving from waterhole to waterhole, where they take full advantage, wallowing and drinking for hours.  They will feed on the surrounding vegetation, moving into the bush on feeding forays when temperatures have dropped sufficiently for them to forage out of the protective shade.  It is also at this time that eland begin to calve.

NOVEMBER:   Summer is now in full swing at Mashatu.  The temperatures are high and there is a lot of humidity in the air.  The chances of convectional thunderstorms are great, although the real rains are still at least a month away.  Some of the summer migrant birds begin to arrive.  The characteristic call of the Red-chested Cuckoo rings out clearly, heralding the approach of better times for all.  Once good rains have fallen, the small, drab, but extremely vocal Monotonous Lark keeps the bush awake day and night with its irritating call, as they perch on every treetop.

DECEMBER:  The most vibrant month at Mashatu.  Rains are a regular part of the day, with spectacular thunderstorms rumbling in from the northwest in the afternoons, complete with dazzling lightening displays.  Flash floods come bursting down the rivers, sweeping the accumulation of dirt and debris away, leaving fresh, clean channels once again. The whole of the bush looks as if it has been freshly washed and scrubbed.  The veldt is transformed into a golden carpet of acres and acres of yellow flowered “Devil Thorns”, interspersed with a myriad of other vibrantly coloured flowers.  Swamps and marshlands along the Limpopo fill with water, and provide an irresistible attraction to the droves of water birds, all of whom are taking advantage of the biological explosion of insects, amphibians and reptiles.  Impala and Wildebeest give birth to numerous gangly, wide-eyed young, which shortly after birth are gamboling and bounding on the plains.  This is Mother Nature’s way of swamping the predators with an excess of provender, thereby ensuring the survival of the species.  Migratory birds arrive en masse, with enormous flocks of White, Black and Abdims storks roaming the plains.  Lesser-Spotted and Steppe Eagles compete to annex every available treetop and the trill of the Woodland Kingfisher fills the air.  The bush is alive and an avian and insectile cacophony fills the air night and day, emanating from every clump and thicket.

• Travel documents and Voucher
• Flight tickets
• Passport
• Visa (check with your consulate)
• Proof of insurance coverage (needs to be sent in in advance)

• Suitable riding gear. - Jodhpurs or long trousers
• Half chaps recommended.
• Riding hats are compulsory. Some helmets can be provided (no guarantee that they will fit) -  it is better to bring your own.
• Full-length boots - Jodhpur boots and cowboy boots are not recommended.
• Riding gloves
• Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection
• Waterproof raincoat (for Summer, from November to March).

• We recommend the use of neutral-colored clothing (khaki, brown, beige and green) that blends in with the bush (no brightly colored, or white clothing
• Warm clothing (for winter, May to August).
• Long sleeved shirts or T-shirts
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Long socks
• Pajama
• Bag for dirty clothes
• Walking shoes, hiking boots or ride/run boots
• Swimsuit and towel

• Personal Toiletries
• Mosquito repellent
• Personal medications
• Sore cream (for an emergency)
• Sewing kit
• Handkerchiefs
• Head lamp
• Camera, extra batteries, binoculars
• Belt pack
• Address book and pen (for postcards!)
• Sun glasses with strap
• Sun block   
• Reading material.
• Lip balm

Progressive Option: Mashatu Land of the Giants - Tuli Safari
Your first and last nights are spent at 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 ensuite enviro-toilets and hot water showers. Each tent is private and positioned in the tree shade with a small size deck area on which to relax during the afternoons.

On the trail your safari tents are moved to different wilderness camps which are set up in specific locations throughout the Mashatu reserve.  Accommodation is in A-frame tents with comfortable beds equipped with sheets and duvets.  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 from February through November.  This camp is in a wonderful location near the Limpopo River but also has a view over  theopen plains to the west. Accommodation is in big A-frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with ensuite enviro-toilets and hot water showers. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck on which to relax when not riding. Nestled in the shade of a centurion Mashatu tree, two traditionally built Lala Palm rondavels (round buildings) serve as dining area and lounge.
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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 will need to sign a waiver on arrival if you choose not to wear a helmet!
Important - you are not covered by our partner's insurance if you do not wear a helmet. We have a few helmets available, but there is no guarantee that they will fit. Best to bring your own!
All of the horses have been individually selected for their temperament and "ride-ability". They have been carefully chosen from the various South African breeds available, which are well known for being of a tougher nature - able to cope under extreme conditions. These breeds include the Boerperd, 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. We use Australian stock saddles, South African Mclellans and a selection of English saddles.

• Participants must be EXPERIENCED RIDERS, this means they must ride regularly and be comfortable at the faster gaits, canter and galloping as well as able to do small jumps.
• 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.