Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris
Mashatu Game
Reserve, Tuli Reserve, Botswana
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LIMPOPO VALLEY
HORSE SAFARIS -
MASHATU GAME RESERVE, TULI RESERVE, BOTSWANA
 Limpopo
Valley Horse Safaris offer the experience of
a lifetime. Surrounded by a multitude of Africa’s
flora and fauna, come and explore this breathtaking
terrain from horseback, in the company of your
experienced African equine host, who has extensive
knowledge and experience of the bush.
"Our emphasis
is in offering our clients an adventure that
is unique to the Tuli Block by paying attention
to not only the large mammals, but to the ecology
of the area. Being on horseback allows the
client the freedom to view the wilderness at
their discretion - thus tailor making their
own safari experience."
A horse safari in the "Land
of the Giants" will arouse the explorer in
you. Allow the spirit of your horse to carry
you in rhythm with the African beat, to return
you back to an age old Africa, where herds
of elephant roam, where the "great,
green, grey, greasy Limpopo" (in the
words of Rudyard Kipling) meanders, where
the mighty baobab stands tall and where lions
and hyena serenade you under the starry African
night sky.
The Tuli Block, home to Mashatu Game Reserve
and Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris is an area
of great diversity, magnificent vistas and
land formations as ancient as time itself.
It is also home to a multitude of wildlife
species and remains untouched by the invasion
of man.
 Map
of Mashatu Game Reserve: Map
of Mashatu
Our riding trails are conducted in the vicinity
of the Limpopo Valley and cover both the
riverine terrain and the true African mopane
bushveld, including the famous granite rock
formations of the Tuli.
How better to experience the breathtaking
beauty of the area than on horseback! An
unparalleled equine adventure will take you
back to a time when man and his environment
were one!
Tuli
Safari - a 7 night wilderness
safari. The 1st night is spent at Fort
Jameson before heading out into the
bush where the next 6 nights will each
be spent at a different wilderness
camp. Each day is spent riding through
the diverse terrain within Mashatu.
The Tuli Safari always begins on a Sunday.
Limpopo
Safari - this is a camp based
safari. Each night is spent in the
comfort of Fort Jameson, with 2 out
rides a day - one in the early morning
and one in the afternoon. This itinerary
is tailormade to suit individual requirements
and has no minimum stay restrictions. |
HORSE SAFARI DETAILS For
images of Horse Safaris, click Horse
Safari Images
Two horse safaris are offered: The
Tuli Safari and the Limpopo Safari
TULI
SAFARI (7 nights / 8 days wilderness
safari)
Season: March – October
Accommodation: Fort Jameson and wilderness camps
Restrictions:
* Children under 16 years are not permitted.
* Only experienced riders may participate.
 Guests
who partake on these exciting trips spend
the first night at Fort Jameson Camp, and
then embark on a journey through the wild,
utilizing different remote campsites set
up in the bush each night. Should clients
feel that seven nights is too long, we
are able to reduce the number of nights
booked to 4. We are not, however, able
to arrange for late arrivals on the safari.
A minimum
of 4 riders are required to operate the
Tuli Safari. For a party of less than 4,
guests will remain based at Fort Jameson
Camp, and will participate on rides which
head out from the camp each morning and
late afternoon. We will always endeavour
to arrange at least one night in the bush
in this scenario. This is, however, subject
to prevailing conditions and availability
and cannot be guaranteed.
Regardless
of which safari guests reserve, the essence
of the experience remains unchanged. Superb
hospitality, excellent meals, invigorating
rides on exceptional horses within the
magical realm of Mashatu Game Reserve. |
Itinerary
DAY 1
Upon arrival at the Pont Drift
Border Post or Limpopo Valley Airfield, you will be
met by a representative and transferred to Fort Jamesons
Camp. After a light lunch, the
balance of the afternoon will be spent selecting, and
getting acquainted with, your horse. You will then
embark on an introductory ride along the banks of the
mighty Limpopo River .
Your first evening is spent enjoying sundowners
at the Stable Bar whilst watching the horses roll
in the setting sun, before a delectable dinner is
served in the beautiful garden under the inky black
sky (weather permitting). Retire for a night of rest
in the comfort of Fort Jamesons Camp.
DAY 2
A glorious morning commences at sunrise with tea/coffee
and a light breakfast under the Mashatu Tree in the
FJ garden. Departing from Fort Jamesons the ride
heads off in a northwesterly direction for Jwala
Camp on the banks of the Jwala River . 6-7 hrs are
spent in the saddle enjoying the abundance of game
and the magnificent scenery synonymous with the Land
of the Giants.
Dinner is prepared over an open fire by Joyce or
Martha – our truly brilliant chefs whose “bush
cuisine” is renowned far and wide.
Retire to your
dome 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
treat are served around the log fire. The
next ride begins: Test the amazingly sure
footed Boerperd 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 6-7 hours.
Camp is at
the Kgotla. This is an old tribal court from
a nearby community that was relocated to
the banks of the Mocloutse 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.
Sundowners are enjoyed from a sandstone kopje
overlooking the Mocloutse River as it meanders
and disappears into the African landscape.
Guests enjoy
dinner around a large log fire, before retiring
to bed. This evening is spectacular! The
night is spent sleeping under the stars in
the cacophony of sound generated by the African
bush orchestra. |
DAY 4
We spend two nights at Kgotla camp, in order to
have a full day worth of exploring the sandstone
formations including the famed Solomans Wall. Ancient
civilizations harbored their wealth in between these
hills, where two mighty rivers meet; the Limpopo
and the Mocloutse. This days riding will be about
4-5 hours to leave time for exploring the surroundings
on foot.
DAY 5
It’s
up and away! Another early rise and a good breakfast
around the log fire will set the morning off to
a good start.
Today’s ride will allow you to become one
with nature as you head towards the watering hole
at Pete’s Pond. Large open plains afford the
opportunity to tantalize the taste buds of the thrill
seeker with exhilarating riding amongst herds of
galloping wildebeest and zebra! See the visual wonders
of nature, feel the warmth of the sun on your face
and taste Africa in its most authentic sense!
On arrival
at Pete’s Pond
you will be welcomed by a well-deserved lunch as
this probably the longest ride about 7-8 hours,
which is served outside the hide overlooking the
large waterhole. The wildlife and bird life is
prolific in this area. The afternoon can be spent
sitting in the hide overlooking the water hole.
As evening draws to a close, enjoy the camaraderie
and drinks with your fellow riders around the fire.
DAY 6
 Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast prepared
over the open fire. 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 Zeederburg site. The day will offer
riding up and down river banks in riverine
forest, game sightings and once in a lifetime
opportunities for more fabulous photo footage.
Today’s riding will be about 5- 6
hours. The afternoon will bring a welcomed
lunch under the bows of an old Mashatu
tree, where a century past, transport riders
had their midday break before finally reaching
Fort Tuli .
Spend the afternoon
at leisure relaxing before you embark on
an afternoon walk into the bush. On foot
you are able to witness the smaller creatures
and plants that are missed on horse back.
You are also able to follow spoor and are
one-on-one with the bush environment.
The evening
is enjoyed with sundowners around a log fire
and a delicious meal sees the close to another
exhilarating and rewarding day. |
DAY 7
Rise
and shine to a hot cup of tea/coffee and a quick
breakfast bite before heading off exploring the
area on horseback. This ride is rich in history
and offers a variety of interesting tales of the
past. One of the events of the Anglo Boer War was
the destruction of Bryce’s Store in a battle
on the banks of the Pitsane River . Remnants of the
Store can still be found on Mashatu. Your experience
is further enhanced by the large herds of antelope
that are encountered along the way, peeking shyly
between foliage.
The open plains so characteristic of this area are
perfect for a really good gallop, hiopefully with
Zebras and wildebeests! As you head in the direction
of the Mojale and Limpopo rivers where lunch awaits
you. This ride is about 5-6 hours.
Once you have settled at the new wilderness camp,
and after a fulfilling lunch, it's time to explore
the Limpopo River bank on foot or to partake in a
game drive which gives the opportunity to see some
of the big cats from close.
Dinner is around the log fire, under another centurion
Mashatu Tree. 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.
This morning is spent riding along the
Limpopo River and skirting the edge of
Nel's vlei, we head back to fort Jamesons
. This is a shorter ride about 2-3 hours
to give you some time to get ready for
departure.
After a final
brunch in the beautiful picturesque gardens
of Fort Jamesons and sad farewells to your
riding companions and trusty Steeds, you
will have a chance to pack and freshen up
in order to prepare for departure to either
the Limpopo Valley Airfield or Pont Drift
Border Post. |
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LIMPOPO
SAFARI (Morning and afternoon rides from Fort
Jameson)
Season: Available all year round,
except January
Accommodation: Fort Jameson
Restrictions:
* Children under 16 years are not permitted, unless they are experienced and
competent riders, and the party they are travelling with have reserved the safari
exclusively. The children must be accompanied by a parent.
* Only experienced
riders may participate.
This is a camp
based safari. Each night is spent in the comfort
of Fort Jamesons, with 2 out rides a day - one
in the early morning and one in the afternoon.
This itinerary is tailormade to suit individual
requirements and has no minimum stay restrictions.
Itinerary
DAY
1
 Upon your arrival at Pont Drift Border Post or
Limpopo Valley Airfield a Limpopo representative
will be waiting to transfer you to Fort Jamesons
- your base for the duration of your stay. Following
check in and a light lunch you will spend your
time at leisure before meeting for an afternoon
ride conducted along the Limpopo River . Upon
your return you will be served sundowners at
our Stable Bar overlooking the horses as they
play and cool off in the setting sun.
On return
to the camp, your first evening is spent
enjoying your beverage of choice before
a delectable dinner is served in the beautiful
garden under the inky black sky (weather
permitting). Retire for a good night of
rest in the comfort of Fort Jamesons Camp. |
DAY
2
Y ou will be woken at sunrise with tea or coffee,
to the early morning excitement generated by
the bushveld dawn chorus. Following a light breakfast
you will then meet up with your carefully selected
horse for the day.
The morning
ride will take you through areas of historical
importance - the Zeederburg Route , as
well as an old Boer War sites. The riding
experience is varied; you will go according
to where the game is as this varies per
season. Most days includes large open plains,
which allows for exhilarating galloping
as well as woodlands with plenty of opportunities
to jump natural obstacles.
Return
to Fort Jameson where the staff will be
awaiting your arrival for brunch / lunch.
The rest of the afternoon will be spent
at leisure. You will then ride out for
two hours until sunset with opportunities
to try different mounts and possibly some
cross country jumps, returning for a delectable
three course dinner by candlelight. |
Depending on
the amount of time booked on this safari, each
day will be planned in different areas of the
reserve.
(Please note that all itineraries are
subject to change according to movement of elephant
and other mobile game species.)
Accommodation For
images of Horse Safari Accommodation,
click Horse
Safari Images
Fort
Jameson
 Fort Jameson is situated on the Limpopo River in the Mashatu Game Reserve. The
camp consists of 5 log cabins, each comprising two extra large single beds, private
en-suite facilities (including a shower, flush toilet and wash basin with hot/cold
running water). Facilities in the camp include an air-conditioned lounge / dining
room, a swimming pool and fully stocked bar. A waterhole offers exciting game
viewing from the perimeter of the camp. |
Wilderness/
Satellite Camps
 Satellite campsites are set up in specific
locations throughout the Mashatu wilderness. Accommodation
is in dome tents on comfortable beds with sheets
and duvets. Facilities include a bucket shower,
and “bush-WC” (not complete without
spade) - most importantly – enjoy every amenity
afforded by Mother Nature! Meals are cooked around
a camp fire. |
The Kgotla
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 centre.
The Horses
The horses have been individually selected for
their temperament and rideability. 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,
Appalosas, and the S.A. Warmblood. They range
in size from 14.3h.h to 17 h.h.
Limpopo
Valley Horse Safaris prides itself on horses
that have been selected with the same stringent
criteria as those selected for eventing
and other equine competitive sports. Our
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. We use Australian stock saddles,
South African Mcllelans and a selection
of English saddles for those who prefer. |
The Limpopo
Valley Staff
The
camp management couple are Cor and Louise Carelson.
Cor and Louise have been with Limpopo for 3
years and have taken over the challenges of running
the camp. Louise is still doing the most fantastic
job with the schooling of our horses and management
of the stables and Cor runs the fabulous horse
safari operation.
 Cor,
a native of South Africa, is a dedicated
conservationist and guide who has been
working at LVHS for over 3 years. He has
a diploma in Nature Conservation and has
worked as a project manager for a charitable
conservation foundation in Ecuador, which
was dedicated to preserving virgin Andean
cloud forests as well as Estate Manager
for a racehorse stud and training farm
in England. Cor has ridden from a young
age on his family's farm horses, but only
started riding on a professional basis
when he worked as a Guide for Equus Horse
Safaris in South Africa, before joining
Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in 2003.
It was
at Equus that Cor met Louise, a dual British/American
citizen who was brought up in Germany,
Switzerland and England and who has been
passionate about horses from as soon as
she could walk. An experience competitor
on the affiliated British Eventing circuit,
Louise has also worked as an exercise rider
for top trainers in Newmarket and participated
as an amateur jockey at 'Point to Point' race
meetings. Trained professionally at the French
National Riding School at Saumur, Louise is
now qualified as a BHS Intermediate Instructor.
‘West’ Mmanoko
is a rare breed of man, a Motswana with a passion
for and love of horses. West started with Limpopo
Valley Horse Safaris in the Mashatu Game Reserve,
Botswana, about three years ago as a groom.
Today, after muchf guidance and assistance
from Limpopo Valley’s team of highly
experienced and acclaimed equestrianists, West
and his horse, ‘Baron’ are a regular
sight out on the plains of Mashatu. |
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