RIDE WORLD WIDE Botswana - Limpopo Horse Safaris 2019 Ride Information Sheet Limpopo Horse Safaris (LHS) operate in south eastern Botswana s Mashatu Game Reserve, part of the Tuli block which borders South Africa and the great Limpopo River. Known as the Land of Giants for its large population of elephant and massive Baobab and Mashatu trees, the terrain of the Tuli block varies from thick thorn scrub and tall leadwood, Mashatu and fever trees lining the Limpopo, to vast semi-arid plains with striking rocky kopjes and sandstone outcrops that jut into the horizon. Safaris with Limpopo start from the comfortable semi-permanent Two Mashatus Camp and you can stay there throughout or join an adventurous Tuli Safari, following a circular route from Two Mashatus to other camps across the Reserve. You can also combine a few days riding in the Limpopo Valley with riding in South Africa ( African Explorer Safaris ) or in Botswana s Okavango Delta ( Best of Botswana Safaris ) - both wonderful ways to see two different areas. Please see our separate 'Saddlebag Safaris' and Okavango Delta (Macatoo Camp) Information Sheets for more details. All safaris are run for small groups and are very personalised. Dates Tuli Safaris are for 7 nights, Sunday to Sunday, from set dates pretty much year round. African Explorer Safaris (7 nights) are run from set dates and Best of Botswana Safaris (minimum 9 nights) are possible on request from February to end November starting on a Sunday. Please see set dates overleaf and contact Ride World Wide to check availability for all safaris.
[2] The Horses There are about 35 horses at the LHS base, mainly native South African breeds and crossbreeds that include Boerperds, South African Warmbloods and Shire / TB crosses. They are between about 14.3hh and 17hh, are tough, sure-footed and ideally suited to the Tuli s harsh environment and varying terrain. They are also sensible but responsive and forward going, making them a real pleasure to ride. The horses are looked after with great care and schooled to a high standard by Lindy Hill and her team. Lindy took over the onsite management of LHS in 2016 bringing with her a wealth of experience not only of horses from her own competing history but also from 5 years running her own riding holiday operation in Mauritius. Limpopo horses are schooled in the classic English style, but are easy to neck rein and used to being ridden with relaxed contact with the mouth. Grooms look after the horses at the base and travel with you on safari caring for them at camps. Saddles are generally McClellan style (quite similar to westerns), with some English and Australian stock saddles available for those who prefer. Saddle-bags are provided where necessary. The rider weight limit is 95kgs (about 15 stone), although with prior notice, experienced heavier riders may sometimes be taken if suitable horses are available. Please contact us if you are close to 95kgs to ensure horse availability. Riding Safaris normally include between 4 and 7 hours riding each day, with a shorter trial ride on the first day and a shorter morning ride on the last, although if you are staying at Two Mashatus Camp throughout, riding hours can be tailored to suit. The daily riding itinerary depends on weather and game, but you often start out early, at day-break, when it is cool and game most active, finishing in time for a late lunch or, on some days, there may be a slightly shorter morning ride and after lunch and a siesta, a late afternoon ride until sunset. Safaris are run for a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 riding guests, lead by a qualified guide and accompanied by a local groom or back-up rider. All guests are required to wear a hard hat when riding. The guiding team at Limpopo includes head guides West Mmanoko and David Cheno who joined LHS in 2003 & 2004 respectively. Both from Botswana, they started first as grooms, then assistant guides and began leading safaris personally from 2009. Their passion for horses, sense of responsibility and good humour has been an inspiration to many of their co-workers who they have helped train and encourage and one of the highlights of Limpopo is the excellent local guiding team. Pace The riding pace depends on the terrain and vegetation but generally safaris are at an energetic and well-varied pace with opportunities for long trots and canters, zig-zagging through the scrub or across open plains. There are, of course, also places where you have to ride slowly - where there is thick bush or woodland, if it is rocky, up and down steep river banks or if the sand is thick. Riders are encouraged to spread out where terrain and vegetation allows, but where the going or safety with game requires, you have to stay in line, riding one behind the other. Riding Experience To ride with LHS you must be a reasonably competent rider as you are in an open area where there is big game including elephant and lion. Safaris are aimed at capable English style riders of an intermediate standard and above and - although you don't have to be an expert over jumps or in competition (there are sometimes opportunities to jump small logs etc if you wish) - to join a safari you should be comfortable, balanced and in control on a horse at all paces (including long fast trots and canters). You should be used to riding with a group and in open country over varied, sometimes tricky terrain and should also be relaxed and secure in the saddle so you are able to stay on your horse if it reacts suddenly, or needs to move quickly out of trouble. The minimum level of riding experience required is similar for all safaris although African Explorer Safaris, with the first 4 nights in an area where there is no big game, are a particularly good choice for less confident riders or as a first safari. You will always enjoy your safari much more if you are fairly riding fit and if you do not ride regularly, we recommend you accustom yourself to the time in the saddle with regular training before you go. The minimum age for safaris is generally 16 years, although children of 12 yrs and over (no children under 12yrs), who are strong, competent riders, may be accepted. This is on a case by case basis at the manager s discretion so please check with us if you plan to travel with children. All riders will be asked to do a short, informal trial ride to check competency before being allowed on safari.
[3] Terrain The terrain in the Tuli includes dry, open sandy plains that are dotted with acacia trees and jutting granite outcrops, dense forests of mopani trees and groves of fever and Mashatu trees that line the banks of the Limpopo River. In the winter, April / May to September / October, the river-bed is often dry and the whole region is semi-desert. In summer, after seasonal rains, it can be wet and very green with the Limpopo River running strongly and pronounced vegetation types - riverine forest, acacia woodland, open grassy plains and true savannah - creating a very different environment. Game The Tuli block provides a wonderful habitat for elephant and is also known for its population of eland, the largest of the antelope as well as being home to the other African Giants - giraffe, lion and the huge kori bustard. There are also many different species of plains game in the area including impala, wildebeest, zebra, kudu and nyala, predators such as hyena, leopard and cheetah and also monkeys, baboons, warthogs and crocodiles. Generally game viewing is best between June and October, the drier months when there is no grass cover. Bird life is prolific with about 300 species visiting or breeding in the area and spectacular birds of prey are often seen hunting over the open plains. During a safari there will sometimes be chances for guided bush walks or for game drives after riding, the latter an ideal opportunity to see predators such as cats close up. There is also usually plenty of time to relax in the late afternoon and for bird watching from camp. Accommodation The Two Mashatus Camp is a comfortable, semi-permanent base camp at the confluence of the Limpopo and Majale Rivers - the first and last two nights on Tuli Safaris are spent here, it is the base for Two Mashatus Safaris and is also used for two nights on Best of Botswana Safaris and for the Botswana section of African Explorer Safaris. At Two Mashatus, five twin / double East African style guest tents are raised on teak decking, have comfortable beds made up with cotton sheets and duvets and their own flush loo and private shower behind the tent. The camp also has a dining area built in local style with a palm thatch roof, a fire pit with comfortable chairs, ideal for pre-dinner relaxation, and a small plunge pool for very hot days. Other nights on Tuli (and on the LHS section of Best of Botswana) Safaris are at a selection of wilderness camps, some semi-permanent and some temporary, at carefully selected locations across the Mashatu Reserve. Accommodation style at these varies but at all you have a comfortable stretcher bed, made up with cotton sheets and duvets, shared showers (usually traditional hot bucket and pulley showers) and long drop or flush loos, with tables and chairs for meals - all set up before you arrive by staff who attend to the camp chores, cooking meals, heating water for showers and so on. Usually, after the first night at Two Mashatus Camp, you ride to Kanda Camp where accommodation is in rustic cabins with shared showers and flush loos. The next 2 nights are normally at the Kgotla Camp, set up in an old leadwood boma, a traditional African enclosure that was originally the tribal court for a local community which has since relocated to western Mashatu. cont. over
[4] Accommodation cont. At Kgotla nights are outside under the stars sleeping on stretcher beds draped with mosquito nets and set up around the camp-fire. Then on Day 5 you ride to Liana fly camp, sleeping in traditional A frame safari tents, with shared bucket showers. Accommodation on all safaris is based on two sharing a tent or room and a single supplement will be charged if you are not prepared to share with another guest (of the same sex) if requested (if you book alone, you will only be asked to share if numbers / mix of guests requires). Meals You will be well fed on these safaris with three freshly cooked meals a day. Days normally start early with a light breakfast of porridge, toast, muffins, fruit and tea or coffee before you ride. There is often then a break out riding for a snack - perhaps a sandwich and piece of fruit - and when you return from your ride or reach your new camp, you can relax over a substantial lunch, usually buffet style with a varied menu of quiches, salads, bread and cold meats followed by fruit or a cooked pudding. Dinner is usually three courses, perhaps roast beef with all the trimmings or a traditional braii (barbecue) served around the camp fire or at a long table under the stars. Menus are carefully chosen and varied and there is always plenty of freshly baked bread, vegetables and salads. Vegetarians can be well catered for with prior notice. Wine, beer, a selection of spirits (on ice) and soft drinks, tea and coffee are all included. Safety There will be a short introductory talk on the safari when you arrive and all riders will be asked to do a short informal riding trial to check ability and ensure horses are well matched. Anyone not of the minimum required level will not be allowed to ride. Each ride is lead by a qualified guide who carries a rifle as well as a radio, mobile phone (although coverage is limited) and first aid kit and is accompanied by a back-up rider or local groom. There is also a comprehensive medical kit at the stables and when riding your guide is in radio contact with the main Mashatu office as well as the stables in case of emergencies. Weather Summer months in the Tuli are September to April and it is generally hottest from October to February, with temperatures up to about 38 degrees C at midday. It can rain in October although the rainy season is usually November / December to February. The coolest months are May to August (winter) when midday temperatures reach about 28 degrees C and the area is dry and desert-like. During these months and in early September, it can be quite cold in the early mornings and evenings (dropping to about 4 or 5 degrees C), but even at the coldest times of year, days are normally sunny and warm. What to bring We will send you a suggested clothing list when your booking is confirmed. Itinerary The daily itinerary on safari always varies a little with movement of game and weather but the following is an example of the itinerary planned for Tuli Safaris - please note this is only an example and day by day arrangements and routes may be varied in your guide s discretion if weather, movement of game, group ability or other conditions require. Please contact us for other itineraries: Tuli Safari example itinerary: Day 1 On arrival at Johannesburg ORT International airport, make your way to the Intercontinental Hotel (a 3 minute walk from the International Arrivals Hall) where you will be met at about 10.45. Transferred from here about 45 minutes to the smaller Lanseria airport and shown to the private charter that will fly you to the Limpopo Airfield (1½ hour flight). Met on arrival and, after customs and immigration formalities have been completed, a short 10 minute drive to the stables. Time to shower and change at the LHS reception area if you wish and after a light lunch, meet your horse for the week. Mount up for a short introductory ride to make sure you are well suited to each other. Then set off to ride to Two Mashatus Camp, arriving in time for sundowner drinks then supper in the Llala palm dining room. Night at Two Mashatus. (L, D)
[5] Day 2 Start the day at sunrise with tea or coffee brought to your tent, followed by a light breakfast. Mount up and head out of the dense woodland along the Limpopo River towards the shallow rocky hills that mark the edges of the great river valley. Here in the heart of the Mashatu area there is often plentiful game, with the Tuli block home to one of the largest herds of free roaming elephant south of the Zambezi. Your destination tonight is Majale River Camp, a rustic series of cabins on top of the steep banks of the Majale River and you will arrive in time for a late lunch. After lunch and a siesta, time for a gentle walk in the cool of the afternoon to a nearby look out point returning to camp for dinner, cooked for over an open fire and eaten in the thatched lapa overlooking the river. Night Majale River Camp. (B,L,D) Day 3 An early wake-up call heralds a new day and after tea, coffee and a light breakfast around the camp fire, mount up to set off riding. The route always varies as you follow game along ancient elephant trails, pass some of the huge rock formations for which the Limpopo Valley is known and canter on flat, sandy plains winding around the scrub. Stop for a snack and to stretch legs en-route and then finally arrive at the banks of the Motloutse River, where the night will be spent sleeping out in a traditional African enclosure or boma known as the Kgotla after the ancient tribal court that used to be held here. Made of ancient leadwood logs set around an old Mashatu tree, the Kgotla provides perfect security for a night sleeping out under the stars. Lunch when you arrive and in the late afternoon a guided walk or short ride to the Amphitheatre, an impressive rock formation then return to camp for dinner around the fire and the night on comfortable camp beds beds, set up under a star-filled sky, listening to the cacophony of sound that is the African bush orchestra at night! Night Kgotla Camp. (B,L,D) Day 4 Tonight is also spent at Kgotla and there is a choice of both a morning and afternoon ride, exploring the amazing sandstone formations in this area, including the famed Solomon s Wall, OR, if everyone wishes, you might choose a longer morning ride (about 4 or 5 hours) and time in the afternoon to visit some local basket weavers in the village of Lentswe Le Moriti, followed by a drive through the Mmamagwa hills, where you can walk to a look-out point under a solitary baobab that gives a fantastic 360 degree view South Africa to the south, Zimbabwe to the north and Botswana all around - in the African sunset. Dinner and night at Kgotla. (B,L,D) Day 5 An early start and hearty breakfast around the fire, before heading off on what is probably the longest riding day. First the route winds through mopane bush where there are often good chances to see elephant before reaching open plains, perfect for an exhilarating canter. After crossing the plains close the Limpopo River, finally arrive at the new camp, Liana, nestled amongst giant Mashatu trees that line the Liana lagoon, a tributary to the Limpopo River. A late lunch and in the late afternoon after your long ride, a lovely opportunity to explore Mashatu from a game drive vehicle trying to spot the elusive leopard, cheetah and lion the area is known for. Dinner and overnight Liana Camp. (B,L,D) Day 6 Breakfast at Liana Camp before heading out on a route that meanders its way through the plains between the Mojadi and Majele rivers, with some great views into the Limpopo River valley. After a long morning ride arrive back at Two Mashatus base camp, to be greeted with cold drinks, a homecoming lunch and if you wish a dip in the plunge pool. In the afternoon, a relaxed ride to one of the nearby kopjes for sundowners. Dinner and night at Two Mashatus. (B,L,D)
[6] Day 7 Today s ride takes you into the Pitsane river valley and usually promises excellent game viewing. Originating from a spring high in the hills, the river provides regular drinking holes along its course that often draw -in thirsty herds of game. You may well see good sized herds of impala, zebra, wildebeest and eland and there are some sandy and open plains that are also perfect for exhilarating canters, if you are lucky alongside some of the game! Today s ride also gives a good idea of the history of this pioneering area - the destruction of Bryce s Store in a battle on the banks of the Pitsane River was one of the major events of the Anglo Boer War and remnants of the store can still be found on Mashatu. A picnic lunch out riding today and arrive back at Two Mashatus in the afternoon in time for a dip in the pool and late afternoon drinks. Final dinner and night Two Mashatus. (B,L,D) Day 8 Breakfast and a final ride taking you back to the stables. Farewell to your horse and time for a shower and lunch before heading off to the Limpopo Airfield for a private charter flight back to Lanseria Johannesburg airport (about 1½ hours flight), departing approximately 14.30. Arrive JNB at about 16.00 and you will be driven about 45 minutes to the Intercontinental Hotel at Johannesburg ORT International for your onward journey. (B, L) 2019 DATES Tuli Safaris (7 nights) Sunday to Sunday, every week, year round African Explorer Safaris (7 nights) - See separate information files 2019 RATES High Season: 28th April to 31st December Low Season: 1st January to 27th April Tuli Safari (set date): High Season - 3080 per person Low Season - 2310 per person (Return charter transfers add 500 per person March to November; 700 per person in January, February & December) Single supplement: 750 per person No single supplement is charged in January & February Between 1st March and 31st December (one tent is available with NO single supplement on a first request basis). Rates INCLUDE all riding, guiding and equipment, twin accommodation, meals (from lunch day 1 to brunch on last day), laundry service and drinks (a selection of soft drinks, beer and house wine). Return transfers between Johannesburg ORT International airport and Lanseria International airport, standard air charters from Lanseria International airport to Limpopo Valley Airfield also included where indicated (on group basis - see below) Rates EXCLUDE International flights and taxes, any supplements for small group / non-standard air charters, personal medical / travel insurance (which you must have), any extra night's accommodation before or after the safari, any visa fees and any tips you may wish to leave staff and conservation levies of 10 USD per person per night (payable direct).
[7] Best of Botswana Safaris (minimum 9 nights) Combines 6 nights Limpopo Horse Safaris with a minimum of 3 nights African Horseback Safaris (Macatoo Camp) in the Okavango Delta. Dates - starting any Sunday February to end November (6 nights LHS / minimum 3 nights Macatoo) Rates (seasonal, assuming 9 nights) 1st January to 30th March - 5735 per person 1st to 27th April - 5110 per person 28th April to 30th June - 5770 per person 1st July to 31st October - 6115 per person 1st to 30th November - 6770 per person 1st to 30th November - 6395 per person Rates INCLUDE all items as above and charter transfers - Lanseria to Mashatu; Mashatu to Macatoo; and Macatoo to Maun. Onward flights from Maun NOT included. Please contact us for further details. Single supplement - on request; please contact us Single accommodation - Please also note that all rates above assume twin shared accommodation and if you are booking alone and are not prepared to share a room / tent with another guest of the same sex if the safari / camp is full, the single supplement will be charged. The supplement is NOT compulsory for single bookings - it will ONLY be charged if you are not prepared to share and wish to guarantee a single tent / room. International Flights / Travel - The meeting place for safaris is either the Limpopo Valley Airfield in Botswana or the Pont s Drift Border Post between South Africa and Botswana. Getting there - The best way to travel from London is generally to fly to Johannesburg ORT airport in South Africa, where you will be met for your onward transfer to Lanseria International airport and connecting charter to Limpopo. For Tuli and Best of Botswana Safaris, charter flights from Lanseria to Limpopo are arranged at set times and booked on a whole plane basis. Current rate for Tuli Safaris is 700 per person return during January, February & December, 500 per person return for all other months. This rate assumes a minimum of 5 travelling on the plane. (NB charter rates are subject to change and should be confirmed when you book). If charter flights are not available, overland transfers will be organised (about a 5 ½ hour drive from Johannesburg ORT to Pont s Drift - 315 miles). The current rate for vehicle transfers is 412 each way per car taking 3 passengers (subject to change and to be confirmed when you book). Contact us for more information on charter flights for Best of Botswana Safaris.
[8] To make use of group air charters / transfers you need an International flight arriving Johannesburg ORT before 09.30 on the first day of the safari. On the return your flight out of Johannesburg should not be before 20.00. Vehicle transfers can be organised outside set times but the Ponts Drift border closes at 16.00 so ALL vehicle transfers to Limpopo on the first day must leave Johannesburg before 10.00. If you prefer to hire a car and drive yourself to Ponts Drift this is another option. You will be met at the border at about 13.00, your car can be left there safely and you will be driven onto Two Mashatus Camp (about 30 minutes). After the safari you will be driven back to Ponts Drift. For flights to Johannesburg we recommend a direct overnight flight from London - British Airways, South African Airways & Virgin all fly direct from London to Johannesburg every day, usually departing between about 18.00 and 21.00 and arriving JHB between 07.00 and 10.15 the next day. Please note flight arrival information above and call us if you would like more flight information, a quote for a flight inclusive holiday or if you would like us to book flights for you. Our ATOL number for flight bookings is 6213 It is also possible to arrange private charter flights from Limpopo Valley Airfield to several other locations in Southern Africa: eg the Okavango Delta, Kasane in northern Botswana, Vilanculos in Mozambique and reserves bordering the Kruger National Park. Please contact us to discuss rates and possible add-ons. General visa and health information (NB this is a brief outline - further information will be sent to you if you make a confirmed booking) Visas If you hold a full British Passport and are visiting Botswana for a holiday only and staying less than 90 days you do not need to arrange a visa in advance. If you plan to fly via South Africa note that there are special requirements for those travelling with children, requiring provision of birth certificates and other documents. These are very strictly enforced particularly if only one parent is accompanying. Health No inoculations are legally required for entry to Botswana from Europe but inoculations against Tetanus and Hepatitis A are recommended and also against Typhoid, Cholera and Yellow Fever in some circumstances. You may also be advised to take anti-malaria tablets. We will send you more information if you confirm your booking but you should always consult a health professional for further and more detailed advice. (DRAFT 15/11/2018)