Our Destinations

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BOTSWANA : MOBILE LUXURY SAFARI IN LIMPOPO VALLEY ...

ITINERARY

Day 1

Collection at Johannesburg airport at 8.00am. A drive of 5.5 hours takes us to Pont drift border post where your horse safari guide will meet us. After the formalities of crossing the border you will be escorted in an open game drive vehicle to the reception area by the stables. After settling in and enjoying a refreshing lunch in the Lala Palm Rondavel, we’re off to meet the most important members of the team: the horses!  We will then embark on a short introductory ride in the afternoon to make sure that us and our mount are perfectly suited. The ride is followed by sundowners at the stable bar before heading to the luxury "Out of Africa" base camp. A delicious evening meal follows before retiring to the comfort of our room. Then allow the sounds of the bush serenade us to sleep!

Day 2

After breakfast, we mount up and head off on the long ride of 6 hours to the luxurious Naledi camp.  This ride traverses hills and ridges and takes you to the most northern parts of the game reserve.  On the open plains there are good opportunities for fast canters, perhaps accompanied by zebra, wildebeest or eland. The lush vegetation close to the Majale River is browsed by a diversity of wildlife, so there is a good chance of excellent game-viewing in this area. Upon arrival at this beautiful private camp, we are welcomed by cold beverages and a good lunch.  In the afternoon, we enjoy the very comfortable rooms or lounge around the swimming pool with a view over the African bush.  If feeling energetic, take a game walk with our guide in the late afternoon.  This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the small and fascinating creatures that are an important part of the local ecology.   Head back to camp before sunset for traditional sundowners, an excellent dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Day 3

Today we make a leisurely start on the 4.5 hour ride to Kanda Farm, traversing the central game area of the reserve where we may see giraffe, eland or zebra.  The ride passes through an area of rocky cliffs, home to a resident leopard.  Kanda Farm is a rustic family-owned property in a spectacular location overlooking the Majale River.  After lunch and a siesta, we have the option of a game drive which offers the opportunity of viewing predators such as leopard, cheetah, wild dog and lion that Mashatu is famous for.  You may also be lucky to spot some of the other interesting nocturnal residents such as hyena, genet or porcupine.  We stop for sundowners at a vantage point before returning to camp for dinner.

Day 4

Today we explore the surrounding area, tracking wildlife through the bush and enjoying spectacular views across Mashatu. There is a great diversity of game in this area and you may see bat-eared fox, black- backed jackal, eland, kudu and other plains game. The morning ride is about 4 hours followed by lunch back at Kanda camp.  In the afternoon, we follow the course of the Majale River on a bush walk and climb some of the kopjes in the area.  Back to camp and a dinner under the stars!

Day 5

Today you head out to the Pitsani plains. Descending to the  plains, there is the possibility for an exhilarating gallop where you might be joined by curious herds of zebra, wildebeest or giraffe. We will wind our way through the hills before arriving at the beautiful Sentata Lodge on neighbouring Charter reserve. Usually there is a game drive in the afternoon, and a lazy relaxed evening on the cool lawn overlooking the mighty Limpopo while the cooks rustle up another delicious meal.

Day 6

Another exciting morning’s ride as we head out along the Limpopo river in search of the abundant wildlife the area has to offer. Hopefully we will come across some logs knocked over by elephants along the way which the horses love to hop over. Today’s Lodge is the elegant Limpopo House. Enjoy the stunning pool or sit on the cool veranda with a book while you watch the horses graze nearby. And the afternoon will bring a final game drive and hopefully some cats along the way too...

Day 7

After breakfast we head back to the base camp, following the Limpopo River which always offers up some interesting and close encounters with elephant or other wildlife.  After an enjoyable 4 hour ride, we arrive at camp in time for lunch and a traditional African siesta in comfortable surroundings.  We may go for a pleasant walk to stretch the legs in the evening before we retire for a good dinner and bed.

Day 8

After a final early morning ride of about 2 hours, its time to pat our trusty steed goodbye.  A quick brunch and a refreshing shower and we head back to the Pont drift border post and a sad farewell to our guides after an exhilarating week of fun, adventure and multiple wildlife sightings.  A 5.5 hour drive gets us to Johannesburg International airport in time for the evening flight home.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Our safari can be completed with game drives, canoe, fishing, extra nights or continue your travel to visit more deeply Southern Africa like the Kruger National Game Reserve, Cape Town or Victoria Falls... You can also combine this safari with one of our other ride in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, etc...   Please contact us for further details or any other project.

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses The horses have been individually selected for their temperament and ride-ability. 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, Appaloosas, and the S.A. Warmblood. They range in size from 14.3h.h to 17 h.h. 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.   Tack We use good quality, comfortable English saddles with saddlebags including  water bottles and have a few Australian stock saddles available for those who prefer. Recommended riding level You must be experienced riders. You must ride regularly (at least once or twice a week) and be comfortable at a canter and gallop as well as being able to do small jumps should you have to. Our horses are mostly English schooled, so we highly recommend that Western riders have a course of lessons in English style prior to arrival. We do not accept beginners or intermediate riders. Useful information Weight limit : 95kg Non riders are welcome on this safari. We will provide them game drives, game walks, cycling. Price remains the same. We do not usually take children under the age of 16 years unless the child is a very strong rider and accompanied by parents. Riding hats are compulsory, please bring your own well fitting hard hat.

YOUR GUIDES

In case of necessity, only the people in charge of the supervision will be accredited to authorize the outings, for the safety of the group.

ACCOMMODATION

Many of our guests are singles and we do not charge extra as long as they are willing to share a tent with a same sex person.

Catering
Two highly trained experienced bush chefs will look after your every need. Breakfast is buffet of freshly baked muffins, cereals, toast, porridge. Lunch is a buffet usually quiches, salads, and fruit for dessert. Dinner is a 3 course meal served to you at the table, often under the canopy of stars! Vegetarians and other special diets are catered for.

Drinks are inclusive of the price – a variety of soft drinks, beer, wines and spirits.

All water in the camps is filtered to the highest standards and is guaranteed perfectly safe for drinking.

DATES AND RATES

Flights to Johannesburg
Please contact us to check the best available rates from your country.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Please contact Laurie for any enquiry !

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS

8 days / 7 nights / 8 days safari

Summer months are September to April, with October, November and February being the hottest months. Temperatures vary from 12°C to 38°C at midday. The rainy season falls between November and March. Winter is May to the end of August, a period of very little rain, and delightful temperatures by day and refreshingly cool at night. Temperatures during winter months vary from 4°C to 24°C at midday.

Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
A treatment against Malaria is also recommended. Please contact a doctor before departure. Low risk of Malaria in this part of Botswana.