South Africa & Botswana : Horse explorer equestrian safari

BOTSWANA & SOUTH AFRICA HORSE RIDING SAFARI
INDICATIVE ITINERARIES:

Version 4 nights in South Africa / 3 nights in Botswana:

Day 1 - Friday: Arrival. Meet at ORTambo at 9:30 am and transfer to Camp Davidson in time for a late Lunch. That afternoon you will be introduced to your safari horse. We will ensure that you are matched to a horse that suits your ability and experience before heading off on your ride. This first introductory ride is a relaxed affair, giving riders the opportunity to settle into their new surroundings. Crossing the plains, enjoy your first close encounter with wildlife on horseback. A stunning lookout spot for sundower drinks is a welcome moment to take in your first taste of Africa after a long journey. A three course supper is served at Camp Davidson that evening.

Day 2 - Saturday: Today’s ride sets off from the high country overlooking a beautiful wilderness area to the east, and heads south, winding along the banks of Sunset Lake with its resident pod of hippos and the odd sly crocodile, followed by a visit to one of the Horizon dams for a swim with the horses before getting back to camp in time for lunch. Guests can then relax by the pool, before a shorter afternoon ride.  NB Those guests not fully vaccinated (including booster if overdue) will be taken for a PCR test during the lunch break (additional cost R1450 pp). Overnight at Camp Davidson

Day 3 - Sunday: This ride heads south to the Game Conservancy which is home to the Bellevue Lodges. The ride traverses a wide wetland, home to reedbuck and grass owls, before entering dense woodland dotted with wild fig trees and large fruited bushwillows. Here it crosses the watershed and descends through open grasslands with sweeping views to the upper reaches of the Conservancy’s main water system. The route passes the favoured habitat of waterbuck and Cape buffalo. The open plains that follow are aptly known as “Little Serengeti”; large herds of blesbuck, eland, wildebeest and kudu are all on view, as are groups of elegant sable, swift red hartebeest and impressive journeys of giraffe and Cape buffalo. After a lunch at the lodge and a rest by the pool, the afternoon ride continues to explore this game rich area, closing with sundowners overlooking the African plains. Overnight at Bellevue lodges.

Day 4 - Monday: A morning ride in search of buffalo before returning to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax and enjoy this fabulous setting before riding back to the Horizon lodge where we say our goodbye to our horses before heading up to camp for a last night at Camp Davidson.

Day 5 - Tuesday: Wake up early and depart the camp by 6 am with a picnic for the road, our aim is to leave Botswana and have you through the border by 9am, aiming to arrive at Mashatu by 1 pm, in time for lunch and a chance to change before the afternoon ride to Tree Camp, Dinner and night at the unique Tree Camp.

Day 6 - Wednesay: A morning ride from Tree Camp exploring the center of the reserve and the game rich Pitsane river area,  before arriving at Two Mashatus for lunch and a chance to relax by the pool.  That afternoon there is the option of another ride or a game drive in the Kgotla area with sundowners on the Mmagwa hills. Overnight at Two Mashatus Camp.

Day 7 - Thursday: You depart for a morning game drive from Two Mashatu from Two Mashatu. In the afternoon, you have the option of a bush horse or bush walk or, if available, a game drive with Mashatu with a good chance of seeing the big cats (additional cost of 65$ per person), then return to Two Mashatus for your last night in Africa. Overnight at Two Mashatus camp.

Day 8: Departure. A good long morning ride from Two Mashatus ending back at the stables in time for lunch and a shower before flying out of Mashatu at 2:30 pm.

Version 3 nights in South Africa / 4 nights in Botswana:

Day 1 - Tuesday: Arrival at Camp Davidson
You will be met at OR Tambo Airport in South Africa and transferred directly to Camp Davidson in the Waterberg, where you will enjoy a light lunch overlooking the vast Waterberg Plateau. A safety briefing and introduction to the horses will follow. The horses are primarily Boerperds, along with a mix of Warmbloods, Appaloosas, and Friesians. The first ride is a gentle introduction to the reserve and an excellent opportunity for first-time encounters with species such as zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and kudu. The ride progresses from a walk to an easy canter on sandy tracks and concludes with a sunset aperitif on the plains.

Day 2 - Wednesday: Open plains, swimming with horses, and game galore.
This morning's drive is usually quite brisk. The route follows the center of an open valley that is home to species such as sable, reedbuck, red hartebeest, waterbuck, and impala. The sandy tracks are excellent, and the route crosses open grasslands and dense woodlands. Dark red cattle raised on the property are often seen along this route. When conditions permit, the final stretch of the ride includes exhilarating gallops along the edge of the lake adjacent to Horizon Lodge. It's a great experience, but don't expect to stay dry! The afternoon ride passes a series of dams where encounters with hippos are likely and then returns across the open plains. At this time of day, there is often a lot of activity on the plains, with herds mingling in the soft sunlight and different groups coming and going, preparing for the night. It's a truly magical experience to be able to ride so close to these wild animals, completely relaxed in the presence of the horses.

Day 3 - Thursday: Ride to Bellevue Lodge and Buffalo Search.
An early start is necessary for the long drive from Camp Davidson to Savannah Lodge, in the far southwest of the reserve, or Seringa Lodge, in the southeast. The first part of the ride covers country that the riders are now somewhat familiar with, but soon enters new terrain. In places, the bush is dense, but after a while, the landscape opens up to grasslands offering panoramic views to the south and west. Riding through this landscape gives riders a sense of the vastness of the African plains. The area supports a very high concentration of game, with herds of over 300 blesbuck, or 80 eland, often seen. Other species that inhabit the plains include the red hartebeest, the tsessebe, and the ostrich. There are numerous zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and giraffes, as well as small groups of zebras, roans, and waterbucks. The final stretch to Savannah Lodge runs alongside a wooded stream where kudus and bushbucks are likely to be spotted. After some relaxation by the pool and within the sophisticated lodges, it's time to ride into the southernmost areas of the reserve in search of Cape buffalo. These areas are part of Africa's famous "Big Five" and live up to their formidable reputation, so riders must be alert and responsive to the guides' instructions. This region is known for its spectacular sunsets as the sun dips below the distant headlands of the Waterberg Escarpment – ​​a fitting end to an eventful and memorable day in the African wilderness.

Day 4 - Friday: Return to Bellevue and road transfer to Botswana.
After an early start, another long ride through game-rich country brings riders back to the heart of the safari: Horizon Lodge. The route differs from the outward journey, transforming this part of the safari into an exciting trek through diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Game species generally prefer different habitats, with nyala and bushbuck, for example, occupying dense sections of the reserve, while hartebeest and hartebeest remain on the open plains, and waterbuck and reedbuck, unsurprisingly, are usually seen near streams and other waterways. The route offers excellent opportunities to spot giraffes, which is always a highlight. At Horizon Lodge, you embark on the road transfer to the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana. Afternoon: After crossing the mighty Limpopo River, riders are welcomed at Horizon Horseback Mashatu Stables where they enjoy a light lunch, receive a safety briefing, and meet their horses.
The afternoon ride takes them from the stables to Tree Camp. The route typically offers rich encounters with elephants, waterbuck, giraffes, impalas, wildebeest, and zebras. Signs of the many predators that inhabit these rich river environments are plentiful, and chance encounters are possible. The ride usually takes about two hours, and riders begin to forge a real bond with their individual mounts. The trappings of modern life begin to fade as the sense of adventure and travel deepens. Tree Camp is a truly magnificent place where one is enveloped by the exceptional qualities of the African wilderness.

Day 5 - Saturday: Elephant Valley – Tree Camp in Kgotla
Waking up at Tree Camp is a magical experience. You feel completely immersed in nature, surrounded by birdsong and experiencing the new day as the early morning light filters through the tree leaves. After a quick breakfast, the riders embark on the first long trek of the trip: climbing to the edge of the mini-escarpment, then descending through Elephant Valley and heading towards the distant sandstone citadels guarding the Limpopo and Motloutse Rivers. The first part of the journey should not be rushed, as the horses meander along well-defined elephant trails, past giant baobab trees and the occasional shallow watering hole. Soon, however, the countryside opens up and the horses can begin to stretch their legs on soft ground leading to the upper reaches of a stream that flows from the ridge down to the Limpopo. This is elephant country par excellence, and the guides are always on high alert, using all their keen senses. Once the trail leaves the river, the terrain opens up again, and the pace quickens. A second river is then reached, leading directly to the veterinary checkpoint on the main road through the Mashatu Game Reserve. The route then follows the road briefly before crossing flat country towards the intriguing Sacred Rock massif. Here, the mopane vegetation is short, and it's possible to cross the plain quite quickly and safely. Large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and impala inhabit this area. The guides mark their route using mashatu, leadwood, and apple trees as landmarks. Soon, the riders reach the old leadwood enclosure (once used as a traditional village court in Botswana) known as "Kgotla." This open-air enclosure provides the perfect and secure campsite for the night. The camp is not far from the banks of the Motloutse River, and with high concentrations of game living along the river's fertile floodplain, the area is home to large prides of lions and clans of hyenas. The sounds of these predators at night provide unforgettable memories! In the afternoon, we search for the area's resident lion on a game drive and conclude the day's adventures with an aperitif on the ancient rocks of "The Amphitheater." While sightings of big cats on horseback do occasionally occur, Horizon Horseback maintains a policy of keeping them at a distance. The best opportunities to approach lions, cheetahs, leopards, and spotted hyenas arise on game drives where the vehicle acts as a natural hide and is largely ignored by predators.
Back at the Kgotla, dinner is enjoyed around a large campfire. The night unfolds with a ceiling of stars and the African night melody to lull you to sleep; a rare experience that is about as far removed from urban life and the modern world as one can imagine.

Day 6 - Sunday: Today's stage is more relaxed and suitable for the group, as there's no need to reach another camp before nightfall. A particularly interesting route initially follows the Motloutse River, with stops at waterholes frequented by elephants to observe the comings and goings of the herds, before descending towards the impressive Solomon's Wall, a high dolomite dam breached by the river in ancient times. This is a favorite spot for troops of baboons, always fascinating to watch. The trail then follows the riverbanks, lined with giant mashatu and leadwood trees, towards the mighty Limpopo Valley. This region is renowned for its spectacular, shimmering sandstone rock formations and is home to eland, klipspringers, and kudu. Some of the oldest civilizations in southern Africa were established in this valley. The region's archaeological remains include Middle and Upper Paleolithic tools, rock art, and the legendary Mapungubwe dynasty. Mapungubwe means "Place of the Jackal" in Venda, and this dynasty reigned around 1220. Mapungubwe's ancient and timeless topography, combined with abundant wildlife, offers an unforgettable horseback riding experience. In the afternoon, a safari takes visitors to the foot of the impressive Mamagwa Massif, an isolated rock formation that served as a defensive position for British troops against Boer incursions from the Transvaal in the late 19th century. Traditionally, a sunset aperitif is enjoyed at the western end of the massif, with breathtaking views of the wild landscape as the sun slowly dips below the horizon. The return to Kgotla after dark offers excellent opportunities to spot lions, leopards, and hyenas.

Day 7 - Monday: River Trails – from Kgotla to Tree Camp
On this day, the journey turns northeast and follows a series of river trails back to the heart of the reserve. Life in this arid environment is still concentrated near water, and the drive promises sightings of elephants, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest. The route crosses the watershed and then winds along old trails adjacent to a stream flowing north towards the Majali River. From these higher elevations, the sweeping views to the north reveal the true wildness of the Mashatu Game Reserve. The rest of the day is a mix of trekking on elephant trails and galloping across a relatively open mopane veld. The final stretch follows the Majali River itself, passing rock pools, cliffs, and ribbons of green grass. Encounters with baboons, kudus, klipspringers, and crocodiles are likely. Tree Camp is finally reached after a 4-5 hour drive.
That afternoon, guests will give their horses a well-deserved rest and participate in either a guided bush walk or, if the group prefers, a safari with the guides from the main camp at Mashatu. This opportunity, although offered at an additional cost, should not be missed, as the almost guaranteed sightings of lions and leopards, and sometimes cheetahs, are legendary. The guides know the structure and location of the various prides and individuals very well, and it is indeed very rare not to spot them.

Day 8 - Tuesday: After a quick breakfast, the riders embark on the final ride of the safari. This ride offers panoramic views to the east and south, bathed in the early morning light, as it follows the edge of a ridge near the center of the reserve. The trail then descends into a game-rich area along the Majali River. The river's deep pools are a favorite haunt of baboons and impalas. Sooner or later, large herds of elephants come to drink their daily drink, play in the water, and enjoy a dust bath.
The final part of the ride takes place across open plains with a few brisk canters back to the stables. Other notable sightings include the kori bustard, Africa's largest flying bird, the bat-eared fox, and the ostrich. Once at the stables, it's time for a shower and a meal by the great river, then a short drive to Limpopo Valley airfield for the flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

* Please note that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events, the itinerary and accommodation used may change at the last minute.