Southern Africa tour - Safaris in Africa are an intimate experience; there is simply no better way of taking in the African bush, than by horseback. Becoming part of a herd of zebra or giraffe as they canter across the plains, or quietly approaching a grazing rhinoceros is a truly amazing feeling.
Africa is a very special place, but Africa on horseback is truly magical.
The African Explorer Safari is amazing value: riding in two countries over eight days, seeing plains game species on horseback and possibly elephant and lion. Both horse safari operators put their horses first and as a result this is a wonderful riding experience in Africa. This safari is for those who want a wonderful horseback game viewing experience, combined with an element of cultural history.
It combines four nights at Horizon Horseback’s Camp Davidson with three nights at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana’s Tuli Block.
This combination provides an exceptionally rich and rewarding experience, not only of the African bush and it’s magnificent wildlife but also cultural history of the Waterberg. The topography at each destination is different and distinct and will give you a true flavor of Africa. Each area has its own unique and fascinating niche species, resulting in a broad diversity of animals to be seen.
This safari is only for experienced riders and offers a wonderful combination of game viewing on horseback and a mix of African culture.
Rates fluctuate so please check with us with your dates.
It combines four nights at Horizon Horseback’s Camp Davidson with three nights at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana’s Tuli Block.
This combination provides an exceptionally rich and rewarding experience, not only of the African bush and it’s magnificent wildlife but also cultural history of the Waterberg. The topography at each destination is different and distinct and will give you a true flavor of Africa. Each area has its own unique and fascinating niche species, resulting in a broad diversity of animals to be seen.
This safari is only for experienced riders and offers a wonderful combination of game viewing on horseback and a mix of African culture.
Rates fluctuate so please check with us with your dates.
African Explorer Ride Combining Camp Davidson and Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris
Camp Davidson has recently been built high in the bushveld above the Matlapeng valley. It offers the opportunity to explore from a base camp nestled in the heart of the wooded mountains of the Waterberg. The camp commands a wonderful panoramic view of the central highlands of the Waterberg massif, while overlooking the picturesque Sunset Lake at the eastern boundary of Triple B Ranch.
In the late 19th century, Ted Davidson, one of the first members of the Baber family (owners of Triple B Ranch) to settle in the Waterberg, was a young man trading by ox wagon to remote cattle outposts of a young ranching area. A good days traveling may have been only five miles or so by rugged track, and so an itinerant life in the Waterberg meant a life by the campfire. Horizon has captured that early camp atmosphere through beautiful decked canvas tents nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy game filled valleys. Each tent is appointed as it would have been in Teds day with items that would have been essential to the traveler accustomed to regular nights in the bush.
Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris operates riding safaris in the vast Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block of south eastern Botswana, offering some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. This is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas, ancient civilizations and dramatic rock formations bordered by the great Limpopo River in the south. Aptly named the "Land of the Giants" for its baobab studded plains and large herds of elephant, the land remains largely untouched by man and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species including lion, cheetah, leopard, African wild dog, a multitude of plains game like zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, as well as over 350 species of birds.
Accommodation throughout is in comfortable tents with en suite facilities.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred to Camp Davidson (approx. 3 hours) in time for lunch. That afternoon you will be driven down to the horses and you will have an introductory ride on the horse chosen for your safari. We will ensure that you are matched with a horse to suit your ability and experience before heading off on your ride to Camp Davidson. On route through the Matlapeng reserve the ride will take a sundowner break at the Red Lake, where you are likely to encounter our pod of resident hippo, before climbing the ridge up to Camp Davidson.
Guests will be met at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred to Camp Davidson (approx. 3 hours) in time for lunch. That afternoon you will be driven down to the horses and you will have an introductory ride on the horse chosen for your safari. We will ensure that you are matched with a horse to suit your ability and experience before heading off on your ride to Camp Davidson. On route through the Matlapeng reserve the ride will take a sundowner break at the Red Lake, where you are likely to encounter our pod of resident hippo, before climbing the ridge up to Camp Davidson.
Day 2:
A day of exploration in the reserve, tracking herds of giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, kudu and impala. The terrain lends itself to straying off the trails as your horse leads you along game trails and narrow kloofs. Lunch is served at the picturesque sunset lake. Riders can rest in the shade of the riverine forest during the heat of the day or take a dip (possibly with their horse) before gradual meandering back through the plains in the fading afternoon light.
Day 3:
A full days ride west of camp takes you around Bellevue on the southern end of the property and on to the historic Baber homestead for lunch by the poolside. That afternoon riders visit the local Sotho village and have a tour of some of the traditional houses with the local characters Martha Mosima and the group of village lady elders for afternoon tea accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. After a day of long riding, culture and history you will return to the peace of the Camp Davidson where you will dine under the stars.
Day 4:
Today we depart the camp early and head to a nearby game reserve for a Big five game drive, here we have the chance of seeing rhino, Lion, buffalo, leopard and elephant all from the safety of a vehicle, after the game drive we head to a wonderful leather and bead a craft workshop "Beadle" which has served as a community upliftment and job creation project since 1998. The crafters specialize in beautiful handmade beadwork and leather products including riding chaps. We then head to the lodge for lunch by the pool before heading back to the camp for a sundowner ride in the game reserve.
Day 5:
We break camp early and riders mount for a last ride through the reserve, soaking up the early morning sights and sounds of the African bush we drop the horses back at the ranch and depart at 7.30.
You will be transferred to Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana. At Pontdrift, your horse safari guide will meet you and transfer you to the reception area by the stables. After a light lunch its time for an introductory ride which allow you time to get acquainted with your horse.
You will ride directly to Two Mashatus camp in time to freshen up before a delicious dinner before you retire to the comfort of your tent.
Accommodation is in big A frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with en-suite enviro loo and running water including hot water shower. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck area on which to relax during the afternoons.
Day 6:
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 maximize 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 bird life 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.
Day 7:
Ride out 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 the reception area before heading back to Johannesburg International via Pontdrift border post.
Please be aware that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events the itinerary may be changed at the last minute. We will endeavor to keep everyone informed of any changes and the reason for them.
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