Horse Riding Safari South Africa and Botswana 7 Nights

Horse Riding Safari South Africa and Botswana 7 Nights

In both locations The horses have been 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, Appaloosa’s, and the S.A. Warmblood. They range in size from 14.3h. to 17h. Saddles are South African McClellan’s, a cavalry saddle designed for long hours of riding, they offer particular comfort and airflow for the horses back and padded seats and fenders for the riders comfort.
Guests must be experienced riders. They must ride regularly (at least once or twice a week) and be comfortable at posting trot, light seat canter and gallop as well as being able to do small jumps should they have to. They must be able to control a horse independently of the group at all paces. On arrival in Botswana you will be asked to do a simple independent riding test.

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport pickup and transfer to Camp Davidson SA for 4 nights (3 hours by car)

Stop At: Waterberg, Waterberg, Limpopo Province
Approx 3 hour drive. Guests will be met at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred 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 with a horse to suit your ability and experience before heading off on your ride. On route through the Matlapeng reserve, the ride will pass “Red Dam” where you are likely to encounter our pod of resident hippo, you will then ride to a stunning lookout spot for sundower drinks before returning to Camp Davidson.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Excellent accommodation at camp Davidson

Day 2: Morning outride and safari

Stop At: Waterberg, Waterberg, Limpopo Province
A day of exploration in the reserve, tracking giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, kudu and impala. We pass “Sunset Lake: where resident
fish eagles and Spur-Winged geese are often spotted and its shallow banks give us a great opportunity for some great photo opportunities catering through the water. We return to camp in time for lunch and
a chance to relax by the pool. The afternoon ride takes us on a ride with a good chance of more hippo viewing and some nice long canters. In the evening there is the option of a night sky safari with a local astronomer who will guide you through the amazing constellations.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Excellent accommodation Camp Davison

Day 3: Morning outride and safari

Stop At: Waterberg, Waterberg, Limpopo Province
A morning ride with a chance to track game, enjoy some of our jumping lanes and finish off with a swim with the horses in one of many reserve lakes before returning to camp for a large and lazy lunch. After lunch we depart for a game drive in a ‘Big Five’ private game reserve, with a chance to see rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Excellent accommodation at Camp Davidson

Day 4: Morning outride and safari

Stop At: Waterberg, Waterberg, Limpopo Province
A full day ride west of camp takes you to a neighbouring game reserve. This ride offers lovely long canters on sandy tracks and great game viewing opportunities on large plains populated by wildebeest,
hartebeest, sable, eland and blesbok among others. Then it’s on to the historic Baber homestead for lunch by the poolside. That afternoon riders return to camp via the local Sotho village and visit Beadle, a craft workshop on Triple B Ranch which has a community upliftment project since 1998. The crafters specialise in beautiful handmade beadwork and leather products including riding chaps. We finish the day with sundowners at a favorite lookout spot and return to the tranquility of the Camp Davidson where dinner is served under the stars.
Duration: 8 days

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: luxury accommodation Mashatu

Day 5: Early morning outride

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
The sandstone formations, including the famed Solomon’s Wall, one of the numerous dolorite dykes in the area, are explored. Some of the oldest civilisations in southern Africa settled in this valley. Archaeological evidence in the area includes middle and late stone age tools, rock art and the legendary Mapungubwe Dynasty. Mapungubwe means “Place of the Jackal” in the Venda language and this dynasty existed around 1220 AD. The Mapungubwe topography
itself is ancient and timeless, and combined with marvelous wildlife sightings, it makes for an incredible riding experience. This afternoon enjoy a game drive in one of the most game rich areas of Mashatu.
For the most visually stunning and ethereal sundowner, we visit the
Mmamagwa hills.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: luxury accommodation Mashatu

Day 6: Morning and evening outride and safari

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
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. The group is given the choice of a longer morning ride
and an afternoon guided walk, or two shorter rides. Undoubtedly the large herds of elephant for which the Tuli is renowned will be encountered, as well as many different species of antelope. Giraffe, zebra, bat-eared fox, jackal, hyena and possibly even lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah can be seen. You will arrive back at Two Mashatus camp in time for lunch and a cooling afternoon in the shady
camp or lazing by the pool. That afternoon the group have the choice of an afternoon ride or guided walk along the Limpopo River, enjoying the rich birdlife, spotting crocodile in the pools and learning about the magnificent trees lining the banks.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Luxury accommodation

Day 7: Morning and evening outride and safari

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
Ride out following the movements of wildlife in the area. 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. The afternoon brings a chance to enjoy a Mashatu game drive.
Mashatu is famous for big cat sightings and this is definitely a wonderful opportunity for keen photographers to capture sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and elephant.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Luxury accommodation

Day 8: Early Morning ride, brunch then depart for airport in SA (6 hours drive)

Stop At: Mashatu Game Reserve, Mashatu Game Reserve, Central District
After a last morning ride back to the stables there is time for a quick shower and brunch at the reception area before heading back to Johannesburg International.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.