Travelpack

Highlights: Botswana

Other departures: Glasgow - £4159, Edinburgh - £4159, Birmingham - £4125, Manchester - £4125, Norwich - £4205, Cardiff - £4205, Bristol - £3355, Aberdeen - £4205, Leeds Bradford - £4165.

Departure Dates

19 Jul`20
09 Aug`20
30 Aug`20
06 Sept`20
20 Sept`20
18 Oct`20
01 Nov`20

Accommodation The Tuli Safari starts from Two Mashatus Camp and normally has the last two nights there too. You also stay at two wilderness camps which are usually Kgotla Camp and the Treehouse Camp. Two Mashatus Camp is a semi-permanent tented camp. There are five comfortable tents, each on its own raised teak platform, with en-suite flushing toilets, hot running water, and solar lighting in each tent. Two traditionally built Lala palm rondavels serve as the dining room and lounge. There is also a small plunge pool with decking.

Itinerary

Day 1
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be transferred to Tuli, You should arrive in time for a late lunch in the thatched dining room. After lunch, change into your riding clothes (so it will be best to pack these near the top of your bag). Then meet your horse and have an introductory ride to acclimatize horse and rider to one another. After a short ride in the area, set off from the stables to your first camp - Two Mashatus (if you arrive late you will be transferred in a vehicle to camp). On arrival at camp celebrate the end of your first day with refreshing sundowners. Dinner and overnight at Two Mashatus. The following is the likely itinerary for a seven-night Tuli Safari. Please note that the itinerary of each safari may vary due to local conditions, but always with your best interests in mind. The order of the camps and particular camps used cannot be guaranteed. On average you cover about 30 km each day. The norm is to ride out at first light (around 06:30) and ride for between four and six hours, arriving either back at camp or at the next camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon relax in camp, and in the cool of the late afternoon enjoy a bushwalk or on some days a game drive. The riding will also occasionally be split so you might also ride in the morning and in the afternoon. The evening rides are normally much steadier and gentler in pace.

Day 2
The day begins early with tea or coffee brought to your tent. After a light breakfast, head off from the dense woodland along the Limpopo River towards the shallow rocky hills that mark the edges of the great river valley. Your destination for today is the Treehouse Camp, where you will sleep in tents situated on raised decking under the canopy of the surrounding woodland. After lunch and a siesta, set off on either another ride or a bushwalk. Dinner is prepared over an open fire by Martha or Grace, both culinary wizards. Your day draws to a close with the sounds of the bush all around.

Day 3
Today’s long morning ride takes you through the heart of Mashatu to the ancient rock formations synonymous with the Limpopo Valley. Long canters sweep past giant Baobab trees as they silently survey the land as they have done for centuries. Follow ancient elephant trails stamped into the soil. Your ride continues to Kgotla camp, an old tribal court on the banks of the Motloutse River. This afternoon you may have the chance to relax for a time, before heading out in search of the area’s resident lions on a game drive and draw the day’s adventures to a close with sundowners at the ancient “Amphitheatre” rocks. Later return to Kgotla Camp for your supper under the stars.

Day 4
A shorter morning ride exploring the sandstone formations, including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Ancient civilisations harboured their wealth in between these hills, where two mighty rivers meet – the Limpopo and the Motloutse. Later by vehicle head out for sundowners in the Mmamagwe Hills overlooking the Motloutse River. This ‘amphitheatre’ is an ancient and impressive rock formation. Discuss the highlights of your day from a rocky outcrop and gaze out over the plains below. Return to Kgotla camp for supper.

Day 5
Our ride today meanders its way through the beautiful plains between the Mojali and Majele rivers. This area is abundant with game and offers spectacular views into the Limpopo River valley. You will return to the Treehouse camp in time for lunch and later after a siesta, you will have the opportunity to either ride again or go on a game drive.
Overnight at Treehouse Camp.

Day 6
Today’s riding will hopefully offer great game viewing from horseback, as you explore the Pitsane River valley area. The Pitsane has a spring high in the hills, which provides regular drinking holes along its course to draw thirsty herds of game. The area you ride through today is rich in history. It was the location of a skirmish in the Boer War, during which Bryce’s store and a supply post were destroyed. There was also once a stagecoach line called Zederberg, which ran from the cities of the Transvaal in South Africa to the newly forged settlements of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). These coaches crossed Limpopo and followed the Pitsane River before crossing into Zimbabwe. With the feeling of a returning traveler, the route takes you back to Two Mashatus base camp in time for lunch and the opportunity to relax by the pool. Later you might take an evening bush walk with your guide. This is the perfect opportunity to see all the smaller residents which are often overlooked whilst passing through on horseback.
Dinner and overnight at Two Mashatus.

Day 7
Today will be spent in and around the Two Mashatus areas and you should get the opportunity to ride both in the morning and again in the afternoon, returning to Two Mashatus in time for lunch and a cooling drink around the pool in the middle of the day. This ride should give you a good opportunity to catch sight of the magnificent elephants that often reside in this area. Your final dinner is in the Lala palm rondavel at Two Mashatus. Experience your last evening in the bush, relaxing around the fire pit with the unforgettable sounds of Africa echoing around you.

Day 8
The last day of your Tuli Safari adventure begins early in the morning. Ride along the Limpopo River, with the possibility of one last photo of the game in this region.
Arrive back at the stables in time for a shower before brunch. Transfer to Johannesburg.
You arrive in Johannesburg in time to connect with a flight back home or to continue your holiday in South Africa.

Offer Includes

Meal Plans