Tuli Trail Safari

This 7 night mobile riding safari is in the vast Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block of south-eastern Botswana. This is an area of great natural 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 and over 350 species of birds. The terrain is varied and suited to fast riding across open plains with the challenge of steep river banks. There is also optional jumping over ditches and natural logs knocked over by elephant. A highlight of the trail is two nights spent sleeping out under the stars in an old tribal court called the Kgotla. The other nights are spent at various wilderness camps with comfortable walk in tents with hot showers and fine dining in lovely settings.

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Day 1: Collection on arrival at the Information desk at JHB International airport by Waterberg Transfers. A drive of 5.5 hours takes you to Pontdrift border post where your horse safari guide will meet you. After the formalities of crossing the border you will be escorted in an open game drive vehicle to Two Mashatus Camp a short drive away. After settling in and enjoying a refreshing lunch in the Lala Palm Rondavel, you’re off to meet the most important members of the team: the horses! You will then embark on a short introductory ride in the afternoon to make sure that you and your mount are perfectly suited. The ride is followed by sundowners at the stable bar before heading back to our Two Mashatus Camp. A delicious evening meal follows before retiring to the comfort of your tent. Then allow the sounds of the bush serenade you to sleep!

Day 2: After breakfast, you 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.

Day 1. Upon arrival at the Pont Drift Border Post or Limpopo Valley Airfield, you will be met by your guide, Cor or West, and transferred to Two Mashatus Camp. After a light lunch it’s time to head off to the stables to meet your horse for the week. You will embark on a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited. Sundowners are enjoyed at the Stable Bar whilst watching the horses roll in the setting sun. Then you will head back to camp for a warm shower and a delicious dinner served in the Llala palm dining room.

Day 2. The day begins at sunrise with tea/coffee brought to your tent, followed by a light breakfast. Mount up and head off in a northwesterly direction for Jwala Camp on the banks of the Jwala River. Six to seven hours are spent in the saddle enjoying the abundance of game and the magnificent scenery synonymous with the Land of the Giants. After arriving at Jwala Camp, lunch is the order of the day followed by a guided afternoon walk, examining the bush around you in detail. Dinner is prepared over an open fire by Martha or Grace – our truly brilliant chefs whose “bush cuisine” is renowned far and wide. Retire to your spacious tent where you will experience the “music” of the African bush as it gently serenades you to sleep.

Day 3. An early wake up call heralds a new day and tea/coffee and a delicious light breakfast is served around the log fire. Test the amazingly sure-footed Boerperde as we cross over basalt ridges following age-old elephant trails and enjoy long sustained canters to make up for the lost time traversing the ridges. This ride will be about six to seven hours, arriving at Kgotla Camp for a late lunch. This is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The open-air traditional African enclosure is made of leadwood logs in the shade of a century old Mashatu tree. In the afternoon we have the option of visiting the local village to buy hand-crafted Llala palm curios, viewing Bushmen paintings and then enjoying a sundowner looking out over the Motloutse River. Back at the Kgotla, dinner is enjoyed around a large log fire after which the night is spent sleeping under the stars while listening in on the cacophony of sounds generated by the African bush orchestra.

Day 4. We spend another night at Kgotla Camp, enjoying a full day exploring the sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Ancient civilizations harbored their wealth among these hills where two mighty rivers, the Limpopo and the Motloutse, meet. This days riding will be about four to five hours, leaving time in the afternoon to head to the archaeologically rich Mmamagwa hills where a 360 degree view of the reserve can be enjoyed as well as another beautiful African sunset.

Day 5. Another early rise and a good breakfast around the log fire will set the morning off to a good start. Today you wind your way through the mopane bush before reaching the more open plains. This will probably be your longest day of riding of about seven hours. On arrival at Liana Camp you will be welcomed by a well-deserved drink and a refreshing lunch. Tonight is your opportunity to explore Mashatu from a game drive vehicle and try to locate the elusive leopard, wild dog, cheetah and lion the area is well known for.

Day 6. This morning will begin a little slower as this day will be spent exploring the banks of the Mojale and Matabole Rivers, following their courses north towards the Zeederberg site. The day will offer riding up and down river banks, through riverine forest, game sightings and more fabulous photo opportunities. Today’s riding will be about five to six hours. Lunch is under the bows of an old Mashatu tree, where a century ago the Zeederberg transport riders had their midday break before finally reaching Fort Tuli. Spend the afternoon at leisure before you embark on a guided walk into the bush. The evening is enjoyed with sundowners around a log fire and a delicious meal to end another exhilarating and rewarding day.

Day 7. Today’s ride is rich in history and offers a variety of interesting tales of the past. The open Pitsani plains, so characteristic of this area, are perfect for a really good gallop, hopefully with zebra or wildebeest! You head in the direction of the Majale and Limpopo confluence where lunch awaits you upon return to the Two Mashatus camp. This ride is about five to six hours. Dinner is in the Llala palm rondavel. A dreamless sleep no doubt awaits you as the final day draws to a close.

Day 8. Today is your last day in the bush and begins with your final early morning tea/coffee and breakfast snack over the open fire. The morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River. We head back to the stables where fond farewells are made to your steed. This is a shorter ride of about two hours, allowing you to get back to Two Mashatus with enough time to enjoy a hearty brunch and to get ready for departure. Then it’s off to Pont Drift in time for your return transfer to Johannesburg.

Ride Ability: Experienced

Suitable for Non-Riders: Yes (game drives, guided

cycling & walking available)

Departure Dates: April-October

Cost: £1855

Single Supplement: Not if willing to share

Accommodation: Camps & Lodges with hot showers,

full-board inc drinks, game drives

Meeting Point: JHB Airport

Transfer: £200 per person return (5.5 Hrs)

No Hours In Saddle: 4/6 per day

Max Weight: 95kg

Group Size: 2-8

Call us on +44 (0)1256 773564 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.