This is an example of the weekly program. It may change due to local circumstances. No week is like another with wild animals moving about in the large reserve.
This exciting new ride combines three nights in a camp built high above Matlapeng Valley, one night in a Bellevue Plains lodge and three nights in the Limpopo Valley in Botswana. A great combination where you will explore the central highlands of the Waterberg Massif in South Africa before moving to the big Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Blocket, Botswana.
Day 1 Friday: Meet at ORTambo at 11.15 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)
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.
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 have you through the border by 9am aiming to arrive at Mashatu by 1 in time for lunch and a chance to change before the afternoon ride to Tree Camp.
Day 6 Wednesday: 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.
Day 7 Thursday: Early morning trip to the Limpopo valley airport for a PCR test (BWP1850 +-£115pp) followed by a full morning ride from Two Mashatu , that afternoon you will have the option of an afternoon ride, or bush walk or if available a game drive with Mashatu with a good chance of seeing the big cats ( additional charge $65 pp) then back to Two Mashatus for your last night in Africa.
Day 8, 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 14.30.
Please be aware that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events the itinerary may be changed at the last minute.
