 |
12 day Great Limpopo, South Africa, Horse back Safaris: Cape Town Extension
12 day Great Limpopo, South Africa, Horse back Safaris Itinerary
|
SAFARI RATE: 2008 * These Rates do not include international airfares*
|
LOW SEASON
|
$7989/per person double occupancy
|
Single Supp: $3995
|
HIGH SEASON
|
$9976/per person double occupancy
|
Single Supp: $4990
|
CLIENT LIMITATION
|
Low Season: Minimum 8 - Maximum 10 Clients
High Season: Minimum 8 - Maximum 10 Clients
|
*This itinerary depends on local environments and seasons and is subject to Change...*
SAFARI ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
|
Day:
|
Location:
|
Camps/lodges Accommodation:
|
Board:
|
Safari Highlights:
|
1
|
Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block
|
Fort Jameson's Camp
|
DB
|
Orientation Ride 1-2 hours
|
2
|
Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block
|
Jwala Camp
|
LDB
|
6-7 hours ride with afternoon trail walk
|
3
|
Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block
|
Kgotla Camp
|
LDB
|
Full Day Ride
|
4
|
Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block
|
Kgotla Camp
|
LDB
|
4-5 hours ride, with lunch
|
5
|
Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block
|
Liana Camp
|
LDB
|
Morning ride on game viewing safaris
|
6
|
Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block
|
Liana Camp
|
LDB
|
Full day ride with a picnic lunch
|
7
|
Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block
|
Mashatu Tree Camp
|
LDB
|
5-6 hours ride on Limpopo floodplains
|
8
|
40 mins Charter flight from Fort Jameson's Camp-Johannesburg
|
Johannesburg-Cape Town, O.R. Tambo International
|
BL
|
2 hours ride and farewell brunch-lunch at Fort Jameson Camp before departure to Johannesburg-Cape Town
|
9
|
Cape Town excursion
|
Sun International Hotel
|
BF
|
Full day Tour of Cape Point with lunch
|
10
|
Cape Town excursion
|
Sun International Hotel
|
BF
|
Full day city tour, museum, Robben Island, and Table mountain
|
11
|
Cape Town - Stellenbosch winelands
|
Dorpshuis Country Lodge
|
LDB
|
Township tour, wine tasting tour with lunch before arriving at the hotel
|
12
|
Cape Town - Stellenbosch winelands
|
Dorpshuis Country Lodge
|
LDB
|
Stellenbosch historical city tour and museums, curio shopping and leisure
|
13
|
Stellenbosch - Cape Town airport
|
Johannesburg flight connection Homewards flights
|
2-Way
|
Onward home flight connection
|
BB-Bed and breakfast, LDB-Lunch, dinner, breakfast, local wine, drinks, park fees, all horse-back safari activities, game drives, hotel transfers, local charter flights & safari activities all inclusive, except at Matetsi game lodge where drinks/bar are not included.
|
Safari Itinerary Details:
Day 1 Johannesburg Mashatu Game Reserve-Fort Jameson's Camp
On arrival you are met by a tour leader from Afrika Zambezi Safaris who will accompany your Horse back Safaris. Light aircraft charter flight to the pristine Mashatu Game Reserve in Tuli Block Limpopo near the Pont Drift border post or Limpopo Valley airfield. After a light lunch you are acquainted with your horse. Introductory ride along the banks of the majestic Limpopo River scenery. Our first African evening is spent enjoying sundowners at the Stable Bar whilst watching the horses roll in the setting sun, before a delectable dinner is served in the beautiful gardens under the inky black sky (weather permitting). Retire for a night of rest in the comfort of Fort Jameson's Camp.
Overnight at Fort Jameson's Camp: Mashatu Game Reserve
Day 2 Jwala Camp
The day begins with a beautiful sunrise and early morning tea/coffee and a light breakfast under a spreading Mashatu tree in the camp garden. Mount up and ride heading in northwesterly direction for Jwala Camp located on the banks of the Jwala River. The ride takes about 6-7 hrs while enjoying the wildlife abundance and the magnificent scenic giants of the massive endless land. On arriving at Jwala camp, after lunch a siesta is definitely the order of the day followed by an optional afternoon walk. Dinner is prepared over open fires by a brilliant bush chef whose expertise is renowned far and wide.
Overnight at Jwala Camp -Mashatu Game Reserve
Day 3: Kgotla Camp
Early wake-up call accompanied by hot tea/coffee followed by hot english light breakfast served around African log fire. The day's ride begins with a test of the amazing sure footed Boerperd horses as we venture to cross over the old basalt rock ridges, tracking age-old elephant paths-ways. This ride takes about 4 hours with a break followed by a bush lunch and with another 2 hours in the afternoon ride to the new camp. Camp Kgotla is regarded as an old tribal court of the nearby community that relocated to the Mocloutse river banks on the western boundary of Mashatu. The Leadwood logs used to make open-air traditional African enclosure is in the shade of a century old Mashatu tree and sundowners are comfortably enjoyed from a sandstone kopje overlooking the Mocloutse River as it meanders and disappears into majestic African landscape. Guests are treated to an outdoor evening dinner around the African bush-fire before they retire to bed for the evening where night is spent sleeping under a canopy of beautiful stars with the sounds of the African bush in the background.
Overnight at Camp Kgotla- Mashatu Game Reserve
Day 4: Kgotla Camp
Another splendid evening is spent at Camp Kgotla in order to enjoy a full day's worth of exploring the unique sandstone formations which include the famed 'Solomon's Wall' and the ruins of an ancient civilization whose wealth was harbored between these hills where two major rivers, the Limpopo and the Moclloutse meet. The fabulous day with 4-5 hours riding followed by on-foot exploration of this fascinating area the afternoon.
Overnight at Camp Kgotla - Mashatu Game Reserve
Day 5: Liana Camp
Another early rising day in Africa coupled with a good hot english breakfast around the big log of fires, definitely a good morning set up to start the day. This ride normally allows guests to come close to nature, heading towards the dry river bed where overhung with baboon vines is located the Liana Camp. Beyond the river, ride out onto open, sweeping plains and experience the thrill of game-viewing from horseback, with exhilarating riding amongst herds of galloping Zebra and wildebeest. All your senses are indulged with the sights and sounds and scents of wild Africa all around, and the warmth of the sun on your face. A bush lunch is welcomed at halfway stop between the camps. After an 8-hour adventure you are welcomed at Liana Camp with a well-deserved sundowner as you enjoy the camaraderie of drinks and dinner with fellow riders around the African camp-fire.
Overnight at Liana Camp; Mashatu Game Reserve
Day 6: Liana Camp
The morning usually starts a bit slowly, as preparations are made to spend the day exploring the Mojale and Matabole river banks heading north towards Zeederburg site. The riding is over varied terrain up and down river banks and through riverine forest in anticipation of capturing the game sightings and photos. The ride takes between 5- 6 hours and the afternoon brings a welcome lunch under the boughs of an old Mashatu tree, where the past centuries transport riders had their midday rest before their final breaking through to reach what was called Fort Tuli. The afternoon siesta is spent relaxing before embarking on another afternoon bush walk on foot to discover the small little five animals, interesting plants, spoor tracking and general bush ecosystem. Evening is enjoyed with sundowner's Gin and Tonic around the Africa bush camp fire while delicious meals are served at the close of yet another absorbing day.
Overnight at Liana Camp: Mashatu Game Reserve
Day 7: Mashatu Tree Camp
This rich 5-6 hour historical ride provides interesting tales of an event during the Anglo Boer War when the trading post of Bryce's Store was destroyed in a battle on the Pitsane river banks and the remnants of the Store are still found on Mashatu. This experience is further enhanced by the large herds of antelope encountered along the way. The Pitsani open plains are perfect for a good gallop heading in the direction of the Mojale and Limpopo confluence where lunch awaits the hungry riders. This evening there are options of participating on evening game drive for an opportunity to see some of the Mashatu Game Reserve's big cats from close up, as well as herds of buffalo and elephants. Dinner is served around the African bush campfire under an ancient Mashatu tree before retiring to a dreamless sleep under the African open sky.
Overnight at Mashatu Tree Camp: Mashatu Game Reserve
Day 8: Fort Jameson's Camp - Johannesburg - Cape town flight Connection
Your last day in the bush as a Horseback Safari rider begins with early morning last tea/coffee and breakfast snack over the open African camp- fire. The morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River with the possibility of taking some of our natural cross country fences heading back to Fort Jameson's. The ride is shorter and takes 2-hours to give everyone opportunity and some time to get ready for Johannesburg departure. A sad farewell to all riding companions with a hand-shake from guides and staff after a final fantastically prepared picturesque brunch in gardens of Fort Jameson's. Freshen up and pack for Charter flight departure to either the Limpopo Valley Airfield to Johannesburg or Pont Drift Border Post if on a self drive or road transfer with a transfer company. On arrival at Cape Town you are met by a specialist tour guide who will transfer you to the hotel with a short briefing about the Cape Town excursion tours during your stay in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Dinner is optional at any restaurant in Cape town city area.
Overnight at Sun international hotel - Cape Town
Day 9: Cape town tour excursion
After early morning breakfast, greet your specialist tour guide who will show you the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Hout Bay, lunch at the Black Marlin Restaurant, visit to the penguin colony at Boulders beach, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, and finally back to the hotel to prepare for evening dinner at tour opted restaurant.
Overnight at Sun international hotel - Cape town
Day 10: Cape town tour excursion
After morning breakfast, brief from your tour guide before a full day tour excursion of Cape Town surroundings starting off with exploration of table Mountain (weather permitting), city tour,Ccape Town museum, Robben island historical tour, curio shopping around Victoria and Alfred waterfront followed with lunch at a local opted restaurant. Capetonian home hosted dinner.
Overnight at Sun international hotel - Cape town
Day 11: Stellenbosch winelands excursion
This morning after breakfast, you embark on a full day tour excursion to the famous Stellenbosch winelands starting off with African township tour to where you will share the beauty pride of Africans homes and visit a township school. After this we go wine-tasting at one of the wine estates on the way to Stellenbosch with lunch, leisure and educational tours around the winery. Depart to Stellenbosch town and visit the museum, arrive at the Dorpshuis Country House hotel in Stellenbosch for dinner.
Over-night at Dorpshuis Country House hotel.
Day 12: Stellenbosch Winelands tour excursion
After breakfast, you are led on a City tour of Stellenbosch's historical university buildings, old museum, old homestead and followed by lunch and curio shopping to finish off the day. Evening dinner and a comfortable night at the hotel.
Over-night at Dorpshuis Country House hotel.
Day: 13 Stellenbosch - Cape Town - Johannesburg flight departures
After morning breakfast and tour debrief, we depart Stellenbosch on road transfer to Cape Town airport for regional flight to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo international airport for your homeward bound flight connection this evening.
Inclusive: 5-star safari accommodation, all horse back safari activities at Mashatu game reserve and game drive safaris, full day riding safaris, walking safaris, all charter flights into camps/lodges or road transfers, all meals, house-wines & soft drinks, laundry, traditional village and school tour & park entry fees.
Excluded: Any scenic horse back safaris not mentioned above, personal bar bills/imported liquor and meals in any self visited restaurant in Cape tour, gift/curio shopping at local markets and guides gratuity in camps/lodges or hotels.
Safari Accommodation Overview:
Horse Back Safari Overview: The great Limpopo South Africa Experience
Safari Overview: Excellent game-viewing in Mashatu Game Reserve - Tuli block which ranges from herds of elephants, herds of buffalo, wildebeests, zebra, impala, kudu, painted wild dog, cheetah, leopard, prides of lions and incredible bird life.
Best months for horse back safaris: July, August, September, October to November best game-viewing times with temperatures between 12 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius at midday. Winter is low Season from April, May and June and varies from 8 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius at midday. Qualified experienced armed safari guides are only allowed to lead horse back safaris on this time of the year. The rainy season starts in October/November, with occasional thundershowers as December to February are the wettest months with 12-degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.
|
Fact Sheet
MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY: require mastery of basic aids, post to trot for stretches of 10 minutes at a time, be comfortable at all paces and gallop out of trouble. If you are fit and a proficient rider, you are at advantage.
TYPE OF HORSE: Full and part thoroughbred, Boerperd, pure Arab, Anglo Arab, American Saddle bred between 14 and 17 hands. Well-schooled, responsive and even temperament. Wide ranges of horses are available, suitable for competition riders to a steady hack. Every effort is made to match horse and rider.
WEIGHT LIMIT: Novice rider should be 200lbs maximum weight and advanced rider should be 210 lbs rider (15 stone or 95 kg). Guests are required to step on the scales before the ride. Game drives & walks are offered on shorter riders with over weight ability. The weight limit remains 210lbs (15stone or 95kg)
GUIDING & SAFETY: All Horse back Safaris are lead by armed qualified professional guides. Camps and vehicles are equipped with radio communication and hand radios are always carried on all rides with guides ride. Safety talk with demonstration is given before the beginning riding to ensure safety on how to handle big game situations.
INDEMNITY: On arrival, guests will be required to sign an indemnity in camp before the ride.
TACK: Tack is English Style and each saddle has a seat-saver for comfort. Tack is of high quality and kept in good condition. Saddles are well known makes such as Ideals, Barnsby, and Symonds. Most horses are in snaffle bridles.
RIDING SIZE: Maximum of 8 guests.
MEALS: Safari Chefs prepare 3 meal courses a day plus a picnic saddlebag breakfasts. Emphasis is ensuring fresh vegetables and salads made so suit the trip. Home made fresh bread is also prepared every day for the trip. Vegetarians if on dietary request are catered for. Light lunches include: salads, bread rolls, cold meats and 3 course dinner meals are served by candle light at the dining table nearby bush-campfires.
DURATION ON THE RIDE: Approximately between 4-6 hours in the saddle a day and broken into 15-30minutes refreshment stops - picnic lunches or breakfast coupled with a 10-minutes leg stretch walk for every 2- hours spent in the saddle as a way to ease the rider using different muscles and to assist the horse from constant pressure of a rider's weight.
CHILDREN: Though we do accept children under the age of 15 but they must demonstrate strong competent riders with a certificate from a pony club or qualified teacher to attest this. Unfortunately price is not adjusted for children for this horse ride trips.
TERRAIN: Described as dry savanna land with its beauty landscape consisting of flood plains and mopane woodlands. May to October are best seasons for short or full day rides.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Although riding is the safari priority, but other safari alternative activities during the afternoons when not riding can be offered such, afternoons spent on leisure bird watching with evening walks or mokoro rides depending with water levels and game drives.
NON-RIDERS: Non-riders can be accommodated but must be booked in as non-Riders and be accompanied with own guides provided on the trip.
CLOTHING: Most camps provide laundry service. Baggage weight restriction on light aircraft is 12 - 15kg and must be in soft duffel type bags. Recommendation that riding clothes should be in neutral colors such as khaki, brown or dark green suitable for the bush as red, blue yellow or white are discouraged.
INSURANCE: We recommend fully comprehensive medical and accident insurance cover for all guests taking Horse Back Safaris in case of any illness, injuries or medical emergency evacuation, guests must have adequate insurance policy to cover themselves.
WHERE DOES HORSE BACK SAFARIS OPERATE: in a big five Safari area of unspoiled Mashatu Game Reserve on the border between Botswana and Limpopo Tuli Block in South Africa.
HOW TO GET THERE: South African Airways and private air charters fly from Johannesburg to Limpopo Valley airfield or Polokwane airport the capital of Limpopo province. Self drive guests can use road transfer to Pont Drift gate which opens between 08h00 until 16h00. All flight and road transfer bookings can be arranged including all light charter flight transfers in camps or near airstrip. Clients are collected from the airstrip or airport and transferred by 4x4 vehicles to camps. You are also advised that all internal transfer light aircraft have a luggage weight restriction of no more than 15kg in soft duffel bags.
SAFARI INFORMATION REQUIRED: Nationality, age, weight, height, and guests riding experience. Preferred drinks, dietary requirements or allergies. Completing our booking request form when making a reservation can really assist us to co-ordinate your entire safari arrangements.
|
|
