Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris has recently been bought from Louise and Cor, by Laura and Shane Downton of Horizon Horseback in South Africa. Having operated a combined safari for almost 20 years, it was a natural decision after Louise and Cor decided to leave Botswana to raise their family.
The expert schooling and guiding that Louise and Cor were well known for will remain, with West and David at the helm, and Lindy Hill as the manager. All of the horses are schooled to an eventing standard and the guides regularly compete on them.
Guests ride across huge expanses ideal riding terrain, with no fences and phenomenal game viewing. The Tuli block area is known as Land of Giants for it's abundance of elephant and iconic Baobab trees. It is also a very real possibility you will see leopard, lion and cheetah too.
LOCATION
Mashatu Game Reserve, South East Botswana
USPs
– 50 exceptionally well schooled horses
– Superb riding terrain; no holes, no fences!
– Excellent guides – West and David
– Large herds of elephant and lots of cats
– Impressive rate of return guests
RATES (Rack and not including transfers)
Tuli Safari – seven night mobile safari (April – October) £2450–£2625
African Explorer – four nights in South Africa and three nights Botswana
African Bush and Lodge ride – seven nights (February – November) £2800
WHEN TO GO
Summer months are September to April, with October, November and February being the hottest months. Temperatures vary from 12°C to 38°C at midday. The rainy season falls between November and March. Winter is May to the end of August, a period of very little rain, and delightful temperatures by day and refreshingly cool at night. Temperatures during winter months vary from 4°C to 24°C at midday.
RIDING ABILITY & CHILDREN
All riders must be experienced, fit and ride regularly.
RIDES
Tuli Safari – seven night mobile safari April to October
Bush & Lodge – seven nights mobile safari
Best of Botswana – five nights with Limpopo Horse Safaris and five nights at Macatoo with African Horseback Safaris.
African Explorer – four nights at Horizon's Camp Davidson, and three nights in Botswana with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris.
ACCOMODATION
Two Mashatu's camp is LHS's base camp but they utilise a mobile camp and other lodges on some of their rides. At Two Mashatu's there are seven large A-frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with en suite enviro-loos and running hot water shower and hand basin. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck area on which to relax during the afternoons. There is a swimming pool for the hot months!
GETTING THERE
5.5 hour road transfer from Johannesburg International Airport to the Pontdrift border. Limpopo Horse Safari is located 5km from there.
HORIZON HORSEBACK
Laura and Shane have been in the business many years and know that cuisine, comfort, fun and laugher are also important on holiday, and will add their flare to this outstanding horseback safari experience. For more information on Horizon Horseback, please click here