South Africa & Botswana African Explorer

Meet at the information desk at the international arrivals hall at 11h15. From there you’ll have a 3.5 hour road transfer to Camp Davidson in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon, get introduced to your safari team and guides, both two and four-legged. The team 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 sundowner 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.

After waking up to a glorious African morning and delicious breakfast, spend the day exploring the reserve, tracking herds of giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, kudu and impala. Ride past Sunset Lake where Fish Eagles and Spur-winged goose are often spotted. The shallow banks offer some great splashy canters through the water. Return to camp in time for lunch and a siesta next to the pool. In the afternoon, follow game trails as you weave through the bush and enjoy some long canters across the plains.  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 paid on the ground)

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 lunch at the lodge and a rest by the pool, the afternoon ride continues to explore this game-rich area, ending with sundowners overlooking the African plains.

This morning, set off on horseback, following the game paths and learning about tracking the wildlife. There are some interesting fallen trees that make the perfect obstacles for those who enjoy jumping. On hot days, the both horses and riders enjoy a swim in one of the many lakes on the reserve before heading back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll ride back to Horizon Lodge where you’ll say goodbye to the horses before heading up to Camp Davidson for your last night in South Africa.

After an early wake-up call, you’ll depart from the lodge once more, heading for Botswana (approximately 5/6 hour drive) with a picnic breakfast enjoyed along the road. The idea is to get you across the border and into Botswana by 9AM. Crossing the Limpopo River into the Tuli block, you will arrive at the stables in time for lunch and an introductory afternoon ride. Once you’ve been paired up with a suitable horse, head out for the second leg of the safari; riding to the incredible Tree Camp where you‘ll spend your first night in Botswana. This camp is built up in the leadwood trees, giving you incredible views over the wilderness beyond.

Wake up early with a steaming cup of tea or coffee being brought to your bed followed by breakfast overlooking the valley.  An early start is imperative to capture those fresh African mornings and maximise game-viewing opportunities as you ride through the game-rich Pitsame River area. Here you will likely encounter the large herds of elephants famous in the area, as well as many different species of antelope; also giraffe, zebra, bat-eared fox, jackal, hyena and possibly even lion, leopard, and cheetah if you’re lucky.  Arrive at Two Mashatus Camp for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon, set off on horseback or enjoy a walk in the area with sundowners on the Mmagwa hills.

Enjoy a full morning ride from Two Mashatu. The tempo of the rides is always varied and depending on the terrain there are opportunities to enjoy the spirit and fitness of the horses at a faster pace before returning to camp to freshen up before lunch. In the afternoon there is a chance to enjoy a Mashatu game drive – Subject to availability. Mashatu is famous for its big cat sightings and this is definitely a wonderful opportunity for keen photographers to hopefully capture sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and elephant (additional charge of (£65) and for those who want something more relaxed, you can head out on a guided bush walk before heading back to Two Mashatus for your last night in Africa.

Waking up to the dawn chorus, enjoy breakfast, before setting out for a last special ride back to the stables where you will bid a sad farewell to your four-legged companion. There will be time for a quick shower and brunch before boarding your charter flight back to OR Tambo Airport (approx 1,5 hours) Then connect with your flight back home again (we recommend a flight departing after 8 PM to account for any delays) or head off to explore more of Africa!