Natural Migrations AFRICAN SAFARI Horse Safaris Botswana

HORSE SAFARIS
This is a suggested itinerary and will be custom designed to suite your needs. Paul and Caroline Swart of Natural Migrations are both experienced horse riders and have put together an exciting program for skilled riders.
Click here for more photos ▪ Click here for Tuli Safari itinerary

In the magical Okavango Delta and Mashatu region of Botswana, seated high above the long grass, riders see giraffe, elephant, lion and other magnificent wildlife. Combine this with luxury bush camps and you have the riding experience of a lifetime.

Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1 - 4: Spend a few days in Cape Town to recuperate from jet lag!
Day 4 - 8: Fly to either Mashatu or Macatoo Tented Camp.

Day 8 onwards: Continue to other destinations in Botswana, Zambia or Kruger National Park for more custom designed safari adventure.

African riding safaris are as adrenalin packed as they are comfortable. Spend 4 or 5 nights at Mashatu Game Reserve located in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, in an area known historically as the Tuli enclave – a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. The name is derived from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which occur throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. This area is home to no less than seven of Africa’s giants: elephant, lion, giraffe, eland, ostrich, kori bustard and the magnificent baobab tree. Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa on horseback and in open 4 wheel drive vehicles, guided by expert rangers and trackers. Up to 350 species of birds can be seen here. Along the river huge Mashatu trees provide shade for general game, while at night the bat-eared fox, African wildcat and leopard search for prey. Mashatu Main Camp offers 14 tastefully and authentically decorated suites with expansive en suite bathrooms. There is a magnificent viewing deck directly off the bar or “gin trap” together with an elevated lounge overlooking a waterhole.

Alternatively, spend 4 or 5 nights at the luxurious Macatoo Tented Camp located on a 500,000 hectare private concession in the western Okavango Delta. The 6 classic Hemmingway-style tents provide all the necessary comforts with en-suite shower and toilet, while allowing you to experience the wild beauty of the African bush. The central area has a pool and secluded verandah with armchairs overlooking the palm dotted flood plain. Although the priority is riding, alternative activities such as walks, mokoro trips (water levels permitting), game drives and night drives are available. Seasonal boating, canoeing and fishing are also on offer.

Prepare to spend between 4 to 6 hours in the saddle a day. This is broken up by refreshment stops of picnic breakfasts or lunch. Bring your own helmet, boots/chaps and suitable trousers, as they are not supplied. Since you are riding in an area of dangerous game you need to be an experienced rider and may be required to gallop out of trouble! A demonstration is given at the beginning of the safari with a talk on how to handle big game situations. The weight of a rider is restricted to a maximum of 210 lbs (15 stone or 95 kg). If you weigh more than this you will need to enquire, but only if you are an advanced rider.

The horses are a variety of Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, Arabs, South African Warmbloods and Kalahari-Arab crossbreeds ranging from 14.3 to 17 hands high. Every effort is made to match horse and rider. The horses are much loved, well mannered and in excellent condition. They have been individually selected for their temperament and ride-ability with the same stringent criteria as those selected for eventing and other equine competitive sports. The horses are schooled to very high level in the classic English style and respond easily and lightly to the aids. Good quality Australian stock saddles, South African Mcllelans and a selection of English saddles are available.

Click here for more photos ▪ Click here for Tuli Safari itinerary