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Botswana
Okavango Horse Safaris - 2008 RATES A 5 night itinerary may take place on the first five nights or the second 5 nights of a 10 night itinerary. Clients would depart on day 6 after an early morning ride & breakfast (aircraft movements permitting). 10 NIGHT ITINERARY On a 10 night itinerary we work out of our base camp Kujwana. This is situated on the Xudum river in the Okavango Delta. We then use two other camps in different areas of the concession. All these camps are well situated in big game areas. They are chosen for the variety of terrain & species that favour particular areas. Day 1 You are met at Maun Airport by our representative & transferred by light aircraft to the nearest airstrip to Kujwana, a 25 minute flight. You are then transferred into the camp by vehicle which takes approximately 1 hour. (Game viewing). An introduction talk & demo on tack & general advice on game viewing from horseback is followed by an orientation ride for approximately 1 - 2 hours. Day 2 Kujwana Camp. Morning game ride in the Xudum area. Wake up is 1 hour before dawn to ensure best game viewing. Wade through lush green malapos that lead you from island to - island. Surprise a timid bushbuck out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of Lechwe & Zebra moving through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch. Siesta. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks & evening night drive with a spot light. Day 3 Kujwana Camp. Ride east towards Beacon and lion island. These are two very large islands in the area which are cut off from Kujwana by the Xwaapa river. The area is criss-crossed with game paths leading you through a chain of rain pans. This is a great contrast to the open flood plains. Mapane forests and Acacia woodlands offer a good variety of food for Kudu and Giraffe. Breeding herds of elephant enjoy the security of the dense forest and should the pans be holding water zebra, wilderbeest and buffalo will also be found. Animal tracks abound telling you of what has been and gone - or what you might still find. Afternoon bird walk. Day 4 Moklowane Camp. Move from Kujwana to Moklowane camp. This is approximately 30km ride heading North West. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system. A picnic lunch is served on a shady island 2 hours ride from Moklowane camp. Arrive sunset. Day 5 Moklowane Camp. Morning game ride with a picnic breakfast carried in saddle bags. This camp is on the Matsebe river system and features wide open flood plains interspersed with Moklowane palms - favourite food of Elephant & Baboon. Good area for plains game.Afternoon: 1 - 2 hours mokoro experience (traditional dug out canoe). Day 6 Moklowane Camp. Dawn game ride 2 hours. Return to camp for breakfast. Optional game drive before lunch. Ride again in the cool of the afternoon as the wildlife stirs from the heat of the day. 2 hours ride. Day 7 Fly Camp. Move from Moklowane riding north east towards the Kiri river. The fly camp is situated on the Kiri river system approximately 30km from Moklowane, on the border with Moremi Game reserve. (The term "fly camp" comes from the days when you moved your fly sheet off your permanent tent to make a temporary or simple camp. In our case we use dome two man tents.) Arrive before lunch. Afternoon game and bird walk. Day 8 Fly Camp. A full days ride exploring this area which is on the edge of the permanent water with papyrus beds & deep lagoons. Good area for hippo & lechwe. A picnic lunch is set up on a shady island. Return to Fly camp in the cool of the late afternoon. Day 9 Fly Camp. Saddle bag breakfast. Ride north east towards Moremi game reserve. This area forms seasonal marsh land and hosts a variety of exceptional bird life. Wildlife moves freely to and from the national park. Good Buffalo and Elephant country. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks & evening night drive with a spot light. Day 10 Kujwana Camp. A full days ride from fly camp to Kujwana with a picnic lunch along away. A 40 Km ride with 4 hours ridden in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. We now head south west towards the Khurunxaraga & the swing south into the Xudum. This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum river at numerous hippo channels. Arrive Kujwana on sunset. Day 11 Early morning game ride out of Kujwana camp if flight times permit. Clients leave after breakfast. One hour's game drive to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into Maun. NB. Okavango Horse Safaris reserves the right to alter the itinerary according to water levels and game movements. The itinerary may change due to game movements and water levels. Mokoros (dugout Canoes) are offered as an activity depending on water levels. 10 night itinerary - on day 6 the horses are sometimes rested & other activities are offered, i.e. Mokoro with picnic lunch, game drive or bird walk. KUJWANA CAMP Kujwana camp is situated on the Xudum river south west of chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta. The camp accommodates a maximum of 8 to 10 guests in spacious safari tent each with bathrooms en-suite (bush style). Fixed departure dates are published with a 5 and 10 night safari offering the opportunity to explore the three main river systems in this area, the Xudum, Matsebi and the Kiri river. An area of over 2500 sq. km it is rich in wildlife and variety of fauna and flora. The areas between the three rivers contrast greatly and support different species of game and birds. MOKLOWANE CAMP Moklowane camp is north west of Kujwana on the Matsebi river. This camp is situated in the open flood plains which receive flood water 3 weeks earlier than Kujwana camp. The vegetation consists of smaller palm island and wide open spaces. Mokolwane is also an 8 bedded tented camp. KIRI FLY CAMP Kiri Fly Camp is north east of Kujwana camp in the permanent water line of the delta. This camp is temporary and the site moves according to access with water levels. Deep lagoons and papyrus beds this is a good area for hippo and lechwe, as well as buffalo and other big game. The camp consists of walk in dome tents, private ablutions, mess tent etc. The term Fly camp means temporary camp easily moved ( from the days when you moved your fly sheet rather than you whole tent). Booking Terms & Conditions
Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris, 2008 The Tuli Block, home to Mashatu Game Reserve - "The Land of the Giants" - is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas and land formations as ancient as time itself. It is also home to a multitude of wildlife species and remains untouched by the invasion of man. Our riding trails are conducted in the Limpopo Valley and cover both the riverine terrain and the true African mopane bushveld including the famous sandstone/granite rock formations of the Tuli. How better to experience the breathtaking beauty of the area than on horseback! An unparalleled equine adventure will take you back to a time when man and his environment were one! Tuli Safari - a 7 night wilderness safari. The 1st night is spent at Fort Jamesons before heading out into the bush where the next 6 nights will each be spent at a different wilderness camp. Each day is spent riding through the diverse terrain within Mashatu. The Tuli Safari starts and finishes on a Sunday. A minimum of 2 participants are required Guests must BE EXPERIENCED RIDERS, this means they must ride regularly and be comfortable at the faster gaits, canter and galloping as well as able to do small jumps.
Tuli Safari (7nights, 8 days riding) GB Pounds 1575 Big Five Safari (8 nights, 9 days riding) GB Pounds 1840 (mobile) or 1740 (static) Two Mashatus Ride (any length of stay) GB Pounds 200 per person per night All transfers return from Johannesburg GB Pounds 175 per person The Itinerary
DAY 1 After a light lunch it is time to get acquainted with your horse. You will then embark on an introductory ride along the banks of the mighty Limpopo River. Your first 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 garden under the inky black sky (weather permitting). Retire for a night of rest in the comfort of Fort Jamesons Camp.
DAY 2 TODAY THE REAL FUN BEGINS!! Retire to your dome tent where you will experience the “music” of the African bush as it gently serenades you to sleep.
DAY 3 The next ride begins: Test the amazingly sure footed Boerperd as we cross over basalt ridges following age old elephant trails, and enjoy long sustained canters to make up for the lost time traversing the ridges. This ride will be about 6 to 7 hours. Camp is at the Kgotla. This is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Mocloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The open-air traditional African enclosure is made of leadwood logs in the shade of a century old Mashatu Tree. Sundowners are enjoyed from a sandstone kopje overlooking the Mocloutse River as it meanders and disappears into the African landscape. Guests enjoy dinner around a large log fire, before retiring to bed. The night is spent sleeping under the stars in the cacophony of sound generated by the African bush orchestra.
DAY 4
DAY 5 Today’s ride will allow you to become one with nature as you head towards the dry river bed overhung with baboon vines called Liana Camp. Large open plains afford the opportunity to tantalize the taste buds of the thrill seeker with exhilarating riding amongst herds of galloping wildebeest and zebra! See the visual wonders of nature, feel the warmth of the sun on your face and taste Africa in its most authentic sense! Another bush lunch is a welcome stop halfway to your camp, enjoy the feeling of eating out in the bush surrounded by miles and miles of Africa! On arrival at Liana Camp you will be welcomed by a well-deserved sundowner as this probably the longest ride about 8 hours. As evening draws to a close, enjoy the camaraderie and drinks with your fellow riders around the fire.
DAY 6 Spend the afternoon at leisure relaxing before you embark on an afternoon walk into the bush. On foot you are able to witness the smaller creatures and plants that are missed on horse back. You are also able to follow spoor and are one-on-one with the bush environment. The evening is enjoyed with sundowners around a log fire and a delicious meal sees the close to another exhilarating and rewarding day.
DAY 7 The open Pitsani plains so characteristic of this area are perfect for a really good gallop, hopefully with Zebras and wildebeests! You head in the direction of the Mojale and Limpopo confluence where lunch awaits you. This ride is about 5-6 hours. this evening you have the opportunity to partake in a game drive which gives the opportunity to see some of the big cats from close. Dinner is around the log fire, under another centurion Mashatu Tree. A dreamless sleep no doubt awaits you as the final day draws to a close.
DAY 8 After a final brunch in the beautiful picturesque gardens of Fort Jamesons and sad farewells to your riding companions and trusty Steeds, you will have a chance to pack and freshen up in order to prepare for departure to either the Limpopo Valley Airfield or Pont Drift Border Post.
Fort Jameson is situated on the Limpopo River in the Mashatu Game Reserve. The camp consists of 5 log cabins, each comprising two extra large single beds, private en suite facilities (including a shower, flush toilet and wash basin with hot/cold running water). Facilities in the camp include an air-conditioned lounge/ dining room, a swimming pool, and fully stocked bar. A waterhole offers exciting game viewing from the perimeter of the camp. Wilderness/ Satellite Camps Satellite campsites are set up in specific locations throughout the Mashatu wilderness. Accommodation is in dome tents on comfortable beds with sheets and duvets. Facilities include a bucket shower, and “bush-WC” (not complete without spade) - most importantly – enjoy every amenity afforded by Mother Nature! Meals are cooked around a camp fire. The Kgotla is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The boma is an open-air traditional African enclosure made up of leadwood logs. Guests sleep on beds around a large log fire which blazes at the centre. THE LIMPOPO VALLEY TEAM "Our emphasis is in offering our clients an adventure that is unique to the Tuli Block by paying attention to not only the large mammals, but to the ecology of the area. Being on horseback allows the client the freedom to view the wilderness at their discretion - thus tailor making their own safari experience". The camp management couple is Cor and Louise Carelsen. Cor and Louise have been with us for 3 years and have taken over the challenges of running the camp. Louise’s job is looking after and schooling the horses, training the grooms good stable management as well as to ride! Cor guides as well as managing the Tuli safari. Cor, a native of South Africa, is a dedicated conservationist and guide who has been working at LVHS for over 3 years. He has a diploma in Nature Conservation and has worked as a project manager for a charitable conservation foundation in Ecuador, South America which was dedicated to preserving virgin Andean cloud forests as well as the Estate Manager for a racehorse stud and training farm in England. Cor has ridden from a young age on his family's farm horses, but only started riding on a professional basis when he worked as a Guide for Equus Horse Safaris in South Africa, before joining Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in 2003.
‘West’ Mmanoko is a rare breed of man, a Motswana with a passion for and love of horses. West started with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in the Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana, about three years ago as a groom. Today, after a lot of guidance and assistance from Limpopo Valley’s team of highly experienced riders, West and his horse, ‘Baron’ are a regular sight out on the plains of Mashatu. Festus has been back up riding for the last year and is a elephant spotter of note, he and his buckskin Nato will be with you through thick and thin! Mpho is our newest back up rider, but is a quiet force to be reckoned with on his horse Bismarck. David is the newly appointed Head Groom as well as sometime back up rider and is a big help to Louise in the stables, he has a soft touch and all the horses like him! Your cook is Martha, who has the talent to transform the bush cuisine into an exquisite meal to be enjoyed after long hours in the saddle! THE HORSES The horses have been individually selected for their temperament and ride-ability. They have been carefully chosen from the various South African breeds, which are well known for being of a tougher nature - able to cope under extreme conditions. These breeds include the Boerperd, Shire Cross Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, and the S.A. Warmblood. They range in size from 14.3h.h to 17 h.h. Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris prides itself on horses that have been selected with the same stringent criteria as those selected for eventing and other equine competitive sports. Our schooling concentrates on classical English style, although they neck rein when in the bush. They are schooled to very high level and respond easily and lightly to the aids. We use Australian stock saddles, South African Mcllelans and a selection of English saddles for those who prefer.
Our 2007 season kicked off with a great couple of weeks in the Two Mashatus camp, and in response to our guests reactions, we have decided to use it as our base camp. This will mean that both our Tuli and our Big 5 rides start from the Two Mashatus camp rather than from our old camp at Fort Jameson's. This will be effective from 6th May 2007. This means guest also enjoy a short game drive on their first afternoon and morning to the horses which will still be based at Fort Jameson's in order to select the perfect horse for each guest. We will continue to ride from Fort Jameson's the first afternoon and morning. Thereafter safaris proceed as normal. We are also offering "Two Mashatus" rides in February 2008, as well as November and March. The rates will not differ for this ride compared to our other rides as it is still wilderness based. It is a lovely shady spot and we hope to have a bush pool to relax in by 2008!
Cor and Louise, Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris
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