The limpopo region: south africa & botswana

Día 1: Vaalwater

ITALY/JOHANNESBURG/WATERBERG (-/L/D)
Join us for a horseback safari in the Limpopo Region… the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, the endless savannah… we will explore this area that stretches between northern South Africa and southern Botswana. We will spend 4 nights in South Africa, where you will get to embrace your new identity as “new settlers,” and we will complete our adventure in Botswana, where the true Africa begins to emerge — a land both rich and harsh, with scarce waterholes that become the only lifeline for all savannah animals. This land is dotted with rough, thorny vegetation that, in its own way, provides shelter and food for its inhabitants.
The Limpopo Valley is named after the Limpopo River that runs through it: it originates in South Africa’s Witwatersrand mountain range and flows over 1700 km, ending near the port of Xai-Xai in Mozambique and then into the Indian Ocean. Its waters flow slowly over sandy terrain; the Limpopo River is dry for most of the year but can bring great and unexpected surprises during the rainy season when everything blooms, revealing a completely new landscape dotted with countless flowers.
We will explore the area locals call Tuli and the Mashatu Private Reserve, known for its colossal baobab trees and impressive rock formations. The area is also rich in history: near the Motlouse ruins lies the ancient residence of the Kopje Leopard dynasty, prominent during the Iron Age. At Mashatu, there are also traces of rock paintings and dinosaur footprints believed to be 100 million years old. A mysterious land awaits you, with breathtaking sunsets and, as night falls, the buzzing life around your tents will inspire dreams and excitement under the starry sky.

Pick-up at the airport (arrival no later than 9:30 AM recommended). Transfer by shared vehicle to Camp Davidson, about 300 km away (approximately 2.5 hours), located in Limpopo Province’s Waterberg area inside a private reserve (transfer times can vary upon request – additional cost applies). Lunch and, in the afternoon, first horseback safari for a couple of hours. Dinner and overnight in a tented camp.

Día 2: Vaalwater

to 4: PRIVATE RESERVE IN WATERBERG (B/L/D)
Two horseback rides are scheduled daily: one at 8:30 AM for about 3 hours and one at 5:00 PM for about 1.5 hours. This beautiful private reserve, which also breeds livestock, offers the chance to observe wildlife on horseback without the risk of encountering the “Big 5,” which are not present on the property. You will see many antelopes, zebras, ostriches, small mammals, hippos, and eagles. Other horseback activities include polo cross, a fun local sport, show jumping in the riding arena, cross-country jumping, and swimming with horses in the lake in front of the lodge. Meals and overnight in tented camp.

Día 5: Tuli Lodge

LIMPOPO VALLEY (B/L/D)
Breakfast and transfer at 9:30 AM by road for about 4 hours to Botswana. After customs formalities, you will arrive quickly at the stables, where you will meet the horses that will accompany you to explore the beautiful Limpopo Valley, specifically the area called Tuli, which includes the Mashatu Private Reserve and surrounding villages. After a quick lunch and briefing, everyone saddles up for the first horseback safari leading to the tented camp. Dinner and overnight at the tented camp.

Día 6: Tuli Lodge

and 7: LIMPOPO VALLEY (B/L/D)
Wake up at 5:30 AM to ride early and have the chance to spot wildlife before it hides from the heat. This reserve, which looks almost desert-like, can change dramatically during the rainy season when it becomes covered in green grass and flowers. In the mornings, there will be a long horseback safari lasting about 5 to 6 hours, returning to camp for lunch. After a well-deserved rest, afternoon activities include walking or jeep safaris searching for big cats.

Día 8:

LIMPOPO VALLEY/JOHANNESBURG/ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast, last morning of safari, and lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, transfer to the small Limpopo Valley airport for a charter flight directly from the reserve to Johannesburg Airport — arrival usually around 6:00 PM. Plan your return flight to Italy no earlier than 8:30 PM.

Note: The above itinerary is indicative; guides may modify it due to circumstances beyond our control. Request your personalized quote if you want to extend your trip, for example with a beach stay in Mozambique or a visit to Johannesburg with its Apartheid Museum, Mandela’s house, diamond mines, and much more.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE/EXPERT)
ACCOMMODATION: Comfortable tented camp
EQUIPMENT: McClellan saddles, very comfortable, invented by officer George McClellan and used during the US Civil War since 1859. Still in use today, they adapt to any horse. Lightweight and comfortable, perfect for spending many hours in the saddle.
HORSES: Locally bred half-blood horses. They live semi-wild and are stabled at night. Our guides will find the horse best suited to your skill level.
PACE: About 6 hours in the saddle daily. In South Africa, there will be one morning and one afternoon ride, taking advantage of cooler hours. All three gaits will be used, including long trots and canters. Besides safaris, other horseback activities include polo cross, jumping, and cattle work. Riders must be confident with horses in open spaces and in good physical shape. Less experienced riders can participate in activities matching their abilities. In Botswana, there is one long morning safari of about 6 hours.
NOTE: Local guides may decide to have a rider dismount for safety reasons if they deem the rider’s skill insufficient for the Botswana safari outside the protected reserve (a test will be conducted to assess horse control).
WHAT TO BRING: Riding clothes, helmet, preferably khaki/sand colors to avoid disturbing animals, water bottle, fanny pack, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimsuit.
TYPE: Horseback safari with overnight stays in comfortable tented camps.

ACCOMMODATION:
4 nights in South Africa (3 at Davidson tented camp + 1 night at Bellevue Plains Lodge), semi-permanent tented camps, comfortable tents furnished in English style, hot and cold running water, lighting powered by solar batteries. Swimming pool available for guests. Located about 2.5 hours from Johannesburg Airport, in the Waterberg area of Limpopo Province. Cozy common area where meals are served — traditional, very tasty cuisine including game meat. Vegetarian diet available on request. Aperitifs and snacks included.

3 nights in Botswana (2 at Two Mashatu Camp + 1 night at Tree Camp). The first camp is 5 minutes from the Botswana border and about 4 hours from the previous camp. Guests enjoy 5 comfortable tents with private bathrooms, showers, and lighting powered by solar batteries. Common dining area, fire pit, and pool with lounge chairs available. The second camp takes you deeper into the Tuli Reserve.

Available departure dates upon request throughout the year with minimum 2 participants.
Start every FRIDAY for the program 4 nights South Africa + 3 nights Botswana.
Start every TUESDAY for the program 3 nights South Africa + 4 nights Botswana.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 8

SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Price per person DOUBLE room, 3 nights South Africa + 4 nights Botswana:

From 01/01 to 31/01 and from 03/12 to 31/12: €5,370
Single supplement: €1,850

From 01/02 to 28/03: €6,330
Single supplement: €2,270

From 29/03 to 02/12: €6,580
Single supplement same period: €2,380