African Explorer

7 nights from €3210

An 8 day riding adventure that explores two countries in one trip and covers a range of different topography and terrain, combined with excellent and wide ranging game viewing.

South Africa, Limpopo & Botswana, Tuli Block
Set dates
7 nights
4-8 hours of riding per day
OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Group size: 10 max

This safari combines excellent game viewing opportunities on horseback in both South Africa and Botswana, together with discovering elements of the rich South African history. You cover a range of different topography and terrain, combined with wide ranging game viewing – including Big 5!

You will learn about Ted Davidson, one of the first members of the Baber family to settle in the Waterberg in the late 19th century. As a young man, he traded by ox wagon to remote cattle outposts. Horizon has captured the early camp atmosphere and created Camp Davidson where your African adventure begins.

Night four on your safari is spent at Bellvue Plains Lodge, a beautiful camp to the west of Camp Davidson. The second half of your safari takes you north to the Tuli Block of Botswana where you cover both the riverine terrain and the mopane bushveld. The area is famous for its large herds of elephants but you should also see eland, impala, giraffe, hyena and hopefully also leopard, lion and perhaps cheetah and wild dog. In Botswana you stay at Two Mashatus Camp which is a semi-permanent tented camp.

This safari has a wild feel and will definitely get your adrenaline flowing.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time.

Day 1

Arrival

After a long journey you will arrive at Camp Davidson with enough time to meet your guide and explore the camp before lunch. You will then head off on your first afternoon ride through the Matlapeng reserve. This is your introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited. As you ride through the plains you can experience your first game encounters on horseback. Ostrich, impala, zebra, kudu, eland, giraffe, warthog and jackal are often seen in the open bushland. You stop for sundowners at the breathtaking Red Dam, where you are likely to find the resident pod of hippo. You then head back to Camp Davidson where you end the day with a three-course dinner.

Day 2

First morning in the bush and you eagerly head out on your second ride which begins on the plateau, with great views of the pristine wilderness. You head south along the shores of Sunset Lake, home to resident pods of hippos, wily crocodiles and many bird species including the imposing white-tailed eagle, ducks, jacanas and various species of geese. The shallow water gives great opportunities for cantering through and taking a few memorable photos along the way. Later you reach the open savannah and you are highly likely to encounter herds of wildebeest and zebra. The ride is very varied: we canter over sandy ground, meander past rocky outcrops and come through densely forested areas. You then cross the reserve and reach Camp David in time for lunch. You can then relax by the pool before you head out for your shorter afternoon ride.

This evening there is the option of a Night Sky Safari with local astronomer Dr. Philip Carcott, who will guide us through the constellations in the sky. The pure, unpolluted air gives you the most astonishing views of the stars and the wonders of the universe. (Depending on availability and weather, the minimum number of participants is 4 people, not included in the tour price, the cost is approximately R 300 per person).

Day 3

This morning you will set off on a ride tracking the game that has been around in your area and possibly enjoy some of the jumps along the way (if you are up for it). If the weather permits you can finish off your ride with a swim with the horses in one of the many lakes on the reserve before returning to camp for lunch. After lunch enjoy a sundowner ride exploring the reserve further. Then head back to Camp Davidson for a relaxed dinner.

Day 4

Today you have an early ride back to Horizon, soaking up the early morning sights and sounds of the African bush. Your ride ends at the horses’ base at Horizon Lodge. You are transferred to Two Mashatus Camp at around 09:30, the remote eastern corner of Botswana (a journey of 4 to 4 1⁄2 hours). From the Pont Drift border post you cross the Limpopo River and enter the Tuli Block before arriving at the stables.

You will go on an afternoon introductory ride to familiarise yourself with your new horse for this leg of the safari. Arrive at Two Mashatus Camp in time to freshen up before supper and enjoy the night in the traditional Botswana style camp. The camp is not enclosed and it is a real treat to see game in and around the area.

Day 5

Another early start and you head out on another epic adventure, possibly your longest ride yet. You meander through Elephants Valley along ancient elephant trails, before riding north to the upper reaches of the Majale River. This area is covered with numerous baobab trees and is one of the more remote areas of the reserve. After an exhilarating ride through this timeless landscape, you enjoy lunch back at Tree Camp and a relaxing break or siesta. In the afternoon there is either another ride or a guided walk (a game drive may be possible at an additional cost of USD65 per person, to explore the northern banks of Majele, Matabole and Jwala). After which you return to the Tree Camp for dinner and head to bed (at this point you fall asleep by the time your head touches your pillow).

Day 6

Each morning you have an early wake-up call with tea or coffee brought to your tent, followed by breakfast around the campfire. An early start means you maximise game-viewing opportunities while the wildlife is active and enjoy the cool fresh mornings before the heat of the day.

The group normally has the choice of a longer morning ride with an afternoon game drive, or two shorter morning and afternoon rides.

On today’s ride you should come across the large herds of elephant for which the Tuli Block is renowned, as well as many different species of antelope as well as giraffe, zebra, bat-eared fox, jackal, hyena. If you are lucky, you may even spot some lion, leopard, wild dog or cheetah.

You arrive back at Two Mashatus Camp for lunch then you have some time to chill by the pool or relax in the shady camp.

This afternoon, you either go on an afternoon ride or game drive, depending on what the group has decided. If you opt for the game drive you have the chance to explore the south western side of the reserve which you will not be able to reach on horseback during the African Explorer safari. This part of the reserve is rich in game with a resident pride of lions. You will stop for sundowners in the ancient landscape of rock formations or the Mmamagwa hills, which offer vast vistas across the reserve. Then back to Two Mashatus Camp for dinner and another relaxing evening.

Day 7

Today you head out on your morning ride to explore the area further and track the wildlife that has passed through overnight. Depending on the terrain there are opportunities to enjoy faster canters along the African plains. You then return to camp to freshen up before lunch. In the afternoon you either go for another ride or a guided bush walk in the northern area of Mashatu Game Reserve and enjoy the rich birdlife, try to spot crocodiles in the pools.

Later return to camp for your final evening which is usually spent reminiscing about your amazing time so far.

Day 8

Departure

The last day of your African Explorer adventure begins early with a final morning ride before arriving back at the stables. After saying farewell to your horses there is time for a refreshing shower and change before brunch. And then a sad departure after an amazing trip.

ALTERNATE ITINERARY - African Explorer 2

Every two weeks there are additional safari dates (3 nights are spent in SA and 4 nights in Botswana):

Tuesday – Arrival
1st – 2nd Night: Camp Davidson
3rd Night: Bellevue Plains Lodge
4th Night: Tree Camp (Botswana)
5th – 6th Night: The Kgotla (Botswana)
7th Night: Tree Camp (Botswana)
Monday – Departure

Getting there

The shared transfers are from Johannesburg airport to Camp Davidson in South Africa by car, from Camp Davidson to Two Mashatus Camp in Botswana by car, and then by light aircraft from Two Mashatus Camp back to Johannesburg.

On the first day your flight should arrive in Johannesburg by 9:30 or before. On departure day flights should depart after 20:30.

The Driver will meet you at the airport in Johannesburg and drive you to Horizon Camp Davidson (approx. 3 hours), your base for the first 3 nights.

For the alternate itinerary “African Explorer 2” there will be a road transfer to Camp Davidson on day one, a light aircraft flight into Botswana on day 4 and another flight back to Johannesburg on departure day.

NB: It is possible in exceptional circumstances that the light aircraft transfer is replaced by a road transfer. A minimum of 4 pax is needed to confirm the air transfers.

DATES

All year round; Friday- Friday.
Additional dates Tuesday- Tuesday every second week (African Explorer 2).

PRICES

Low season (January, February, December): from €3210 per person sharing
High season (March – November): from €4100 per person sharing

INCLUDED

All overnight stays on a shared basis, Accommodations as described in the itinerary (or equivalent), All meals and beverages including house wines, All rides with guide, Luggage transport, Team and logistics

NOT INCLUDED

Arrival, Transfer, Gratuities, Special drinks, Optional game drive in Botswana, Additional activities, Massages, Insurances, Local taxes and fees.

Please note that for transfers from abroad, all bank charges incurred are at your own expense.

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT

A single supplement is payable to guarantee a single tent. Additional 50% of the safari price.

TRANSFERS

Combined Land/Air Charter Transfer: from €675.00 per person

NEAREST AIRPORT

Johannesburg.

PAYABLE LOCALLY

Tips; US$60 Botswana conservancy fee per person; ZAR200 conservancy fee South Africa per person; additional game drive (optional) US$90 per person.

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The accommodation

On the African Explorer Safari you stay at 3 unique wilderness camps. Your first three nights are at Camp Davidson, South Africa before moving to Bellevue Plains Lodge for one night and then you are transferred to Two Mashatus Camp in the Tuli Block, Botswana where you spend the following three nights. For the alternate itinerary (African Explorer 2), you will experience 4 nights in Botswana and move to different camps.

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South Africa:

Nestled amidst the bushland high above the Matlapeng Valley, Camp Davidson emerged in 2012, offering a gateway to exploration from a central base in the heart of the wooded Waterberg mountains. Providing breathtaking panoramic views of the central highlands of the Waterberg Massif and overlooking the serene Sunset Lake on the eastern fringe of the Triple B Ranch, this camp encapsulates the essence of South Africa’s natural beauty.

In the late 19th century, the Baber family, proprietors of the Triple B Ranch, settled in the Waterberg region. Among them was young Ted Davidson, who traversed rocky trails with an ox cart, supplying remote cattle outposts in the burgeoning ranching area. Inspired by this pioneering spirit, Horizon has revived the ambiance of those early days at Camp Davidson. Each tent, nestled between sandstone ridges, evokes nostalgia with its classic design, reminiscent of Ted’s era. Powered entirely by solar energy, the camp offers modern comforts alongside a rustic charm, complete with a tranquil pool.

The Savannah Lodge, situated in the southwest corner of the reserve, offers a refined retreat amidst nature’s embrace. With five tastefully appointed rooms, including en-suite bathrooms, the lodge boasts expansive living and dining areas both indoors and out. Guests can unwind by the pool or on the deck, gazing out over the plains and the frequented waterhole nearby. As a sanctuary from the digital world, the lodge graciously offers a respite from Wi-Fi connectivity, while guests’ belongings are chauffeured to the lodge for added convenience.

Botswana:

Nestled beneath the sheltering canopy of a majestic Mashatu tree, Two Mashatu Camp welcomes guests to an intimate oasis in the heart of nature. Two traditional rondavels, crafted from indigenous Lala palms, serve as elegant dining and lounge spaces, while spacious A-frame tents, perched on teakwood platforms, provide luxurious accommodation. Each tent, ensconced in the shade of towering trees, offers privacy and tranquility, with en-suite facilities and inviting deck areas for afternoon relaxation. A refreshing swimming pool, nestled under the branches of a Mashatu tree, beckons guests to unwind amidst the serenity of their surroundings.

Tree Camp offers a truly unique experience, where guests slumber amid the branches of a colossal Mashatu tree and two ancient leadwood trees on a raised deck, four meters above the ground. Each airy sleeping cabin, shared by two guests, is connected by a short walkway to communal showers and toilets nestled among the leadwood trees. The expansive dining and living area, overlooking the Majale River, completes this extraordinary setting, ensuring memories of a lifetime.

Kgotla Camp transports guests to a bygone era, with its setting along the banks of the Motloutse River on the western fringes of Mashatu. Fashioned from sturdy leadwood logs, this traditional enclosure provides a secure haven for guests. Featuring hot water facilities, outdoor showers, and flush toilets, the camp seamlessly blends modern comfort with an authentic bush experience. Guests gather around a central fireplace, sleeping under the vast African sky, serenaded by the symphony of the wilderness.