Experience pure Africa in two different wilderness areas in South Africa and Botswana. You will discover two completely different landscapes with different flora and fauna – variety and plenty of wildlife encounters are guaranteed! In South Africa, you will discover the Waterberg region on horseback, where you will get up close to numerous wild animals, including giraffes, zebras and lots of antelopes. You will stay in a comfortable tented camp with a pool in the middle of the bushes, which will give you a taste of the days of the great explorers and adventurers. You will stay in safari tents with modern comforts and, above all, pure nature. From the camp, you will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the hills of the Waterberg region with the dreamy Sunset Lake on the horizon, while you end your eventful safari day with a sundowner around the campfire and look forward to a delicious candlelit dinner...
The second part of the African Explorer takes you to the Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block in south-eastern Botswana. This wildlife-rich area is characterised by its diverse and breathtaking landscapes and impressive sandstone rock formations on the banks of the Limpopo River. Here, too, you will enjoy accommodation in a comfortable tented camp with a pool in the middle of the wilderness. The name ‘Land of Giants’ is particularly apt for this region with its wide, open plains covered by mighty, ancient baobab trees and roamed by huge herds of elephants: A land that is still completely untouched and home to countless animal species such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, antelopes, gazelles and over 350 different species of birds.

Itinerary

African Explorer Wilderness

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg (by 9:15 a.m.) and shared transfer at 10:30 a.m. to the safari camp, where a delicious lunch will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, you will meet your horse for the safari and set off on your first safari ride through the Matlapeng Game Reserve. Depending on the water level, a surprise awaits you at the ‘Red Lake’: well-chilled drinks for a traditional sundowner, a typical African tradition of enjoying the spectacular sunset in style. One of the hippos in the lake will probably snort at you – cheers! Afterwards, you will climb the hill to the camp on horseback, where you will be treated to a stylish candlelit dinner under the African starry sky. And to help you fall asleep, the ‘bush orchestra’ will play you a ‘little night music’...

Day 2: You will be gently awakened in the early morning ‘African style’ with fresh tea and coffee at your tent. On your morning discovery ride through the reserve, you will experience the colourful diversity of Africa's wildlife. Today you may ride alongside galloping herds of giraffes and zebras, see large herds of mighty eland antelopes, wildebeests, kudus and impalas. Your horse will take you across the fascinating landscape, along narrow game trails and through narrow gorges. You will pass the ‘Sunset Lake’, where you will often see eagles and geese. The shallow water offers beautiful galloping opportunities and good photo opportunities. You will return to camp for lunch and then relax by the pool. In the afternoon, you will set off on a ride to explore the area for hippos and enjoy the beautiful landscape with some brisk gallops. In the evening, you may have the option of paying extra to go through the constellations with astronomer Dr. Philip Calcott. He is very knowledgeable and from this point on earth you have a very good view of the stars.

Day 3: Your day begins with a morning ride to explore the area. Depending on the weather, you may also have the opportunity to swim with the horses in one of the lakes in the reserve. When you arrive at the camp, a delicious lunch will be waiting for you. After lunch, enjoy a sundowner ride across the plains of the reserve. We are lucky to have a large herd of zebras. Over the years, the herd has become accustomed to the horses and it is now possible to ride very close to them and be part of the herd. A wonderful way to watch the foals frolic.

Day 4: After breakfast, you will pack your bags and leave the camp. You will set off for a beautifully located lodge. There you will have lunch with a magnificent view of the plains and have time to relax by the pool while watching the antelopes play. In the afternoon, you will continue to explore the reserve and search for giraffes, zebras, elands, wildebeests, kudus, impalas, hartebeests and ostriches. End the day with a sundowner and enjoy the peace and quiet and the view of the stars over a leisurely dinner.

Day 5: Early in the morning, you set off on your last ride through the complete seclusion of nature, breathing in the fresh morning air and listening to the sounds of the African bush until you arrive back at the first lodge. From here, you will be taken to your second riding adventure in Botswana, the Limpopo Valley, at around 9:30 a.m.
You will cross the Limpopo River, which forms the border between South Africa and Botswana, and may encounter some wild animals on the short jeep ride to the stables. You can prove your riding skills during a short test ride (a short round at a walk, trot and canter). During the introductory ride in the afternoon, you will get to know and love your new horse. Once you arrive at the comfortable camp, you will have time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Day 6: Early in the morning, you will be lovingly awakened with a cup of tea or coffee in your tent before breakfast is served around the campfire. Today, you can make arrangements with the group. You have the choice between a longer morning ride and a guided bush walk in the afternoon or two shorter rides. The ride starts very early, which increases the chance of seeing lots of animals, as they are particularly active in the early morning hours. One of the highlights of the day is undoubtedly the elephant encounters on horseback. The region is known for its large herds of elephants, so you are guaranteed to encounter some of these pachyderms in the bush – a unique experience that is sure to give you goose bumps! You can also spot many different species of antelope, giraffes, zebras, bat-eared foxes, jackals, hyenas and, with a little luck, even lions and African wild dogs. There are also some cheetahs and leopards living in the area. At lunchtime, you return to camp, enjoy a delicious lunch and then relax by the pool. In the evening, you will go on a game drive in a jeep and are sure to encounter some animals at dusk. The highlight of the trip is a sundowner in the ancient landscape with rock formations or the Mmamagwa Hills, which offer sweeping views of the setting sun.

Day 7: Go horse riding and follow the movements of the wild animals in the area. The pace of the rides is always varied and, depending on the terrain, there are opportunities to enjoy the fitness of the horses.
The afternoon offers another opportunity to choose between another ride or a bush walk in the northern part of the Mashatu Game Reserve, enjoying the rich bird life, watching crocodiles in the pools and learning about the magnificent trees on the banks.

Day 8: After a final morning ride through the bush back to the stables, you will have time to freshen up, take a quick shower and enjoy breakfast before departing on a charter flight to Johannesburg Airport.

Weather-related changes are possible!

African Explorer Trail

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg (by 9:15 a.m.) and shared transfer at 10:30 a.m. to the safari camp in the Waterberg region. Lunch, followed by an introduction to the horses and a first ride through the hilly bush landscape.

Day 2: Ride across open plains, depending on the weather, swim with horses in the lake and see wildlife galore!

Day 3: Continue to Bellevue Lodge and search for buffalo and encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and antelopes.

Day 4: Morning ride back to the safari camp and transfer by car to Botswana. After lunch, you will get to know the horses and ride from the farm through dry river beds and sandy plains to the Tree Camp on the river. You may even see your first elephants today! Numerous antelopes, wildebeests, monkeys, etc. are guaranteed.

Day 5: Ride through the Valley of the Elephants – from the Tree Camp to Kgotla, an old settlement and now a wilderness camp.

Day 6: You will pass termite mounds and sandstone cliffs on the Motloutse River. In the evening, there will be a safari drive to the Mamagwa Massif with a sundowner. Overnight stay in Kgotla.

Day 7: Ride along the river through the bush from Kgotla back to the beautiful Tree Camp.

Day 8: Today, you will return to the stables from Tree Camp. In the afternoon, you will fly from Limpopo Airfield to Johannesburg and depart.

Subject to change at any time!Non-riders: Non-riders can also join the trip upon request . In South Africa, guided bush walks and various excursions such as an elephant ride, local village visits and trips to a Big Five reserve can be organized. In Botswana, non-riders can go on guided bush walks or cycling tours. Price for non-riders upon request.

Accomodation
African Explorer Wilderness
4 nights in South Africa (Camp Davidson), 3 nights in Botswana (Two Mashatus Camp)

South Africa - Accommodation
The comfortable Camp Davidson was built in the Matlapeng Hills. The great location allows you to explore the game-rich reserve from your base camp, which is situated in the heart of the forested hill of the Waterberg. The tented camp is harmoniously embedded in the landscape. The large safari tents are equipped with two comfortable beds and full bedding. They each have an en-suite bathroom with washing facilities and a bush shower. Towels are provided. A small wooden terrace with table and chairs is also available. Internet is also available in the camp for your convenience.
The camp has a covered lounge area with a dining table and sofas as well as a pool with a great view.

Historical background: In the 19th century, the story of the Baber family, the owners of Lodge at lake and the Safari Camp, began with Ted Davidson, who had settled in the Waterberg Mountains. He was a young, adventurous man with an entrepreneurial spirit, who traveled with his bullock cart to remote cattle ranches and traded. He led a nomadic life in the wild hills, covering up to 5 miles a day in his ox cart. He spent his nights around the campfire. The atmosphere of the past can still be felt today in the Safari Comfort Camp, albeit with considerably more amenities...

Botswana - Accommodation
The luxurious Two Mashatus Camp is the permanent base camp under two huge, ancient Mashatu trees. Here you will find spacious, comfortable safari tents on teak platforms with a small terrace. In addition to comfortable beds with bedding, the tents also have their own showers (an open-air shower experience!) and toilet. Towels are also provided. Internet access can also be provided on request. Meals are served in the rustic bush restaurant. There is also a lounge with a cozy seating area and a small pool. In the evening, you can usually sit around the campfire and enjoy the romantic atmosphere under the African starry sky with a sundowner... The daily laundry service is included!

African Explorer Trail:

1st and 2nd night: Busch Camp in South Africa (see above)

3rd night: Bellevue Lodges South Africa - The cozy Lodge at a waterhole consists of typical thatched cottages with private bathrooms. A large terrace with pool, hammocks and lounge as well as a spacious lounge and dining room with fireplace invite you to linger.

Night 4: Tree Camp Botswana- The "Tree Camp" is built on a wooden platform around a huge tree, where you sleep under the open sky. Several sleeping compartments are arranged around the lounge area with a lounge, bar and dining table. Everything is open for the ultimate bush experience. Toilets and showers for shared use.

5th-6th night: Kgotla Botswana - The former settlement of a tribe has been transformed into an open camp where you spend the night on camp beds in the open air. A campfire awaits you in the evening. Showers and toilets for shared use. Instead of watching TV, you can enjoy the monkey show in the trees.

7th night: Tree Camp

Saddle & Tack: McClellan Saddles, snaffle.

Experience: Advanced riders. Several years of riding experience also with trail-riding and confidence in all gaits required. Riding helmet compulsory. For experienced riders, a riding weight of up to 100 kg is possible upon request.

Horses: Thoroughbred, Arabian, Anglo-Arabian, Boerpferd, Saddler. Well-kept, sociable, very well-trained horses that are sure-footed, forward-going and specially trained for Riding safari.