This authentic trail ride takes you from Houtbosdorp, the northernmost tip of the Drakensberg Mountains, along the Limpopo River to the Tuli Wilderness in Botswana. The land and its people are characterized by great diversity. Experience African culture and landscape in a different way: this trail ride not only offers the opportunity to experience a true adventure on horseback, but also a chance to roam South Africa as travelers did hundreds of years ago. You can also discover numerous wild animals as you roam the landscape, including antelopes, monkeys, zebras, elephants, rhinos, and more. On the Limpopo River and in the Tuli Block, animals roam freely through the countryside and there is also the possibility of seeing elephants or, with a little luck, a shy big cat.
The route stretches over 14 days from mountainous landscapes with forests to African savannah and steppe, to the semi-desert of Botswana. You ride and travel in harmony with animals and nature: natural horsemanship is just as important as sustainable travel, which means that apart from a few hoofprints, horse pings and some ash from the campfire, no traces are left behind. Riding days are from sunrise to sunset, distances vary between 25 and 35 km and depend on the terrain. Accommodation is provided in tents, under the stars, in a guesthouse or a lodge.

Itinerary

The first stage begins at the riding center in Houtbosdorp and ends in the Soutpansberg Mountains. The historic Houtbosdorp was once a trading post, and the Zeederberg stagecoach, pulled by 8-10 horses, stopped here regularly to deliver mail and transport travelers to Zimbabwe.

After an introduction to our philosophy and riding style, which focuses on the well-being of the horse, saddlebags and equipment are packed in the afternoon of arrival. The next morning, we set off early through the mountains and spend the next few days riding on trails, roads, and farms. The farms in South Africa are huge, connected by long sand and gravel roads where you can also enjoy a long trot.
After a few days, the Soutpansberg Mountains suddenly appear in the middle of the flat landscape, rising like a hunched back from the plain. This mountain range is a true paradise, and after a steep climb up a rocky mountain path, the unique biodiversity of the landscape stretches out before you. Soutpans means salt lake, and in the middle of the mountains there are six different types of landscape that provide a perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. In the Soutpans Mountains, it is possible to observe wild animals such as baboons, zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife. Here, a rest day is taken for the horses and riders.
Afterwards, you will get back in the saddle and, after a slow descent back down into the valley, you will spend the next few nights in various reserves and farms. For various reasons, the horses are boxed around a few privately owned reserves to introduce a highlight of the trail ride – the arrival at the Limpopo River.
The Limpopo River separates South Africa from Botswana and is home to hippos, crocodiles, sea eagles, and other water birds, otters, and of course various species of fish. Gigantic, evergreen trees grow on the banks, contrasting the lush vegetation with the otherwise dry landscape. The land on the Botswana side of the river is characterized by wildlife reserves, with elephants being particularly numerous in this region of Botswana. But there are also smaller wild animals such as hyenas, baboons, zebras, antelopes, bird species, leopards, and lions. These reserves are not fenced in, so the wildlife lives and moves freely. During this part of the trip, you may encounter numerous wild animals along the way.
The next few days will take you along the river, on bush trails, paved roads, through reserves, and farms. The river's water enables life in a part of the continent that receives an average of only 450 mm of rain per year. Depending on the season, temperatures can get hot, and the riding group starts their day early in the morning to reach the next accommodation before the midday heat. Alternatively, a long siesta is taken to cover the rest of the route in the late afternoon. On some afternoons, you will take the horses to a reservoir or river to cool off together.
This trail ride is an adventure, a journey that will challenge the riders and bring the group closer together. Horse and rider become one, mutual trust and respect lead to close bonds and friendships that last a lifetime.
The last day on horseback ends at the Limpokwena Reserve, where the horses begin their well-deserved rest. Riders are taken by vehicle across the border to Botswana to spend the last two nights at the Lone Tree Wilderness Lodge. There, before heading home, you can recharge your batteries and admire the wildlife while immersed in magnificent nature and wilderness.

Accomodation
You will spend the night in tented camps and in guest houses on farms, some of which are open-air. You will spend the last (or first) two nights on the Limpopo Trail on a beautiful wilderness Lodge in Botswana, where you will also encounter many wild animals. You always have a camp bed at your disposal, you only need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
Your help in the camp and with horse care is expressly desired!
Meals are included from dinner on the first day up to and including breakfast on the last day. A saddlebag picnic usually awaits you at lunchtime, and in the evening meals are usually cooked over a campfire in the camp. As the riding days are quite long, it is advisable to have small snacks such as nuts or cereal bars with you in between. 

Saddle & Tack: Barefoot saddles and bitless bridles.

Experience: From approx. 5 years riding experience. Confidence in all gaits, including light seat and physically fittness. There are some long trotting sections and sometimes a canter. Some sections the horses must be led. Be prepared for long riding days at saddle , up to 8 hours a day (including breaks). Maximum rider weight 85 kg!

Horses: Over 20 geldings and stallions of different breeds, up to 1.60 m tall. The horses are carefully trained according to natural horsemanship.