Packages and Options

Sample itinerary

Day 1: 11.00 am. Guests are met at the Johannesburg Intercontinental Hotel. Here guests can enjoy a choice of full English or continental breakfast and can relax whilst their fellow companions arrive.  Our driver will then transfer all guests to the Dinaka, a stunning stone and thatch safari lodge set high above a large hippo dam, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding plains.   Guests will arrive in time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings and to meet with their guides and fellow safari group.  A late lunch will be served to revive the weary travellers.  Late afternoon, guests will have their first opportunity to acquaint themselves with their selected horse, to take in the wonderful open spaces around them, and to go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride will give guests their first taste of the stunning variety of game on Dinaka.  The day will finish with sundowner drinks and a sumptuous three course evening meal.
Day 2:We will take you on a ride to visit the ‘Small Serengeti Plains’ where you will be able to look and interpret the behavior of various plains game species. Your guides will have a surprise of bush “games” up their sleeve.  On the Dinaka plains riders will encounter the dense game populations this beautiful reserve is renowned for. Sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with 11 other species in your view, are not uncommon.  The open plains provide great opportunities for fast riding.  Riders are also able to experience that dream canter alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah.  Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day.   This afternoon the you may be able to go on a little cross country jumping or ride amongst beautiful big trees
Day 3: Mountain exploration.  After an early breakfast we will set out on a hunt for some of the reserves more elusive mountain species - leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, African rock python, rock dassies, klipspringers and cape vultures.  This ride follows a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment.  The path follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams along the way.  The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at one of the dams along the way, returning to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for a cooling swim and siesta.  The afternoon is a gentle pre-sunset ride to one of the larger dams hosting some of the many hippos on the reserve.
Day 4: A ride to another area of the reserve, where Dinaka runs its highly successful breeding programme for highly valued species, which include white blesbuck, sable antelope and bontebok.  En route the ride crosses a particularly fertile plain where riders can experience the exhilaration and thrill of cantering amongst herds of game, with many different species galloping together across the plains.  
The afternoon proves a welcome break to both horse and rider.  A Dinaka guide will escort you on an informative game drive, where you will visit another area inhabited by the buffalo and some unusual red wildebeest.  The guide, who is responsible for the feeding and monitoring of the rhino on the reserve, will accompany the guests for a very special opportunity to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot.  The last night is the final ‘braai’ evening where guests relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast their experiences whilst a feast is served.
Day 5: In the morning there is a last chance to find any species not yet found and one last gallop along these endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch, and sad goodbyes, guests are transferred to their next destination - on the other side of the Botswana border!  You will depart the lodge at approximately 10.30 to Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris – a transfer of approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival at the stunning camp afternoon tea will be served and guests will have a chance to settle in and relax. The afternoon will also bring a introductory ride to familiarize riders with their horses.   The ride goes to the Confluence camp, where the Majale and the Limpopo meet.  The ride follows the course of the Limpopo, which has the majestic Mashatu trees all along its course.    Upon arrival at the camp, you will be met by the luxury of a well-deserved sundowner overlooking the river and a hot shower under the stars.  Our well renowned bush cook serves dinner before retiring to your very comfortable beds set up in the comfort of your tent.  Let the night bush sounds serenade you to sleep…. 
Day 6: After an early rise and a light breakfast you will head out to explore the Limpopo Valley, including a natural marshland called ”Nels Vlei”, the Majale island witch is guaranteed to keep you on your toes, as this is where the Majale Island pride of lions hang out. Possibly you will pass by Kanda Corner where the giraffes sometimes are browsing on the mopane bush, as well as the aptly named Elephants Valley! The morning ride is 6-7 hours as you explore the area teeming with general game, while heading in a northerly direction. Lunch will be enjoyed at Jwala Camp under the shade of the Ana tree, as the horses graze around you.  In the afternoon you will be taken on walk into the hills of Jwala to explore up close the beauty of the area, your guide will enlighten you to the wonder of the following tracks and signs of the bush.   On return to camp sundowners await you around the campfire and dinner is served under the Ana tree. Enjoy the peace and quiet interrupted only by the occasional sounds of lions, hyenas and jackals. 
Day 7:  Today is another early start as you will be again in the saddle for up to 6-7 hours; a good breakfast will fortify you for this day! The route goes in a westerly direction and takes you to the most outlying part of Mashatu, the Kgotla Camp amidst the most amazing sandstone formations and with some amazing baobabs trees.  You will be following mostly old elephant trails, made over great periods of time, truly the land of the giants!! This ride brings the opportunity of jumping some of the fallen logs, pushed over by elephants. Lunch will await you under a splendid Mashatu tree, and then after a lunchtime siesta you head out to the Mmmagua ruins to experience how ancient communities in the area used to live. You will also meet the Baobab where Cecil John Rhodes engraved his initials while he was in the area. It is a fascinating insight into the area and its history. Back at the camp, dinner is served under the stars, and tonight you also get to sleep out under the stars as you are inside a “boma”. An unbeatable experience!
Day 8: The dawn chorus will awake you, as a sumptuous breakfast is prepared over the fire. Another long day in the saddle, this ride will be the longest up to 4 hours in the morning followed by a good break during the heat of the day, and another 2 hours in the afternoon are spent in the saddle. You pass through a range of vegetation types: riverine forests, savannah acacias, terminalia shrubland and areas abundant in shepard's trees, there is a good chance of seeing Elephants, many species of birds and a wide range of antelopes. You also have to thread your way through the “maze of Elephants and Thorns” And pass by a local community, Lentswe le Morit. Upon reaching the “Liana” camp you will be meet by a refreshing drink in a dry riverbed, over hung with the Liana or Babbon vine. This afternoon you have the choice of going on a game drive, in search of the cats which you will no doubt prefer to see from the safety of a vehicle! Sundowners are enjoyed in the bush, usually overlooking a Kopie, and you can soak up the atmosphere of a true African experience…Back at camp another delicious meal, cooked over the fire is served, and as the night draws to a close you can enjoy a night cap around the fire.  
Day 9: After a final breakfast around the fire, you will head off for a final ride in the direction of Nels Vlei, a good chance to catch a final glimpse of elephants here, as this is one of their favorite areas.  Some final jumps over our natural cross country course and your back at FJ. A last pat and a fond farewell to you horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and last lunch before heading off for the border and the 5.5 hours drive to JHB. 


Alternative last four days of Safari for those enjoying the Static camp

Day 6: After an early rise and a light breakfast you will head out to explore the Limpopo Valley, including a natural marshland called ”Nels Vlei”, the Majale island witch is guaranteed to keep you on your toes as this is where the Majale Island pride of lions hang out. Possibly out to Kanda Corner where the giraffes sometimes are browsing on the mopane bush, as well as the aptly named Elephants Valley! The morning ride is 3-4 hours as you explore the area teeming with general game. Lunch will be enjoyed under the Mashatu Tree back at the Confluence Camp, as the horses graze around you.  In the afternoon you will be back on a fresh horse and you can enjoy the thrill of a natural cross-country course or a leisurely ride along the Limpopo. Dinner is another unforgettable meal under the stars.
Day 7:  Today is another early start as you will be again in the saddle for up to 4 hours, a good breakfast will fortify you for this day! This fascinating ride will focus on the history of the area with interesting tales about the Anglo-Boer War. Depending on where the game is, you could end up on the Pitsani Plains enjoying a fast gallop, and if you’re really lucky zebras, wildebeest and giraffe will join you! In the afternoon guests can choose to go on a game drive (or can go for another leisurely afternoon ride).  If you choose to go on the game drive, you will spend the late afternoon and evening on the "hunt" for the beautiful and awesome cats which are so much a part of the Mashatu experience. Sundowners are enjoyed on a great koppie and at nightfall the spotlight is used for following Africa’s big cats on ‘the hunt’.
Day 8: The dawn chorus will awake you, as a sumptuous breakfast is prepared over the fire. Another long day in the saddle, 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon.. You pass through a range of vegetation types: riverine forests, savannah acacias, terminalia shrubland and areas abundant in shepard's trees, there is a good chance of seeing Elephants, many species of birds and a wide range of antelopes. The afternoon ride will head towards the rocky outcrop close to Rock Camp where waterbuck, rock dassies, and black eagles are likely to be spotted. On your way back you can head out to the Dam wall for a great view of Mashatu!  Your dinner will be cooked in front of you tonight as its “Braai night” enjoy the comfort of a well earned meal around the fire.
Day 9: After a final breakfast around the fire, you will head off for a last ride in the direction of Nels Vlei, a good chance to catch another glimpse of elephants here, as this is one of their favourite areas.  Some final jumps over our natural cross country course and your back at FJ. A last pat and a fond farewell to you horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and lquick lunch before heading off for the border and the 5.5 hours drive to JHB.

Some departure dates will stay at a static camp in Botswana, but most will be staying in several mobile camps.

Static Camp Dates:  the camp doesn’t move location. Instead guests ride twice a day from the comfort of the Two Mashatu tented camp.

Mobile Camp Dates:  move camp daily with once a day long rides in the early morning. Camps are tented but very comfortable.

The climate over most of Southern Africa is temperate. Hot, dry conditions are usually encountered in the Tuli region. Heavy summer thunderstorms of short duration in the late afternoon and evening may be experienced. Rainfall occurs mostly during the summer months (October - March).

FEBRUARY:

            This is one of the hottest months of the year, with temperatures soaring.  The conditions are similar to those of January.  Kudus continue to calve and there is a good chance of seeing late Impala lambs, tottering along on spindly, wobbling legs behind their mothers.  Due to the excessive heat, the animals wisely begin to seek shade before 8 o’clock in the morning, only becoming active again in the late afternoon, just prior to sunset.  Tropical thunderstorms are still a regular afternoon feature and there is still a high probability of flooded rivers to add some excitement to game drives.

MARCH:

            Finally the harsh, searing heat of summer begins to abate and there is less likelihood of rain. A few late Kudu calves may make a bemused appearance in the beginning of the month.  Large nursery herds of gawky Impala young are found, kept under some control by the watchful eyes of their mothers.  The bush is still dense, but the bright shades of green are starting to become duller as the year progresses.  Due to the decrease in rainfall, the characteristic carpets of yellow flowers, so prevalent in the early summer months, begin to disappear.

APRIL:

            This is a truly splendid time of the year.  It is now autumn and the daily temperatures are most pleasant with balmy days and nights.  The trees are still green and the bush is thick.  Groundcovers growing away from the larger watercourses are starting to change colour to the browner shades of winter, as water becomes scarcer.  A hush begins to fall over the bush, as the myriad of insects, frogs and reptiles quieten down in preparation for winter.  Flocks of migratory birds also begin to congregate in the treetops, gathering themselves together for the long flight northwards to sunnier climes and greener pastures. The rains have abated, although late unseasonable showers may occur, but this the exception rather than the rule.

MAY:

           The transition from summer to winter occurs rapidly in the Limpopo Valley.  Temperatures begin to drop rapidly after sunset and both evening and morning game drives require warmer clothing.  Although chilly in the morning, the days are clear and pleasant with crisp blue skies.  Now that the rains are over, the veldt begins to dry out and game begins to congregate around the major watercourses, such as the Limpopo and associated wetlands, as well as the artificial waterholes scattered throughout the reserve.  Deciduous trees begin to loose their leaves, with crisp, crackling drifts of golden brown leaves forming on the ground and tree bases.  The grasses, forbs and herbs gradually begin to fade away.  As the vegetation begins to thin, the elusive leopard is more frequently seen.  Lions, which dispersed with the game during the wet season, now begin to concentrate their activities in the central area of Mashatu.

JUNE:

            Winter is now upon us and has spread its chilly grip on Mashatu.  Most of the natural pans and pools have now completely dried up.  Elephant and a host of other species begin to frequent the artificial waterholes at both Main and Tent Camps, which makes for exciting mealtime viewing.  Predator sightings are good at this time of the year, due to the thinned out vegetation and concentrations of game, cheetah however are scarce.  In general the game is more active later into the day.

JULY:

            The conditions are much like those in June.  The days are still good, with crisp mornings. The nights can be very cold.  Elephant may begin to dig for water in the sandy riverbeds, providing water not only for themselves, but a variety of other animals.  This is also a favorable time to visit the archaeological site at the Motloutse River.  The summer vegetation has disappeared and a host of interesting features are now visible.

AUGUST:

            Conditions are extremely dry now.  The floodplains and grasslands adjacent to the Limpopo are very dry and barren.  The bush has become harsh and almost inhospitable, with absolutely no groundcover, only dust and rocks visible for ki