Tuli Horseback Safari
This exciting riding safari of seven nights / eight days covers over 120 miles of breathtaking African wilderness. The journey winds through Mopane savannahs and picturesque river valleys, with stays at three wonderful camps, each uniquely designed and full of character.
- 7 Nights
- February – November
- Botswana
- £££
- Authentic
Trip Overview
This seven-night horseback safari covers more than 120 miles across Botswana’s little-known Tuli Block, a striking wilderness of mopane savannah, sandstone ridges and meandering river valleys. It’s an expedition in the truest sense — with long days in the saddle led by expert guides, moving from camp to camp through pristine bush where big game still moves in rhythm with the land.
Riders are rewarded not only with access to vast swathes of private reserve but also the quiet satisfaction of travelling as early explorers once did. The experience is immersive and elemental — galloping across open plains, navigating elephant paths along riverbanks, or pausing in the heat of the day to watch wildlife drink from the Limpopo. At day’s end, arrive to welcoming camps, hot showers, cold drinks, and a level of comfort that feels all the more indulgent for the ground you’ve covered.
Game in this area is non-migratory and sightings are excellent year-round, with opportunities to encounter elephant, lion, leopard, hyena and more — whether on horseback, on foot or from the vehicle.
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Two Mashatus Camp
The first ride of the safari takes you from the stables to Two Mashatus Camp, an 11km journey across the Limpopo River floodplains. This initial stretch offers the chance to spot elephant, giraffe, zebra and antelope, with the route skirting wetlands that often attract game. There may even be early sightings of bat-eared fox or spotted hyena. As you cross the Majali River near its meeting point with the Limpopo, look out for signs of leopard and lion. Two Mashatus Camp sits in a shaded grove under a majestic Mashatu tree. The raised teak platform tents provide en-suite comfort and space, while the central dining and lounge areas are relaxed and open to the bush. With a plunge pool and hammocks, it’s the ideal place to unwind after your first day in the saddle.
Treehouse Camp
From Two Mashatus, the route leads along the game-rich Majali and Mataboli rivers to Treehouse Camp. Along the way, you might see elephant, giraffe, waterbuck, wildebeest, impala and zebra. Perched several metres above the ground and wrapped around ancient Mashatu and leadwood trees, Treehouse Camp overlooks the banks of the Majali River. The camp offers a true back-to-nature experience with canvas-roofed sleeping quarters and panoramic views over the floodplains. In the afternoon, there’s the option to explore the area on foot in search of crocodile, kudu, and other plains game. Dinner is prepared over an open fire with the sounds of the bush all around.
The Kgotla
Leaving Treehouse Camp, the ride moves through baobab-dotted valleys and wide mopane plains, eventually arriving at The Kgotla. Located near the Motloutse River, this open-air camp is built from leadwood logs and was once a tribal court. Guests sleep in comfortable pods around a central fire pit. The surrounding area is prime predator country, home to lion and hyena. Game drives from camp offer the best chance to spot big cats, with sundowners often enjoyed at the Amphitheatre Rocks or below the dramatic Mamagwa massif. On your second day here, rides follow the Motloutse River to Solomon’s Wall and on to the sandstone formations lining the Limpopo, where baboon, klipspringer and eland may be seen. The day ends with a game drive and starlit dinner around the fire.
Treehouse Camp
The ride back from The Kgotla to Treehouse Camp follows a scenic course along streams and open mopane veld, crossing ancient elephant paths and pausing beneath centuries-old baobabs. This is a quieter afternoon for the horses to rest, while you have the option of a bush walk or game drive (at additional cost) with the guides from Mashatu Main Camp, where sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah are possible. The Treehouse once again provides elevated sanctuary, with the sounds of birdlife and the river below.
TWO MASHATUS CAMP
Your penultimate ride follows the ridgeline back towards Two Mashatus, cutting through open plains and shaded riverine corridors. After lunch at camp and time to relax by the pool, a bush walk offers a closer look at the smaller details of the ecosystem. The final day’s ride explores the Majali and Pitsani Rivers, with excellent chances of encountering elephant and, if you’re lucky, big cats. On your last night, gather around the firepit beneath the Mashatu tree and soak in the sights and sounds of the bush one final time before the return ride to the stables the next morning.
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Tuli Horse Safari (FAQs) Need To Know
Do I have to be an experienced rider?
There is riding test, that every rider will have to take to ensure they are competent enough for the safari and are happy at a fast canter. You will all be absolutely fine of course!
On average you cover about 25-30km each day. The norm is to ride out at first light (around 06:30) and ride for between four and six hours, arriving either back at camp or at the next camp in time for lunch.
Where else can I go on a riding safari?
Please follow the link below to see our other riding safari itineraries:
What vaccinations do I need?
Please follow the link below to get up to date information on the vaccinations you will need to enter Botswana:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/33/botswana#Vaccine_Recommendations