DAY 64: Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris

This is not a typical post, but then…today was not a typical day. None of the photos below were taken today, or even on this trip for that matter, but it will all make sense in a moment. Last night we had to close our tent’s zipper with pins, because it has finally given in. Hearing a leopard close by at 01:00 didn’t make the sleep any more comfortable. 

We got up at 07:00 and were on our way to Botswana at 09:00. Getting through Plumtree border post was a breeze, but half way to Francis Town I got my third speeding ticket – 90 km/h in a 60-zone. In my defence – it was a massive, freshly tarred road still under construction with very little traffic on it and I wasn’t the only one driving a bit faster than the speed limit. The traffic cops now have radars in their cars, which makes life very difficult indeed! Anyways, I was charged P700 for speeding, which was later reduced to P400. I paid at the police station in Francis Town and believe me – it’s not a simple process over lunchtime. On the upside we were able to buy KFC in town! There’s nothing like a Hawaiian Twister to get rid of the traffic cop-blues… 

Our hope was always to sleep as close to Mashatu as possible and somewhere between Matopos and Francis Town I remembered about LVHS – Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris. This is a unique adventure operation within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve run by good friends Cor and Louise who kindly agreed to not only host us for the evening, but cook us dinner as well! Thanks for your hospitality guys – you’re lifesavers! 

So to return the favour I’ve decided to tell you a little bit more about LVHS. I have actually photographed their setup on a number of occasions in the past and have decided to share some of the photos with you below. Horse-lovers – this is especially for you! For the most accurate information you should probably visit www.lvhsafaris.co.za, but here’s the basics: LVHS specialises in horse safaris in big game country. The Northern Tuli Game Reserve is home to elephant, lion, leopard and many other common species, all of which you have a chance of seeing from horseback. You have to be an experienced rider to go on one of their multi-day safaris, which operate from a number of different semi-permanent bush camps. I’m not a rider myself and can therefore not tell you anything about the ride or the horses as such, but what I do know is 1) The reserve is breathtakingly beautiful and full of game, 2) The LVHS team is highly professional with pleasantly warm personalities that make for unforgettable social outings, and 3) The safaris are wild in the true sense of the word and are experiences a rider will never forget! It’s nice to know that this is no sugar coating on my behalf – it’s really that good! So I’d like to invite everyone adventurous horse rider out there to visit the LVHS website and to contact Cor or Louise with any queries. Thanks again guys for a great supper! 

Team LVHS riding at sunset

One of the fly camps next to the Limpopo River

Comfortable accommodation at the LVHS base camp - Two Mashatus

What a way to watch game!

In Cor's (and all the other guides') hands you are always safe!

Tomorrow we head for Mashatu Main Camp, my second home. 

Cheers

Villiers

Highlight of the day:

Villiers and Ji: The wonderful "kuier" with Cor, Louise, Jamie and Adam tonight!

Lowlight of the day:

Villiers: My THIRD speeding ticket!

Ji: Zimbabwean corruption. I'll never forget the traffic cop's words: "I'm so happy that I can arrest you today!"