Comfort
South Africa :
- Camp Davidson has recently been built high in the bushveld above the Matlapeng valley. The camp commands a wonderful panoramic view of the central highlands of the Waterberg massif, whilst overlooking the picturesque Sunset Lake on the eastern boundary of Horizon's Triple B Ranch. Camp Davidson has the atmosphere of early settlers, with beautiful decked canvas tents nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy game-filled valleys. Each A-frame tent has proper beds and an en-suite flushing toilet and bucket shower. Meals are taken around the fire or on a beautiful deck overlooking the valley. There is a small refreshing pool.
- The Savannah Lodge (Bellevue Lodge) is a beautiful, intimate lodge at the heart of a private reserve, a full-day ride away from Camp Davidson. No Wifi.
Botswana :
- Tree Camp: This tree house is located high in the branches of a Mashatu tree in the heart of the Mashatu game reserve.
There are several well-appointed safari tents with open sides (see pictures). Mosquito nets are available. Two functional bathrooms with running water are shared between all riders. No wifi, no electricity except for one charging point.
- Kgotla camp: the Kgotla is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The boma is an open-air traditional African enclosure made up of leadwood logs. There is hot running water, beautiful open-air showers and flushing toilets; the perfect combination of necessary comforts and an authentic bush experience. Guests sleep on beds around a large log fire which sits on a hearth in the centre of the boma.
Laundry service is offered once in the week in South Africa but not in Botswana, you will need to have enough clothing to last 4 days.
Note: Power cuts are frequent in South Africa and we recommend all guests bring a high lumen torch or head torch.
Meals
Breakfast is usually taken very early (before dawn) and is therefore light, consisting of cereals, fruit and rusks with tea or coffee.
Lunch is also light and may be quiche and salad or a variety of salads with cold meats.
Afternoon tea with a selection of drinks and freshly baked cakes.
Dinner is three courses. Wine is served with the meals and a selection of drinks are available.
Vegetarians and special diets can be catered for with advance notice
Climate
The seasons are the reverse of the UK, with winter (June - Sept) being dry with no rain and clear skies. Daytime temperatures are pleasant and the nights are cool.
Summer (Nov - March) is hot and there is the chance of dramatic thunderstorms.
It is generally hotter and drier in Botswana than in South Africa, and the altitude in the Waterberg makes the temperatures particularly pleasant, even in summer.
Tips
We recommend tipping c. GBP 10-15 per day which can be split between all members of the team. You should tip the South African team separately to the Botswanan team. A separate guide will take you on a game drive and will appreciate a small tip. Tips can be paid in South African Rands, GBP or Euros.
If you wish to tip your guide in addition then you can do this separately.
Packing list
Our Recommendations
Please note: in the case of a light aircraft transfer, remember that planes don't necessarily have a separate luggage compartment, and carry-on regulations may apply. The weight limit is 18 kg and 5 kg for your carry-on. Remember that safari camps provide shampoo and soap, as well as alcohol, so make sure to pack accordingly. Please remember soft bags only are accepted, hard-sided luggage will not be accepted on the plane. Luggage type and weight:
- Maximum luggage weight is 18 kg/35 lbs, 40 cm x 30 cm x 60 cm (Soft luggage/duffle with 1 flat side only, and no protruding wheels).
- Hand luggage is 5 kg/11 lbs (1 soft piece)
- You can also have your “ladies” handbag with you - but please limit the size and do not try to squash extra clothing/equipment inside them. The charter planes are much smaller than normal planes and thus have limited space.
- Power banks = only 1 per person and must be carried with you on your person and not be in any of your bags. This way any overheating Lithium ion batteries/powerbanks will be immediately identified and disposed of to avoid an inflight fire – this is a safety aspect.
- Riding helmets can be carried on the flight with you
Please limit the size of them and not try to squash extra clothing/equipment inside them. The charter planes are much smaller than normal planes and thus have limited space.
Should your luggage exceed these limitations, you will not be able to load it.
The planes don't necessarily have a separate luggage compartments, and carry-on regulations may apply. Remember that safari camps provide shampoo and soap, as well as alcohol, so make sure to pack accordingly.
Liquid Restrictions:
Perfume- 50ml
Eau de Toilette – (250 ml)
Non-flammable and Non-alcoholic liquids – 500ml per container. A combined total of no more than 2l in checked bags.
Pocket knifes/Leatherman’s and other sharp objects:
These need to be packed into passengers checked bags and will not be allowed in carry-on bags.
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided and we recommend travelling light as your luggage may have to be moved between camps.
- Wherever possible you should wear neutral colours, such as beige, brown or natural bush colours for riding as bright colours, such as red, yellow or white can startle the wildlife and they will see you long before you've seen them
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Head
- Riding helmet
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and thorns
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold, particularly June - August
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared. Rain is more likely Oct-April
- Casual clothes for the evening
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps to protect against thorns. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the lodge and camp
- Gloves
Nightwear
Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for plunge pools
- Binoculars for viewing game
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night. Note: Power cuts are frequent in South Africa and we recommend all guests bring a high lumen torch or head torch.
In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. Some toiletries are provided by the camp so you can pack lighter.
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Anti malarial tablets and Yellow Fever Certificate if required (check with your doctor)
