Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris is owned and run by Cor and Louise Carelsen. Cor is a dedicated conservationist and guide, with a diploma in Nature Conservation and has worked as a project manager for a charitable conservation foundation in Ecuador, South America which was dedicated to preserving virgin Andean cloud forests as well as the Estate Manager for a racehorse stud and training farm in England.

Louise is an experienced competitor on the affiliated British Eventing circuit, and has also worked as an exercise rider for top trainers in Newmarket and participated as an amateur jockey at ‘Point to Point’ race meetings. Trained professionally at the French National Riding School at Saumur, Louise is now qualified as a BHS Intermediate Instructor.

The horses have been individually selected for their temperament and ride-ability. They have been carefully chosen from the various South African breeds, which are well known for being of a tougher nature - able to cope under extreme conditions. These breeds include the Boerperd, Shire cross Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, and the South African Warm blood. They range in size from 14.3 hands to 17 hands.

Tack: Australian stock saddles, South African McClellan’s and a selection of English saddles for those who prefer.

Guests must BE EXPERIENCED RIDERS, this means they must ride regularly and be comfortable at the faster gaits, canter and galloping as well as able to do small jumps.

Children under 16 years are not permitted.

Travel Documents: a valid passport is obligatory if travelling from outside Botswana with a re-entry visa for South Africa for some nationalities.

What to bring:

 

    • Comfortable riding clothes and well fitting hard hat - compulsory for any person under the age of 21, but highly recommended for each and every person taking part in the safaris. A wide brimmed hat also is advisable as protection against the sun.

    • We recommend the use of neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, brown, beige and green) that blends in with the bush (no brightly coloured, or white clothing). Light weight long sleeved shirts

    • Swimming costume

    • Jodhpurs or long trousers

    • Short boots and half chaps (long rubber boots not advised)

    • Head lamp

    • Camera, film (and extra batteries)

    • Binoculars

    • Reading material

    • Lip balm

    • Passport

    • Mosquito repellent

    • Walking shoes, hiking boots or ride/run boots

    • Warm clothing (for winter, May to August)

    • Sun block (factor 20 or higher)

    • Bum bag

    • Waterproof raincoat (for summer, from November to March)

    • Basic first aid kit with plasters, painkillers and antihistamine