Louise showing off her muscles with the kiddos at the local preschool.
The Tuli Safari is a classic point-to-point horseback riding safari covering over 120 miles of the vast Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block of south eastern Botswana. Aptly named the “Land of the Giants” for its baobab studded plains and large herds of elephant, the area is home to a wide variety of wildlife species including lion, cheetah, leopard, African wild dog, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and over 350 species of birds.
Mpho competing on one of the "bush ponies".
Both the Tuli and Border Crossing riding tours are led by long time guides, Cor and Louise Carlesen. Cor is a dedicated conservationist with a diploma in Nature Conservation and a passion for horses. Louise, a skilled equestrian, spends time schooling the horses and also volunteering with 3 to 6 year olds at the local preschool.
Each week, Louise sends a few words to keep us up to date with the horses, wildlife, and whatever else may be going on in her area of Botswana. This April, she has already reported in brief on the weather, wildlife, preschool, and riding competitions. Here’s her latest:
This picture was taken by one of the guides during the safari.
“It’s been a lovely week with perfect weather… sunny days and cool nights…sightings of leopard/cheetahs and a new born elephant baby so far…it continues to be dry and dusty and no rain in sight yet so the elephants are walking far to find food and water … we can feel winter is on its way. Also Mpho (a fellow guide and trainer) and I did manage to go for a quick one day event the previous week-end, two good dressages and a double clear each and we were super pleased with our two “bush “ponies!”
Louise’s updates have proven enticing enough to inspire Bayard Fox (owner of Equitours) and a group of long time clients to join the Tuli Safari this May! Recent photos indicate that they will not be disappointed in their riding adventure!
