Big 5 Safari on horseback, South Africa
One of the few places in the world where you can see wildlife in its natural environment from the back of a horse. Luxury eco-lodge accommodation. Highly professional fast paced horse safaris in the private Karongwe Game reserve close to the Kruger National Park. Top quality South African Boerperd horses are selected and schooled for this purpose. There are a total of 36 horses here for just 6 riders (max number in the group). The base camp is an eco-lodge with pool and bar (great cocktails and cappuccino!) You sleep in stylish bush tents each with safari style open bathrooms and game viewing decks. The camp is in a beautiful flower filled garden overlooking a river but has no fences. The lovingly cared for horses live as a herd and are free to gallop around.
The reserve contains 30,000 ha of African Bushveld against the stunning backdrop of the Drakensburg mountains. It is stocked with unimaginable wildlife, including rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, monkeys, hippos, crocodiles and many different species of birds. Seeing wildlife from the back of a horse in its natural environment, without disturbing the fauna and flora, is an absolutely unique experience.
Riding generally takes place early in the morning for about 3 hours, then again later in the afternoon for another few hours, to catch the magical African sunset in the bush. Two trips are offered; the Big 5 Safari (7 nights) and the Makalali ride (9 nights), both beginning with 4 nights at the base eco-lodge, then either 3 or 5 nights in the neighbouring Makalali reserve, one of the largest private areas of wilderness in South Africa. Safaris here combine exhilarating fast-paced riding and wildlife encounters, with every comfort. View the full itineraries for the Big 5 Safari and for the Makalali ride.
This exclusive, highly specialized horse safari is only for experienced riders. Sporty and long canters require a good level of riding. Bushwhacking with little jumps is one of Philip's specialities and with a good balance it is great fun. It is also an advantage if you are a fit and proficient rider and used to long hours in the saddle.
Eye-witness account
At first we followed an elephant track into the dry riverbed. After a short while Philip could make out an elephant bull. We fought our way through the thick reed. No one said a word. We must have been very close but couldn't see anything. Suddenly there was a loud trumpeting and snorting; the reeds opened up, and there he was standing with his ears pricked, the big elephant bull, probably 8 metres in front of us. After that, everything was quiet again. The gentle giant started grabbing big pieces of reed, putting them into his mouth. He didn't pay any further attention to us or the horses.
After a long wonderful canter we encountered two male cheetahs, which had just killed an impala. We got slowly closer until only about 6 metres separated us. The pair didn't seem to be fazed at all and even more unbelievable, the horses were just as unfazed and stood quietly next to these two cats. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't been there myself. The cheetahs carried on munching with blood all over their faces.
We continued our ride and again encountered elephants, this time the whole breeding herd of cows and their calves. They walked slowly over a nice open plain, a beautiful sight. We were about 50m away. Whilst we were enjoying this sight I asked Philip 'have you ever been charged by an elephant bull?' With hindsight, I think the bull had been waiting for exactly this question. He now started walking toward us. First slowly, then faster. Philip calmly said to us 'just back up slowly!' These were the last words that arrived in our panicking brains because everything else went so fast. The bull charged towards us and Philip galloped towards him, cracking his whip, trying to draw his attention away from us. We managed to get back to the path; my pulse was racing; it was an unbelievable sight.
(Simone Beuschel, Feb 2006).
Accommodation
All three lodges used have a dining area, lounges, swimming pools, sun decks, en suite bathrooms, outside showers, king-size beds, private viewing decks, private fireplaces and offer three meals a day with excellent cuisine including bush breakfasts, sundowners and picnics.
Wait A Little (base camp eco-lodge): Luxury secluded canvas tents on platforms, with hot and cold outside shower under a thatched roof. Spectacular look-out loo and free-standing bath with a view over the Makhutswe river.
Beacon Rock: Sleep-out camp (en route to the Makalali) situated on a high rock formation, with a magnificent view over the Lowveld Escarpment. Sleep on mattresses around a big camp fire, under the stars, listening to the night sounds of the African bush.
Garonga and Phiva lodges in the Makalali reserve which has some of the finest private game lodges in the world, with its thatched spires and earth walls, ancient mystical ornaments, and Pan-African cuisine. Highlight of the Makalali ride is a stay at the Garonga Safari Camp, inspired by the ochre-red spires of nature's termite mounds. The stylish luxury chalets have been designed by one of South Africa's top architects to reflect the textures of the earth; thick earthen columns, generous cushions on low beds and billowing white fabrics epitomise this oasis in the middle of the South African bush. All camps are limited to 12 guests.
Price is per person, based on double occupancy and including all accommodation, all meals, free drinks at Wait A Little and Garonga, riding program as stated, one game drive, professional guiding, laundry service at base, chaps and hard hats. Excludes flights and transfers from Johannesburg. No single supplement if prepared to share.
The Big Five Safari for 7 nights: £1960 per person. 4 nights in the base eco-camp, 1 night in a fly camp, 2 nights in the Phiva safari camp (Makalali Reserve). Starts and ends on a Saturday, available year round. Extra nights at Wait A Little: £250. Single room supplement: +25% (0% if prepared to share). Single room at Makalali £80.
Itinerary.
Makalali ride: 9 nights mobile safari. £2610 per person. 4 nights in the base eco-camp, 3 nights Garonga safari camp, 2 nights Phiva camp. Extra nights at Wait A Little £250.
Itinerary.
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Getting there
Fly from Europe to Johannesburg in South Africa.
GB Airways.
South African Airways.
Lufthansa.
Transfer options from Johannesburg to Wait A Little base camp:
- Private charter direct from Johannesburg to the nearby Letaba Airport Cost 2300 R per person (min 3, max 6) including the short drive to Wait A Little.
- Daily scheduled flight (South African Airlink) from Johannesburg to one of the airports serving the Kruger National Park (Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa) with South African Airways. We can arrange for a car to meet your flight (£25 and £35 pp respectively).
- Car transfer from Johannesburg (takes about 5 hours, £240 per car one way).
We will organise your transfers on your behalf, once your international flight is confirmed.
Travelocity - internet travel agents for schedule services.
Riding Ability
Due to the possibility of encountering big game (including lion and elephant) and for your own safety, this trip is only for confident, regular and fit riders. Expect 4-7 hours in the saddle each day. No novices can be taken on trail and will be dismounted if the riding ability is not sufficient or a threat to the rest of the group.
No children under the age of 12 years. 20% discount for competent riders aged 12 to 16.
Weight limit: 95kg, 210 lbs, 15 stone.
When to come
Year round sunshine! Summer (Oct to March) temperatures hover around 32 degrees at midday with occasional thunderstorms. Winter (April to Sept) warm days up to a very pleasant 25 degs, with cool nights (down to as low as 5 degs in July and Aug). Current weather.
Riding style
The riding style is English on Leon Liversage Endurance Saddles which are perfect for this way of riding. We regret no western riders. We keep our horses in a steady, fast pace in walk to keep their attention at all time (and yours). We have a constant leg contact which is an advantage when all of a sudden an antelope jumps out of the bush. In canter, especially over long distances, we stand up to relax the horses' backs. Seat savers and sheepskins available.
Type of horse
We mainly ride a breed called 'South African Boerperd'. A beautiful and elegant type of horse, sensitive, responsive, well tempered, forward going and very brave. Other appropriate breeds we use are Thoroughbreds and crosses, Warmbloods and Arabs. The heights of our horses vary between 14,2 and 16,2 hands. There is a suitable horse (30 horses) for the competitive rider as well as for the steady hack. Every effort is made to match horse and rider. All horses are getting trained in basic dressage in the riding arena. This ensures that your horse is responsive, well mannered and fun to ride. The training loosens their backs and softens their mouth so the horse is more in balance on trail. All horses are spirited and forward going, some obviously more than others.
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to South Africa at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
Consumer protection
As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), an Association approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, this company has provided a Bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. These regulations apply to packages sold in the UK and this Bond provides security for the money paid over by its UK customers and for their repatriation to the UK in the event of this company's insolvency.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
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