Songimvelo, South Africa
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Boerperd, Boerperd/Quarterhorse cross, Arab cross, Thoroughbred/Shire cross
Nature of horses:
Well schooled, surefooted
Number of horses:
30
Height of horses:
15 hh - 17hh
Weight limit:
100 kg
Tack type:
Australian or South African stock saddles. Pelham bridles.
Pricing
The price of this safari is £1400 per person and includes 7 nights accommodation as detailed by the programme, meals, juice, limited wine and beer, tea and coffee, riding, guiding and park fees.
We are offering a £200 per person reduction on 8-15 June and 22-29 June
departure dates.
You can extend your safari with a stay at the homestead.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Whilst offering everything expected from a safari - exhilaration, excitement, game and long hours in the saddle, this ride also has the added comfort of a little luxury. Your guide Steven Rufus is one of only two fully qualifed horseback guides in South Africa certified by the government to take people in front of dangerous game so you can be assured that you are in excellent hands. He is a very experienced horseman who has competed in eventing at a top level in South Africa and is also a registered farrier. With his years of experience at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris behind him you can be assured of a fantastic holiday which you will never forget.
Songimvelo Game Reserve was proclaimed a conservation area on the 4th March 1983. It covers an area of 50,000 hectares making it the largest game reserve in South Africa. Situated 100kms south of Barberton it borders the kingdom of Swaziland. 250km to the north east will bring you to Mozambique. The park boasts more than 1400 different species of plant life, including the extremely rare Woolly Cycad, which is the only place in the world that this tree can be found. There are fourteen other threatened plant species that survive in this area, and their conservation is priority to the park.
Based in the Songimvelo Game Park, you can be guaranteed spectacular views, stunning mountains ranges and beautiful rivers. The park is home to no less than 15 species of large mammals with a lot of opportunity to come face to face with the Big Four from horseback. Perhaps one of the most advantageous elements of this ride is the absence of lion, allowing you to explore with your horse deep into the reserve safely.
There are 20 species of herbivores all of which were reintroduced after they had been hunted to extinction prior to the 1980's. Animals seen include elephant, white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, kudu, eland, impala, blesbok blue wildebeest, zebra, sable, hartebeest, tsessebe, bushpig, warthog, klipspringer, steenbok, duiker, mountain reedbuck, hippopotamus, waterbuck, oribi, baboon, vervet monkey and bushbaby. To date there is only one carnivore present in the park, that being leopard, which can be very elusive as it hunts mainly at night.
Evenings on the safari are spent in a rustic but comfortable fly camp, where, after a long day in the saddle you will welcome the professionally catered, wholesome meal that is prepared for you. As night fall approaches you can"t help but feel privileged as you sit deep within this magnificent park, closer to nature than perhaps you have ever been before. For less experienced riders, a stay at the lodge offers an array of activities including horse riding whilst having the added comfort of luxury accommodation.
Situated only three hours from Johannesburg and one and a half hours from Kruger Park it is possible to combine this ride with a visit to this world famous park or another South African lodge.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The game lodge is the perfect retreat for those wanting to relax in the indulgence of a litttle luxury. The lodge boasts eight ensuite rooms, verandah, dining room and pool.
For those who are venturing out into the bush on safari the first night is spent at the homestead which is available for private groups. It has six ensuite rooms, private dining area and pool. This allows you a little time for rest and relaxation before heading out into the bush. On safari guests spend all but one night in dome tents. Although this is camping accommodation, it is made comfortable by the addition of proper beds and mattresses. Drop loos and bucket showers are provided at each campsite.
The last evening is spent in the traditonal Swazi village of Ebutsini. This is the perfect way to end the safari with fine dining, local entertainment and comfortable accommodation.
On safari guests will be served three meals per day. A full breakfast including porridge, bacon and eggs will be served in the morning to help prepare you for the long day in the saddle. After breakfast a selection of picnic food will be brought out so that guests can pack their saddle bag picnic.
In the evening professional chefs cook a two course meal with emphasis placed on good, wholesome South African bush cooking. Weather permitting, you will dine outside, however a mess tent is erected for inside dining when necessary. On the last night of the safari the evening will be spent in Ebutsini village where the emphasis will be on traditional Swazi cuisine.
Meals at the game lodge are prepared daily by superb chefs using fresh ingredients. Vegetarians can be catered for with prior notice on all rides although it is not possible to accommodate extremely strict diets on safari.
South African wines, beer, juices, water and a selection of mixers are included in the normal price. Mixers include tonics, coke and sprite, From 2008 there will be a small bar available serving local brands of vodka, rum, scotch and gin. These can be purchased for cash and change given in the local currency.
Activities
Whilst on safari much of the day is spent in the saddle although there will be opportunities for relaxation or to reach high waterfalls or for taking in breathtaking panoramic views. The hardy may even like to take a dip in the mountain streams and pools.
At the game lodge there are a number of non riding activites including guided game drives and walks, trout, bass and yellow fishing, bird watching, scenic forest and waterfall walks or simply relax at the pool enjoying the magnificent views.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: Riding fit
Age limit: Riders must be 16 years of age and over. Clients over the age of 60 are advised to get confirmation from their doctor.
Tuition: No
Included: Full board accommodation, riding and qualified, English speaking guide.
Not included: Flights, transfers, riding helmets and travel insurance.
Travel Information
The nearest airport is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Airport transfer from here can be arranged for an additional cost and takes approximately one and a half hours.
Transfer can also be arranged from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) and takes approximately 3 hours.
Please contact the office for help and advice regarding flights and transfers.
Airport: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA)
Alternative Airport: Johannesburg (JNB)
Programme
Safari
|
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the Songimvelo Game Reserve on horseback on well trained, quality horses. You will explore this area guaranteeing to see some fantastic game including elephant, white rhino, buffalo, giraffe and many species of antelope. The absence of lion in this area allows you to explore the area safely and without the worry of scary camp encounters. Please note that the following is an example itinerary. The actual daily itinerary will be determined by the guide with the best interests of the group and horses in mind and taking into consideration the terrain and weather conditions. On the Songimvelo Safari, you will ride for between 4 and 6 hours each day. A full breakfast will be had in camp and you will set off between 8am-9am. There will be stops for refreshments and picnic lunch during the day, arriving back to camp between 3pm-4pm. Saturday Depart UK for overnight flights Sunday Arrive Johannesburg in the early morning (preferably between 07.00 and 09.00) and transfer by car direct to Dawson’s Game & Trout Lodge. Or Book an internal flight to Nelspruit (for arrival midday latest) and then onward transfer to Dawson’s Lodge. On arrival at Dawson’s Lodge settle into your room and a late lunch with the rest of the group. Later there will be a briefing explaining how the safari will progress and an opportunity to meet the horses and remainder of the team. In the afternoon have your first ride for approx two hours, returning to the lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep before setting out on safari early the following day. Monday An early start to set off on safari. The horses will travel ahead by truck and you will transfer by vehicle (50 minutes) from Dawson’s Lodge into Songimvelo Game Reserve. You set off riding for approximately 4-5 hours (with regular breaks) riding on the plains towards Wind Hoek Base Camp, with numerous river crossings, and a lunch stop at the Hippo pools. These plains are abundant with wildlife, surrounded by magnificent mountains and give you your first opportunity to feast on this beautiful reserve. Arrive at Wind Hoek Base Camp mid afternoon. The support team will have set up a comfortable camp, including a bucket shower and long drop toilet facilities. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring and settling in to your tents. Dinner will be served (dependent on weather) either in the mess tent or outside. Tuesday The normal pattern on safari will be a morning call at around 6.00am (earlier in summer) followed by a full breakfast and tea or coffee. You generally make your own saddle bag picnic and can choose from a variety of different breads and tasty snacks and fillings. Full day ride descending from mountains into the valley, game viewing and riding through rivers and onto the plains. Return to Wind Hoek Base Camp late afternoon. Wednesday Today is a day of excitement and you will set off to explore more widely into Songimvelo. Ride into the stunning mountains, with pack horses and all equipment required to spend a night out under the stars! After a spectacular lunch location you will ride on to the evenings resting place and enjoy a simple (though delicious) evening meal. This is challenging – though spectacular - mountain pass riding. Sleeping bags will be provided for quite simply the most magical night you could ever spend in the bush Thursday Breakfast will be served in the mountains and then you will descend the mountain passes to Komati River plains. This area has great game viewing and potential encounters with White Rhino. Arrive at Wind Hoek Base Camp for a late lunch, with time to relax before dinner. Friday Today you explore the area by the Oomsolly River. Ride for approximately three hours in the morning, viewing the game and, lunch by the river and a chance to swim in the beautifully refreshing rock pools. Later in the afternoon, ride back over the mountain pass and enjoy the amazing views unfolding. Saturday Ride to Ebutsini Village game viewing and enjoying the dramatic scenery on the way through Songimvelo. Arrive mid afternoon and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure and settling in to the traditional Rondavels. Evening will be spent at the village enjoying the entertainment and catering – Swazi style! Sunday A final morning ride from Ebutsini Village and a visit to the local school where guests can donate any gifts they might have bought and receive an amazing performance from the children. After an early lunch, depart from the village by car direct to Johannesburg for onward connections. Or transfer by car to Nelspruit airport for internal flights to Johannesburg Monday Arrive UK / European destinations. |
|
| Minimum group size: | 3 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Experienced. Competent intermediate riders can be accepted but must be capable of galloping out of danger. Not for nervous riders |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | 6 full days 1 additional half day |
| Departure dates: | 18-25 May. 25 May - 1 June, 8-15 June (£200 discount), 22-29 June (£200 discount), 6-13 July, 20-27 July (Family Safari), 3-10 August (Family Safari ), 17-24 August. 31 August-7 September. 14-21 August. 21-28 August. 5-12 October. 12-19 October. 19-26 October. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Lodge Based Stay
|
When staying at the lodge you will ride over the 2,000 hectare private reserve. Here you will see a variety of plains game including the black wildebeest. The reserve has three different fishing dams for trout, black bass and yellow fish. The reserve is totally safe for you to walk or explore on foot. It is also possible to ride into the adjoining game farm. This is a huge area of 20,000 hectares although is fenced to keep certain game separate for genetic reasons. This area of the ranch also rears Nguni cattle (indigenous African cattle reared for their skins and meat). You will be able to participate in rounding up the cattle for daily checking. Riding at the lodge is tailored to suit the guests but totals on average 4 - 5 hours per day. |
|
| Minimum group size: | 3 |
| Maximum group size: | 15 |
| Ability description: | Novice and above |
| Type of ride: | 4 - 5 hours per day |
| Total riding time: | Trail |
| Departure dates: | To suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
New Year Special
|
28th December: You will arrive at Johannesburg airport and transfer to the game reserve. You will enjoy an afternoon ride and then overnight in the comfortable tented camp. 29th December: You will ride in the reserve for approximately 5-6 hours and then overnight again in the tented camp after another delicious dinner. 30th December: You will ride for approximately 5-6 hours to a beautiful gorge with a fantastic panoramic view point of the mountains. Lunch will be enjoyed in the bush and you will rider back to the camp for another wonderful dinner and accommodation in the tented camp. 31st December: Today you will ride for 4 to 5 hours. You will enjoy an afternoon of leisure and then the celebrations begin at sundown whilst dinner is prepared over an open fire. After dinner traditional Swazi entertainment goes on into the night. 1st January: Today you will mark the start of the year with a four - five hour ride. Accommmodation in the tented camp. 2nd January: This morning you will be transferred to the luxury game lodge for an afternoon of relaxation. This will be a chance to enjoy the amazing accommodation and fine cuisine. 3rd January: Departure and transfer to the airport. |
|
| Minimum group size: | 3 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Experienced only |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | 18 - 20 hours approximately as detailed by the programme |
| Departure dates: | 28th December 2008 - 3rd January 2009 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |