Waterberg Big Five Safari

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be met at OR Tambo international Airport and transferred to Entabeni Game Reserve, which is about a 2.5 hour drive away. On arrival you will be welcomed by the team at Wildside Tented Camp with a drink before you freshen up. During lunch you'll receive an introductory brief on the days to come including your horse preferences so that you can be allocated a horse you'll enjoy.

Tonight you will enjoy an afternoon game drive to make the most of the photographic opportunities from the vehicle and recover from your long journey. Hopefully you will catch the photogenic pride of lions on camera. After a couple of hours you will be welcomed back into camp for your three-course dinner and first night in the comfortable spacious permanent tented camp, with opportunity to charge your electronics before you set off into the bush the following day with the horses.

Overnight at Wildside.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Early wake up and breakfast at the tented lodge before you are transferred to a spot in the reserve where your horses will be waiting. After the safety briefing and introduction to your horse, you will set off to the Pedi Village, while the logistics team will take care of your luggage to be taken to the next spot. After about two and a half hours in the saddle, stop for lunch and a rest before continuing to for another couple of hours to arrive at the Pedi Village before sun set. Drinks will be ready upon your arrival, while the lions can be heard roaring in the distance to the sound of the African drums welcoming you “home”. With luck, you may see the buffalo come in to drink this evening.

After a candle lit dinner you will spend the night in a traditional Pedi hut (rondavel) without compromising your comfort.

Overnight at Pedi Village

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Camp staff will wake you up with tea or coffee in your rooms before a light breakfast overlooking the reserve. Mount up for your ride to the next destination, riding through big game country and hopefully many sightings of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and many other iconic animals which roam the reserve.

Arrive at fly camp, which the team will have already set up ready for your arrival. You will be welcomed with a late lunch and camp orientation. Settle in to fly camp which you will call “home” for the next two nights. Steaming showers will be ready after your afternoon ride exploring the reserve, followed by a three course candlelit meal and a roaring fire. With gin and tonic in hand, watch the spectacular sun set as another night in the bush comes to an end.

Overnight at Fly camp

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Wake to the sound of the bush coming to life, with hot water boiling on the fire. A light breakfast is served before you set off to explore the reserve, heading in a different direction across new terrain, with the possibility of encountering different species of animals. After your two and a half or three hour ride, return to camp for lunch.

Depending on weather and the season, full breakfast will be served before riding, or upon return, allowing for the midday hours to relax at camp, or read a book in the shade in a hammock. In the afternoon you will again ride out until you reach a point in the bush where you can enjoy a drink with endless views as the sun sets.

Return to camp lit up with lanterns and relax at the camp fire before starters are served around the fire and three course dinner served at the table. Your bags for one night will be packed to move to the new location the following day.

Overnight at Fly camp

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Awaken with hot tea or coffee in your tent and a light breakfast taking in the views before you depart to the upper escarpment of the reserve. You will set off early enough to not catch the heat of the day as you will ride and partially walk up the steepest man-made road in Southern Africa - Yellowwood gorge - which connects the lower and upper escarpment, which are separated by jagged rock formations. There will be a support vehicle should somebody not wish to complete the steepest passes on foot with their horse. You will stop at a beautiful spot on the way for lunch, with natural rock pools where you will be able to swim (seasonal) so be sure to bring your swim wear in your saddle bag.

After the ascent, the gorge opens onto open plains, spotted with wildlife, as you continue to climb up rocky terrain which your horses master with ease and willingness. Eventually you reach a breathtaking spot with views of the entire reserve, where sunsets and sunrises are as good as they get. A night under the stars and delicious al-fresco dinner awaits.

Overnight at the Upper escarpment sleep out camp (NB. tents are provided should the weather not permit sleeping only under mosquito nets)

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Depart the stunning location with endless views after breakfast and ride through the upper escarpment, known for its open plains and meandering valleys, and encounter big herds of zebra, wildebeest, blesbuck, eland and giraffe.

Traverse the lake to the lodge which will be home for the last two nights. You will arrive in time for lunch and a well deserved hot bath or shower, and time at the pool. Massages are available should you wish to give yourself a treat after a few days in the saddle. Lunch will be served at the lodge before your afternoon ride and dinner.

Overnight at Lakeside Lodge

Day 7

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

You will have the option of a game drive or bush walk in the early morning before breakfast. After that, your horses will be ready for a two and a half to three hour ride, discovering hidden areas of the reserve where vehicles cannot access. In search of more elusive species, your guide will point out tracks and signs as you ride deeper into the thicker areas of the reserve.

Return to the lodge for some time to relax and lunch before another afternoon ride, maybe in search of hippos and some cooling off with your horse in the dam. Return to the lodge as the sun sets and enjoy dinner at the “boma” area around the fire.

Overnight at Lakeside lodge

Day 8

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Early morning, after a light snack and tea or coffee, you will go on your last morning ride on the upper escarpment of the reserve, or moving down to the lower escarpment, depending on animal movement, weather or flight times. You might be able to squeeze in an early game drive before your ride too. Your bags will be packed in the morning and transferred by the logistics team so you are ready to transfer to the airport once you have finished your final ride.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival to Johannesburg airport before 11:00 with transfer to Wildside Safari Camp for a late lunch. This afternoon there is an introductory game drive after you settle in, your first chance to see some of the Big 5 up close. After getting to know your riding preferences a horse will be selected to suit you ready for your ride the next morning. As the sun sets it's time for dinner and overnight at Wildside camp.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today there is an early morning game drive for those who'd like it (payable locally), followed by breakfast at 09:00 and transfer in the game vehicle to the horses to start your ride. This is big game territory and you can ride off the beaten track where vehicles cannot access. Stop for lunch under a shady tree where you may spot wildlife walking past. Continue riding until you reach fly camp at about 15:00 in time for high tea and a chance to settle in before dinner is served around the fire at 19:00. Overnight Fly Camp.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today is a full day ride with a packed lunch. Starting after breakfast you will saddle up with lunch in your saddle bag. The ride today will take you through dense areas and up jagged rock formations towards a viewpoint with wonderful views over the lower escarpment. You will stop here for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Ride back to your fly camp, hopefully spotting some giraffe on the plains as the sun starts to drop, and arrive in time for a snack before dinner is served, relaxing in the hammocks or chilling out with a drink watching the sun set. Dinner and overnight in the fly camp.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today you have a later start and a light breakfast to energise you for your climb up the escarpment - you will partly lead your horse over one of the steepest roads in South Africa which has a gradient of 40 degrees at some point. A support vehicle with ranger accompanies the ride so if walking becomes tiring you are welcome to jump into the jeep.

Stop for lunch in a shady spot, and upon reaching the top you will emerge onto the plains, an idyllic scene hopefully dotted with game. Continue climbing to a spot with fantastic views of the entire reserve where vehicles cannot access. Here you can watch the sun set whilst dinner is prepared over the fire. Overnight in beds under mosquito nights and the stars.

Day 5

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

After breakfast you start your descent back down the escarpment, having taken in the sunrise across the plains full of game. Stop for a snack and continue through big game country to reach Wildside again in time for a late lunch and some pool time. You can also book a massage if you wish or another game drive (payable locally)

Day 6

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

After a full breakfast you have time for a final ride before saying farewell to the horses, and jumping in your shuttle to the airport. Flights should leave 18:00 or later.