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.
Accommodation |
Your first night is in Wildside Lodge - a luxury tented camp with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms. Your second night is at the Pedi Village in traditional rondavels. Your third and fourth nights are at fly camp, with tents, made-up beds and bucket showers. Your fifth night is at a mobile fly-camp where mosquito nets are strung over your bed on clear nights, but tents are available if necessary, Your final two nights are at the luxurious Lakeside Lodge with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms. |
Experience |
Experienced
You need to be a capable rider who is confident in all paces across different terrain. This is a Big Five area and so you have to be able to stay on your horse and remain calm in all situations.
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Minimum group size |
2 |
Maximum group size |
7
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Departure windows |
Jan. 1, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2022
Jan. 15, 2022 - Jan. 22, 2022
Feb. 5, 2022 - Feb. 12, 2022
Feb. 19, 2022 - Feb. 26, 2022
March 5, 2022 - March 12, 2022
March 19, 2022 - March 26, 2022
April 2, 2022 - April 9, 2022
April 16, 2022 - April 23, 2022
May 7, 2022 - May 14, 2022
May 21, 2022 - May 28, 2022
June 4, 2022 - June 11, 2022
June 18, 2022 - June 25, 2022
July 2, 2022 - July 9, 2022
July 16, 2022 - July 23, 2022
Aug. 6, 2022 - Aug. 13, 2022
Aug. 20, 2022 - Aug. 27, 2022
Sept. 3, 2022 - Sept. 10, 2022
Sept. 17, 2022 - Sept. 24, 2022
Oct. 1, 2022 - Oct. 8, 2022
Oct. 15, 2022 - Oct. 22, 2022
Nov. 5, 2022 - Nov. 12, 2022
Nov. 19, 2022 - Nov. 26, 2022
Dec. 3, 2022 - Dec. 10, 2022
Dec. 20, 2022 - Dec. 27, 2022
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Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.