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SOUTH AFRICA : ON THE BIG FIVE TRACK...

Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking

SPECIAL OFFER : -275 € on all departures !! Limited spaces.

ITINERARY

These Safaris allow you to discover one of the very few places in the world where you can see wildlife in its natural environment from horseback. Following itineraries are examples and not guaranteed, as wildlife will determine our daily activities.

BIG FIVE SAFARI

Day 1
Arrival in Jo'burg airport, and connecting flight to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa. Welcome at airport by our team, and transfer to the game reserve. On arrival at camp a light lunch or afternoon tea and coffee awaits you. Philip, your guide, will introduce you to the safety procedures before going on your first riding safari.
This orientation ride takes you through the area surrounding the camp as you unwind from your journey and forget yourself in the peace of the African bush. This is your chance to become accustomed to our horses and riding style. We might even see the first giraffe or zebra. Sundowners, looking out towards the Drakensberg Mountains , are a perfect prelude to the generous 3 course dinner, accompanied by handpicked South African wines, which awaits you in our dining area, furnished with antique African art.
The first night, with all its fantastic sounds and noises, is most probably the most exciting one. Accommodation for these first two nights is in luxury safari tents with ensuite bathrooms, mounted on platforms above the Makhutswe River at our main camp.

Day 2
We wake you with tea or coffee in the morning. After a light, continental breakfast we are ready to mount our horses. The search for the wild game can begin! Whatever tracks Philip finds he will try to follow. An elephant track often leads towards the Kufunyame River , where huge palm trees an tall river reeds provide a good meal for an elephant.
Lunch will be served on our camp's terrace. Fresh salads, homemade breads, pizzas and quiches are served together with light meats and cheeses.
The lovely smell of homemade cake ensures you awake in time for the afternoon ride. We ride to a huge dam, where Hippos live during the heat of the day. Let them entertain you, playing in the water, rolling and laughing. With luck, one will be relaxing on a sandbank, enjoying the warm sun.
Tonight is "Ranger’s Pub" when friends, guides, rangers, researchers and other employees from neighbouring lodges come for a drink or two. It is a great chance to meet some of the human characters on the reserve and to become part of the over-grown family, when you listen to the exciting news rangers or researches can tell you about animals and their behaviour.

Day 3
When we hear a leopard roaring in the night, Philip looks for tracks in the riverbed to show you this impressive cat. You find him; he stands up, stretches, and stalks to a shadier spot. Philip guides you closer, and everyone is silent as the excitement of entering his world grabs you. Simply by observing him, you share a moment in harmony with an animal that is just as curious about you as you about him.
In the afternoon we pack our bags, leaving for another camp. The luggage will be brought by vehicle, whilst we set off on horseback. We ride south, passing with baited breath between the twin rock formations of Lion and Leopard Hill. The gently undulating roads in this area lend themselves to long easy canters. Giraffe, zebras or wildebeest may pick up the pace and run by your side, elegantly manoeuvring through the veldt. Suddenly Philip dismounts and considers the ground around him, before turning to you to say, come! I think the wild dogs are close.
Beacon Rock, the first fly camp is situated at a giant rock formation from where you can overlook the whole Lowveld escarpment. A quick scramble up to the top rewards you with a spectacular panorama over the whole reserve and the perfect vantage point to witness a blood red sun fall behind the looming Drakensberg Escarpment.
Under the stars, around a campfire, surrounded by our horses, is where we spend the night. We listen to the call of the hyenas or jackals, which might visit us during the night. Steaks or chops, cooked over the open fire, with baked potatoes and milies are the perfect fayre to help us into a deep sleep tonight.

Day 4
Waking to the rich colours of the sunrise we revive the fire for coffee and breakfast before embarking on our longest ride. Today we cross from the furthest South Eastern point into the North Western corner of the reserve. Demonstrating the rich floral diversity, we follow rhino road, always scouting for tracks of this ancient beast. Sandy roads and riverbeds give us the ground for the right pace we need to cover this distance.
We arrive at Bush Lodge, tired, ready for a drink and a good lunch in the shade of the veranda. The horses take a well earned rest while we join a game drive in the afternoon. Tonight the search is on for lions specifically and other nocturnal creatures that we cannot see from horseback. A huge fire and traditional South African cooking awaits us to the lantern lit boma of Bush Lodge. We are lodged in luxury safari tents along the Makhutswe River .

Day 5
What are we missing out? Of course Buffalo. Today we ride into the Buffalo projects, where these disease free animals are kept for breeding and research purposes. They are very curious about visitors, seeking out as eagerly as we look for them!
At lunch time we relax at the swimming pool. The elephants love to play in the river outside the lodge, vying with the mud- bathing rhino for your attention. Sometimes, when you are lucky, you see the big male lion, scratching and cleaning himself in front of the platform. It is where we have sundowners, with an ice-cold drink in our hand, watching and listening to the sounds of the African bush.

Day 6
The ride back to our first camp follows the Makhutswe River. Many antelopes including nyala, waterbuck, kudu as well as many bird species, choose the riverine vegetation as their habitation.
We arrive at camp at lunch time and decide to spend the afternoon on the swimming pool, go for another short ride or visit Jessica, the tame Hippo in the area. Anna’s excellent cake will definitely be welcome once again.

Day 7
The weather will create our day. If it is cooler, we ride out all day to visit Croc Dam. Crocodiles, fish eagles, hippos and lots of water birds can be seen in the biggest dam on the reserve. Under a big tree in the shade we unpack our picnic from the saddle bags. Later that afternoon we take our ride back. All of a sudden Philip stops, fresh tracks… cheetah. Let’s change our route to go and look for this beautiful cat, the fastest animal in the world. If we are lucky we can follow them hunting or join their peaceful repose as they relax on a termite mount.
The last sundowner on the open plain will be sad, but beautiful, impressive and absolutely unique. The African fever might have caught you as well and the good bye can be hard. For your farewell dinner Gerti chooses something special - perhaps game fillets like kudu or ostrich served on pasta with sherry sauce. It is also one of the staff’s favourite meals!

Day 8
An early wake up will get us on the horses quickly, so we can enjoy a short, sporty ride before the transfer service brings you to the Airport.

GARONGA SAFARI

Day 1
Arrival in Jo'burg airport, and connecting flight to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa. Welcome at airport by our team, and transfer to the reserve. On arrival at camp a light lunch or afternoon tea and coffee awaits you. Philip, your guide, will introduce you to the safety procedures before going on your first riding safari.

This orientation ride takes you through the area surrounding the camp as you unwind from your journey and forget yourself in the peace of the African bush. This is your chance to become accustomed to our horses and riding style. We might even see the first giraffe or zebra. Sundowners, looking out towards the Drakensberg Mountains, are a perfect prelude to the generous 3 course dinner, accompanied by hand-picked South African wines, which awaits you in our dining area, furnished with antique African art.

The first night, with all its fantastic sounds and noises, is probably the most exciting one. Accommodation for these first two nights are in old style safari tents with ensuite bathrooms, mounted on platforms above the Makhutswe River at our main camp.

Day 2
We wake you with tea or coffee in the morning. After a light, continental breakfast we are ready to mount our horses and go on safari.

When we hear a leopard roaring in the night, Philip looks for tracks in the riverbed to show you this impressive cat. An elephant spoor might lead you through the river systems or a rhino track will take you to the open savannahs and invite you for a sporty long canter.

The thrills of the morning’s sightings are relived over lunch, served on the terrace. Fresh salads, homemade breads, pizzas and quiches are served together with light meats and cheeses amply satisfy the hunger brought on by a long ride.

On our afternoon ride, Philip all of a sudden stops, fresh tracks… cheetah. He immediately follows the route to go and look for this beautiful cat, the fastest animal in the world. If we are lucky we can follow them hunting or join their peaceful repose as they relax on a termite mount.

Day 3

Waking to the rich colors of the sunrise we get ready for a long ride. Entering the Greater Makalali Game Reserve, dominated by huge open planes, where you might find yourself cantering next to giraffes, zebras or wildebeest. Spectacular views, over big distances show you the way to Tandane, our camp for the next two nights.

Our arrival at camp is heralded by the first glimpses of thatched spires through the trees. As it gradually reveals itself, it seems to have been inspired by Africa herself: red like the soil, white like the bones, brown like the branches, orange and grey like the rocks. Designed by one of Africa’s most famous architects, Silvio Rech, all of Makalali’s camps have been built using the natural materials found around their locations: clay, reeds, wood and skulls have been put to innovative use to make these camps unique, yet firmly nestled in their surroundings. As with all the Makalali camps, accommodation is in private chalets, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private "salas" (individual private plunge pools) for your relaxation.

The afternoon siesta is followed by a game drive, orientated towards searching for lions. An open top land rover will follow the directions of your native tracker as he reads the signs left by the big cats during the day. After a long, slow Gin, watching the sunset, the drive continues into the night, where, with luck, some of the nocturnal wildlife will show its face. Bushbabies, owls, maybe even a leopard, may complete your day’s excitement.

Dinner is served by Martha, our camp manager, and cooked by Makalali’s chefs, famous for their fuse a mixture of European and African flavors.

Day 4

Today we go exploring, cutting through the veldt at a canter, twisting and turning around the trees “what Philip calls bushwhacking” and your surefooted horse carries you nimbly through the undergrowth, changing direction as you guide his course, having just as much fun as you. Here and there a tree, felled by an elephant, provides an irresistible jump. Or perhaps the eland, kudu or wildebeest seeing us pass, fall in front of us to show us the best path. At the top of the hill you pause for thought, as mile after mile of unspoiled Africa stretches away before you.

Served on banana leaves, we have fresh salads, meats and cheeses for lunch on Makalali’s veranda, whilst we watch nyala, waterbuck, kudu or other little animals roaming the river systems.

Refreshed after a well deserved siesta, we ride to a nearby dam, where Hippos live during the heat of the day. Let them entertain you, playing in the water, rolling and laughing. With luck, a crocodile is relaxing on a sandbank, enjoying the warm evening sun.

Day 5

Leaving Tandane, we cross the river to our next camp, Phiva. Arguably the most spectacular, in very tough company, Phiva has a magical atmosphere and a stunning location. It opens out onto a small dam, offering a haven to Hippos and crocodiles during the summer and to a myriad of birdlife, all year round. Various species of kingfisher, storks, and raptors live in the vicinity providing a continuing display during the quieter hours.

Returning to camp from a lovely stroll along the river, we wait with more than a passing appetite, for the delights of dinner, served alternately at the water’s edge, in an outdoor boma, or in the dining area.

Day 6

Today we prepare ourselves for a full day adventure as we ride to a huge open savannah. The preferred haunt of many plains game such as giraffe and zebra, this is one of the most open areas in the reserve and offers fabulous opportunities galloping amongst the game.

On top of the escarpment, Gerti and Debbie await you with a new set of horses as well as a well deserved lunch. In the shade of one of the African giants here, we are snacking contentedly on the delicious selection sent from camp. After a snooze, with a saddle for a pillow, we mount our fresh horses for our return to camp.

Day 7

Today we aim toward a more northerly part of the reserve and the luxuries of Garonga safari camp. Tucked into the edge of a steep cliff, overlooking a tributary stream, Garonga is different again to what we have so far experienced. Fusing the familiar sight of the termite mound with the light, airy, feel of an old, colonial expedition, Garonga spoils you for tranquil relaxation. Owned and run by Bernardo Smith, the camp is particularly personal in its approach and your every desire can be catered for here.

Our long ride this morning will have seen us cantering through the grassy plains and tracking over the hills and valleys that rise between the camps. Long hours in the saddle, over numerous days, mean that you will definitely have earned the right to spoil yourself with an aromatherapy treatment by Bianca this afternoon. Or perhaps a long siesta and a strong sundowner is more to your taste! There is even a “bush bath” set in the veldt, in which you can wash away the smell of leather, up to your ears in bubbles, whilst listening to the sounds around you. Whatever helps you more, you are free to choose how you spend this afternoon before rejoining the party for another excellent meal.

Dinners are served as a group, where all guests of the lodge eat together, or individually, as a party in the torch lit boma.

Day 8

After all that pampering yesterday afternoon, we are fit again for another full day ride. Today we head out towards Garonga’s tree house. Our route takes us over one of the highest points in the reserve: the view from this point is truly bird’s-eye and can only emphasize the sheer grandeur of the immense space around us. Literally coming off the top of the world, we are once more embraced by the bush as we venture deeper and deeper into the world we have just surveyed. Coming across a dam we watch some hippos cavorting in the water before we casually look up: waiting for us, half way up a Marula tree, is Bernie and the rest of the team. A true, old style picnic has been laid out for us on the deck, so we can continue watching life on the water from our eagle-eyed vantage point.

Our horses wait patiently below, snacking on their own, natural picnic from the veldt, until we choose to head off, in pursuit once more of Africa’s finest.

Day 9

Whatever has thrilled us most so far can be tracked again this morning as we ride out with the sun on our backs to warm us. Perhaps the elephants are snoozing in the river reeds, or a rhino is having a mud bath in one of the little waterholes.

With our return to camp we have ample time to gather our thoughts before embarking on the afternoon’s activity. Again, this is your choice – perhaps a bird walk appeals, another game drive to search for something not yet encountered or another relaxed afternoon by the pool.

Day 10

Today promises to be another full day in the saddle as we make our way across the reserve for our return to our base camp.

At home, our team eagerly awaits our exciting tales, which are the perfect accompaniment to one last, sad farewell sundowner on the open plain. The African fever is sure to have taken hold and the good bye can be hard. But it mustn’t be pre-empted, for there is one last sumptuous dinner to be enjoyed, when Gerti chooses something special – perhaps game fillets, such as Kudu or Eland – to crown the final evening.

Day 11

An early wake up will get us on the horses quickly, so we can enjoy a short, sporty ride before the transfer service brings you to the Airport.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Extend your trip and visit the Kruger National Game Reserve, Cape Town or Victoria Falls.
You can also combine this safari with one of our other ride : Songimvelo safari, Wild Coast Trail, Cape Town area ride, Okapuka safari, Okavango delta, etc...
Contact us for further details...

Victoria Falls 3 days / 2 nights

90m high and 1800m long, Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful and impressive falls of the world. It's the border between ZAmbia and Zimbabwe. A famous you absolutly have to visit during your stay in South Africa.

The package includes :
- Flights Jo'Burg - Livingstone return ticket,
- Airport taxes (105 €),
- Transfers from and to Livingstone Airport,
- 2 nights in full board basis including local drinks and house wines,
- Activities : 1 trip to the Zambian side of the falls, laundry, dundown cruise, mokoro trip, nature trails and village/school tour.

To add :
- Optional activities,
- Curio shop and office facilities,
- Insurances.

Consult rates.

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses
The horses are essentially South African Boerperd, and warmblood. They are particularly adapted to the African environment, and have been especially selected since hundreds of years in South Africa for this type of work.
They are kind, sure-footed; they will make you discover safely the African wildlife.

Tack
The saddles are trail saddles type (no western saddles) and english saddles are available too.

Required riding level
It is necessary to be at ease at all gaits, and be able to control your horse in a wild environment that can be unforeseeable. This point is very important for your safety and the safety of the group and our guides on the spot reserve the right to make dismount a rider who would not have the requested level.

4 to 7 hours on horseback everyday.
Maximum weight : 95 kg

YOUR GUIDES

All days on horseback are accompagnied by an attorney guide from FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) and a second assistant guide. All camps and vehicles are equiped with radio, and our team is trying to locate animals to avoid surprising meetings. Our guide is always equiped with a radio and an arm (he never uses it, because he knows the security distance to keep toward wildlife).

On first day, we will ask you to follow our security briefing. For safety reason, as for ride quality, groups are limited to six riders.

ACCOMMODATION

Base camp (first 3 nights + last night)
Accommodation is in double-bedded canvas safari tents on platforms individually built and furnished in African safari style with private outside shower and toilet. From the decks you enjoy a magnificent view over the Makhutswe River.
After an exciting, hot day you may enjoy a drink at our bar or relax at the swimming pool. The main area is equipped with a library giving you the chance to read about the wildlife, flora and fauna of South Africa. For a personal experience, we will accompany you throughout your stay and share the excitements together.
Extra beds are provided for people sharing a room.

Outside experience (1 night)
On the top of a mass of rock, highest point of the area, ahead a fantastique view on the Lowveld cliffs. Night on a mastress under stars (or under a shelter) around a big fire camp.

Makalali Lodge (2 nights)
A very particular camp where the braai (place of the fire camp) is an old spring and where you'll enjoy traditionnal meals.
Night under luxuous tents builts along the river and equiped with private bathroom. Swimming pool available.

For "Garonga Safari"

The safari begins at our main camp to select the horses. On the third day early in the morning we start moving. There are two Makalali camps and the Garonga Safari camp used on the ride.

Tandane & Phiva camps in Makalali
Makalali, means "Place of Rest" in Shangaan language.
You won't find another lodge quite like Makalali. From its curious mix of rugged thatched spires and earthy walls, to its ancient mystical ornaments and luxury appointments, Makalali offers a truly unique experience.
Nestled on 14 000 hectares of conservancy, Makalali prevails as one of the finest private game lodges in the world. Exclusive camps, each consisting of six spacious suites adjacent to a stilted Sala set amongst Jackalberry trees, are equipped with all the modern conveniences you could wish for. Luxury accommodation is offered and each air-conditioned suite has a King Size bed, an en-suite bathroom, an outside shower, a private deck, a fireplace and a raised timber "sala" which doubles as a lounge or dayroom, or as a viewing platform. The rooms are decorated in african design styles with sculptured ceramic taps and basins.
All rooms are fitted with mosquito nets, and guests are supplied with insect repellent, but please note that Makalali is a Malaria Area and malaria tablets are recommended all year round.
Amenities on offer at each camp include a uniquely designed swimming pool, boma, and an enclosed dining and lounge area.

Garonga Safari Camp

Equally impressive is the Garonga Safari Camp, inspired by the ochre-red spires of nature's termite mounds; accommodation has been designed 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.
Services Provided: All lodges have a dining area, launches, swimming pools, sun decks, en suite bathrooms, outside showers, king size beds, private decks, private fireplaces, three meals from excellent cuisine, aromatherapy, bush breakfasts, lunches and dinners, picnics, special diets.

DATES AND RATES

- single supplement : + 640 €
Supplement does not apply if you are prepared for sharing, even if we do not find another rider for sharing your accomodation.

- for children between 12 and 16 years old : - 510 €

- Single supplement : + 955 €
Supplement does not apply if you are prepared for sharing, even if we do not find another rider for sharing your accomodation.

- for children between 12 and 16 years old : - 765 €

Options

Single supplement during the Victoria Falls trip :
+ 110 € from Novembre 01 2007 to may 31 2008
+ 140 € from June 01 to october 31 2008

RATE INCLUDING

- the trail as described in full board basis, drinks included (except in Makalali reserve)
- the transfers from and to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa airports.
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval.

RATE NOT INCLUDING

- flights to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa. Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.
- drinks in Makalali reserve
- organization of any discover tour of Africa (Cape Town, Zulus area, Sun City, Victoria Falls..)
- any other service,
- tips,
- insurance : repatriation aid or multiple-risk (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurance company.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Contact Dorothee, the specialist for this destination !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

COUNTRY

LENGTH

LANGUAGE

GROUP SIZE

ACCESS

CLIMATE

Formalities
Check with your local Embassy according to your nationality.

Vaccines-Health
No specific vaccination, we recommend you to be up to date concerning your usual vaccinations, in particular for the tetanus vaccine.
Remember that a repatriation travel insurrance is compulsory.
Contact your regular doctor for advice on a treatment against malaria.

REFERENCE :CH32-afriquedusud-bigfive-en

Base Camp

Makalali Lodge

Garonga Lodge