Big Five are, in the tradition of african safaris, the five more powerful
animals, that famous hunters, such as Hemingway, dreamt to have the hunting
trophy : lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo.
Riding the same way of these masters of the african savannah is unusual,
and that's what we suggest you to live, near the border of the famous
Kruger Park.
Groups are maximum 6 riders, which permit to most experienced riders to
approach closely these wild animals.
Sensational experience guaranted, in total security thanks to a very professionnal
guide perfectly equiped.
It's important to be an advanced rider.
We suggest you this mobile camp ride which will allow you to visit
some secluded areas (3 differents camps).
Also consult our full-length version : Garonga Safari 10 days / 9 nights.

Photo
album of our Big Five equestrian safaris. |

This safaris can also be combined with our other trails in Southern Africa :
- Wild Coast ride
- The Cape ride
- Combination South Africa - Botswana
- Botswana (Okavango Delta)
- Namibia
- Kenya
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ITINERARY
This Safari 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
itinerary is example and not guaranteed, as wildlife will determine
our daily activities.
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 "Rangers 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. Annas 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. Lets 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 staffs
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.
Typical day program (can vary depending to the season and the meteo) :
5.30 am : Wake up with the sound of nature, or the smell of coffee or tea.
6.00 am : Breakfast.
6.30 am : Horseback safari (2h30 or 3h) at fast pace.
11.30 am : Lunch and free time to relax in front of the swimming pool or have a siesta in a unique environment and comfort.
3.30 pm : Tea/coffee and cakes.
4.00 pm : Horseback safari (2h30 or 3h) at fast pace.
7.00 pm : Sundowner in the bush or at camp.
8.00 pm : Dinner.
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 :
- Wild Coast ride
- The Cape ride
- Combination South Africa - Botswana
- Botswana (Okavango Delta)
- Namibia
- Kenya
Contact us for further details...
Victoria Falls 3 nights
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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. |
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The package includes :
- Flights Jo'Burg - Livingstone return ticket,
- Airport taxes (135 €),
- Transfers from and to Livingstone Airport,
- 1 night to the B&B airport Game Lodge in Johannesburg (breakfast included),
- 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. |
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To add :
- Optional activities,
- Curio shop and office facilities,
- Visa fees (average 50 USD depending to your nationality),
- 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.
DATES AND RATES
| Big Five Safari 2010 |
| August 07 to 14 |
2680 € |
full |
| August 14 to 21 |
2680 € |
1 space |
| August 21 to 28 |
2680 € |
full |
| August 28 to September 04 |
2680 € |
available |
| September 04 to 11 |
2680 € |
available |
| September 11 to 18 |
2680 € |
available |
| October 09 to 16 |
2680 € |
available |
| October 16 to 23 |
2680 € |
available |
| October 23 to 30 |
2680 € |
full |
| November 06 to 13 |
2680 € |
available |
| November 13 to 20 |
2680 € |
available |
| November 20 to 27 |
2680 € |
available |
| November 27 to December 04 |
2680 € |
available |
| December 04 to 11 |
2680 € |
available |
| December 11 to 18 |
2680 € |
available |
| December 18 to 24 |
2680 € |
available |
- Single room supplement : + 1280 €
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 €
Flights to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa
Please contact us to check the best
available rates from your country.
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. More information.
OPTION : Discover Victoria Falls 3 nights
| Victoria Falls 3 nights |
| From November 01 2009 to May 31 2010 |
910 € |
| From June 01 to October 31 2010 |
980 € |
Single supplement :
+ 170 € until October 31, 2009
+ 90 € from November 01 to May 31 2010
+ 110 € from June 01 to October 31 2010
The single supplement will have to be paid at the booking time if you travel alone.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
|
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
South Africa
LENGTH
Big Five Safari : 8 days / 7 nights / 6 days on horseback
LANGUAGE
English, German.
GROUP SIZE
1 to 6 riders. Sometimes, it could happen to have a seventh rider booked.
ACCESS
Arrival in Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa airports in South Africa. If you plan
an extended trip to South Africa, you may also arrive directly to the
reserve with your car rental. Please contact us for details.
CLIMATE
In the Southern hemisphere the seasons are inverted, so summer is from
December to March. On the period the weather is hot but so much thanks
to the altitude. It's possible it rains a little bit during the evening.
It's never a problem to pratice horse riding during the day.
From april, it starts to be colder. The weather is dry and temperature
are perfect to ride on the game reserve. Be careful, evenings, and nights
can be fresh or cold (sometimes 0°C during the night in july).
Finaly you ride this Big Five Safari all year long in very good weather conditions.
Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
A treatment against Malaria is also recommended. Please contact a doctor before departure.
REFERENCE :
CH32-afriquedusud-bigfive-en













Base Camp



Makalali Lodge







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