Our Destinations

Why travelling with Randocheval ?

SOUTH AFRICA / BOTSWANA : HORSEBACK SAFARI TO "THE LAND OF GIANTS"...

ITINERARY

Day 1
Guests are met at 10.00am at Johannesburg International airport. Our driver will then transfer all guests to the Dinaka Lodge (2.5 hours), a stunning stone and tatch safari Lodge set high above a large hippo dam, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding plains. Guests will arrive in time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings and to meet with their guides and fellow safari group. A late luch will be served to revive the weary travellers. Late afternoon, guests will have their first opportunity to acquaint themselves with their selected horse, to take in the wonderful open spaces around them, and to go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride give guests their first taste of the stunning variety of game on Dinaka. The day will finish with sundowner drinks and a sumptuous three course evening meal.

Day 2
We will take you on a ride to visit the “Small Seregenti Plains” where you’ll be able to look and interpret the behavior of various plains game species. Your guides will have a surprise of bush “games” up their sleeves. On the Dinaka plains riders will encounter the dense populations this beautiful reserve is renowned for. Sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with 11 other species in your view, are not uncommon. The open plains provide great opportunities for fast riding. Riders are also able to experience that dream canter alonside herds of antelope across open savannah. Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. This afternoon, you may be able to go on a little cross country jumping or ride amongst beautiful big trees.

Day 3
Mountain exploration. After an early breakfast we will set out on a hunt for some of the reserves more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, African rock python, rock dassies, klopringers and cape vultures. This ride follows a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment. The path follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams along the way, returning to the Lodge in the early afternoon in time for a cooling swim and siesta. The afternoon is a gentle pre-sunset ride to one of the larger dams hosting some of the many hippos on the reserve.

Day 4
A ride to another area of the reserve, where Dinaka runs its highly successful breeding programme for highly valued species, which include white blesbuck, sable antelope and bontebok. En route the ride crosses a particularly fertile plain where riders can experience the exhilarating and thrill of cantering amoungst herds of game, with many different species galloping together across the plains.
The afternoon proves a welcome break to both horse and rider. The guide will escort you on an informative game drive, where you’ll visit another area inhabited by the buffalo and some unusual red wildebeest. The guide, who is responsible for the feeding and monitoring of the rhino on the reserve, will accompany the guests for a very special opportunity to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot. The last night is the final “braai” evening where guests relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast their experiences whilst a feast is served.

Day 5
In the morning, there is a last chance to find any species not yet found and one last gallop along these endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch, and say goodbyes, guests are transferred to their next destination – on the other side of the Botswana border! You’ll depart the Lodge at approximatively 10.00am to the Limpopo Valley – a transfer of approximatively 4 hours. Upon arrival at the stunning camp afternoon tea will be served and guests will have a chance to settle in and relax. The afternoon will also bring a introductory ride to familiarize riders with their horses. The ride goes to the Confluence camp, where the Majale and the Limpopo meet. The ride follows the course of the Limpopo, which has the majestic Mashatu trees all along its course. Upon arrival at the camp, you’ll be met by the luxury of a well-deserved sundowner overlooking the river and a hot shower under the stars. Our well renowned bush cook serves dinner before retiring to your very comfortable beds set up in the comfort of your tent. Let the night bush sounds serenade you to sleep...

Next, you can choice between 2 different programs :

Mobile camp program

Day 6
After an early ride and a light breakfast you’ll head out to explore the Limpopo Valley, including a natural marshland called “Nels Vlei”, the Majale island which is guaranteed to keep you on your toes, as this is where the Majale Island pride of lions hang out. Possibly you’ll pass by giraffes, elands, kudus and other game which sometimes browse on the mopane bush, as well as ample elephants ! The morning ride is 4-5 hours as you explore the area teeming with game, whild heading in a northerly direction to Zederburg camp. After arrival at the camp, and a well deserved lunch, your guide will enlighten you to the wonder of following tracks and signs of the bush during a bush walk. On return to camp sundowners await you around the campfire and dinner is served. Enjoy the peace and quiet interrupted only by the occasional sounds of lions, hyenas, and jackals.

Day 7
Todays ride of about 4-5 hours takes you to our Liana camp. The ride is coming down from the Zederberg hills and on to the open Pitsani plains with the possibility of a fasat canter with zebras, wildebeest or giraffe. This ride brings the opportunity of jumping some of the fallen logs, pushed over by elephants. Lunch will await you under a spendid Mashatu tree, and then after a lunchtime siesta you head out on a bush walk. Back at the camp, dinner is served under the stars. Enjoy the comfort of sleeping under the baboon vines that the camp is named after, in an old river bed. An unbeatable experience !

Day 8
The down chorus will awake you, as a sumptuous breakfast is prepared over the fire. Todays ride of about 4-5 hours will take you back to the Two Mashatus camp. This ride goes through the central game area and you have good opportunity to look for leopards in the Mashatu trees overlooking the Majale river. Follow the course of the river and enjoy the winding canters through the bush. This afternoon you have the choice of going on a game drive, in search of the cats which you will no doubt prefer to from the safety of a vehicle ! Sundowners are enjoyed in the bush, usually overlooking a Kopie, and you can soak up the atmosphere of a true African experience... Back at camp another delicious meal, cooked over the fire is served, and as the night draws to a close you can enjoy a night cap around fire.

Day 9
After a final breakfast around the fire, you’ll head off for a final ride in the direction of nels Vlei, a good chance to catch a final glimpse of elephants here, as this is one of their favorite areas. Back at the stables a last pat and a fond farewell to your horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and lunch before heading off for the border and the 5.5 hours drive to Johannesburg International airport.

Please be aware that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events the itineray may be changed at the last minute. We will endeavor to keep everyone informed of any changes and the reason for that.

Static camp program

Day 6
After an early ride and a light breakfast you’ll head out to explore the Limpopo Valley, including a natural marshland called “Nels Vlei”, the Majale island which is guaranteed to keep you on your toes, as this is where the Majale Island pride of lions hang out. Possibly out to Kanda Corner where the giraffes sometimes are browsing onthe mopane bush, as well as the aptly named Elephants Valley ! The morning ride is 3-4 hours as you explore the area teeming with general game. Lunch will be enjoyed under the Mashatu Tree back at the Confluence Camp, as the horses graze around you. In the afternoon you will be back on a fresh horse and you can enjoy the thrill of a natural cross-country course or a leisure ride along the Limpopo. Dinner is another unforgettable meal under the stars.

Day 7
Today is another early start as you will be again in the saddle for up to 4 hours, a good breakfast will fortify you for this day ! This fascinating ride will focus on the history of the area with interesting tales about the Anglo-Boer war. Depending on where the game is, you could end up on the Pitsani Plains enjoying a fast gallop, and if you’re really lucky zebras, wildebeest and giraffes will join you ! In the afternoon, guests can choose to go on a game drive (or can go for another leisurely afternoon ride). I you chosse to go on a game drive, you’ll spend the late afternoon and evening on the “hunt” for a beautiful and awesome cats which are so much a part of the Mashatu experience. Sundowners are enjoyed on a great koppie and at nightfall the spotlight is used for following Africa’s big cats on the “hunt”.

Day 8
The drawn chorus will awake you, as a sumptuous breakfast is prepared over the fire. Another long day in the saddle, 4 hours in the monring, and 2 hours in the afternoon... You pass through a range a vegetation types : riverine forests, savannah acacias, terminalia shrubland and area abundant in shepard’s trees, there is  a good chance of seeing elephants, many species of birds, and a wide range of anteplopes. The afternoon ride will head towards the rochy outcrop close to Rock Camp where waterbuck, rock dassies, and black eagles are likely to be spotted. On your way back you can head out to the Dam wall for a great view of Mashatu ! Your dinner will be cooked in front of you tonight as it’s “braai night” enjoy the comfort of a well earned meal around the fire.

Day 9
After a final breakfast around the fire, you will head off for a last ride in the direction of Nels Vlei, a good chance to catch another glimpse of elephants here, as this is one of their favorite areas. Some final jumps over our natural cross country course to have a good shower and a quick lunch before heading off for the border and the 5.5 hours drive to Johannesburg airport.

Please be aware that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events the itineray may be changed at the last minute. We will endeavor to keep everyone informed of any changes and the reason for that.

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 in Southern Africa :

- Wild Coast ride
- The Cape ride

- Big Five Safari
- Garonga Safari
- Namibia
- Okavango Delta
- Kenya
- Mozambique

Contact us for further details...

Victoria Falls 3 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 (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.
	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 all handpicked for their temperament and ride-abilityWe have average 30 horses. They are impeccably schooled to ensure riders a safe and comfortable ride across open and uneven terrain. Breeds include the SA Boaerperdn Thoroughbreds, Arabs, Appaloosa and Crossbreeds. Our horses are our pride and joy and we are sure by the end of the week you will love them as much as we do. Tack We use McClellan saddles (similar to a western saddle but without the horn) and snaffle bridles. We provide saddle bags.

Required riding level This safari is suitable for experienced riders only. You must be comfortable at all paces. More than it, the riding can be fast and is about 5 to 6 hours long, and you need to have a good stamina to ride long canters with the group. The riding hat is compulsory. We prefer clients to supply their own, helmets can be provided at no extra cost.  Maximum weight : 110 kg Minimum age : 17 years old if accompanied by a responsible adult.

YOUR GUIDES

2 professional guides will accompany you. They are very experience guides, and know perfectly the animal behaviour. They will be able to give you many informations about the African wildlife.

Logistic
A support vehicle will join you every day at camp with your personal items.

ACCOMMODATION

Guest accommodation for 4 first nights is in twin-bedded, luxury tatch lodges, with en-suite bathrooms. The Lodges are situated high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake below and have spectacular views across the plains. This is a prime spot to relax whilst observing the activities of passing wildlife, or the occasional antics of the hippo in the water below. As rides are taken during the cooler hours of the day, when the game is more active, there is plenty of time to relax and cool off in the plunge pool. The last 4 nights are spent in luxury camps with all required comfort (hot shower, toilet, and comfortable beds)

DATES AND RATES

(*) on those departures, if you book 5 people, the sixth is free !

- single supplement : 1040 €

Supplement does not apply if you are prepared for sharing, even if we do not find another rider for sharing your accomodation.

Flights to Johannesburg

Please contact us to check the best available rates from your country.

- the trail as described in full board basis, drinks included,
- the transfers from and toJohannesburg airport.
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval.

- flights to Johannesburg. Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.
- 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

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

Please, contact Dorothee, for any enquiry !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

9 days / 8 nights / 7.5 days on horseback

Johannesburg airport.
Meeting point on day 1 at 10.00am and departure on day 9, arrival to the airport around 6.00pm.

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.