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Join us on a luxury
horse-safari in an area close to the Kruger National Park with the
background of the Drakensberg Mountains - one of the most beautiful
wilderness regions in Africa. The variety of land mammals, birds and
plants is unique and breathtaking. It has various ecosystems ranging
from open plains, woodlands, hills and rock formations, to riverine and
gullies. Many rivers are the lifeline of the region and support an
impressive population of flora and fauna. Huge fig trees, Jackal berries
and other exotic plants grow along these rivers. The region is the home
to wildlife such as elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah,
wild dog, hyena, giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, hippo, crocodile,
bushbuck, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, impala, warthog and many different
species of birds.
Seeing these ancient creatures from the back of a horse in its natural
environment without disturbing the fauna and flora is absolutely unique.
Special horse breeds have been selected and carefully trained to suit
the purpose of this horse safari. The discipline of the horses and the
group is necessary to secure the safety on trail. The safari team will
give you an experience of a lifetime.
A mixture of fine European and pan-African cuisine is prepared and
served in the beautiful furnished dining area or cooked over the open
fire and eaten under the stars in an atmospheric lit reed boma.
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 the bar or relax at the swimming pool.
On this eight day Big Five Safari accommodation is in three different
luxury camps. You will be riding through the
8500 ha
Karongwe Game Reserve, largely following
the Makhutswe River and up to Croc Dam that crocodiles call their home.
IT-SART08
Rates: Include accommodations in 3 different camps
in luxury tent camps and 2 nights in fly camps, 7 riding days, all
meals, chaps, riding helmets, laundry service
8 days/ 7 nights $ 2,925
Single +$740 ... waived if possible to share
2005 Dates:
12/10-12/17 12/20-12/27
2006 Dates:
01/02-01/09 01/09-01/16
01/16-01/23 01/23-01/30 02/04-02/11 02/11-02/18
02/18-02/25 02/25-03/04 03/11-03/18 03/18-03/25
04/08-04/15 04/15-04/22 04/22-04/29 04/29-05/06
05/06-05/13 05/13-05/20 05/20-05/27 05/27-06/03
06/17-06/24 06/24-07/01 07/01-07/08 07/08-07/15
07/15-07/22 07/22-07/29 09/09-09/16 09/16-09/23
09/23-09/30 09/30-10/07 10/07-10/14 10/14-10/21
10/21-10/28 10/28-11/04 11/04-11/11 11/11-11/18
11/18-11/25 11/25-12/02
Gratuities: 10% to pay locally
Meeting: Ofcolaco
Airport: Hoedspruit - daily flights from Johannesburg
Transfer: $80 from Hoespruit
or ~$215 pp ow from Johannesburg (min of 2).
Level:
Strong
Intermediate
Tack:
English
trekking, Leon Liversage Trail Rider, snaffle bits
Horses:
Arab, Anglo
Arab, South African Boeperd, Quarter, Friesian
Pace: with trots, canters and gallops
Min/Max Riders: 2-6
Note:
Luxury combined with excellent riding
Body massage (incl. reflexology) is available.
Itinerary
Day 1 You will be picked up at either Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa
airport by our transfer service. On arrival at a light lunch or
afternoon tea and coffee awaits you. The team, including Philip, Gerti,
Debbie and Trevor are there to welcome 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 three nights is in
old style safari tents with ensuite bathrooms, mounted on platforms
above the Makhutswe River at the 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.
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. After a quiet snooze,
in the grass we remount our horses to begin the meander home. Later that
afternoon we take our ride back. All of a sudden Philip 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 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.
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.
The afternoon is dedicated to unwinding. Mandi, our aromatherapist can
ease away any aches or strains and a long siesta by the pool perfectly
complements her handiwork.
The lovely smell of Ana's homemade cake ensures you awake in time for an
evening drive to the buffalo project, where, drink in hand, you will
encounter close at hand these magnificent animals.
Day 4 Whatever tracks Philip finds he will try to follow. On our
morning ride an elephant track leads us towards the Kufunyame River,
where huge palm trees and tall river reeds provide a good meal for an
elephant and plenty more besides.
In the afternoon we pack our bags, leaving for another camp. The luggage
will be brought by vehicle, whilst you set off on horseback. Riding
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 rhinos are close.
Beacon Rock, our 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, we spend
the night. Listening to the call of the hyenas or jackals which might
visit us in the night. Steaks or chops, cooked over the open fire, with
snake bites, baked potatoes and salads are the perfect fayre to help us
into a deep sleep tonight.
Day 5 Waking to the rich colors of the sunrise we revive the fire
for coffee and breakfast before embarking on our longest ride. Entering
the 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 Phiva our camp
for the night.
This camp is truly spectacular. Built and designed by Silvio Rech, one
of Africa’s most famous architects, this camp seems to have grown out of
the African Bush. Silvio’s inspiration came from the colors of Africa;
red like the soil, white like the bones, brown like the branches, orange
and grey like the rocks. Clay, reed, wood, skulls and lots of other
natural resources provided the materials to build this unique camp. As
with all the Makalali camps, accommodation is in private chalets, each
equipped with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private salas for
your relaxation.
Returning to camp from a lovely stroll along the river, we wait with
more than a passing appetite, for the delights of dinner, served by
Ursula and Harold, your camp managers, alternately at the water’s edge,
in an outdoor boma, or in the dining area.
Day 6 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, or kudu, 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, have fresh salads, meats and cheeses for lunch
on Makalali’s veranda, whilst you 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 will be
relaxing on a sandbank, enjoying the warm evening sun.
Day 7 A long ride lies ahead of us, leaving the Makalali camp
Phiva behind us, riding back to the base. What will we see on our way?
This is always open to the wildlife, tracks of elephant, lion, rhino,
and giraffe determine Philips path. Back home the team eagerly
awaits your exciting tales whilst we enjoy another one of Ana’s
fantastic lunches.
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 eland
served on pasta with sherry sauce.
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.
Horses
Our top priority is the care and well being of our horses. They are well
trained, responsive, kind tempered and well mannered. All of them grew
up in the bush. Breeds include the South African Boereperd as well as
Arabs, Anglo Arabs, American Quarter Horse and Frisians. We ride on Leon
Liversage trail-rider saddles but offer also English saddles. We keep
our tack in excellent condition to make your ride safe and convenient.
We suggest that you ride with chaps and helmets that we provide.
Groups
Maximum groups size is six riders plus guide. You are accompanied by an
armed game ranger. We are working on a
very high safety standard to ensure unique and delightful experiences.
Your Ranger is armed and well trained (FGASA-Standard) to handle any
situation which could arise.
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Safari Lodge
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