Waterberg Big 5 Adventure Waterberg South Africa Discover the Entabeni Reserve of South Africa, its wildlife and nature from the back of a horse: an overwhelming feeling! Travel as the first settlers did many years ago: listen to the rhythmic sound of hooves galloping on paths used only by animals, the horses breathing breaking the silence, the pungent aroma of horse sweat in the air... We aim to convey a feeling of traveling back in time, disconnecting form everyday life and taking time to absorb the peace and tranquility of an African safari. On this safari, you will experience pure adrenaline mixed with an ever changing scenery and variety of wildlife, which will give you a true sense of freedom and excitement. If you would like to design your own safari, we can accommodate a minimum of two people and maximum of eight, on our private rides. This is ideal for people who cannot travel on set dates, or would like to base the ride at one or two lodges, or travel for a shorter number of days. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Safari Ride Meeting: Airport:   Johannesburg Transfer: Johannesburg Airport Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Gratuity:
We recommend 10 euros per person per day.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Shorter program available (min 4 nights) - please inquire

NOTE: Please note that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events, the itineraries and accommodations used may change at the last minute.

Sample Itinerary: 8-day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
You will be met at OR Tambo international Airport, by one of our representatives, to be transferred to Entabeni Game Reserve (about a 2.5 hour drive), heading North to reach the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere.
You will be welcomed by our team, at our “fly camp” set at the nearby farm in an area where buffalo roam abundantly as well as the rare sable antelope which we hope to see on horseback.
Lunch is served, and and you will receive a brief on the days to come. After we know a little more about you and your préférences, you will be matched with your horse.
You will depart for your afternoon intro ride, and later, you will enjoy sundowners on the wood deck, looking over the waterhole.
At dinner, the staff will welcome you with some traditional singing and a three course meal under the African sky.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly camp (Ikhaya Nyati farm)

Day 2 (Sunday): Game Reserve Ride
Early wake up and breakfast before you set off on a 2.5 hour ride and come back for lunch at camp. You can have a rest and reset in the wonderful surroundings before your afternoon ride, enjoying drinks around the fire. 
This is your last night at fly camp. Your bags will be packed for the following days move.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly camp (Ikhaya Nyati farm)

Day 3 (Monday): Entabeni Ride
Wake to the sound of the bush coming to life, with hot water boiling on the fire and a bush breakfast ready. You will ride out of the reserve, and into Entabeni reserve, which is nearby. You will enter big 5 territory, and ride to the permanent tented camp, where you will arrive in time for a short break to settle in, followed by lunch. Your luggage will be waiting in your rooms, and the horses will have an afternoon off.
Your game drive vehicle and guide will be waiting at 3:30 pm (in winter) or 4:00 pm (in summer) to take you on a 3 hour game drive, with a stop for sundowner drinks.
Have your camera ready, to hopefully capture lion or elephants up close!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride Up the Escarpment
A light breakfast will be served and you have the opportunity of another early morning game drive, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Your bags will be ready for our logistics team to collect.
You will be transferred to the horses which will be waiting at the reserve gate, and you will set off to explore the reserve heading in a different direction and new terrain, with the possibility of encountering different species of animals.
You will go up to the upper escarpment following a trail which was made by woman in 1994 and is the steepest man made road in southern Africa. For that reason, you will have to partially lead you horse up (dismount) so please let us know in advance if you require a vehicle to take you up the 600 meter road, which is at a 40 degree slant on the toughest areas.
You will have a beautiful lunch set up at the natural rock pools on the way up, to arrive at top section of the reserve, where you will be surprised by the open plains, and such different scenery. Rhinos are abundant here, and heavily protected, creating a sanctuary for them.
You will spend a night under star, in tents with views onto the reserve. Camp will be lit up with lanterns and candles before your three course dinner is served.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping under the stars (weather dependant)

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride to Kingfisher Lodge
Awaken with hot tea or coffee in your tent, and a light breakfast taking in the views before you depart to the next lodge, for some pampering and comfort. Kingfisher Lodge is set on the lake. On your arrival, a well deserved lunch awaits, as you take in the views and hopefully see some hippos in the lake.
Make use of the pool or spa, before your afternoon ride, in search for hippo, giraffe and rhino. You also have the option of a game drive or bush walk, should you prefer that.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kingsfisher Lodge

Day 6 (Thursday): Ride to Lakeside Lodge
Early start with tea, coffee and biscuits at the lodge, before your game drive or bush walk. Come back to a wonderful breakfast followed by your half day ride. You will come back to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, you will set off on your ride covering the other side of the reserve.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lakeside Lodge

Day 7 (Friday): Ride Down
You will have the option of a game drive or bush walk, before breakfast. Your bags will be collected by the team, and you will set off on a long ride (5 hours) to the lower part of the reserve again.
Ride sandy tracks, with great canter opportunity, to arrive at the tented camp just in time for lunch.
Afternoon will be spent at leisure or game drive as preferred. Spend your last evening around the fire or potentially book a massage to rub away the sore muscles after a week it the saddle!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Early morning, after breakfast you will go on your last morning ride, on the lower escarpment of the reserve,
You might be able to squeeze in a game drive early enough before your ride.
Our driver will be ready to transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast




Sample Itinerary: 6-day program - subject to changes

Note that this program can be shortened (minimum of 4 nights stay).

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
You will be met at OR Tambo international Airport, by one of our representatives, to be transferred to Entabeni Game Reserve (about a 2.5 hour drive), heading North to reach the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere.
You will be welcomed by our team, at wildside tented camp for lunch and an intro ride in buffalo area, or you may opt for a game drive instead
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 2 (Monday): Ride Up the Escarpment
Wake to the sound of the bush coming to life and depart on your early morning game drive with hopes of seeing elephant or lion. Keep your cameras at hand. After breakfast, you will ride through big 5 territory, and ride to the upper escarpment following a trail which was made by woman in 1994 and is the steepest man made road in southern Africa. For that reason, you will have to partially lead you horse up so please let us know in advance if you require a vehicle to take you up the 600 meter road, which is at a 40 degree slant on the toughest areas.
You will have a beautiful lunch set up at the natural rock pools on the way up, to arrive at top section of the reserve, where you will be surprised by the open plains, and such different scenery. Rhinos are abundant here, and heavily protected, creating a sanctuary for them. You will arrive at your lodge, to settle in and if you are up to it go for a bush walk or game drive.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lakeside Lodge

Day 3 (Tuesday): Full Day Ride
After the morning game drive, the horses will be waiting for you to go on a 2.5 hour ride in search of maybe giraffe or hippo. Come back to the lodge for lunch, and depart on your afternoon ride again later on in the day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lakeside Lodge

Day 4 (Wednesday): Mountain Ride
You go on a morning bush walk, where your guide will interpret tracks and signs. When you get back, an opulent breakfast awaits. Once you are ready to get back in the saddle, you will ride to access the top of the mountain, with your packed lunch, to enjoy with spectacular views. Weather permitting, on the way back to the lodge, you can swim with your horses to cool them off (summer) before you return to the lodge for a shower or maybe massage.
In the afternoon, you go on a game drive.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Lakeside Lodge

Day 5 (Thursday): Wildlife Ride
After breakfast, you ride around the upper escarpment in search for local wildlife.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lakeside Lodge

Day 6 (Friday): Departure
After breakfast you will have the opportunity for a 2.5 hour “goodbye ride”. After this you will say farewell to the horses and depart to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Sterkriver area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	90	90	88	84	80	76	75	81	87	89	89	89
Average Low Temperature (°F)	65	65	62	57	49	43	42	49	57	61	63	65
Average High Temperature (°C)	32	32	31	29	27	24	24	27	31	32	32	32
Average Low Temperature (°C)	18	18	17	14	9	6	6	9	14	16	17	18
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	7	6	5	2	1	0	0	0	1	3	7	7

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The region is malaria-free and benefits from a moderate climate with a summer rainfall.

Summer
Days tend to be hot during the day and comfortably cool in the evenings.  Summertime permits swimming as there is abundant water during this time. Rides take place earlier in the mornings to escape the heat of the day, and depart later in the afternoon for the same reason.

Winter
The winter months tend to be dry, with little to no rainfall and warm daytime temperatures. The temperatures at night can reach below 8 Degrees Celsius, so be sure to bring something warm!
Rides start later in the morning as the day warms up, and will also leave earlier in the afternoon.

We recommend the following in a soft bag (no hard case luggage please).

Riding Equipment:

• Neutral colored riding clothes / Jodhpurs
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Riding shoes
• Chaps

Clothing:

• Walking shoes
• Sandals
• Long-sleeved cotton shirts
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Cotton trousers
• Raincoat / Waterproof cape (for the summer)
• Windbreaker (for autumn and spring)
• Sweater (for winter)
• Hat
• Bathing suit (for summer)
• Warm socks (for winter)
• Fleece

Other:

• Swiss army knife
• Water bottle
• Handkerchief
• Water purifier (Micropur)
• Personal pharmacy (prescription drugs, aspirin...)
• Anti paludean treatment
• Mosquito spray (for the summer)
• Lip stick
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Glasses if you need them or in case you loose your contact lenses
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Flashlight
• Lighter
• Earplug
• IDs
• Insurance certificate

 

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying at different deluxe bush camps and a lodge. We reserve the right to use alternative lodges on the reserve should the outlined be fully booked. Should this occur, guests will stay at a lodge of the same standard, or higher.

Cellservice is usually available most of the time while riding in the reserve. Our guides always have a radio to keep in touch at any time.

2022 Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day program - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Wildside Tented Camp
Night 2: Pedi Village
Nights 3 & 4: Fly Camp
Night 5: Camp under the stars
Nights 6 & 7: Lakeside Lodge

2023 Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day program - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Fly Camp
Night 3: Wildside Tented Camp
Night 4: Camp under the stars
Night 5: Kingfisher Lodge
Night 6: Lakeside Lodge
Night 7: Wildside Tented Camp

Accommodation Itinerary for 6-day program - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Wildside Tented Camp
Nights 2 to 5: Lakeside Lodge 

Note that from June to August, camping nights will be substituted by fly camp (mobile tents) as the nights become quite cold.


Wildside Tented Camp
It is one of the most charming accommodations on the reserve, with a real African wilderness feel. It is located on the lower escarpment and offers 20 comfortable en-suite tented chalets, all equipped with a tea/coffee station, a minibar (stocked on request), a ceiling fan and a hairdryer.
This camp is fully equipped with Wi-Fi access and electricity.


Pedi Village
This village is a replica of the rural pedi homes as they were generations ago (and still to date in some areas). It consists of rondavels which (each can accommodate 2 people) equipped with a comfortable bed with duvets and white linen, a traditional cow hide carpet and a butler tray.
The village has corals built around the huts, where the villagers would keep their cattle close by to protect them against the wildlife. We will be using these corals for our horses.
Lions inhabit the area, although we do have a barrier to keep guests and horses safe, but at sun set the lions roars can be heard and create a spectacular symphony as we sit around the fire and watch Buffalo come in to drink at the water hole.


Fly Camp
Our fly camp is set up exclusively for the group booked and can be broken down in 24 hours (leaving no trace of our passage). We choose the location for its natural beauty, safety and ambience so to allow guests to experience the true wilderness and spend a few days under traditional style canvas tents. Our Fly Camp is usually set up by natural rock pools, allowing guest to relax in the sun or swim when water levels are high.
Each tent can sleep two people, in military style bed frames with a comfortable mattress and white linen and duvets. The tents are high enough to walk in comfortably and are finished with a carpet and a bedside table. The tents are connected between each other with lantern lit pathways. Facilities are shared. There is no Wi-Fi access.
Dinners in the riverbed, are a must at this location as well as cosy evenings by the fire after the days ride to discuss the happening of the day.

Camping under the stars (weather dependant)
This mobile camp is set up for our riders only, and is situated in a remote area of the reserve. Canvas tents are built before the ride starts, and broken down after the night, leaving no trace. There is a kitchen tent, dining tent, a basic wash up area with hand towels and toiletries and central soma area (open fire). The tents are set up along the river. A sleeping bag will be provided (no need to bring your own). Hot water bottles in your bed in in winter, and steering hot showers (hung form a tree) are available during your stay. The true out on Africa experience. There is no electricity or Wi-Fi in camp, but lanterns set the scene as the sun sets, for romantic evenings around the fire, in true wilderness.


Lakeside Lodge
This thatch and stone lodge offers stunning views over the lake. Each of the 24 spacious guestrooms comes with a private deck and an ensuite bathroom.
There is Wi-Fi available.

Kingfisher Lodge
Ideally located on the banks of Lake Entabeni, this stunning lodge offers 8 suites. Each suite features an ensuite bathroom, a tea & coffee station, ceiling fan, a safe, a heater and a fireplace.
As the most luxurious of all the upper escarpment lodges, the ambience is inviting with stylish décor and custom designed furniture.
There is a swimming pool and a beautiful wooden deck where guests can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
If you are willing to share, the single supplement fee does not apply.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
Unfortunately, we are unable to cater to celiacs (but gluten-free diets are okay) and vegans.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Trail saddles (some English saddles available) Snaffle bits
Horses:		Boerperd, Thoroughbred, Anglo Arab and mix
Pace:		Depending on weather, sightings and guests fitness (4-6 hours in the saddle per riding day - approx 15km daily) Some longer canters where possible. Mostly walking and tracking game. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(4 to 5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 2	Max 7

Our horse safari groups are small, and we ensure personal attention is given to our guests.

Terrain
Challenging terrain at times, with steep slopes. Leading the horse will sometimes be necessary.

Passports

Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Passport Note

Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. This cannot include the 'endorsement' page at the back. Passengers who also require a visa must have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for their entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter South Africa without the required pages will be returned to their country of origin.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days for business and tourist purposes, except:

1. nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic who may stay for up to 30 days, and nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia who do require a visa, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (advance notice of overnight stay is required).

Visa Note

(a) Proof of financial means may be required. (b) Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years must hold written consent from their parents when travelling alone. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (d) After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visa fee: £35. UK nationals are exempt from visa fees.

Validity

Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.

Working Days Required

Five to 10 days. 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	Some
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes