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 Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Gratuity:
We recommend 10 euros per person per day.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up and Drop-off transfers are available from/to Johannesburg International Airport for an extra fee. Transfers might also be possible from Pretoria City - 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
Arrive at our tented camp in time for a late lunch. Then, we will go on an introductory game drive with opportunity to see some of the big 5 up close. After getting to know your riding preferences, a horse will be selected to suit you, for your riding safari starting the next morning. Arrive back at the camp as the sun sets. Dinner will be served around 7pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride to Pedi Village
Early breakfast at the tented lodge, before your transfer to the reserve, where your horses will be waiting. After the safety brief and introduction to your horse, you will set off to the Pedi Village, while the logistics team will take care of your luggage. After about 2.5 hours in the saddle, you will stop for lunch before continuing to the Pedi Village for another couple of hours. We should arrive just before the sun sets. Drinks will be ready for your arrival, while the lions can be heard roaring in the distance to the sound of the African drums welcoming you. With some luck, you will see the buffalo come in for a drink. After a candle lit dinner you will spend the night in a traditional Pedi hut (rondavel) without compromising in comfort. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Pedi Village

Day 3 (Monday): Ride to Fly Camp
Our friendly camp staff will wake you up with tea or coffee and a light breakfast overlooking the reserve. Then, it is time to get back in the saddle and ride to the next destination. We ride through big game country and hopefully we will spot some buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and many other iconic animals which roam the reserve. Arrive at fly camp, which our team will have set up for your arrival. You will be welcomed with a late lunch, and camp orientation. You will settle in to fly camp which you will call “home” for the net two nights.
Steaming showers will be ready after your afternoon ride exploring the reserve, followed by a three course candle-lit meal.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly Camp

Day 4 (Tuesday): Riding Safari
Wake to the sound of the bush coming to life, with hot water boiling on the fire. A light breakfast will be served before you set off to explore the reserve heading in a different direction and new terrain, with the possibility of encountering different species of animals. After about 2.5 to 3 hours riding, return to camp, for lunch. Depending on weather and the season, full breakfast will be served before riding, or upon return, allowing for the mid day hours to relax at camp, or read a book in the shade in a hammock.
In the afternoon, you will ride again until you reach a point in the bush where you can enjoy a drink with endless views as the sun sets. Return to camp and relax by the camp fire before your evening meal.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly Camp

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride up the escarpment
Awaken with hot tea or coffee in your tent, and a light breakfast, before you depart to the upper escarpment of the reserve. You will set off early enough to avoid the heat of the day and ride (and partially walk) up the steepest man made road in Southern Africa: Yellowwood Gorge. This road connects the lower and upper escarpment, which are separated by jagged rock formations. There will be a support vehicle should somebody not wish to complete the steepest passes on foot with their horse. You will stop at a beautiful spot on the way, for lunch, with natural rock pools where you will be able to swim (seasonal) so be sure to bring your swim wear in your saddle bag.
When you reach the upper escarpment, the gorge opens up. You will reach a breathtaking spot with views over the entire reserve.
A night under the stars, and delicious dinner “al fresco” awaits.
Note that tents are provided should the weather not permit sleeping under mosquito nets “only”
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping under the star (weather dependant)

Day 6 (Thursday): Ride to Lakeside Lodge
We depart our stunning camp location with endless views, after breakfast. Today, we ride through open plains and meandering valleys, hoping to encounter big herds of zebra, wildebeest, blesbuck, eland and giraffe. We then make our way to the lodge where we will stay for the last two nights. You will arrive in time for lunch, and a well deserved hot bath or shower. Massages are available for an extra fee.
This afternoon, we go for another ride before heading back to the lodge in time for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lakeside Lodge

Day 7 (Friday): Game Ride
This morning, you will have the option of a game drive or bush walk,before breakfast. Then, we go for a 2.5 to 3 hour ride, discovering hidden areas of the reserve, where vehicles cannot access. While searching for more elusive species, your guide will point out tracks and signs as you ride deeper into the thicker areas of the reserve. Return to the lodge for some time to relax and lunch before another afternoon ride, maybe in search of hippos and some cooling off with your horse in the dam. Return to the lodge as the sun sets, and dinner at the “boma” area around the fire.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lakeside Lodge

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Early morning, after a light snack and tea or coffee you will go on your last morning ride, on the upper escarpment of the reserve, or moving down to the lower escarpment, depending on animal movement, weather and/or flight times. You might be able to squeeze in a game drive early enough before your ride as well. Your bags will be packed in the morning and transferred by our logistics team. Our driver will be ready to transfer you to
the airport in time for your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: 6-day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrive at our tented camp in time for a late lunch. Then, we will go on an introductory game drive with opportunity to see some of the big 5 up close. After getting to know your riding preferences, a horse will be selected to suit you, for your riding safari starting the next morning. Arrive back at the camp as the sun sets. Dinner will be served around 7pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride to Fly Camp
The day starts with an optional early morning game drive (extra charge), followed by breakfast (served at 9:00 am). We will then transfer riders and horses to the start of your ride. You ride in big game territory far off the beaten track, where vehicles are rarely seen. Stop for an opulent lunch set up under a shady tree, and continue until you reach the fly camp. You will reach fly camp at about 3:00pm, in time for high tea, a safety brief and to settle in. Hot showers will be ready and bread and starters baking on the open fire. The pleasant smell of smoke, hearty food and a romantic setting with lanterns to set the scene awaits for the evening. Three course dinner will be served at about 7:00pm
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly Camp

Day 3 (Monday): Full Day Ride
Starting after breakfast, the ride will take you along denser areas and up jagged rock formations, until we reach a breathtaking viewpoint, where we stop for a well deserved rest and lunch. As the horses rest in the shade, you might like to take a snooze or read a book before we continue to explore the hidden gems of the reserve, and track big game. We will hopefully spot some giraffe on the plains as the sun starts to become milder. We are back at fly camp in time for a snack before dinner with some drinks as you watch the sun set. Three-course dinner will be served around the fire today.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly Camp

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride up the escarpment
Later start today. After a light breakfast, ride up the escarpment, where you will partially lead your horses. An escort vehicle will be present. The ride takes you up the steepest man made road in southern Africa, which separates the upper escarpment and the lower escarpment of Entabeni. This gorge is iconic on the reserve, and is truly breathtaking. We will stop on the way for lunch. As we reach the top, we are welcomed by open plains spotted with wildlife. We continue to climb and take in the views of the entire reserve. As the sun sets, sundowners are served, fire is prepared and the beds are made with white linen and mosquito nets for a night under the stars.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping under the star (weather dependant)

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride down the escarpment 
After breakfast, we start our descent down the escarpment, having taken in an awe inspiring sun rise on the wide open plains. We stop for a snack and to stretch our legs, before continuing our ride on big game territory. We will reach the tented camp in time for a late lunch. The tented camp can also offer massages (at extra cost). After your afternoon activity, you will arrive back at the camp in time for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 6 (Thursday): 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.
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.

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

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


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.

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 (5-7 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 riders	Max 8 riders

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

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.