Location: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights / 8 riding days
Accommodation: 3 Luxury Camps
Dates: Set dates
Riding Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Group Size: Up to 8 people

Against the backdrop of the Drakensberg mountains, ride over an area of 35 000 ha (75 000 acres) of prime African bushveld on the Karongwe Game Reserve and the Greater Makalali Game Reserve on the outskirts of Kruger National Park. The reserves have various ecosystems ranging from thick bush to open plains, woodlands, hills and koppies, to riverines and gullies. The river systems are extensive and are the lifeline of the region and support an impressive population of big trees, plants and wildlife. The benefit of riding on a private reserve is that you avoid the crowds in the National Park.

Game is plentiful and includes elephant, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, spotted and brown hyena, sometimes wild dogs, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, bushbuck, steenbok, duiker, impala, waterbuck, black-backed and side-striped jackal, honey badger, baboon, vervet monkey, mongoose, warthog, bushpig, tortoise, porcupine, aardvark, civet, genet, caracal, serval and spring hare; water species are hippo, crocodile, otter and terrapins. A wide variety of bird species can be seen, particularly at big dams and along rivers.

Horse breeds on safari range from Thoroughbreds to Boerperd (a South African breed) to Percheron crosses, along with a variety of mixes. Horses are selected based on their good temperament in the bush and stamina for long days covering distance during safaris. The horses have been exposed to all the wildlife seen on safari and are comfortable in this environment. 

Intermediate to Advanced

Must be able to independently control a horse at all paces. Jumping – ability to jump natural obstacle, a benefit, but not essential as can be ridden around. Must be able to take a light seat at canter.

Tack

Riders will be in English tack (general purpose saddles) 

Terrain

Terrain consists of open, grassy plains, hills, rocky outcrops, rivers, and mountains. Enjoy exploring the differing topography of the area: open bush, wooded riverine areas, wetlands, and strange rock formations home to large baobabs.

Over the course of the week, riders will stay in 3 different camps. 4 nights at Wait a Little main camp, 1 night sleep out at Beacon Rock and 2 nights at the luxurious XiDulu lodge. 

Wait a Little Main Camp

The main camp is on the Karongwe Game Reserve, overlooking the Makuthswe River. There are four luxury thatched tented rooms all overlooking the river. The camp has a communal area with open dining, lounge and bar area, a viewing deck, and a fire pit. Outside, there is a swimming pool and a boma where brunches take place. The camp has no fences so you will often see Nyala, Bushbuck, Kudu, and Waterbuck, Warthog, and many other animals while relaxing by the pool or on the deck.

Beacon Rock

This camp is on the highest point on the reserve where you will sleep out for 1 night, enjoying spectacular views and sunsets. Spend the evening stargazing before cozying up in a sleeping bag to await another breathtaking sunrise.

XiDulu Lodge

The lodge is situated on a big dam with a resident pod of hippos, where many animals come for a drink, which you can watch from the infinity pool and viewing platform. Relax in luxury rooms with all the comforts of home.

The culinary experience is important for your relaxation and a great effort is made to prepare fresh and delicious dishes. Your hosts ensure a homemade and personal experience. The food is expertly prepared for you on a daily basis with a wide selection of European and African specialties. Freshly baked bread, high-quality meat, venison and fish, vegetables, fresh salads, fruits, and desserts are served on a nicely decorated table with South African house wines to compliment your food.

On arrival at Hoedspruit (or Phalabowra) airport, you will be met and transferred to Wait A Little in time for afternoon tea. You will be shown to your room and introduced to the team before a safety briefing and your first ride.

The orientation ride introduces you to the area around the camp and allows you the chance to relax and unwind after your long flight. You will become accustomed to the horses and riding style whilst perhaps spotting your first zebra or giraffe. Sundowners whilst watching the Drakensburg mountains over the river is followed by a three-course dinner.

Your first night in the African bush is probably the most exciting as the sounds of the bush echo around you.

You will be woken early with tea or coffee in your room. After a light breakfast, you set out on your first full morning ride. Whatever tracks your guide may find will determine the route you take. As the reserve has an abundance of game you will see lots of animals on your way and hopefully already encounter one of the Big Five.

Return to camp for lunch and a siesta through the heat of the day. After tea/coffee you set off on a shorter afternoon ride, ending at a sundowner spot where you can watch a colorful African sunset.

On this morning’s ride, you may be on a different horse, you will set off to explore more of this beautiful area. It can take you through dry riverbeds or flowing rivers, past rock formations, and over open areas, always with the view of the Drakensberg Mountains.

During your lunchtime siesta, you may wish to have a relaxing massage - this is available at extra cost.

In the afternoon we go for a game drive to give your body a rest from the long hours in the saddle. Driving along the Makuthswe river you will hopefully find buffalos, elephants, lions or other animals, followed by sundowners in a beautiful spot. We return to camp in the dark using the spotlight to seek out nocturnal species.

Another fantastic morning of riding through the reserve, perhaps finding the elephant splashing through the river, or the lion relaxing on the sands.

After lunch you pack your bags to head off on a further adventure. The gently undulating roads lend themselves to long canters as you pass between the twin rock formations of Lion and Leopard Hill. At Beacon rock you can scramble to the summit for a view over the entire lowveld escarpment and the whole reserve, watching the sun set behind the Drakensberg escarpment. Spend the night around the campfire, surrounded by your horses, having enjoyed a traditional braai that is cooked over the fire before settling down to sleep under the stars.

Wake to the rich colors of the sunrise and set off on a long ride. You cross from the Karongwe Private Game Reserve onto the Greater Makalali Game Reserve which has large open plains where you may find yourself cantering alongside zebra, wildebeest or giraffe. Makalali is also home to the endangered black rhino, which adds to the excitement of sightings from horseback.

You arrive at XiDulu in time for lunch. Built on the edge of a dam with a resident pod of hippos, you can view the game from your room, the viewing deck, or the infinity pool. Elephants often visit the dam to cool off during the midday heat, whilst lions or hyenas are often heard and seen around the lodge at night.

In the afternoon you will be taken on a game drive, to explore the large Reserve. Your guide will track the footprints and signs left by the animals earlier in the day.  If you are lucky, he will find animals such as lions, rhinos, hyenas, elephants, or anything else exciting for you. After watching the sun set with a drink in hand, you continue your game drive with the spotlight in the hope of spotting bushbabies in the trees or perhaps even a leopard.

Today's ride is a thrilling one as you head off exploring more of the Reserve, cutting through the bush at a canter, twisting, and turning around the trees. "Bushwhacking" is as much fun for your horse as it is for you! You may come across branches or trees felled by elephants which invite you to jump them. This might lead you to Makalali’s river systems which are surrounded by huge jackal berry and sycamore-fig trees and give you a nice cover for hot days.

After a long morning ride, you arrive back at XiDulu and with the view of the dam, Ana’s brunch will taste amazing. In the afternoon you go on another game drive with your experienced guide. Followed by a three-course meal prepared by your host.

This morning you say goodbye to XiDulu and head back to Wait A Little. There are opportunities for long canters, and perhaps even a gallop on the sandy tracks.

You'll be back at Wait A Little in time for lunch and another siesta. The afternoon ride and sundowner will be sad, but beautiful as you watch the African sun set for the final time. The farewell dinner is usually something special, such as kudu or eland fillets with a sherry sauce.

An early wake-up call to ensure there is time for a quick and sporty final ride around the reserve. Brunch will be served on return to camp before being transferred to the airport.