BIG FIVE CAMP SAFARI (6 days, 5 nights safari)

Wait A Little Horse Safaris offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat from horseback. Please be aware that this itinerary is provided as an example; daily activities are subject to change according to wildlife movements. We kindly request all guests to support conservation efforts by adhering to guidance throughout the stay. Proficient riding skills and physical fitness are required.

Day 1   Hoedspruit – Wait A Little

Guests are collected from Hoedspruit airport via our transfer service. Transfers from Johannesburg OR TAMBO can also be arranged, noting that travel time is approximately five hours. Upon arrival at Wait A Little, refreshments including sandwiches, afternoon tea, and coffee will be provided. The team will welcome you and you will conduct a safety briefing before your first riding safari.

The orientation ride introduces guests to the surrounding camp area, providing relaxation after travel and an opportunity to become accustomed to the horses and riding style. There may be opportunities to observe giraffes, zebras, or other wildlife in the vicinity. Sundowners on Wait A Littles sundowner deck precede a three-course dinner featuring South African wines, served in a dining area adorned with antique African art. Accommodation for the first three nights is provided in contemporary safari tents with thatch roofs and ensuite bathrooms, elevated above the Makhutswe River.

Day 2   Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Tea or coffee is served in the morning, followed by a light continental breakfast. Guests then proceed on a morning safari ride, typically lasting three to four hours, followed by an afternoon ride of approximately two hours. Upon return, lunch prepared by Chef Ana is offered, featuring homemade quiches, pizzas or pancakes, freshly baked bread, assorted salads, meats, and cheeses.

Following lunch, guests may enjoy a rest period in their rooms, at the swimming pool, or explore educational materials about Africa from the library collection. Afternoon tea provides refreshment prior to the next excursion. The day's ride concludes at a scenic sundowner location to appreciate the sunset.

Day 3   Karongwe Private Game Reserve

The day starts much like Day 2, beginning with a morning ride. In the afternoon, guests can unwind on a game drive, offering some relaxation. After enjoying drinks at one of the scenic sundowner spots in the reserve, a night drive brings everyone back to camp. At lunchtime, guests may choose a massage from a professional therapist in a dedicated treatment room or browse through safari merchandise such as fleeces, jackets, sweatshirts, shirts, hats, and bath products.

Day 4   Wait A Little – Beacon Rock

A morning ride is followed by Ana’s signature brunch. During the afternoon, luggage is transported by vehicle as guests journey southward by horseback. This route passes between Lion and Leopard Hill, with opportunities for extended canters on gentle terrain and potential sightings of giraffe, zebra, or wildebeest.

Beacon Rock, the fly camp, is located at a significant rock formation offering panoramic views of the Lowveld escarpment. Guests may climb to the summit for an expansive perspective over the reserve and views of the Drakensberg Escarpment at sunset. Evenings are spent around a campfire under the stars, accompanied by the sounds of local wildlife. Dinner consists of home-made pizza calzones, grilled steaks or chops complemented by baked potatoes or pub (traditional maize dish) and vegetables.

Day 5   Beacon Rock – Wait A Little

Guests awaken to sunrise and enjoy breakfast around the campfire before proceeding south to the Karongwe river, known for hyena activity. The group returns to Wait A Little, where Anna prepares another substantial lunch and massages are available during the midday break. The final sundowner on the open plain marks the conclusion of the safari experience, followed by a special farewell dinner, which may feature game fillets such as kudu, eland or gemsbok served with pasta and sherry sauce.

Day 6   Wait A Little - Hoedspruit

An early morning ride is scheduled before guests are transferred to the airport, concluding the safari. Thank you for choosing Wait A Little Horse Safaris.