The Big Five Ride & Dine Safari Itinerary

Please note that wildlife is exactly that - wild - and so sightings cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made by your guides to ensure a fantastic and thrilling safari. The following itinerary is therefore a guide.

Day 1 - Hoedspruit - Wait A Little camp

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.

Day 2 - Karongwe Private Game Reserve

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 colourful African sunset.

Day 3 to 4 - Karongwe Private Game Reserve

On this morning’s ride, maybe 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.

Day 5 - Wait A Little - Clive's Camp

Today you ride to Clive's camp on the Greater Makalali game reserve. You will be welcomed by your private chef and hosts who will organise amazing meals, bush brunches and seated dinners as well as bush dinners with open fires. Specially selected wines and cocktails will accompany your culinary highlights.

Day 6 - Clive's Camp

In the morning we ride to explore the Reserve further and you might find a bush brunch waiting for you under some huge sycamore fig trees. In the afternoon you can opt to take a game drive or walk.

Clive's Camp is situated on an open area with a waterhole where big herds of zebra, giraffe and wildebeest come to drink - hyenas are also often seen here.

Day 7 - Clive's Camp - XiDulu

Today you ride to XiDulu where again your private chef and hosts will look after you.

Each day you will have long rides in the morning, followed by a game drive in the afternoon. At XiDulu you are next to a dam with resident hippo and crocodile - all sorts of animals come to drink, including elephant.

Day 8 - XiDulu

Day 9 - XiDulu - Wait A Little camp

A long morning ride back to Wait A Little camp, arriving in time for lunch. This afternoon you may try a different horse again so the one you've partnered for the last few days can rest.

Wait A Little camp is situated next to a river where you can see kudu, nyala, buffalo, waterbuck and other riverine species.

Day 10 - Departure

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.

*Please note that the order of camps may change, subject to availability