South Africa Horseback Safaris

Itinerary

Songimvelo Safari

Please note that the following is an example itinerary. The actual daily itinerary will be determined by the guide with the best interests of the group and horses in mind and taking into consideration the terrain and weather conditions.

On the Songimvelo Safari, you will ride for between 4 and 6 hours each day. A full breakfast will be had in camp and you will set off between 8am/9am. There will be stops for refreshments and picnic lunch during the day, arriving back to camp between 3pm/4pm.

SATURDAY - Depart Europe / UK for overnight flights

SUNDAY- Arrive Johannesburg in the early morning (preferably between 07.00 and 09.00) and transfer by car direct to Dawson’s Game & Trout Lodge.

Or

Book an internal flight to Nelspruit (for arrival midday latest) and then onward transfer to Dawson’s Lodge

On arrival at Dawson’s Lodge settle into your room and a late lunch with the rest of the group. Later there will be a briefing explaining how the safari will progress and an opportunity to meet the horses and remainder of the team.

In the afternoon have your first ride for approx 2 hours, returning to the lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep before setting out on safari early the following day.

MONDAY - An early start to set off on safari. The horses will travel ahead by truck and you will transfer by vehicle (50 minutes) from Dawson’s Lodge into Songimvelo Game Reserve.

You set off riding for approximately 4-5 hours (with regular breaks) riding on the plains towards Wind Hoek Base Camp, with numerous river crossings, and a lunch stop at the Hippo pools.

These plains are abundant with wildlife, surrounded by magnificent mountains and give you your first opportunity to feast on this beautiful reserve.

Arrive at Wind Hoek Base Camp mid afternoon. The support team will have set up a comfortable camp, including a bucket shower and long drop toilet facilities.

The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring and settling in to your tents.

Dinner will be served (dependant on weather) either in the mess tent or outside.

TUESDAY - The normal pattern on safari will be a morning call at c. 6.00am (earlier in summer) followed by a full breakfast and tea or coffee. You generally make your own saddle bag picnic and can choose from a variety of different breads and tasty snacks and fillings.

Full day ride descending from mountains into the valley, game viewing and riding through rivers and onto the plains.

Return to Wind Hoek Base Camp late afternoon.

WEDNESDAY - Today is a day of excitement and you will set off to explore more widely into Songimvelo. Ride into the stunning mountains, with pack horses and all equipment required to spend a night out under the stars! After a spectacular lunch location you will ride on to the evenings resting place and enjoy a simple (though delicious) evening meal. This is challenging – though spectacular - mountain pass riding,

Sleeping bags will be provided for quite simply the most magical night you could ever spend in the bush

THURSDAY – Breakfast will be served in the mountains and then descend the mountain passes to Komati River plains. This area has great game viewing and potential encounters with White Rhino.

Arrive at Wind Hoek Base Camp for a late lunch, with time to relax before dinner.

FRIDAY - Today you explore the area by the Oomsolly River. Ride for approximately 3 hours in the morning, viewing the game and, lunch by the river and a chance to swim in the beautifully refreshing rock pools. Later in the afternoon, ride back over the mountain pass and enjoy the amazing views unfolding.

SATURDAY -  Ride to Ebutsini Village  game viewing and enjoying the dramatic scenery on the way through Songimvelo. Arrive mid afternoon and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure and settling in to the traditional Rondavels. Evening will be spent at the village enjoying the entertainment and catering – Swazi style!

SUNDAY - A final morning ride from Ebutsini Village and a visit to the local school where guests can donate any gifts they might have bought and receive an amazing performance from the children. After an early lunch, depart from the village by car direct to Johannesburg for onward connections.

Or

Transfer by car to Nelspruit airport for internal flights to Johannesburg

MONDAY - Arrive UK / European destinations.