South Africa Horseback Safaris

Dawson’s Lodge Safari

When staying at Dawson’s Lodge, you will ride over their private reserve (c. 2,000ha). Here you will see a variety of plains game including the black wildebeest. The reserve has three different fishing dams for trout, black bass and yellow fish. The reserve is totally safe for you to walk or explore on foot.

It is also possible to ride into the adjoining game farm. This is a huge area of c. 20,000ha although is fenced to keep certain game separate for genetic reasons. This area of the ranch also rears Nguni cattle (indigenous African cattle reared for their skins and meat). You will be able to participate in rounding up the cattle for daily checking.

The riding at Dawson’s Lodge will be tailored to suit clients but will average c. 4 to 5 hours per day. This will normally be a morning and shorter afternoon ride.

Accommodation

Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge is a luxury lodge situated in Mpumalanga, 40kms from Songimvelo Game Reserve.

Clients going onto safari at Songimvelo will stay at the Homestead which is available for private groups. It has six en suite rooms, private dining area and pool.

Clients based at Dawson’s Lodge will stay at the main lodge has 8 en suite rooms, veranda, dining room, pool.

On safari, you normally stay in dome tents on camping beds with camping rolls, sheets and duvets, the tents are very comfortable and also contain tables and mirrors for a few more home comforts. A long drop loo and bucket shower is provided at each camp site. A mess tent is erected for dining should the weather be inclement.

Ebutsini Village consists of traditional rondavels, though each room has en suite facilities and electricity. The rooms are very comfortable and private within the village.

Other Activities

When on the Songimvelo Safari you will spend most of your time in the saddle, or to reach high waterfalls for panoramic views. Those who are hardy and adventurous can swim in the mountain streams and pools.

At Dawson’s Lodge non riding activities include guided game drives and walks; trout, bass and yellow fishing; bird watching; scenic forest and waterfall walks; or simply relax at the pool, enjoying the magnificent views.

Meals

Breakfast of porridge and bacon and eggs will set you up for a day in the saddle. When on safari, you will make your own saddle bag picnic from bread rolls, ham, cheese etc. In the evening, professional chefs will cook delicious meals. Emphasis is placed on good South African cooking. Vegetarians can be catered for with prior notice but other stricter diets cannot be accommodated on the safari.

On safari you are provided with fruit cordial, bottled water, tea & coffee. Beer and house wine is served with dinner, although the amount is necessarily limited by space in the support vehicle. You may bring your own duty free if you wish to have spirits.

At Dawson’s Lodge, all bottled drinks, beer, wine and spirits are a personal expense.

At Ebutsini the food is traditional African fare in the evening with a cooked breakfast the following morning. Beer and house wine again will be served limits as per safari.

Children

Competent teenagers aged 16 and over are accepted on the Songimvelo Safari. Younger children who are experienced riders may be accepted as part of a family group on a private Songimvelo Safari. All ages are accepted at Dawson’s Lodge; however children should be aged 12 or over to ride.

All children under the age of 18 years must wear a hard hat when riding.

Weather

Summer months are October to March with the hottest months being October to February when temperatures may rise to mid 30’s C. The rains can start in November with December to February being the wettest months. Winter is May to August. Since you are in the mountains, the evenings can be cold, with temperatures falling to 5C. Rain is unlikely in the winter months, but mist and heavy dew is possible and so you should have good quality raingear at all times to prevent feeling damp.

Getting There

On booking please contact SAHBS for details of a direct car transfer from Johannesburg to Dawson’s Game & Trout Lodge. Where possible we will endeavour to place you in a transfer with other incoming guests to share expense.

To join the direct car transfer typically International flights should arrive in Johannesburg between 07.00am and 09.00am.

Return car transfer from Swazi Village will depart for Johannesburg typically at 13.00pm for arrival for evening flights.

If you are booking an internal flight to our nearest airport (KMIA – Nelspruit) you must book your inbound flight to arrive no later than midday to ensure that you arrive at Dawson’s in time for late lunch and afternoon ride.
Return departure to KMIA is typically at 12.00pm for afternoon flights to Johannesburg

Timings

Johannesburg to Dawson’s - approx 3 hours
Swazi Village to Johannesburg – approx 4 hours
KMIA to Dawson’s – approx 1.5 hours
Swazi Village to KMIA – approx 2.5 hours

Rates

Car Transfer - Return vehicle price from Johannesburg – R3400 (1-3 PAX only)
KMIA to Dawson’s one way– R400 per person
Swazi Village to KMIA – R1050.00 vehicle price
Please contact SAHBS for rates and note that these are subject to increase at any time.
NOTE CAR TRANSFERS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RIDE PRICE.

Money & Tipping

On the Songimvelo Safari you need cash only for tips and drinks at Dawson’s Lodge. Credit cards are accepted at Dawson’s Lodge.

This is standard practice in South Africa but is not essential and depends on the service you require. Clients should give one amount for tips to Steven or Lucy who will share it amongst the camp, grooms, back-up guides and lodge staff with some guidance of how to share it. A reasonable amount would be £50/R550 per person for the safari.

For those on the lodge based ride, a reasonable amount would be £5 per night for the lodge staff, grooms and back up guides.

It is probably easiest to just take sterling cash (say £150) and to change sterling (say, £80) into South African rand (which you can do on arrival at Johannesburg). If you take credit cards, then you will also be able to take greater advantage of the shop at the airport or en route to Dawson’s Lodge.

Passport Visa and Health Information

You must be in full possession of a valid passport to visit South Africa. British or Irish passport holders do not need a visa for South Africa. However, you need a minimum of one unused page in your passport. If travelling onwards outside of South Africa you will require an additional unused passport page. The passport should be valid for at least one month beyond your return date.

Because the safaris are in the mountain areas of Mpumalanga, the risk of malaria is low. Clients are, however, advised to use insect repellent and cover arms and legs during sunset. Clients are also advised to seek medical advice from their doctor prior to travelling.

Rates

SONGIMVELO SAFARI – £1220 plus £180 conservation levy, per person. 7 Night wilderness Safari.

INCLUDES: seven nights accommodation (one night at Dawson’s Lodge; four nights on safari in tents, one night in the mountians, one night at Swazi Village); meals; juice; tea & coffee and limited amount of beer or wine with dinner when on safari; riding; guiding; walks, Park fees.

NOT INCLUDED: Flights, car transfer from Johannesburg, return transfers from KMIA – Nelspruit airport, gratuities; bar drinks at Dawson’s Lodge; game drives, fishing or other guided activities at Dawson’s Lodge.
There are a limited number of rooms and tents for singles. A single supplement of £150 (net) is payable to guarantee a single room at Dawson’s Lodge, Swazi Village and a single tent. Otherwise, clients must be prepared to share on safari.

DAWSONS LODGE RIDING - £220 per person per night.

INCLUDES: Accommodation; meals; riding; game drives; fishing; guided walks.

NOT INCLUDED: flights, airport transfers; gratuities; drinks at Dawson’s Lodge; rod hire, single supplement (£150)

DAWSONS HOMESTEAD / COTTAGE RIDING - £160.00 per person per night.

The ideal extension to the Songimvelo Wilderness Safari.
Available from Sunday to Thursday at this rate only.
Luxury Farmhouse accommodation with catering provided by the main lodge.
INCLUDES - Accommodation; meals; riding, limited wine and beer, beverages
NOT INCLUDED – flights, airport transfers; gratuities;
Minimum 2 people to apply for this rate.

What to Bring
SONGIMVELO SAFARI
Space in the support vehicle is restricted and so you will be limited to one medium sized soft sided bag on safari. You are provided with saddle bags and water bottles.
You are recommended to bring clothes which can be layered since the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Comfortable riding trousers/jodhpurs
Half chaps or full chaps (full chaps will provide extra warmth and protection in the event of damp or cold)
Riding boots with rubber sole, also suitable for walking. Full length riding boots will not be either practical or comfortable. The best would be jodhpur boots (with rubber sole) or a pair of dual purpose riding/leisure boots, such as Ariat. Leather soles will be slippy on mountain rocks.
T-shirts, Long sleeved cotton shirts
Towel
Hat: We recommend a hard hat. At all times a hat is advisable as protection against the sun. Your hat should be secure on your head!
Riding Gloves: Your hands will be particularly exposed to the elements for long periods
Sunglasses: We recommend a lace/cord attached to your sunglasses so that they do not fly off.
Jumper or Fleece: recommended all year
Wind-proof and waterproof jacket
Warm clothing, gloves, warm socks; thermals: Warm clothes are particularly recommended in August/September, but it can get cold in the evenings in the mountains at any time.
Casual clothes for when not riding, house shoes.
Swimsuit, shorts, sandals, etc.
Sunscreen, lip salve and moisturiser. Important at any time – essential between October and April.
Insect repellent
Camera and film – twice what you think you will use!  Spare batteries.
Torch and spare batteries.
Binoculars – if you are particularly keen on game viewing or birding
Wash bag - A nail brush will be particularly useful after a day in the saddle. Towels are provided
Bum Bag: You may find that a small bum-bag is useful for keeping a camera or sun-screen readily to hand (saddle bags will be provided for carrying lunch, if necessary).

DAWSONS LODGE SAFARI

It will not be necessary to be so well prepared for changeable mountain conditions.
Safari Dates – 2007

To Book
Availability on individual safaris can be checked by e mail, but flights should not be confirmed until we have agreed that a provisional booking is being held for your client. You should complete a booking form with the following information: Please note that you should insert your company address and contact details on the booking form.
INFORMATION REQUIRED

• Name, age, weight, height
• Riding experience
• Special Dietary or other requests
• In case of Emergency (contact name and telephone number)
• Travel insurance details (Insurers; Policy Number; Emergency Contact Telephone Number)

Cancellation & Payment
When a booking is confirmed, we expect a 20% deposit.
If a booking is cancelled between 90 and 60 days before the safari, the cancellation charge is 20%.
If a booking is cancelled between 60 and 30 days prior to the safari, the cancellation charge is 50%.
For bookings cancelled less than 30 days prior to the safari, the cancellation charge is 100%.
Full payment of the safari is required 60 days prior to the start date. Bank account details will be provided on the invoice issued when a booking is confirmed