Entabeni Safari Conservancy “The Place of the Mountain”, is situated in the World Heritage “Waterberg Biosphere” of the Waterberg region. Approximately a three hour drive north of Johannesburg, this 22 000 ha malaria-free reserve boasts five eco-systems. The upper escarpment offers majestic craggy rock formations and wide-open grass plains. This is separated from the lower plateau by 600m high cliffs.

The lower escarpment is approximately three degrees warmer and comprises sandveld vegetation and a series of wetlands. Within this spectacular landscape all of the Big Five reside, along with plentiful plains game too. Riding safaris take place on both the upper and lower escarpments so you get to experience not only the stunning ecosystems, but also search for a high number of animals.
Your guides are experienced, fully qualified and will teach you the signs to look for as you track the game, as well as introducing you to exhilarating riding across the plains.

The usual riding safari itinerary includes staying in a lodge on the lower escarpment before moving to a fly camp in the bush for an authentic African adventure. Finally finishing in a different lodge.

This will be an unforgettable adventure that will stay in your memory forever.

Accommodation & Food

All meals are included. Breakfast is usually light and on the days with early starts you may just want tea/coffee and fruit. Lunch, or sometimes brunch, is late morning/midday and will include fresh salads and light options. There is usually high tea with cake/biscuits before the afternoon ride. Dinner is then a larger meal after sunset and will include meals cooked over an open fire when in camp.
Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

All drinks are included when staying at fly camp, but whilst at the lodges, your bar bills are to your own account.

Your first night is usually at Wildside Safari camp on the lower escarpment. There are 20 tented chalets which are en-suite and offer a comfortable African experience. There is an open lounge/bar area with a roaring fire. Nights two to five are usually more rustic, with a night spent in a rondavel, two nights spent at fly camp, with large, comfortable tents which you can stand up in and have proper beds and bedding, and a fourth night at a simple camp under a mosquito net.
Nights six and seven are usually at Lakeside Lodge on the upper escarpment. This thatch and stone lodge is set on the banks of the lake with Entabeni mountain as a backdrop. There are 24 double/twin rooms linked by thatched walkways and open sundecks where you can watch the game.
Please note that the exact lodges can change depending on availability, but always with those of a similar standard.

On the Five Night Safari, you stay the first night at wildside camp and the following nights at a lodge (see program).

Horses & Riding

Tack: English, but there are a couple of trail saddles if you prefer. All horses respond to neck-reining as well as conventional riding.

Horses: Boerperd, Boerperd cross, Arab cross, Thoroughbred cross and Nooitgedacht cross. The horses are all well adapted to the environment and used to the game. Whilst they are independent they are also keen to stay as a herd in game situations. The resident herd are all special characters and love their job, so all guests can focus on the game viewing and magnificent surroundings rather than worrying about their horse. Each horse is schooled regularly as well as going on safari so that they are responsive and do not get bored.

Riding
There are 2 itineraries:
Entabeni Big Five Luxury is a trail ride
Five Night Safari is a trail ride
Ages: 12 years or over. Children MUST be competent riders.
Health: General good health, plus fit enough to lead your horse on occasions.
Weight: 95 kg / 210 lbs / 15 stone

Program - Entabeni Big Five Safari (8 day circuit) 2022

Day 1 – Arrival and Game Drive
Riding: No riding.
You will be met at OR Tambo international Airport and transferred to Entabeni Game Reserve, which is about a 2.5 hour drive away. On arrival you will be welcomed by the team at Wildside Tented Camp with a drink before you freshen up. During lunch you'll receive an introductory brief on the days to come including your horse preferences so that you can be allocated a horse you'll enjoy. Tonight you will enjoy an afternoon game drive to make the most of the photographic opportunities from the vehicle and recover from your long journey. Hopefully you will catch the photogenic pride of lions on camera. After a couple of hours you will be welcomed back into camp for your three-course dinner and first night in the comfortable spacious permanent tented camp, with opportunity to charge your electronics before you set off into the bush the following day with the horses.
Overnight at Wildside.
Night: Wildside

Day 2 – Moving day – Ride and walk -Lower Escarpment to upper escarpment with brunch on route
Breakfast will be served at 9:00 and you will be transferred to the horses to start your ride on the lower escarpment, through big game territory. After about an hour and a half in the saddle, you will reach Waterberry picnic spot for brunch at appx. 11:00 before you start your climb up the escarpment. There will be a support vehicle with ranger accompanying the ride up the escarpment, so if the walking becomes tiring, you are welcome to jump into the vehicle! The ride continues after a short rest, to climb the escarpment which is separated from the lower escarpment by 600m high cliffs, where you will partly
leading your horse over one of the steepest roads on South Africa, which has a gradient of 40 Degrees at some points. As you reach the top, you will have some time to refresh yourself in the natural rock pool with spectacular views and crystal clear water. The ride continues onto the plains – an idyllic scene hopefully spotted with game. You will reach fly camp at Boukenhout at about 3:00pm in time for high tea and settling into the place you will call home for the next 4 nights. Dinner will be served around the glistering fire, at 7:00pm
Night: Boukenhout Fly Camp

Day 3 – Full day ride with packed lunch
Starting after breakfast, you will have lunch packed in your saddle bag. The ride will take you along flat rock valley, until you reach a waterfall (flowing in summer only) or alternatively heading towards yellow wood rim and the viewpoint with spectacular views of the lower escarpment. You will stop for lunch and a well deserved rest. Back at fly camp in time for a snack before dinner is served. You can relax in the hammocks or chill out area at fly camp enjoying a drink watching the sun set. A great end to a long day in the saddle!
Night : Fly camp

Day 4 – Kgamakutla point Sundowner and romantic dinner in the riverbed
Later start after a light breakfast, to ride long east long west where your guide will point out animals tracks and signs along the way, in hopes of finding some of Africa’s giants. You will arrive back in camp after a two hour ride, for brunch – followed by some time to take a plunge in the river, laze in a shady spot on a picnic blanket or hammock… At 3:00pm high tea will be ready, before you mount for your afternoon ride which will take you to a magnificent spot on the pleins for some elaborate sundowners – just like a scene from Out of Africa. You will arrive back into camp for a beautifully set table and fire in the riverbed, listening to the sounds of the bush come to life with a wonderful South African wine to set the scene.
Night: Fly camp

Day 5 – Plains ride and Sleep-out under the stars
Early breakfast, and on your horse for departure. You will ride west on sandy tracks with some opportunity to pick up speed. We head towards Ingwe valley, with some chances of spotting some more illusive animals in the thicker vegetation and past a lake with some chance of seeing hippos. The ride continues onto the wide open grass plains and back to camp for lunch. After Lunch, bags will be packed, for one night in the bush under the open skies (weather permitting) the ride will set out for another 2 and a half hours, as the day gets cooler to varying the trail to experience different scenery, including a memorial spot in monument valley, and up to high ground with spectacular views. Walking can be expected where terrain gets tough. On arrival at the viewpoint, camp site will be lit, fire ready for a romantic dinner and drinks, and a basic wash up area, with hand towels and toiletries ready for your night under the stars. The views and sunrise are spectacular! After breakfast the following morning, you will ride to
the lodge from our sleep out point.
Night: Sleep out OR fly camp (weather depending)

Day 6 – Moving day to Lakeside Lodge
After full breakfast at Lakeside at 9:00 upon arrival from the sleep out point, you will have time to settle in and rest in the comfort of the lodge. In the afternoon, you will ride to an idyllic spot with a natural plunge pool and deck with another awe-inspiring view where you can stop for a snack. The ride continues as it gets cooler across open grassland. You will arrive at your lodge before sunset. Drinks and a three course dinner at the lodge awaits you.
Night: Lakeside Lodge

Day 7 – Outer Rim scenic ride
An early start after a light breakfast, just in time to catch the stunning morning views and crisp air from the outer rim, overlooking the views of the lower plateau. The ride will take you into a different scenery, riding some rocky ledges, and taking a swim in the dam with the horses, as it gets warmer. You will return to the lodge after a two hour ride for brunch – You will have some time to relax at the lodge and maybe make use of some well deserved spa time (at extra charge). You afternoon ride will leave the lodge at 3:30 pm appx to ride for another few hours to Hanglip viewpoint with good chances of seeing abundant
game on the open areas and Ungululu. You will stop at the viewpoint, for some stunning pictures with your horse, and back to the lodge along Tswene. On return to the lodge, your bags will be packed for the following days move to the lower escarpment. Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Night: Lakeside Lodge

Day 8 – Last ride and departure
Early morning, after a light snack and tea or coffee you will go on your last morning ride, on the upper escarpment of the reserve, or moving down to the lower escarpment, depending on animal movement, weather or flight times. You might be able to squeeze in a game drive early enough before your ride. Your bags will be packed in the morning and transferred by our logistics team. Our driver will be ready to transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Program - Entabeni Big Five Safari (8 day circuit) 2023

Preliminary daily program

Day One: You will be met at OR Tambo international Airport, by one of our representatives, to be transferred to Entabeni Game Reserve, which is about a 2.5 hour drive away, heading North to reach the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere. You will be welcomed by our team, at our “fly camp” set at the nearby farm in an area where buffalo roam abundantly as well as the rare sable antelope which we hope to see on horseback. Lunch is served, and and you will receive an intro brief on the days to come. After we know a little more about you, and your preferences you will be matched with your horse. You will depart for your afternoon intro ride, and sundowners on the wood deck, looking over the waterhole. At dinner the staff will welcome you with some traditional singing and a three course meal under the African sky. Night – Fly camp (Ikhaya Nyati farm)

Day two: Early wake up and breakfast before you set off on a 2.5 hour ride and come back for lunch at camp. You can have a rest and re-set in the wonderful surroundings before your afternoon ride, and drinks around the fire. Dinner and last night at fly camp. Your bags will be packed for the following days move.
Night – Fly camp (Ikhaya Nyati farm)

Day Three: Wake to the sound of the bush coming to life, with hot water boiling on the fire and a bush breakfast ready. You will ride out of the reserve, and into Entabeni reserve, which is the adjacent farm. You will enter big 5 territory, and ride to the permanent tented camp, where you will arrive in time for a short break to settle in, followed by lunch. There is a pool, and spa for your use. Your luggage will be waiting in your rooms, and the horses will have an afternoon off. Your game drive vehicle and guide will be waiting at 15:30 (in winter) 16:00 (in summer) to take you o a 3 hour game drive, with a stop for sundowner drinks. Have your camera ready, to hopefully capture lion or elephants up close!

Night: Wildside tented camp

Day Four: A light breakfast will be served and you have the opportunity of another early morning game drive, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Your bags will be ready for our logistics team to collect. You will be transferred to the horses which will be waiting at the reserve gate, and you will set off to explore the reserve heading in a different direction and new terrain, with the possibility of encountering different species of animals. You will walk up to the upper escarpment following a trail which was made by women in 1994 and is the steepest man made road in southern Africa. For that reason, you will have to partially lead you horse up (dismount) so please let us know in advance if you require a vehicle to take you up the 600 meter road, which is at a 40 degree slant on the toughest areas. You will have a beautiful lunch set up at the natural rock pools on the way up, to arrive at top section of the reserve, where you will be surprised by the open plains, and such different scenery. Rhinos are abundant here, and heavily protected, creating a sanctuary for them. Arrive at the top of the mountain, where you will spend a night under star gazing tents with views onto the reserve. Camp will be lit up with lanterns and candles to at the camp fire before starters are served and three course dinner served at this small mobile camp. Your bags for one night will be packed to move to the new location the following day.
Night: Viewpoint/stargazing tents

Day Five: Awaken with hot tea or coffee in your tent, and a light breakfast taking in the views before you depart to the next lodge, for some pampering and comfort. Kingfisher is set on the lake, and is the 5* lodge o the property, which will allow for some well deserved lunch on arrival and as you take in the views and hopefully see some hippos in the lake where the lodge is set.
Make use of the pool or spa, before your afternoon ride, in search for hippo, giraffe and rhino. You also have the option of a game drive or bush walk, should you prefer that.
Night: Kingfisher lodge

Day Six: early start with tea, coffee and biscuits at the lodge, before your game drive or bush walk. Come back to a wonderful breakfast followed by your half day ride, comig back to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you will set off on your ride covering the other side of the reserve.
Night: Lakeside lodge

Day Seven: You will have the option of a game drive or bush walk, before breakfast. Your bags will be collected by the team, and you will set off on a long ride doing your 5 hours to the lower part of the reserve again. Ride sandy tracks, with great canter opportunity, to arrive at the tented camp again just in time for lunch. Afternoon will be spent at leisure or game drive as preferred. Spend your last evening around the fire or potentially book a massage to rub away the sore muscles after a week it the saddle!
Night: Wildside tented camp

Day Eight: Early morning, after breakfast you will go on your last morning ride, on the lower escarpment of the reserve, You might be able to squeeze in a game drive early enough before your ride. Your bags will be packed in the morning and transferred by our logistics team. Our driver will be ready to transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Program - Five Night Safari 2022

A short break safari under canvas in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy. This programme is available on request and confirms for two or more riders, so it's ideal for those who can't make the longer fixed departures or who have less time to spare. Entabeni is full of fantastic wildlife and this is a true safari experience with varied riding terrain, plenty of game-viewing and spectacular scenery.

Day 1 Riding: No riding.
Arrival to Johannesburg airport before 11:00 with transfer to Wildside Safari Camp for a late lunch. This afternoon there is an introductory game drive after you settle in, your first chance to see some of the Big 5 up close. After getting to know your riding preferences a horse will be selected to suit you ready for your ride the next morning. As the sun sets it's time for dinner and overnight at Wildside camp.

Day 2:
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Today there is an early morning game drive for those who'd like it, followed by breakfast at 09:00 and transfer in the game vehicle to the horses to start your ride. This is big game territory and you can ride off the beaten track where vehicles cannot access. Stop for lunch under a shady tree where you may spot wildlife walking past. Continue riding until you reach fly camp at about 15:00 in time for high tea and a chance to settle in before dinner is served around the fire at 19:00. Overnight Fly Camp.

Day 3
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Today is a full day ride with a packed lunch. Starting after breakfast you will saddle up with lunch in your saddle bag. The ride today will take you through dense areas and up jagged rock formations towards a viewpoint with wonderful views over the lower escarpment. You will stop here for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Ride back to your fly camp, hopefully spotting some giraffe on the plains as the sun starts to drop, and arrive in time for a snack before dinner is served, relaxing in the hammocks or chilling out with a drink watching the sun set. Dinner and overnight in the fly camp.

Day 4
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Today you have a later start and a light breakfast to energise you for your climb up the escarpment - you will partly lead your horse over one of the steepest roads in South Africa which has a gradient of 40 degrees at some point. A support vehicle with ranger accompanies the ride so if walking becomes tiring you are welcome to jump into the jeep.
Stop for lunch in a shady spot, and upon reaching the top you will emerge onto the plains, an idyllic scene hopefully dotted with game. Continue climbing to a spot with fantastic views of the entire reserve where vehicles cannot access. Here you can watch the sun set whilst dinner is prepared over the fire. Overnight in beds under mosquito nights and the stars.

Day 5
Riding: 3 - 5 hours
After breakfast you start your descent back down the escarpment, having taken in the sunrise across the plains full of game. Stop for a snack and continue through big game country to reach Wildside again in time for a late lunch and some pool time. You can also book a massage if you wish or go for another exciting game drive (time permitting).

Day 6
Riding: 2 - 3 hours
After a full breakfast you have time for a final ride before saying farewell to the horses, and jumping in your shuttle to the airport. Flights should leave 18:00 or later.

Accommodation First and last night is spent at Wildside Safari Camp and the other 3 nights are spent in mobile fly camps along the trail route.

Program - Five night safari 2023

This ride has a fixed departure date, on which one night is spent at Wildside tented camp, on the lower escarpment where you have the afternoon to settle in or an introride with opportunity to see buffalo or rest and go on game drive for a lighter introduction to the bush. On the following day the horses and riders depart to the top section of the reserve, where the following nights will be spent at a lodge on the
upper escarpment, with fabulous game sightings, including rhino, but not elephant, lion, or buffalo.

Day 1: You will be met at OR Tambo international Airport, by one of our representatives, to be transferred to Entabeni Game Reserve, which is about a 2.5 hour drive away, heading North to reach the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere. You will be welcomed by our team, at wildside tented camp for lunch and an intro ride in buffalo area, or you may opt for a game drive instead
Night: Wildside tented camp

Day 2: Wake to the sound of the bush coming to life and depart on your early morning game drive with hopes of seeing elephant or lion, so keep your cameras at hand. After breakfast, you will ride through big 5 territory, and ride to the upper escarpment following a trail which was made by woman in 1994 and is the steepest man made road in southern Africa. For that reason, you will have to partially lead you horse up (dismount) so please let us know in advance if you require a vehicle to take you up the 600 meter road, which is at a 40 degree slant on the toughest areas. You will have a beautiful lunch set up at the
natural rock pools on the way up, to arrive at top section of the reserve, where you will be surprised by the open plains, and such different scenery. Rhinos are abundant here, and heavily protected, creating a sanctuary for them. Arrive at the top of the mountain, where you will arrive at your lodge, to settle in and if youre up to it go for a bush walk or game drive.
Night: Lakeside lodge

Day 3: After morning game drive, the horses will be waiting for you to go on a 2.5 hour ride in search of maybe giraffe of hippo. Come back for lunch, to the comfort of the lodge and depart on your afternoon ride again later on in the day. Return in time for dinner.
Night: Lakeside lodge

Day 4: Morning bush walk, where your guide will interpret tracks and signs An opulent breakfast, and you will be ready to mount you horses, to access the top of the mountain, with your packed lunch, to enjoy with spectacular views. Weather permitting, on the way back to the lodge, you can swim with your horses to cool them off for the climb (summer) before you return to the lodge for a shower or maybe massage. Afternoon game drive, and dinner.
Night: Lakeside lodge

Day 5: You will have your morning game drive and mount your horses after breakfast for your 2.5 hour ride. Come back to the lodge for lunch and rest before you ride out again to explore a different part of the reserve. Return to the lodge for sundowners, and dinner at the lodge.
Night: Lakeside lodge

Day 6: This morning you will head out after breakfast which will be served earlier than usual. Your bags will be transferred to lower escarpment, and you will ride down the mounting, into big 5 terrain. You will take your horses back home, and be transferred to the clubhouse, or lodge at the golf resort, for showers before departure. Your transfer will collect you according to flight departure, and pickup is usually around 13:30 or 14:00. Lunch will be at your own accord but we can give you recommendations and make arrangements for you on site.

Climate

Moderate climate with summer rainfall (Malaria Free). Days tend to be hot in
summer, cooling down in the evenings. Summertime permits swimming as there
is abundant water during this time. Rides take place earlier in the mornings to
escape the heat of the day, and depart later in the afternoon for the same reason.
In winter nights are chilly and moderate during the daytime reaching
temperatures in the 20’s. Rides start later in the morning as the day warms up,
and will also leave earlier in the afternoon as the temperatures will permit this.

Travel Information

Ability description: Trail Ride Level 3 >>

Included in the price: 7/5 nights shared accommodation, riding on 7/5 days, game drives, all meals, snacks, tea and coffee, all drinks at fly camp, Accommodation and riding according to program. Full board incl. wine/beer, soft drinks at base camp.

Not included: Flights, airport transfers, drinks at Lodges, massages, gratuities, insurance

Travel:
Flight: To Johannesburg
Transfer 2022: Book and pay in advance to HorseXplore, EUR 245/person return. Transfer 2023: Book and pay in advance to HorseXplore, EUR 280/person return.
Meetingtime: latest arrival time to Johannesburg airport is 11am and earliest departure time is 6:30pm.

Single Tent Supplement: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. Single tent supplement will be added if there is no one to share with. But if it is not fully booked, you can get a single tent at no extra cost if there is an odd number.

Group size: 2-8 riders.

Age limit: 12 years old, need to be a very experienced rider.

Malaria: No malaria.

Currency: South African Rand, ZAR.

Credit card: All credit cards except of AMEX are accepted at the lodges.

Tipping: Not required but appreciated, normally around 10-15EUR/person&/day.

Wifi: Yes at lodges.

Electricity jack: 220V, bring your own adapter. No electricity at fly camps.

Beach: No

Pool: At the lodges.

Special diet: Inform when booking.

Misc.: You need to bring your own helmet etc.
Saddle bag available: Yes

Date	Days	Name of trip	Price from
17/06/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
25/06/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
01/07/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
09/07/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
15/07/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
23/07/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
05/08/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
13/08/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
19/08/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
02/09/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
10/09/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
16/09/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
24/09/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
30/09/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
08/10/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
14/10/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
22/10/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
04/11/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
12/11/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
18/11/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
02/12/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
10/12/2023	6	South Africa, Entabeni - Fivenights Safari	EUR 2,400	Book on request
16/12/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request
27/12/2023	8	South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari	EUR 3,200	Book on request

South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari