South Africa, Entabeni - Big Five Safari
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 five and six are usually at Kingfisher Lodge on the upper escarpment. This thatch and stone lodge is set on the banks of the lake with Entabeni mountain as a backdrop.
Please note that the exact lodges can change depending on availability, but always with those of a similar standard.
Wildside permanent tented camp
Kingfisher lodge
Fly Camp
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) 2026
Preliminary daily program. We reserve the right to use alternative lodges on the reserve should the outlined be fully booked. Should this occur, guests will stay at a lodge of the same standard, or higher. Itinerary may vary due to weather or animal movement
Day 1: Arrival, Intro & Afternoon Game Drive – Night at Wildside Tented Camp
Airport meet and greet followed by transfer to Wildside Tented Camp. Arrive in time for lunch, meet your guide and receive a rundown of the week to come. After lunch, enjoy your first game drive with a chance to see the Big 5 from the vehicle. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Wildside Tented Camp.
Day 2: Full Day Ride Lower Escarpment & Bush Lunch – PM Game Drive – Night at Wildside Tented Camp
Breakfast at 6:30, and transfer to the horses for a short intro ride before entering the reserve. Ride for 2.5 hours before you stop for a bush lunch at 12:00, catered from the back of the game drive vehicle, by the dam. Continue the ride for another 2.5 hours before returning to the lodge to freshen up. Get ready for a game drive at 15:30 to capture some more impressions and hopefully some of the Big 5 on camera. Dinner at 19:00 (season-dependent), and overnight at Wildside Tented Camp.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Climb Yellowwood Escarpment, Lunch at Rock Pools – Night at Fly Camp
Start with a 6:00 game drive followed by breakfast at 9:00. Our ride starts later today when the lions feel lazier. At 10:00, ride through the lower escarpment and climb the steep Yellowwood Escarpment (some walking required). Stop for lunch at the rock pools (with optional swim). The ride continues with scenic views and wildlife as you conquer the mountain and the plains open up before you, dotted with game. Arrive at Fly Camp by 15:30 after a 4.5-hour journey on horseback and about 40 minutes on foot, up the steepest man-made road in Southern Africa. Enjoy welcome drinks and wildlife views from camp. Night at Fly Camp.
Day 4: Sunrise Ride, Afternoon Ride – Night at Fly Camp
Sunrise ride of 2.5 hours to a magnificent spot high above the reserve. You will set off in the dark, listening to the bush come alive around you. Return to Fly Camp for an opulent breakfast. Leisure time to relax and hopefully see some game roam nearby. Lunch is served at 12:30, then another 2.5-hour afternoon ride on the upper escarpment. Return for a three-course candlelit dinner and drinks around the fire, and stories of the day's happenings. Overnight at Fly Camp.
Day 5: Full Day Ride with Lunch in the Bush – Night at Fly Camp
Breakfast followed by a 3-hour morning ride with some more technical riding as you meander rock formations and stop by one of the dams with possible hippo sightings. Bush lunch from 12:30 to 13:30. Continue riding until 15:30. Return to camp, freshen up, and enjoy a candlelit three-course dinner. Overnight at Fly Camp.
Day 6: Moving Day – Ride to Kingfisher Lodge & Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, the staff will most probably urge you to join in on their dance and songs as they sing you farewell from Fly Camp. With your bags packed, ride for 3 hours to Kingfisher Lodge. Arrive in time for lunch at the five-star lodge for some luxury and comfort after a few days in the saddle. Soak up some sun at the private pool or pre-book a massage before your afternoon game drive. Come back for dinner, possibly at the boma. Overnight at Kingfisher Lodge.
Day 7: Descend to Lower Escarpment, Lunch & Game Drive – Night at Wildside Tented Camp
Early breakfast, and the logistics team will take care of moving your luggage. Meet your horses at Hippo Boma which is a short walk from your rooms and ride from 9:00 to 13:00 descending the escarpment and traversing the upper and lower escarpments on horseback. The descent again involves some walking, but is less strenuous than uphill, which is why we urge all to walk and not make use of a vehicle. Should you need one, please book in advance. Transfer to Wildside Lodge for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Overnight at Wildside Tented Camp.
Day 8: Farewell Ride & Departure
Optional morning game drive depending on flight times. After breakfast, enjoy a final 2-hour farewell ride on the lower escarpment closer to the stables with some nice sandy tracks allowing you to pick up some speed. Freshen up at Wildside before your transfer to the airport. Transfers typically depart around 13:00 for the 3-hour drive to OR Tambo. Please confirm flight details to adjust if needed.
This 8-day itinerary includes approximately 29.5 hours of riding and 5–6 game drives (subject to flight schedule on departure day). Riding hours and activities may vary depending on weather and wildlife movement, ensuring an adaptable and authentic safari experience.
Program - Five Night Safari 2026
This programme is available on request and confirms for four 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.
Preliminary daily program. We reserve the right to use alternative lodges on the reserve should the outlined be fully booked. Should this occur, guests will stay at a lodge of the same standard, or higher. Itinerary may vary due to weather or animal movement.
Day 1: Arrival, Intro & Afternoon Game Drive – Night at Wildside Tented Camp
Airport meet and greet followed by transfer to Wildside Tented Camp. Arrive in time for lunch and a light introduction to the bush. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive with a chance to see the Big 5 from the comfort of the vehicle. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Wildside Tented Camp.
Day 2: Full Day Ride Lower Escarpment & Bush Lunch – PM Game Drive – Night at Wildside Tented Camp
Breakfast at 6:30, then transfer to the horses for a short intro ride before entering the reserve. Ride for 2.5 hours, stop for a bush lunch at 12:00 from the back of the game drive vehicle, then ride another 2.5 hours. Return to the lodge, freshen up, and go on a 15:30 game drive. Dinner at 19:00 (season-dependent), and overnight at Wildside Tented Camp.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Climb Yellowwood Escarpment, Lunch at Rock Pools – Night at Fly Camp
Start with a 6:00 game drive and breakfast. Later start at 10:00 to ride through the lower escarpment and climb the steep Yellowwood Escarpment (some walking required). Stop for lunch at the rock pools (with optional swim). Ride continues with scenic views and wildlife. Arrive at Fly Camp by 15:30 after a 4.5-hour journey. Enjoy welcome drinks and wildlife views from camp. Night at Fly Camp.
Day 4: Morning and Afternoon Ride, Lunch and Fly Camp and Sundowners – Night at Fly Camp
After a breakfast ride of 2.5 hours and arrive back at Fly Camp for lunch. Some leisure time to relax and watch game roam nearby. Lunch at 12:30, then another 2.5-hour afternoon ride on the upper escarpment with sundowners close to camp, and a short ride back to fly camp as the light fades. Return for dinner and drinks around the fire. Overnight at Fly Camp.
Day 5: Descend to Lower Escarpment, Lunch & Game Drive – Night at Wildside Tented Camp
Early breakfast, then meet your horses at Hippo Boma and ride from 9:00 to 13:00 descending the escarpment. Transfer to Wildside Lodge for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Overnight at Wildside Tented Camp.
Day 6: Farewell Ride & Departure
Optional morning game drive depending on flight times. After breakfast, enjoy a final 2-hour farewell ride in a wilderness area close to the stables which allows for fast paced riding. Freshen up at Wildside before your transfer to the airport. Transfers typically depart around 13:00 for the 3-hour drive to OR Tambo. Please confirm flight details to adjust if needed.
This updated 6-day itinerary includes approximately 24 hours of riding and 4–5 game drives (subject to flight schedules). Riding hours and activities may vary depending on weather and wildlife movement, ensuring an adaptable and authentic safari experience.
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: 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 7:00pm.
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.
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 EUR/person&/day.
Wifi: Yes at lodges.
Electricity jack: 220V, type M, 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
Feedback from our travellers
Fantastic Accommodations and Magical Views
Beautiful lodges and cozy tented camps. I preferred the latter—open and spacious with a breathtaking view of the steppe landscape where wild animals grazed. An added bonus was the real toilet in the tented camp!
The food was homemade by our chef Zimba and his crew, offering a varied menu. We rode through diverse terrain, with no two days alike. Now and then, we enjoyed long, exhilarating gallops on sandy trails. My horse was very pleasant and energetic. Everything was excellent. We were lucky to get very close to rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. The landscape we rode through was highly diverse, making the experience even more exciting. There are no better trips than horseback riding adventures!
Ann-Charlotte Saadieh
Luxury Tent Camping and Outstanding Service
Bonus points for how they handled our arrival and program, even though we were delayed by a day due to a flight strike. Spacious, clean, and comfortable. And tent camping included real beds, toilet tents, and a set dining table—luxurious! Delicious food and generous portions! The horses were in great condition and well cared for, always a priority for our guides. Easy to ride and reliable. Absolutely fantastic service! We felt truly spoiled by all the staff. Absolutely amazing! The combination of game drives in a jeep and long horseback rides made us feel like we had seen and experienced everything in just four days. With the jeep, we could also see predators.
Anna Kiviö Jonsson
Close to Wildlife and Nature
Various types of accommodations, all excellent!!! I especially loved the tented stays, as they allowed for a closer connection with the animals and nature in an incredible way :). Fantastic food, especially from chef Ness, who prepared meals while we camped! Exploring wildlife and nature from horseback was amazing and thrilling, and the horses were strong and reliable.
Birgitta Rose Cruce
Magical Dinners Under the Stars
Fantastic food served under the starry sky among grazing animals. Great horses, a well-planned itinerary with both walking and galloping. A very well-organized trip with a fantastic and varied schedule. The best experience I've had so far.
Susann Deli
Wonderful Guides and Unmatched Riding
A cheerful person greeted us, handled our transfer, and drove us safely. Lovely accommodations, especially in the fly camps. Amazing horses and many wonderful gallops. The game drive guides were absolutely incredible! And Cecile’s staff was like a new family! Absolutely fantastic! The nature, the experiences, the riding, and all the people—especially the fly camp and Cecile’s team. She was very kind and attentive!
Jane Kanefall
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