Price
7-Nights £2,910 per person sharing
Single supplement charged if unable to share £240
5-Nights £2,235 per person sharing
Single supplement charged if unable to share £170
Dates & Prices
SOUTH AFRICA
Big 5 Safaris - 2 Itineraries
Overview
For an unforgettable riding adventure in the heart of South Africa, Entabeni offers thrilling safaris on horseback through a private, malaria-free game reserve. Located in the Waterberg region of Limpopo, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a land of dramatic cliffs, open savannah, and lush wetlands—perfect for close encounters with Africa’s legendary Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos.
The horses are sure-footed, well-schooled, and full of spirit, making them ideal companions for exploring this untamed wilderness. With experienced guides leading the way, riders can canter alongside giraffes, watch hippos wallow in the lakes, and track wildlife through the bush—without the hum of a vehicle to break the spell.
Entabeni’s name means “Place of the Mountain,” and its towering rock formations and sweeping plains have been home to diverse wildlife for centuries. Today, conservation remains at the heart of the reserve, ensuring that both animals and visitors enjoy this extraordinary landscape in harmony.
Friendly, knowledgeable hosts share their passion for the land, wildlife, and horses, creating an experience that is as educational as it is exhilarating. Whether galloping across golden grasslands or pausing to watch elephants at a waterhole, every moment in Entabeni is a celebration of Africa’s wild beauty.
Location
Entabeni, South Africa
Airport
Johannesburg, South Africa
Duration
5-7 nights
When to go
April - December
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Weight
95 kg / 15 stone / 209 lbs
Group size
8 max
Accommodation
Lodges and fly camps
Included
All the riding, accommodation, meals, drinks at fly camp/sleep out and game drives as per itinerary.
Extras
Single supplement applies if unable to share.
See transfer fees in the transfer section.
Excluded
Flights, transfers, drinks at lodge, additional game drives and tips.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
Return transfers are £240 per person. If there are more than 3 people in the transfer the return price goes down to £110 per person.
Departure dates
7-Nights
5 – 13 April, 19 – 27 April
3 – 11 May (Full), 17 – 25 May, 31 May – 6 June
14 – 22 June
5 – 13 July, 19 – 27 July
2 – 10 August, 16 – 24 August
6 – 14 September, 20 – 28 September
4 – 12 October, 18 – 26 October
16 – 24 November
30 November – 8 December
5-Nights
13 – 18 April, 27 April – 2 May
11 – 16 May, 25 – 30 May
8 – 13 June, 22 – 27 June
13 – 18 July, 27 July – 1 August
10 – 15 August, 24 – 29 August
14 – 19 September, 27 September – 3 October
12 – 17 October, 26 – 31 October
10 – 15 November, 24 – 29 November
8 – 13 December
Riding & Itinerary
7-night Safari Itinerary
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 Wild Side Tented camp, settle in and have lunch. Our guide will explain the days to come and you will set off on a 3-hours game drive to see the big 5 from the vehicle. Arrive back for dinner, and a good rest as you settle into the African bush. Night: Wildside
Day 2
Early wake up and an optional 3-hour game drive again as the bush comes to life. On your return you will have an opulent breakfast before you meet your horses for your 3-hour morning ride. You will be riding the plains in hopes of seeing some of the big 5 on horseback. Maybe a cheetah or elephant to get the adrenaline pumping! Return to the lodge for lunch, with some down time to rest at the pool, before you set out again on horseback as the sun gets milder. Your 2.5-hour afternoon ride will take you along spectacular scenery and less travelled paths in search of some more game, such as wildebeest, zebra, giraffe or hippo. Return as the sun sets, join the group around the fire for dinner. After the first full day on horseback, you can still make changes to your mount for the days to come. Night: Wildside
Day 3
Wake up as the sun starts to rise and set off for your game drive in the early morning. You´will return for breakfast, and have your luggage packed for the logistics team to pick up. Your horses will be ready as you head for the renowned Yellow wood kloof, which is the steepest man made road in Southern Africa. You will partially lead your horse up and ride on the less steep areas, taking you through a valley and mountain passes with spectacular views. This is a total of 5-6 hour trek. There is a support vehicle on stand-by should you not be able to walk. You will stop at natural rock pools for lunch, and a swim if the weather permits. As you come out of the valley, the plains open up in front of you, like a mirage of open savanna potted with game, blesbuck, giraffe, eland… maybe your first sighting of rhino, who tends to like to visit the horses at camp!
The team will give you an intro to fly camp, and welcome you with some traditional song and dance to set the scene. The tents look out onto the plains, where animals roam free. As the horses settle in the paddocks next to camp, the team will have prepared the bar ready for sunset drinks by the fire, and a three course meal. Let the feeling of serenity set in, and enjoy this spectacular camp which you will call home for the next two nights. Night: Fly camp
Day 4
Wake to the sound of the bush coming to life, with hot water boiling on the fire and a bush breakfast ready. Set off in search of rhino (2.5 hours), as you track these protected giants. You might come up very close to giraffes today, as you ride the plains and mountain passes, taking routes which no vehicle can go. Return to camp for lunch and a break before you set out on your 2.5-hour afternoon ride to the highest point of the reserve, for a drink or two! Soak in the views, and return for a romantic dinner, with pathways lit up and lanterns to set the scene. Night: Fly camp
Day 5
After your last breakfast at this fly camp, again your bags will be packed for the logistics team. Today you will depart to the next lodge for some pampering and comfort. The riding time will be 3-4 hours. Kingfisher is set on the lake, and is the 5* lodge on the upper escarpment of the reserve, where you have a semi private area for your group of riders, overlooking the lake and private dining area. You might see some hippos in the lake where the lodge is set. Arrive in time for lunch, and settle in at this little gem where you will stay for a change in scene. You may make use of the pool, before your afternoon 3-hour game drive, in search for hippo, giraffe and rhino amongst other such as eland and other abundant game Night: Kingfisher lodge
Day 6
Early start with tea, coffee and biscuits at the lodge, before your 3-hour game drive or bush walk. Your bags will be packed for the team to take down the mountain. You will ride into the big 5 areas of the lower escarpment, and back to Wild side lodge which you should reach in time for lunch. After a very long day in the saddle (5 hours) you will have the option to rest at the lodge or go on a game drive in the afternoon. Return to the lodge for dinner. Night: Wildside
Day 7
You will have the option of a game drive before breakfast. Your bags will be collected by the team, and you will set off on a ride through the reserve, and out towards the horses stables. Your next fly camp is set at a beautiful fig tree, which you will ride to. You will stop for a bush lunch on the way, and arrive to a lit fire, and welcome drinks. After a day travelling with your horses (5 hours) you will have a special good-bye dinner with dance and song for the team. Night: Fly camp
Day 8
Early morning, after breakfast you will go on your last morning ride, on the lower escarpment of the reserve. Your bags will be packed in the morning and when you return from your ride you have time for a shower and departure to the airport.
5 Night Safari Itinerary
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 Wild Side Tented camp, settle in and have lunch. Our guide will explain the days to come, and you will set off on a 3-hour game drive to see the big 5 from the vehicle. Arrive back for dinner, and a good rest as you settle into the African bush. Night: Wildside
Day 2
Early wake up and an optional 3-hour game drive again as the bush comes to life. On your return you will have an opulent breakfast before you meet your horses for your 2.5-hour morning ride. You will be riding the plains in hopes of seeing some of the big 5 on horseback. Maybe a cheetah or elephant to get the adrenaline pumping! Return to the lodge for lunch, with some down time to rest at the pool, before you set out again on horseback as the sun gets milder. Your 2.5-hour afternoon ride will take you along spectacular scenery and less travelled paths, in search of some more game, such as wildebeest, zebra, giraffe or hippo. Return as the sun sets, join the group around the fire for dinner. After the first full day on horseback, you can still make changes to your mount for the days to come. Night: Wildside
Day 3
Wake up as the sun starts to ride, and set off for your 3-hour game drive in the early morning. You´will return for breakfast, and have your luggage packed for the logistics team to pick up. Your horses will be ready as you head for the renowned Yellow wood kloof, which is the steepest man made road in Southern Africa. You will partially lead your horse up and ride on the less steep areas, taking you through a valley and mountain passes with spectacular views. this is a total 5-6 hour trek. There is a support vehicle on stand-by should you not be able to walk. You will stop at natural rock pools for lunch, and a swim if the weather permits. As you come out of the valley, the plains open up in front of you, like a mirage of open savanna potted with game, blesbuck, giraffe, eland… maybe your first sighting of rhino, who tend to like to visit the horses at camp!
The team will give you an intro to fly camp, and welcome you with some traditional song and dance to set the scene. The tents look out onto the plains, where animals roam free. As the horses settle in the paddocks next to camp, the team will have prepared the bar ready for sunset drinks by the fire, and a three course meal. Let the feeling of serenity set in, and enjoy this spectacular camp which you will call home for the next two nights. Night: Fly camp
Day 4
Wake to the sound of the bush coming to life, with hot water boiling on the fire and a bush breakfast ready. Set off in search of rhino (2.5 hours), as you track these protected giants. You might come up very close to giraffes today, as you ride the plains and mountain passes, taking routes which no vehicle can go. Return to camp for lunch and a break before you set out on your 2.5-hour afternoon ride to the highest point of the reserve, for a drink or two! Soak in the views, and return for a romantic dinner, with pathways lit up and lanterns to set the scene. Night: Fly camp
Day 5
Early start with tea, coffee and biscuits at the lodge, before your 3-hour game drive or bush walk. Your bags will be packed for the team to take down the mountain. You will ride into the big 5 areas of the lower escarpment, and back to Wild side lodge which you should reach in time for lunch. After a very long day in the saddle (5 hours) you will have the option to rest at the lodge or go on a game drive in the afternoon. Return to the lodge for dinner. Night: Wildside
Day 6
Early morning, after breakfast you will go on your last morning ride, on the lower escarpment of the reserve. Your bags will be packed in the morning and when you return from your ride you have time for a shower and departure to the airport.
Horses
Boerperd crosses
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Type of riding
The minimum riding age is 12 based on the skill level needed to ride safely and fully enjoy this adventure. Riders must be confident and accomplished
Tack
English
Weight limit
95 kg / 15 stone / 209 lbs
Group size
8 max
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation is a mix of comfortable lodges and adventurous fly camps, offering the best of both worlds. Lodges are beautifully set with thatched roofs, cosy lounges, and stunning views over the African bush. Falling asleep to the distant roar of lions and waking to the call of fish eagles adds to the magic.
The fly camps provide a night under the stars in the heart of the reserve. Simple yet atmospheric, these camps bring riders even closer to nature, with campfires, lantern-lit dinners, and the sounds of the wild all around.
Mealtimes are a highlight, with home-style South African cooking served in scenic spots. Hearty breakfasts, tasty lunches, and three-course dinners are packed with flavour. Bush dinners under the stars and sundowners with panoramic views make every bite even more memorable. Whether swapping stories around a crackling fire or enjoying a peaceful meal overlooking the savannah, food is always part of the adventure.
Accommodation
Lodges and fly camps
Single Supplement
Possible to have a single room and tent for an additional fee
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
All drinks and a limited selection of alcohol included
The Destination
The Entabeni Game Reserve, Entabeni means 'place of the mountain', is a 220 square km private reserve situated in the Waterberg in Limpopo Province in northern South Africa. The Entabeni Reserve is popular for safari trips because of the opportunity to see big game and a variety of birds and antelope species, as well as its scenery, and the fact that it is in a malaria-free zone. The reserve is home to lion, African bush elephant, South African giraffe, African leopard, South African cheetah, warthog, African buffalo, hippopotamus and other safari animals in a variety of habitats.
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