Meerkat Saltpan Ride, Botswana

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Meerkat Saltpan ride in the  Makgadikgadi Saltpans with David Foot Safaris and Uncharted Africa Safari co.

This ride through a unique and pristine environment combines three nights at a camp in the Kalahari Desert with two nights fly camping on the Makgadikgadi Saltpans. The ride begins with adventures in the southern Saltpans that are home to a diverse array of wildlife including habituated meerkats, bat eared foxes, honey badgers and black mained Kalahari lion as well as plains game. In addition to riding through this remote wilderness environment you will have the chance to spend time with native Bushmen.

Day 1: On arrival into Maun we will be met and transferred by private charter flight to Camp Kalahari, where you will be met by your host and guide David Foot. Camp Kalahari s located amongst the acacias and Mokolwane palms of Brown Hyena Island, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and adjacent to the Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans National Park.

The camp is refreshingly simple, yet comfortable, with a thatch library, living/dining area and a swimming pool for hot Kalahari days. There are 10 spacious Meru tents: 7 twin tents, 2 double tents and a family tent consisting of 2 adjacent tents, accommodating 2 guests in each with an inter-leading bathroom. All have en-suite outdoor bathrooms, flush loos, hot and cold running water, along with comfy beds, crunchy cotton sheets, stripy African blankets and hot water bottles in winter.

After tea in the beautiful afternoon light, you will head out for an introductory ride – primarily to match horse and rider but also your first opportunity to experience the beauty of this magical area.  After your ride you will return to camp for sundowners followed by dinner and to kraal the horses close by (put them in a pen), before the lions of the Kalahari commence their nightly prowling.

Day 2: This morning you will rise with the dawn and enjoy a light breakfast followed by a long morning ride through the “land of a thousand islands”.  Stranded on the ancient lake bed, these sand dunes covered in palm trees are one of the most beautiful and fascinating areas of the Botswana wilderness.  During the migration season, the islands and adjoining grasslands are awash with zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest and ostrich and the attendant predators. The white encrusted pans between the islands provides excellent going for the horses but if there has been heavy rain many of these areas will be full of water and possibly full of thousands of flamingos feeding on invisible brine shrimp. You will return to camp for lunch and rest through the heat of the day in the welcome shade of the camel thorn trees or cool off in the camp swimming pool.

After tea, you will head off by vehicle to see some unique desert species such as springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest and the elusive brown hyena; these consummate desert specialists survive in arid areas where both food and water are scarce. The brown hyena is a timid nocturnal, solitary forager, rarely seen by humans, but in spite of this, they are very social animals, living in clans of up to 10-12 hyenas. You will enjoy a night game drive back to camp, and with the aid of a spot light, look for nocturnal desert inhabitants such as aardvark, bat eared foxes, aardwolves, porcupine, honey badgers and perhaps even a black maned Kalahari Lion. On arrival back to camp you will be served a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Today is a long ride eastwards to Xau Xai Fly Camp, so an early start is imperative.  Be sure to pack a few essentials for the next two days of adventure. The journey will take you away from the edge of the Pans and through the mopane and acacia woodlands interspersed with short grasslands allowing for lovely long, relaxed canters.  Whilst the area is rich in birds of prey, bustards, korhaans and numerous other unusual dry woodland bird species; there is also a chance that you will sight kudu and the odd elephant bull. By lunchtime you will reach the famous Greens Baobab proudly positioned alongside the well-travelled Missionary Road, traversed by David Livingstone on his journeys northwards.  The magnificent trunk of this ancient tree is scarred with the initials of early travellers dating back some 150 years thus providing a living testimony to the rich history of this area. You will stop for lunch at the adjacent Gutsa Pan under a stand of palm trees where you may find Stone Age artefacts and the hunting blinds used over millennium by the Bushmen. After a rest and siesta in the midday heat and tea you will continue the journey on to Xau Xai Fly Camp.

Xau Xai fly camp will be made up of comfortable dome tents, a central mess tent, loos and bucket showers. On arrival you will enjoy a long cool drink as you watch the sunset followed by dinner out under the magnificent Kalahari sky.

Day 4: This morning you will wake to a steaming hot cup of coffee and a light breakfast, before heading off on your horses in search of some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats. Thanks to an ongoing habituation programme it’s possible for you to get up close and personal with these captivating creatures. Remember, they are not tame – just used to our non-threatening presence. On chilly mornings, you might well find a meerkat snuggling up to us for warmth. Or, in the absence of a termite mound or tree, using your head as a sentry lookout post. By spending quality time with these incredibly social, superbly adapted animals, you will see how they interact with each other and their environment. As the day warms up, you will leave the meerkats to continue foraging, remount your horses and follow trails leading to the resident herds of zebra and large congregations of ostriches attracted to the area by permanent freshwater in hidden waterholes. You will return to Xau Xai for lunch, a refreshing shower and a siesta in the shade of the mess tent.

In the late afternoon you will ride straight out into the middle of an ancient lakebed, until all that can be seen is the vast flatness stretching in every direction. This is one of the only places in the world where the silence is so complete you can hear the blood circulating through your ears. There is not one visual landmark to be seen on 16,000 square kilometres of baking soda void that is home to countless millions of brine shrimp. You will camp for the night here, sleeping on bedrolls under the silence of a star studded sky having watched a spectacular sunset.

Day 5: This morning will be like waking up on the moon as dawn greets this extraordinary landscape and the last of the stars disappear, you will ride across the Pans back to Camp Kalahari. You will break for lunch at Chapman’s Baobab, also known as the Seven Sisters, in the distance. Measuring 25 metres around its trunk, this tree is acknowledged to be one of the largest in Africa, and was the campsite used by early explorers such as Livingstone and Selous. Afterwards you will ride back across the grasslands into camp arriving in time for a refreshing shower and a final lamp lit dinner.

Day 6: Early this morning the horses are loaded and transported back to their home base in Maun. A non riding day commences with an early morning walk with Zu/’hoasi Bushmen trackers of the Western Kalahari. The Bushmen will demonstrate how they have survived in this harshest of environments, using their vast and ancient knowledge of plants, animal behaviour and survival skills. You will have one more Camp Kalahari lunch, before you bid farewell to Camp Kalahari in preparation for your onward journey.

Notes:

The price of this itinerary is on a full board basis based on two people sharing accommodation. A single supplement may apply to anyone who does not wish to share accommodation.

The price is inclusive of all activities described, internal flights from Maun and all transfers as per the itinerary.

The price does not include international flights to Johannesburg, flights from Johannesburg to Maun, items of a personal nature, gratuities, and visa fees.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel. Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client’s failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Thamalakane River ride, Botswana

The Thamalakane River Ride operates from the Royal Tree Lodge, a small intimate lodge with luxurious tented accommodation.  Nestled in 400 acres of riverine trees and acacia woodland on the edge of the Thamalakane River, it is only a short drive from Maun and yet it feels deep in the heart of the bush.

There are eight stylishly appointed en suite safari tents and superb cuisine can be enjoyed either in the main dining room or out on the expansive shady deck under the majestic leadwood and bird plum trees. A swimming pool to cool off in during the heat of the day and surrounding sun deck are discreetly adjacent to the main area.

A surprisingly large variety of wildlife roams the Reserve including giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, oryx, springbok and other species. The different habitats in the reserve encourage prolific birdlife from water birds to the dry woodland Kalahari species.

Day 1: On arrival in Maun you will be met and transferred to the Royal Tree Lodge. Once settled into your comfortable accommodation and having had lunch or afternoon tea you will join your guide for a safety briefing before being introduced to the horses. As the day cools down you will set off for a fun afternoon ride around the environs of the reserve where the wildlife is wonderfully relaxed in the presence of the horses allowing for close encounters and great photographic opportunities. You will arrive back before dark and enjoy a sundowner at the lodge followed by a delicious dinner.

Day 2: You will rise with the dawn this morning for an early morning ride. After a shorter stint with the wildlife you will leave the Reserve and head off into the back country for some lovely long canters through the endless acacia woodlands with a choice of fallen logs to jump if you wish. You will be passing the occasional cattle posts and will have the opportunity to learn how the local Motswana live with their vast free roaming cattle herds. As the morning warms up you will head for the cool riverine woodlands of the Thamalakane River where a sumptuous breakfast set up in the shade of the jackalberry trees has been prepared.

With appetites duly satiated a leisurely ride will take you along the river whilst enjoying the numerous waterbirds and of course some splashing canters through the shallow waters! Lunch back at the lodge will be followed by a pleasant siesta and in the afternoon a short walk to the river's edge where you will alight a boat for an afternoon on the water with wonderful bird watching, fishing and of course our favourite sundowners!

Day 3: After an early morning breakfast you will mount your horses for an all day ride to explore further afield, hopefully reaching the "junction" where the Thamalakane River splits into two - the Nhabe heading west to Lake Ngami and the Boteti heading east to the Makgadikgadi. These rivers were the lifeline that allowed the early explorers, hunters and traders to penetrate deep into this area with David Livingstone being the first European to see the famous Lake Ngami having spent many thirsty days crossing the Kalahari before reaching the Boteti. You will have a picnic lunch is in the shade of the evergreen mangosteen trees and for some there may be a temptation to have a swim.

The river will guide you home and if the water levels are low enough you may cross the river and ride back on the north bank looking out for the resident hippos as they become more active with the setting sun.

Day 4: This morning you will have your last early morning ride through the Reserve followed by a welcome hearty breakfast before heading on to your next exciting destination.

Notes:

The price of this itinerary is on a full board basis based on two people sharing accommodation. A single supplement may apply to anyone who does not wish to share accommodation. The price is inclusive of all activities described and all transfers as per the itinerary.

The price does not include international flights to Johannesburg, flights from Johannesburg to Maun, items of a personal nature, gratuities, and visa fees.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel. Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client's failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic exclusive Salt and Spray Botswana itinerary 15^th - 26^th June 2012

Wild and Exotic have teamed up with two of the best riding safari operators in Africa to create a unique 10 day riding safari in two of Southern Africa's most precious and beautiful ecosystems. The rides combines three nights at a camp in the Kalahari Desert, two nights fly camping on the Makgadikgadi Saltpans followed by four nights in the luscious Okavango Delta.

The ride begins with adventures in the southern Saltpans that are home to a diverse array of wildlife including habituated meerkats, bat eared foxes, honey badgers and black mained Kalahari lion as well as plains game. In addition to riding through this pristine wilderness environment you will have the chance to spend time with native Bushmen, before being transferred by private charter flight across Botswana to the luxurious Macatoo camp, located within a 500,000 hectare private concession on the western side of the Okavango Delta. Mornings are devoted to exploring the game rich Delta landscape, with shorter rides, walks and mokoro expeditions available after a lunchtime siesta.

Friday June 15 2012: South African Airways flight SA0235 departs London Heathrow at 19:00hrs.

Saturday June 16: On arrival into Johannesburg at 07:00hrs we will have plenty of time to check into our Air Botswana flight BP212 to Maun, which departs at 10:10hrs. On arrival into Maun at 11:50hrs we will be met and transferred by private charter flight to Camp Kalahari, where we will be met by our host and guide David Foot. Camp Kalahari s located amongst the acacias and Mokolwane palms of Brown Hyena Island, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and adjacent to the Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans National Park.

The camp is refreshingly simple, yet comfortable, with a thatch library, living/dining area and a swimming pool for hot Kalahari days. There are 10 spacious Meru tents: 7 twin tents, 2 double tents and a family tent consisting of 2 adjacent tents, accommodating 2 guests in each with an inter-leading bathroom. All have en-suite outdoor bathrooms, flush loos, hot and cold running water, along with comfy beds, crunchy cotton sheets, stripy African blankets and hot water bottles in winter.

After tea in the beautiful afternoon light, we will head out for an introductory ride - primarily to match horse and rider but also our first opportunity to experience the beauty of this magical area.  After our ride we will return to camp for sundowners followed by dinner and to kraal the horses close by (put them in a pen), before the lions of the Kalahari commence their nightly prowling.

Sunday June 17: This morning we will rise with the dawn and enjoy a light breakfast followed by a long morning ride through the "land of a thousand islands".  Stranded on the ancient lake bed, these sand dunes covered in palm trees are one of the most beautiful and fascinating areas of the Botswana wilderness.  During the migration season, the islands and adjoining grasslands are awash with zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest and ostrich and the attendant predators. The white encrusted pans between the islands provides excellent going for the horses but if there has been heavy rain many of these areas will be full of water and possibly full of thousands of flamingos feeding on invisible brine shrimp. We will return to camp for lunch and rest through the heat of the day in the welcome shade of the camel thorn trees or cool off in the camp swimming pool.

After tea, we will head off by vehicle to see some unique desert species such as springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest and the elusive brown hyena; these consummate desert specialists survive in arid areas where both food and water are scarce. The brown hyena is a timid nocturnal, solitary forager, rarely seen by humans, but in spite of this, they are very social animals, living in clans of up to 10-12 hyenas. We will enjoy a night game drive back to camp, and with the aid of a spot light, look for nocturnal desert inhabitants such as aardvark, bat eared foxes, aardwolves, porcupine, honey badgers and perhaps even a black maned Kalahari Lion. On arrival back to camp we will be served a delicious dinner.

Monday June 18: Today is a long ride eastwards to Xau Xai Fly Camp, so an early start is imperative.  Be sure to pack a few essentials for the next two days of adventure. The journey will take us away from the edge of the Pans and through the mopane and acacia woodlands interspersed with short grasslands allowing for lovely long, relaxed canters.  Whilst the area is rich in birds of prey, bustards, korhaans and numerous other unusual dry woodland bird species; there is also a chance that we will sight kudu and the odd elephant bull. By lunchtime we will reach the famous Greens Baobab proudly positioned alongside the well-travelled Missionary Road, traversed by David Livingstone on his journeys northwards.  The magnificent trunk of this ancient tree is scarred with the initials of early travellers dating back some 150 years thus providing a living testimony to the rich history of this area. We will stop for lunch at the adjacent Gutsa Pan under a stand of palm trees where we may find Stone Age artefacts and the hunting blinds used over millennium by the Bushmen. After a rest and siesta in the midday heat and tea we will continue the journey on to Xau Xai Fly Camp.

Xau Xai fly camp will be made up of comfortable dome tents, a central mess tent, loos and bucket showers. On arrival we will enjoy a long cool drink as we watch the sunset followed by dinner out under the magnificent Kalahari sky.

Tuesday June 19: This morning we will wake to a steaming hot cup of coffee and a light breakfast, before heading off on our horses in search of some of the Kalahari's most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats. Thanks to an ongoing habituation programme it's possible for us to get up close and personal with these captivating creatures. Remember, they are not tame - just used to our non-threatening presence. On chilly mornings, we might well find a meerkat snuggling up to us for warmth. Or, in the absence of a termite mound or tree, using our head as a sentry lookout post. By spending quality time with these incredibly social, superbly adapted animals, we will see how they interact with each other and their environment. As the day warms up, we will leave the meerkats to continue foraging, remount our horses and follow trails leading to the resident herds of zebra and large congregations of ostriches attracted to the area by permanent freshwater in hidden waterholes. We will return to Xau Xai for lunch, a refreshing shower and a siesta in the shade of the mess tent.

In the late afternoon we will ride straight out into the middle of an ancient lakebed, until all that can be seen is the vast flatness stretching in every direction. This is one of the only places in the world where the silence is so complete you can hear the blood circulating through your ears. There is not one visual landmark to be seen on 16,000 square kilometres of baking soda void that is home to countless millions of brine shrimp. We will camp for the night here, sleeping on bedrolls under the silence of a star studded sky having watched a spectacular sunset.

Wednesday June 20: This morning will be like waking up on the moon as dawn greets this extraordinary landscape and the last of the stars disappear, we will ride across the Pans back to Camp Kalahari. We will break for lunch at Chapman's Baobab, also known as the Seven Sisters, in the distance. Measuring 25 metres around its trunk, this tree is acknowledged to be one of the largest in Africa, and was the campsite used by early explorers such as Livingstone and Selous. Afterwards we ride back across the grasslands into camp arriving in time for a refreshing shower and a final lamp lit dinner.

Thursday June 21: Early this morning the horses are loaded and transported back to their home base in Maun. A non riding day commences with an early morning walk with Zu/'hoasi Bushmen trackers of the Western Kalahari. The Bushmen will demonstrate how they have survived in this harshest of environments, using their vast and ancient knowledge of plants, animal behaviour and survival skills. After this fascinating experience lunch awaits at Camp Kalahari before we board a private charter flights straight to the watery Okavango Delta, approximately one hour's flight to the north. On arrival at African Horseback Safari's Macatoo Camp we will be met and offered refreshments before an evening ride where we can get to know our horses, before returning to a to a candle-lit dinner.

Friday June 22: After being woken by a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast with homemade toast and muesli, we will a ride out from camp to stretch our legs and explore this magical area. As the water levels will be high this may involve some galloping, swimming through the flood waters or pushing-on through seas of tall grass following giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant and buffalo. We will return to camp for a brilliant open air lunch with the guides and there's usually some wine to encourage a little nap before tea. This evening ride is deliberately slower-paced and is a good opportunity to ask questions and take photographs. Leopard sightings are not infrequent, the bird-life is some of the best in the world and towards sunset there is often elephant or hippo interaction to enjoy. We will enjoy a sun downer out in the bush before riding back to camp to freshen up. There's no guarantee that dinner is always eaten in the same place...

Saturday June 23: This morning we will leave camp early to investigate fresh game tracks, joining semi-aquatic red lechwe as they thunder through the water meadows. The water in the delta is at its highest levels so there will be plenty of opportunities to ride through the water. A champagne breakfast is waiting for us under a large baobab tree. The evening ride is spent exploring the lower flood plains where elephant often gather at a pool, large herds of lechwe are forming in the wetlands and perhaps there maybe hippo and crocodile in the area. There is also a good potential of buffalo sightings with impala, tsessebe and kudu moving inland onto the islands.  As dusk closes in we will gather for drinks around the fire before dinner.

Sunday June 24: This morning we will ride deeper into the heart of the delta, along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains. After tea we will do a slower ride to the magical tree house where we will have the option to spend the night out, sleeping high up in the tree tops under the stars. To be out in the wilderness so freely in the Okavango bush like this is a wonderful experience and one that few people experience.

Monday June 25: After waking up amongst the trees to the call of the African Fish Eagle, we will splash through water on the vast open plains, home to blue wildebeest and Burchell's zebra. The riding may be fast as we approach deep reedy areas full of bird life including open-billed storks, squacco herons, slaty egrets, egyptian geese and many more. We will return to Macatoo along the myriad of waterways lined with large trees to prepare for our onward private charter flight back to Maun. On arrival into Maun we will check in to our Air Botswana flight BP211, which departs at 14:50hrs and arrives into Johannesburg at 16:30hrs allowing us plenty of time to check in to our South African Airways flight SA0234, which departs at 20:00hrs.

Tuesday June 26: South Africa Airways flight SA0234 arrives into London Heathrow at 06:25hrs. End of Wild and Exotic services.

Notes:

The price of this itinerary is £4,420 per person on a full board basis based on two people sharing accommodation and inclusive of all 3 private charter flights. A single supplement may apply to anyone who does not wish to share accommodation.

The price is inclusive of all activities described and all transfers as per the itinerary.

The price does not include international flights to Johannesburg, flights from Johannesburg to Maun, items of a personal nature, gratuities, and visa fees.

ATOL license holders (#6445) we can book seats on most major airlines at competitive prices. We are able to make the booking (and fix the best price, less taxes and fuel charges) up to a year in advance with payment not normally due until 8 weeks before departure - this means that we can release your seats at anytime up until payment is due without penalty.

South African Airways return international flights as per the itinerary are available from £420 per person plus taxes subject to availability.

The Air Botswana return flights as per the itinerary are available from £250 per person plus taxes subject to availability.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel. Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client's failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason. UK citizens currently do not require a visa for South Africa and Botswana. Please note a South African transit visa is required for non UK clients travelling to Botswana.

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic fact sheet for Thamalakane River Ride with David Foot

Accommodation:  Luxurious Royal Tree Lodge 12km from Maun

Activities: Riding, boat trips, walking, birdwatching

Children: All ages

Clothing List:
Riding Hat: light weight ventilated of good quality is recommended. Insurance regulations insist on this requirement whilst on horseback.
Jodphurs / Long trousers.
Half chaps.
Riding footwear: these should be comfortable and easy to walk in if required.
Socks – several pairs.
Riding gloves.
Long sleeved collared shirts in neutral bush colours.
Buff / bandana (to protect face and neck from sun and dust).
Light weight warm fleece or jacket.
Lightweight waterproof windbreaker jacket.
Dark sunglasses on a string.
Waist pouch to carry lip balm, suncream, small camera and extra batteries and memory card.
Misc:
Torch – head torch is recommended.
Small lightweight binoculars.
Camera with battery charging equipment, spare batteries and memory cards.
Broad brimmed sunhat (for when not riding).
Layers: Cotton long and short sleeved t-shirts, shorts, cotton trousers.
Sarong and swimming costume.
Comfortable sleep-wear according to the season (tracksuit recommended for winter months), woollen beanie and gloves.
Footwear: flip flops, closed shoes/ boots for around the camp.
Sunblock, insect repellent, lip salve, personal medication, personal toiletries.
Reading material.
Passport.
Insurance and medical details.

Distance and times: Maximum 20km/4 hours.

Drinks: Are not included in the price.

Game / Wildlife: Giraffe, zebra, kudu, oryx, eland, springbok, impala, blesbok, duiker, monkey, ostrich.

How to Get There: International flight to Maun from Johannesburg followed by 20 minute road transfer

Insurance: All guests must have their own medical and travel insurance including medical evacuation. Guests must wear riding helmets to be covered under this insurance.

Length of Rides: From 1- 4 nights

Luggage: No weight restrictions but soft bags preferred

Meals: All included in the price.

Medical and safety:  Guides have up to date first aid training. A Safety briefing is given at start of all safaris. Your guide will carry a radio at all times for emergency use.

Money: Bring US$ cash for tipping and curios

Non-Riders: Non riders welcome

Power supplies: Mains electricity 220v

Riding Ability: All levels accepted

Single Supplement: 25% will apply to anyone who does not wish to share accommodation.

Size of the Rides: Minimum 1 guest, maximum 12 guests.

Tack:  Wintec and Trail Saddles

Terrain: Flat firm ground, some areas with wildlife holes to be avoided

Tipping: Recommended US$10 per person per night for camp staff to be given to the guide for distribution between camp staff and horse staff

Type of Horses: Crossbreeds – Boerperde/Friesan, Boerperde/Percheron, Shire/TB, Boerperde/TB. Appaloosas.

Types of Safari / Tours: Riding tailor made to level of riders. Boat trips on the Thamalakane River. Fishing. Bird watching walks.

Visas: UK and US citizens currently do not require a visa.

Weather: Jan – Mar: Summer. High rainfall and high temperatures. Highs range from 35°C to 45°C. Lows around 18°C. April – May: Autumn. Dry and warm. Cool evenings and mornings. Jun – Aug: Winter. No rainfall. Cold nights and early mornings. Days are sunny and generally warm. Temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. Nights can drop below freezing in some areas. Sept – Oct: Spring. Dry and warm. October can be extremely hot. Nov – Jan: Summer. High rainfall and high temperatures. Highs range from 35°C to 45°C. Lows around 18°C.

Weight Limit: 95kg