Wait a Little Safaris, South Africa

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for 7 night Wait a Little ‘Big Five' safari

Day 1: You will be collected from either Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa airport by our transfer service. On arrival at Wait a Little a light lunch or afternoon tea or coffee awaits you. Philip, your guide, will introduce you to the safety procedures before going on your first riding safari. This orientation ride takes you through the area surrounding the camp as you unwind from your journey and forget yourself in the peace of the African bush. This is your chance to become accustomed to new horses and a different riding style. You might even see the first giraffe or zebra. Sundowners, looking out towards the Drakensberg Mountains, are a perfect prelude to the generous 3 course dinner, accompanied by hand-picked South African wines, which awaits you in the dining area, furnished with antique African art. The first night, with all its fantastic sounds and noises, is most probably the most exciting one. Accommodation for these first two nights is in luxury safari tents with ensuite bathrooms, mounted on platforms above the Makhutswe River at the Wait A Little main camp.

Day 2: We wake you with tea or coffee in the morning. After a light, continental breakfast we are ready to mount our horses and go on safari. The weather will create our day. If it is cooler, we ride out all day to visit Croc Dam. Crocodiles, fish eagles, hippos and lots of water birds can be seen in the biggest dam on the reserve. Under a big tree in the shade we unpack our picnic from the saddle bags. After a quiet snooze, in the grass we remount our horses to begin the meander home. Later that afternoon we take our ride back. All of a sudden Philip stops, fresh tracks... cheetah. He immediately follows the route to go and look for this beautiful cat, the fastest animal in the world. If we are lucky we can follow them hunting or join their peaceful repose as they relax on a termite mount.

Day 3: When we hear a leopard roaring in the night, Philip looks for tracks in the riverbed to show you this impressive cat. You find him; he stands up, stretches, and stalks to a shadier spot. Philip guides you closer, and everyone is silent as the excitement of entering his world grabs you. Simply by observing him, you share a moment in harmony with an animal that is just as curious about you as you about him. The thrills of the morning's sightings are relived over lunch, served on Wait a little's terrace. Fresh salads, homemade breads, pizzas and quiches are served together with light meats and cheeses amply satisfy the hunger brought on by a long ride. The afternoon is dedicated to unwinding. Our aromatherapist can ease away any aches or strains and a long siesta by the pool perfectly complements her handiwork. The lovely smell of Ana's homemade cake ensures you awake in time for an evening drive to the buffalo project, where, drink in hand, you will encounter close at hand these magnificent animals.

Day 4: Whatever tracks Philip finds he will try to follow. On our morning ride an elephant track leads us towards the Kufunyame River, where huge palm trees and tall river reeds provide a good meal for an elephant and plenty more besides. In the afternoon we pack our bags, leaving for another camp. The luggage will be brought by vehicle, whilst you set off on horseback. Riding south, passing with baited breath between the twin rock formations of Lion and Leopard Hill. The gently undulating roads in this area lend themselves to long easy canters. Giraffe, Zebras or wildebeest may pick up the pace and run by your side, elegantly manoeuvring through the veldt. Suddenly Philip dismounts and considers the ground around him, before turning to you to say, come! I think the rhinos are close. Beacon Rock, our fly camp, is situated at a giant rock formation from where you can overlook the whole Lowveld escarpment. A quick scramble up to the top rewards you with a spectacular panorama over the whole reserve and the perfect vantage point to witness a blood red sun fall behind the looming Drakensberg Escarpment. Under the stars, around a campfire, surrounded by our horses, we spend the night. Listening to the call of the hyenas or jackals which might visit us in the night. Steaks or chops, cooked over the open fire, with snake bites, baked potatoes and salads are the perfect fayre to help us into a deep sleep tonight.

Day 5: Waking to the rich colors of the sunrise we revive the fire for coffee and breakfast before embarking on our longest ride. Entering the Makalali Game Reserve, dominated by huge open planes, where you might find yourself cantering next to giraffes, zebras or wildebeest. Spectacular views, over big distances show you the way to Phiva our camp for the night. This camp is truly spectacular. Built and designed by Silvio Rech, one of Africa's most famous architects, this camp seems to have grown out of the African Bush. Silvio's inspiration came from the colors of Africa; red like the soil, white like the bones, brown like the branches, orange and grey like the rocks. Clay, reed, wood, skulls and lots of other natural resources provided the materials to build this unique camp. Chalets along the Makhutswe river, each with en-suite baths, outside showers and private salas. Dinners are in different venues, either down by the dam, in the dining area or in a candle lit booma. Makalali is well known for their food which is a mix of east African and international specialties.

Day 6: Today we go exploring, cutting through the veldt at a canter, twisting and turning around the trees "what Philip calls bushwhacking" and your surefooted horse carries you nimbly through the undergrowth, changing direction as you guide his course, having just as much fun as you. Here and there a tree, felled by an elephant, provides an irresistible jump. Or perhaps the eland, or kudu, seeing us pass, fall in front of us to show us the best path. At the top of the hill you pause for thought, as mile after mile of unspoiled Africa stretches away before you. Served on banana leaves, have fresh salads, meats and cheeses for lunch on Makalali's veranda, whilst you watch nyala, waterbuck, kudu or other little animals roaming the river systems. Refreshed after a well deserved siesta, we ride to a nearby dam, where Hippos live during the heat of the day. Let them entertain you, playing in the water, rolling and laughing. With luck, a crocodile will be relaxing on a sandbank, enjoying the warm evening sun.

Day 7: A long ride lies ahead of us, leaving the Makalali camp Phiva behind us, riding back to Wait A Little. What will we see on our way? This is always open to the wildlife, tracks of elephant, lion, rhino, and giraffe determine Philips path. Home at Wait A Little the team eagerly awaits your exciting tales whilst we enjoy another one of Ana's fantastic lunches. The last sundowner on Wait A Little's open plain will be sad, but beautiful, impressive and absolutely unique. The African fever might have caught you as well and the good bye can be hard. For your farewell dinner Gerti chooses something special - perhaps game fillets like kudu or eland served on pasta with sherry sauce.

Day 8: An early wake up will get us on the horses quickly, so you can enjoy a short, sporty ride before the transfer service brings you to the Airport for your return home.

Camp Version: Mainly outrides from and to Wait a little. Very often we spend the whole day in the bush carrying our picnic with us in saddlebags. We might include a sleep out.

Notes:

The 2010 price per person is from £2160, fully inclusive of food, alcohol and all activities described, but not international or domestic flights or transfers. A single supplement is available for those not willing to share.

The 2011 price per person is from £2240, fully inclusive of food, alchol, and all activities described, but not international or domestic flights or transfers. We are normally able to one single space per safari without a single supplement charge and thereafter single supplements apply based on 6 to 7 people joining the safari.

Booking forms are available from Wild and Exotic Ltd, telephone 01439 748401 or email info@wildandexotic.co.uk

Please note that whilst the sample itinerary provides an accurate description of what you can expect to experience, campsites and itineraries are deliberately flexible in order to maximise game viewing opportunities according to the seasons and movements of game.

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 will be enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic fact sheet for Wait a Little safaris in South Africa 

Accommodation Big Five Safari: Is in three different locations as follows:

Wait a Little tented camp: Luxury, double-bedded canvas tents on platforms, secluded for privacy and equipped with hot and cold outside shower under a thatched roof and lookout loo over the Makhutswe river.

Beacon Rock: Fly camp, situated on a rock formation, the highest point in the area, with an magnificent view over the Lowveld Escarpment. We sleep on mattresses under the stars on top of the rock or under a shelter, having a huge campfire going, enjoying the sounds of the night.

Makalali Camp Phiva: This camp is truly spectacular. Built and designed by Silvio Rech, one of Africa's most famous architects, this camp appears to have grown out of the African Bush. Silvio's inspiration came from the colours of Africa; red like the soil, white like the bones, brown like the branches, orange and grey like the rocks. Clay, reed, wood, skulls and lots of other natural resources provided the materials to build this unique camp. Chalets along the Makhutswe river, each with en-suite baths, outside showers and private salas.

Activities: The area around the Kruger National Park is full of fascinating places to visit. Trips in the park, Blyde River Canyon, the beautiful mountains of Magkobaskloof, visits to the orphan animal project at Tshukudu Game Lodge, the Snake Park, Kapama Cheetah Project or Moholoholo Bird Sanctuary can be organised. It is also possible to join a research game drive on the reserve. All these activities are additional costs.

Children: We will accept children over the age of 12 on riding safaris but they must be competent riders. We offer a 20% discount for children between the ages of 12 and 16.

Clothing List: Clothing list will be sent on request. A free laundry service is provided on all non-moving days and boots and shoes are cleaned daily by our staff.

Drinks: drinks are only excluded at all the Makalali camps, everywhere else they are included.

Game: Game is plentiful on the Reserve, and includes elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, cheetah, spotted and brown hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, bushbuck, steenbok, duiker, impala, waterbuck, blackbacked and sidestriped jackal, honey badger, baboon, vervet monkey, mongoose, warthog, bushpig, tortoise; special nocturnal creatures are porcupine, aardvark, civet, genet, caracal, serval, spring hare; water species are hippo, crocodile, otter and terrapins. The Reserve is host to a huge variety of bird species, especially around the big dams and along the rivers.

How to Get There: There are daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to both Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit by SAA Airlink. Transfer available from airport to camp. We can also arrange road transfers (approximately 5hrs) direct from Johannesburg to our base camp. Transfer rates on application.

Insurance: Whilst we carry public liability insurance and take all possible care we strongly advise you to have full medical and holiday insurance. Wild & Exotic Ltd can arrange this if instructed.

Length of Rides: 4 - 7 hours in the saddle.

Meals: Three meals per day are served. A light breakfast before the morning ride, lunches with fresh salads, home made bread and meats/fish. Dinner is always generous and a fine international cuisine is served. Emphasis is made on venison, pasta, fresh fish if available and lovely barbecues over open fires.

Medical and safety: All rides are lead by Philip Kusseler, a FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) qualified guide, who has gained the highest qualification, and followed by a back-up rider. All camps and vehicles have radio contact, research teams are monitoring the big game and the guide carries a hand held radio. A safety briefing is held at the beginning of the safari, and a demonstration of how to handle big game situations. A first aid kit is carried on each ride. At base camp stretchers and a full medical kit is available. Guides are professional first aiders. The nearest hospital is 45 min away. The area is described by the National Health Organisation as a low risk Malaria area, and you should speak to your doctor about Malaria prevention prior to your holiday.

Non-Riders: This should be discussed with Wild and Exotic.

Ride options: Two mobile safaris are offered:
Big Five Safari: 8days, 7 nights, 4 nights Wait A Little main camp, one night fly camp, two nights Makalali camp Phiva. These safaris start and finish every Saturday throughout the year
OR
Makalali-Garonga ride: 10days, 9 nights, 3 nights Wait A Little main camp, 2 nights Makalali camp 1, 2 nights Makalali camp 4 and 3 nights at Garonga Safari camp. These safaris run on set departure dates only.

Riding Ability: You should be comfortable at all paces and able to gallop out of trouble. We ride fast and in big game country, only experienced riders. You should be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day.

Riding Style: English, no western

Single Supplement:  We are normally able to offer one single space without a single supplement charge per safari and thereafter single supplements apply for those who are not prepared to share accommodation.

Size of the Rides: 6 to 7 people on the Big Five Safari and 5 people on the Makalali-Garonga ride. 

Tack: We ride on Leon Liversage endurance saddles, which are specifically designed for long distance rides. The saddle distributes the weight equally on the horses back and is in addition very comfortable for the rider. If specially requested we can send riders out with English saddles.

Terrain: With the background of the Drakensberg mountains, Wait A Little operates on 30 000ha of prime African Bushveld. The area has various ecosystems ranging from open plains, woodlands, hills and kopjes, to riverine and gullies. Plenty of rivers are the lifeline of the region and support an impressive population of big trees, plants and wildlife such as hippo, crocodile, bushbuck, kudu, nyala, waterbuck and many different species of birds.

Type of Horses: We mainly ride South African Boerperds, a beautiful and elegant stamp of horse, sensitive, responsive, well tempered, forward going and very brave. Other appropriate breeds used are Thoroughbred crosses, Warmbloods and Arabs. The heights of our horses vary between 14,2 and 16,2 hands. There is a suitable horse (30 horses) for the competitive rider as well as for the steady hack. Every effort is made to match horse and rider. All horses are getting trained in basic dressage in the riding arena in the way the GFN (German National Equestrian Federation) recommends. This ensures that your horse is responsive, well mannered and fun to ride. All horses are spirited and forward going, some obviously more than others.

Visas: Visitors from the UK to South Africa do not currently require a visa for entry into South Africa.

Weight Limit: Maximum weight is 210 lbs (15 stone)

Weather: We are blessed with almost year-round sunshine, it can get rather hot in the summer month (October-March) averaging 32°C. Don't be surprised to find your late afternoon growing heavy with pregnant clouds and being punished with short drenching thunderstorms. Winter (April-September) is a sunny season of chilly early mornings, warm to hot midday's (25° C) and cool to cold nights (can get down to 5° C at night in June and July).