Waterberg Big 5 Adventure Waterberg South Africa Discover the Entabeni Reserve of South Africa, its wildlife and nature from the back of a horse: an overwhelming feeling! Travel as the first settlers did many years ago: listen to the rhythmic sound of hooves galloping on paths used only by animals, the horses breathing breaking the silence, the pungent aroma of horse sweat in the air... We aim to convey a feeling of traveling back in time, disconnecting form everyday life and taking time to absorb the peace and tranquility of an African safari. On this safari, you will experience pure adrenaline mixed with an ever-changing scenery and variety of wildlife, which will give you a true sense of freedom and excitement. If you would like to design your own safari, we can accommodate a minimum of two people and maximum of eight, on our private rides. This is ideal for people who cannot travel on set dates or would like to base the ride at one or two lodges, or travel for a shorter number of days. Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Family Vacation Safari Ride Meeting: Airport: Johannesburg Transfer: Johannesburg Airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Gratuity:
We recommend 10 euros per person per day. Tips can be paid by card or cash (Euros, USD and South African Rands are all accepted).

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up and Drop-off transfers are available from/to Johannesburg International Airport for an extra fee. Transfers might also be possible from Pretoria City - please inquire.

NOTE: Please note that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events, the itineraries and accommodations used may change at the last minute.

The lower part of the reserve is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) while the upper escarpment is a rhino reserve with plenty of giraffes and other ungulates. There are no lions and no elephants on the upper escarpment.

Sample Itinerary: 8-day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
You will be met at OR Tambo international Airport, by one of our representatives, to be transferred to Entabeni Game Reserve (about a 2.5 hour drive), heading North to reach the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere.
You will be welcomed by our team, at our “camp”, where lunch is served.
Then, enjoy your first game drive, with a chance to see the Big 5 from the vehicle. Return to the fly camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 2 (Sunday): Game Reserve Ride
Early wake up and breakfast (served at 6:30 am) before you set off on a 2.5 hour ride to the reserve. At noon we will stop for a bush lunch near a dam. 
After lunch, continue the ride for another 2.5 hours before returning to the accommodation to freshen up. Get ready for a game drive at 3:30pm to capture some more impressions and hopefully some of the Big 5 on camera.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 3 (Monday): Yellowwood Escarpment Ride
Start with a 6:00 am game drive followed by breakfast at 9:00 am. Our ride starts later today when the lions feel lazier. Ride through the lower escarpment and climb the steep Yellowwood Escarpment (some walking is required, and there is a vehicle accompanying the group if anybody wishes to drive up) before stopping 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.
We should arrive at Fly Camp by 3:30 pm after a 4.5-hour journey on horseback and about 40 minutes on foot, up the steepest man-made road. Enjoy welcome drinks and wildlife views from camp. Guests should have comfortable shoes to walk in and chaps for this stretch. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly camp

Day 4 (Tuesday): Entabeni Ride
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly camp

Day 5 (Wednesday): Dam ride
This morning, go on a 3-hour ride with some more technical riding as you meander through rock formations and stop by one of the dams with possible hippo sightings. Bush lunch around 12:30 pm before continuing our ride until about 3:30pm. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly Camp

Day 6 (Thursday): Ride to Kingfisher Lodge
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kingsfisher Lodge

Day 7 (Friday): Ride Down
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 get in the saddle at about 9:00 am to descend the escarpment, 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 8 (Saturday): 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 camp before your transfer to the airport. Transfers typically depart around 1:00 pm for the 3-hour drive to OR Tambo.
Please confirm flight details to adjust if needed.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: 6-day program - subject to changes

Note that this program can be shortened (minimum of 4 night's stay).

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
You will be met at OR Tambo international Airport, by one of our representatives, to be transferred to Entabeni Game Reserve (about a 2.5 hour drive), heading North to reach the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere.
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. 
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wildside tented camp

Day 2 (Monday): Yellowwood Escarpment Ride
Start with a 6:00 am game drive followed by breakfast at 9:00 am. Our ride starts later today when the lions feel lazier. Ride through the lower escarpment and climb the steep Yellowwood Escarpment (some walking is required, and there is a vehicle accompanying the group if anybody wishes to drive up) before stopping 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.
We should arrive at Fly Camp by 3:30 pm after a 4.5-hour journey on horseback and about 40 minutes on foot, up the steepest man-made road. Enjoy welcome drinks and wildlife views from camp. Guests should have comfortable shoes to walk in and chaps for this stretch. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly camp

Day 3 (Tuesday): Entabeni Ride
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Fly camp

Day 4 (Wednesday): Dam Ride
This morning, go on a 3-hour ride with some more technical riding as you meander through rock formations and stop by one of the dams with possible hippo sightings. Bush lunch around 12:30 pm before continuing our ride until about 3:30pm. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fly camp 

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Kingfisher Lodge
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kingfisher Lodge

Day 6 (Friday): Departure
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 get in the saddle at about 7:30 am to descend the escarpment, 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. On arrival at the lower escarpment, we will have dayrooms available for showering, and optional lunch can be pre-booked before departure. Departure tends to be around 1:00 pm with arrival at the airport at 4:30 pm for ongoing flights.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Sterkriver area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	90	90	88	84	80	76	75	81	87	89	89	89
Average Low Temperature (°F)	65	65	62	57	49	43	42	49	57	61	63	65
Average High Temperature (°C)	32	32	31	29	27	24	24	27	31	32	32	32
Average Low Temperature (°C)	18	18	17	14	9	6	6	9	14	16	17	18
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	7	6	5	2	1	0	0	0	1	3	7	7

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The region is malaria-free and benefits from a moderate climate with a summer rainfall.

Summer
Days tend to be hot during the day and comfortably cool 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.

Winter
The winter months tend to be dry, with little to no rainfall and warm daytime temperatures. The temperatures at night can reach below 8 Degrees Celsius, so be sure to bring something warm!
Rides start later in the morning as the day warms up, and will also leave earlier in the afternoon.

We recommend the following in a soft bag (no hard case luggage please).

Riding Equipment:

• Neutral colored riding clothes / Jodhpurs
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Riding shoes
• Chaps

Clothing:

• Walking shoes
• Sandals
• Long-sleeved cotton shirts
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Cotton trousers
• Raincoat / Waterproof cape (for the summer)
• Windbreaker (for autumn and spring)
• Sweater (for winter)
• Hat
• Bathing suit (for summer)
• Warm socks (for winter)
• Fleece

Other:

• Swiss army knife
• Water bottle
• Handkerchief
• Water purifier (Micropur)
• Personal pharmacy (prescription drugs, aspirin...)
• Anti paludean treatment
• Mosquito spray (for the summer)
• Lip stick
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Glasses if you need them or in case you lose your contact lenses
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Flashlight
• Lighter
• Earplug
• IDs
• Insurance certificate

 

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying at different deluxe bush camps and lodges. 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.

Cell service is usually available most of the time while riding in the reserve. Our guides always have a radio to keep in touch at any time.

Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day program - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Wildside Tented Camp
Night 3, 4 & 5: Fly camp
Night 6: Kingfisher Lodge
Night 7: Wildside Tented Camp

Accommodation Itinerary for 6-day program - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Wildside Tented Camp
Night 3 & 4: Fly camp
Night 5: Kingfisher Lodge


Wildside Tented Camp
It is one of the most charming accommodations on the reserve, with a real African wilderness feel. It is located on the lower escarpment and offers 20 comfortable en-suite tented chalets, all equipped with a tea/coffee station, a minibar (stocked on request), a ceiling fan and a hairdryer.
This camp is fully equipped with Wi-Fi access and electricity.


Fly Camp
Our fly camp is set up exclusively for the group booked and can be broken down in 24 hours (leaving no trace of our passage). We choose the location for its natural beauty, safety and ambience so to allow guests to experience the true wilderness and spend a few days under traditional style canvas tents. Our Fly Camp is usually set up by natural rock pools, allowing guest to relax in the sun or swim when water levels are high.
Each tent can sleep two people, in military style bed frames with a comfortable mattress and white linen and duvets. The tents are high enough to walk in comfortably and are finished with a carpet and a bedside table. The tents are connected between each other with lantern lit pathways. Facilities are shared (long drop loo and bucket shower). There is no Wi-Fi access.
Dinners in the riverbed, are a must at this location as well as cozy evenings by the fire after the days ride to discuss the happening of the day.

Kingfisher Lodge
Ideally located on the banks of Lake Entabeni, this stunning lodge offers 8 suites. Each suite features an ensuite bathroom, a tea & coffee station, ceiling fan, a safe, a heater and a fireplace.
As the most luxurious of all the upper escarpment lodges, the ambience is inviting with stylish décor and custom designed furniture.
There is a swimming pool and a beautiful wooden deck where guests can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
If you are willing to share, the single supplement fee does not apply.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
Unfortunately, we are unable to cater to celiacs (but gluten-free diets are okay) and vegans.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Trail saddles (some English saddles available) Snaffle bits
Horses:		Boerperd, Thoroughbred, Anglo Arab and mix
Pace:		Depending on weather, sightings and guests fitness (4-6 hours in the saddle per riding day - approx 15km daily) Some longer canters where possible. Mostly walking and tracking game. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(4 to 5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 210 lbs / 95 kg
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders

Our horse safari groups are small, and we ensure personal attention is given to our guests. There is one lead guide and a backup guide for each safari.

Horses
Our Herd of Boerperd crosses, hardy Thoroughbreds, and draft crosses are carefully selected for their temperament and ability. These horses come from diverse backgrounds, yet they all share key qualities—sure-footedness, bravery, and a kind nature—that make them ideal companions for safaris.
We prioritise the well-being of our horses, ensuring they are rotated regularly with a ratio of one day off for every day worked. Each horse takes part in a maximum of two safaris per month and is schooled between safaris to keep them happy and in top shape for exploring the bush. Every horse is personally trained by the owner, who ensures they are well-prepared and responsive.
Our horses roam freely on the nature reserve, allowing them to build confidence and stay relaxed when ridden through diverse habitats. It’s not uncommon to find them grazing peacefully alongside wildlife as part of their daily routine. Each morning, they come in for feeding and exercise, and they receive a second feeding at sunset.
We take great care in their health and well-being, ensuring regular deworming and treatments to protect them from ticks, which are common in the area. Most of our horses are barefoot, and our farrier visits every 6 to 7 weeks to ensure their hooves are in excellent condition.

Equipment
Most of our horses are ridden with snaffle bits, ensuring gentle communication between rider and horse. For our horseback safaris, we use comfortable trail saddles, designed for long rides through the wilderness. Each saddle is equipped with small bags for your convenience, allowing you to easily carry essentials like water, a hat, or small devices.
If you prefer, English saddles are available upon request.
Helmets are mandatory, so please bring your own for safety and comfort during your safari.

Riding Style
Our horses are trained in the English riding style, but they can be ridden with either two hands (English style) or one hand (Western style), depending on your preference. On the trail, we tend to ride with long reins, allowing the horses to stretch out and move more comfortably, ensuring they can clearly see where they’re placing their feet. Their independent thinking, sure-footedness, and versatility are just one of the many strengths of our bush horses.
Our rides can be fast-paced at times and may require quick reactions from riders due to unexpected wildlife encounters. As such, a certain level of riding experience is required.

Terrain & Riding Experience
Challenging terrain at times, with steep slopes. Leading the horse will sometimes be necessary.
To ensure both a safe and enjoyable safari experience, we require guests to have at least 10 years of riding experience. You should be comfortable riding a horse that is not your own and able to mount and dismount with ease. Riders must be confident at all paces—walk, trot, canter, and gallop, using light-seat. If you're unsure about your riding ability, please contact us and provide a video of your riding ability so we can assess your level and discuss suitable options.

Children
If you're traveling with a child, please reach out to us. While we generally have a minimum age requirement of 14 years, this can be reviewed based on the child's riding proficiency.

Passports

Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Passport Note

Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. This cannot include the 'endorsement' page at the back. Passengers who also require a visa must have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for their entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter South Africa without the required pages will be returned to their country of origin.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days for business and tourist purposes, except:

1. nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic who may stay for up to 30 days, and nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia who do require a visa, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (advance notice of overnight stay is required).

Visa Note

(a) Proof of financial means may be required. (b) Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years must hold written consent from their parents when travelling alone. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (d) After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visa fee: £35. UK nationals are exempt from visa fees.

Validity

Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.

Working Days Required

Five to 10 days. 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	Some
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.