On day 1 of the Signature Safari, you’ll be met by a representative of our ride partners at the airport in Johannesburg in the morning, then take a 2.5 to 3 hour vehicle transfer to the beautiful lakeside safari lodges where you’ll spend the first two nights. After a light lunch and afternoon tea, you’ll meet the horses and mount up for a relaxed introductory ride in the Bushveld, a huge subtropical woodland ecosystem teeming with animals and blessed with firm yet sandy soil that is perfect for riding.

The second day begins with a sporty morning ride through an open valley, where you’ll encounter plains game such as kudu, sable, reedbuck, and more. On the way back to the lodge, you’ll enjoy splashy canters along the lake, and maybe even swim the horses! The afternoon ride heads east along the river, where you’re likely to encounter hippos and more plains-dwelling herds. Days 3 and 4 involve extensive rides to the Bellevue Lodges at the southern edge of the reserve, where you’ll find giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and maybe even Cape buffalo, one of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ species. The return ride to the main lodge is followed by a vehicle safari in a nearby reserve to see elephant, lion and rhino. Day 5 starts with an early morning ride deep into the reserve for a bush breakfast, followed by an afternoon ride to Camp Davidson for a night under (very luxurious) canvas. Day 6 promises more excitement with a ride to hippo-filled Sunset Lake, canters on the water’s edge, polocrosse, and a pre-dinner wine tasting. On day 7, the morning route winds through a valley to the eastern edge of the reserve, then ascends to the highlands, with extended canters and breathtaking views. The afternoon’s ride is peppered with optional cross-country jumps, leading to a stunning sundowner spot with panoramic views over rolling hills.

Day 8 begins with one final, glorious ride, the destination chosen by your group. Perhaps you’ll revisit a favourite trail, or discover a new corner of the reserve. No doubt there’ll be a few free-flying canters thrown in to ensure your safari ends on a high. After lunch in the lodge gardens, you’ll say your goodbyes and be transferred back to Johannesburg for your onward travels.

Welcome to South Africa! Today you’ll fly into Johannesburg and be met by representatives from our ride partners, who will transfer you to Camp Davidson, nestled amongst sandstone ridges overlooking game-filled valleys. The drive takes around 3 hours and you’ll arrive in the afternoon. After a late lunch, you’ll meet the horses and mount up for your first South African safari – hooray! You’re in the Bushveld, a huge subtropical woodland ecosystem teeming with animals and blessed with firm yet sandy soil that is perfect for riding. The landscape ranges from forest to grassland to wetland.

Tonight you’ll savour the many delights of Camp Davidson – think ‘hotel under canvas’. Wear your stretchy pants – dinner is going to be a feast!

Today you’ll pack your bags and ride south from Camp Davidson to the game conservancy. The route traverses a wide wetland, dense woodland, and open grasslands with sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Known as ‘Little Serengeti’, these plains support herds of eland, wildebeest, kudu, sable antelope, red hartebeest, cape buffalo and giraffe.

Lunch will be enjoyed poolside at Savannah Lodge, then after the customary midday rest you’ll ride on to explore more of this rich game area. Evening brings sundowners overlooking the plains and yet another delicious dinner at Savannah Lodge.

African Explorer:

You will have the opportunity to participate in a game drive in Mashatu Game Reserve for an additional cost of approximately $86 USD per person (price is subject to change) which can be paid on-site with cash or card.

All-levels Lodge Ride & Signature Safari:

The following excursions are available at an additional cost on the All-levels Lodge Ride and the Signature Safari. They can be booked and paid for on-site – just speak with your hosts.
*Entabeni Private Game Reserve – Big Five Game Drive – offered on Wednesday afternoons (subject to weather conditions) in place of a ride, for an additional £98 GBP per person (price is subject to change) which can be paid on-site with cash or card.
*Adventures with Elephants – an amazing experience getting really up close to elephants. This can be an afternoon or full day excursion, in place of one or two rides, depending on how many activities you choose to book. Most guests make a day of it and book the Educational Experience as well as either the Elephant Bath or Nature Walk.
*Lekhalo Zipline – an exciting morning or afternoon excursion that can be organised for families in place of a ride.
*Vaalwater shopping trip – an afternoon exploring the nearby town of Vaalwater and its markets and stores offering art, curios, decor and souvenirs.

Transfers to/from Johannesburg Airport are NOT included in the ride price but are available for an additional cost.

All-Levels Lodge Ride:

Shared group road transfers are offered for £138 GBP per person each way. In order to connect with the shared group transfers, you need to arrive at Johannesburg International Airport before 10:15am on day 1, and departing flights are to be after 7:30pm on the final day.

Private transfers are offered at a price of £324 GBP per person each way for flights outside of these times (within daylight hours).

Signature Safari:

Shared group road transfers are offered for £75 GBP per person each way. In order to connect with the shared group transfers on this Sunday-to-Sunday itinerary, you need to arrive at Johannesburg International Airport before 10:15am on day 1, and departing flights are to be after 7:30pm on the final day.

Private transfers are offered at a price of £324 GBP per person each way for flights outside of these times (within daylight hours).

African Explorer:

Transfers are available for £520 GBP per person, or £560 GBP per person in 2025 and include a departing charter flight from Mashatu Game Reserve to Johannesburg at the end of your ride. In order to connect with the vehicle transfer on day 1, you need to arrive at Johannesburg International Airport before 9:30am. If you’re flying out from Johannesburg on the final day, please ensure your flight departs after 8pm.

NB: There are strict luggage allowances on the charter flight. Please refer to the packing list you’ll receive (once booked) for further details on these restrictions.