Songimvelo Wilderness Safari
8 days - Johannesburg to Johannesburg
This safari is a challenging and really exciting ride in a remote mountainous area close to the South Africa and Swaziland border. Songimvelo is true wilderness - most of the reserve can only be accessed by foot or on horseback. Magnificent mountains surround the game-filled plains and valleys and provide superb riding over varied terrain. There are numerous river crossings, steep climbs and descents and opportunities for some fast riding with good sightings of wildlife. Although there are no lion in the reserve there are numerous elephant, buffalo and rhino and a plethora of antelope and other species.Owned and operated by Steven and Lucy Rufus, you can be sure of a truly personalised and professional safari. Steven is an outstanding guide and horseman and this ride is probably one of the best in Africa.
Steven will determine the actual itinerary, with the best interests of the group and horses in mind, taking into consideration the terrain and weather conditions but a sample itinerary is given below.- Day 1 (L,D)
- On arrival in Johannesburg you will be met and transferred by road to the Homestead at Dawsons Lodge (approximately 3 hours). After a safety briefing meet your horse and enjoy your first ride, returning to the lodge for dinner and a good night's sleep.
- Day 2 (B,L,D)
- An early start to set off on safari. The horses will travel ahead by truck and you will transfer by vehicle from Dawsons Lodge into Songimvelo Game Reserve. You set off riding for approximately 4 to 5 hours (with regular breaks) riding on the plains towards Wind Hoek Base Camp, with numerous river crossings, and a lunch stop at the Hippo pools. The plains are abundant with wildlife and surrounded by magnificent mountains. Arrive at Wind Hoek Base Camp mid afternoon. The support team will have set up a comfortable camp, including a bucket shower and long drop toilet facilities.
- Day 3 (B,L,D)
- A full day ride that takes you down the mountains, into a valley, game viewing and crossing through rivers and over the plains. Return to Wind Hoek Base Camp late afternoon.
- Day 4 (B,L,D)
- Ride into the stunning mountains with pack-horses and all the equipment required to spend a night out under the stars. This is challenging - though spectacular - mountain pass riding. After lunch at a fabulous location, ride on to the evening's resting place and enjoy a simple evening meal and a magical night spent in the bush. Sleeping bags will be provided.
- Day 5 (B,L,D)
- After breakfast at your mountain camp, descend to Komati River plains. This area has great game viewing and potential encounters with white rhino. Continue on to Wind Hoek Camp, arriving in time for a late lunch.
- Day 6 (B,L,D)
- Today you explore gold mines and have another opportunity to spot the abundant game. Ride for approximately 3 /4 hours in the morning, and arrive back in camp for a late lunch and afternoon at leisure.
- Day 7 (B,L,D)
- Ride to Ebutsini Village, game viewing along the way and enjoying the dramatic scenery. Arrive at Ebutsini mid/late afternoon and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure after settling in to the traditional rondavels. The evening will be spent at the village enjoying the entertainment and cuisine Swazi style.
- Day 8 (B)
- A final morning ride to visit a local school, before departing around midday for the return transfer to Johannesburg and your flight to London.
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- Cost per person:
- Ride Only: £1,505
- Includes: Return transfers from Johannesburg, all accommodation, meals as indicated, wine with evening meals, horse riding, guiding and park fees. If you prefer to self-drive and do not require the transfers from Johannesburg the price is £1390.
- All Inclusive: From £2,150 depending on the season.
- Includes: Flights, taxes, transfers from and to Johannesburg, all accommodation, meals as indicated, wine with evening meals, horse riding, guiding and park fees.
- Single Supplement: None if prepared to share.
- Departure Dates: 02, 16, 30 Mar, 13, 27 Apr, 04, 18, 25 May, 08, 22 Jun, 06, 20 July, 03, 17, 31 Aug, 14, 21 Sep, 05, 12, 19 Oct. Please note that 20 July and 03 August are special Children Safaris, open to parents and children of under 16, subject to riding experience. Departures from UK are one day earlier.
- The Accommodation: You will spend the first night of your safari at the Homestead at Dawson's Game and Trout Lodge. This has five rooms, of which four are en-suite. In the reserve you will stay in dome tents with proper beds and duvets. Clients are required to bring their own towel. A long drop loo and bucket shower is provided at each campsite. A mess tent is erected for dining should the weather be inclement. Depending on the group one night may be spent 'camping' in the mountains. The last night will be spent at Ebutsini Village, a traditional style Swazi village where accommodation is provide in thatched huts with en-suite facilities, a wonderful way to end the safari.
- Food & Drink: Food throughout is of a high standard. At the Homestead a superb chef prepares the meals. The normal pattern on safari will be an early morning call followed by a full breakfast and tea or coffee. You generally make your own saddlebag picnic and can choose from bread rolls and tasty snacks and fillings. In the evening, professional chefs cook a two course meal. Emphasis is placed on good South African bush cooking. At Ebutsini Village you will be served traditional Swazi cuisine. On safari, guests are provided with fruit cordial, bottled water, tea and coffee. Beer and house wine is served with dinner, although the amount is necessarily limited by space in the support vehicle. Clients may bring their own duty free if they wish to have spirits. Vegetarians can be catered for but other more restricted diets are not possible.
- Laundry: Not available.
- Children: 16 and over are accepted on the Songimvelo Safari. Younger children who are experienced riders can be accepted as part of a family safari. For further details please call 0845 130 6981.
- Non-Riders: Not suitable.