Riding, Relaxing, and Big Five

8 nights from €2300

Embark on an exclusive horse safari in the private wilderness of Pakamisa, KwaZulu-Natal, where riders witness the enchanting beauty of African wildlife and enjoy an overnight stay in a Big Five reserve for a chance to encounter these majestic creatures up close.

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal
8 nights
4 hours of riding per day
OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Group size: 16 max, 2 min

Embark on an exclusive horse safari and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring diversity of African wildlife within a privately inaccessible reserve. This exceptional experience takes place in the private wildlife haven of Pakamisa, nestled in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. Here, riders are treated to an exclusive journey through the untouched beauty of African bushland, encountering a spectacular array of wildlife and exotic flora.

This South African riding safari promises captivating encounters with a range of remarkable creatures, including leopards, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, wildebeests, red hartebeests, warthogs, bushpigs, kudus, nyalas, impalas, bushbucks, common reedbucks, mountain reedbucks, gray and red duikers, steenboks, klipspringers, baboons, as well as a myriad of smaller mammals, predators, and reptiles. The backdrop is filled with the symphony of nature, not forgetting the diverse bird species that grace the skies.

A highlight of this horse safari are two overnight stays in a Big Five reserve, offering the opportunity for two guided game drives where you may witness the renowned Big Five up close!

More than just a horseback adventure, these safaris blend the joy of riding with a profound appreciation for the wilderness, creating an experience that encapsulates the essence of Africa’s nature, ambiance, and culture. Here, horse and rider become one with their surroundings, sharing the sights, scents, and sounds that make up the exhilarating atmosphere of the African wilderness.

Explore further with other safari options offered by Pakamisa, including a stay at the Pakamisa Lodge, providing stylish accommodations with a pool and gourmet cuisine.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time.

Day 1

Arrival

Upon your morning arrival at Johannesburg Airport, experience a scenic 5.5-hour transfer to Pakamisa Lodge or opt for a self-drive with a rental car if preferred. Upon reaching Pakamisa, take your time to explore the surroundings and settle into your room. Depending on the arrival time, a brief trip to the stables, located about 4 km from the lodge, may introduce you to your four-legged companions for the upcoming days. In the evening, savour a delightful dinner, setting the stage for your first night in South Africa in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Day 2&3

Embark on horseback rides across plains or conquer challenging hills, with each Pakamisa ride providing encounters with the reserve’s diverse wildlife. Accompanied by a professional guide, explore Pakamisa’s untouched wilderness, unraveling the secrets of South Africa’s flora and fauna while sharing the thrill of a horse safari. The riding program at Pakamisa is personalised to the preferences and abilities of each group or individual. Experienced riders can enjoy both morning (approx. 2 hours) and afternoon (approx. 1.5 hours) rides. After an enchanting dinner, retire for the night at Pakamisa Lodge.

Day 4

Once again, venture into the private wildlife reserve on horseback in the morning (approx. 2 hours). In the afternoon you will drive by car to the Big 5 reserve where you will spend the next two days in a luxurious tented camp. Enjoy a first game drive and a delicious dinner after.

Day 5

On this day you will enjoy two exciting game drives on the hunt for the best photo of the Big 4!

Day 6

Early morning brings another game drive, followed by breakfast. Subsequently, return to Pakamisa Lodge. After the jeep safaris, anticipate an afternoon ride with your horses. The day concludes with a delectable meal, and you overnight at Pakamisa Lodge.

Day 7&8

Explore the natural African bush landscape of Pakamisa Wildlife Reserve once again with morning (approx. 2 hours) and afternoon rides (approx. 1.5 hours). The days conclude with an evening meal, and you spend the nights at Pakamisa Lodge.

Day 9

Departure

Before breakfast, embark on a final short ride before bidding farewell to Pakamisa’s horses. After breakfast, departure and transfer or self-drive with the rental car back to Johannesburg Airport from around 11:00 AM.

This itinerary may change at short notice due to weather conditions that prevent riding, such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, and the risk of lightning.

Getting here
Multiple airlines operate flights to Johannesburg or Durban. The vehicle transfer from Johannesburg to Pakamisa takes approximately 5.5 hours, while the journey from Durban is about 4 hours.

PRICES

INCLUDED

6 nights at Pakamisa with 9 horseback rides and full board; 2 night in a Big 5 reserve with 4 guided game drives; Transfers between Pakamisa Lodge and Big 5 Lodge

NOT INCLUDED

Arrival; Airport transfers; All beverages; Laundry service; Additional excursions; Insurances; Tips and personal expenses

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Transfer Durban per vehicle from €800.00 , 4 hours per trip, 1-4 persons Subject to short-notice changes due to rising fuel prices
Transfer Johannesburg per vehicle from €820.00, 6 hours per trip, 1-4 persons Subject to short-notice changes due to rising fuel prices
Single room supplement depends on the choice of the Big 5 Lodge & the season.

NEAREST AIRPORT

OR Tambo International airport, Johannesburg or King Shaka Airport, Durban.

WEIGHT LIMIT

Weight limit for riders is max. 80 kg in full gear.

ENQUIRE NOW

The accommodation

The Pakamisa Lodge is an exclusive retreat where a maximum of 16 guests are welcomed in 8 spacious suites, each featuring a comfortable lounge, luxurious bathroom, mini-bar, safe, tea and coffee corner, and a private terrace boasting breathtaking views. Positioned to offer a dreamlike panoramic vista over the Pongola River valley and the adjacent mountains, the lodge’s solid brick construction and soaring ceiling heights exceeding 8 meters create an unparalleled sense of comfort. As the day winds down, guests gather around an open campfire under the African sky, serenaded by the unique sounds of the surrounding wilderness.

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The lodge’s amenities include the gourmet restaurant “El Prado,” a grand main building (lobby) with expansive, high-ceilinged lounges, cozy seating areas, a fireplace, Hunter’s Bar, an elegant library stocked with German and English literature, a TV room, a large swimming pool, and an inviting open fire pit (Boma).

Perched on the climatically favored high plateau of the Pakamisa Massif, the Pakamisa Hotel provides guests with a breathtaking panoramic view of the evergreen Pongola River valley and the surrounding mountains. The hotel complex, designed in the Italo-Spanish architectural style reminiscent of colonial times, accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in 8 spacious suites. Each suite, themed after a specific African wild animal, is adorned with valuable paintings and local art objects, creating a unique and personalized atmosphere. The solid brick construction and ceiling heights exceeding 8 meters contribute to an exceptionally pleasant indoor climate, reminiscent of the legendary luxury hotels of past tropical epochs.

The central Main House is a hub for relaxation and socialising, offering vast lounges, a multilingual hotel library with rare bibliophilic treasures, a cozy Hunter’s Bar, and a spacious terrace with a fantastic view extending far into the Kingdom of Swaziland.

For additional entertainment and relaxation, guests can enjoy the large rock pool with sun decks and the pool bar.

In the El Prado restaurant—an exquisite “temple for epicurean delights”—even the most discerning guest will find culinary satisfaction. From breakfast through lunch and 5 o’clock tea with cocktail music to the glamorous evening dinner with concert entertainment, the kitchen and cellar deliver the finest experiences in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere. The day concludes with a romantic open campfire under the African sky, creating a memorable ambiance with the unique sounds of the surrounding wilderness.