Gallop into the inspiring theater of the Kruger and ride horses into the landscape of Africa's great mammals. For seven days, journey deep into the bush to explore areas inaccessible to vehicles. Ride alongside zebras, watch elephants wander past and encounter the exhilarating sides of Kruger. Handcrafted for experienced riders, this 10-day itinerary blends raw adventure with luxury accommodation, plus two days of game drives that provide experiences with the big cats.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Makhutswe – Relaxed Welcomes Along the River
Fly to Hoedspruit via Johannesburg to touch down in the northeast of South Africa. One glance, and you sense the expressiveness of the landscape. Nature seems to roll uninterrupted, the bushveld unfurling until it blurs into the horizon. Observe the lack of development as just a couple of roads wind beneath the jackalberry trees as you are picked up at the airport for a short transfer to camp, where your luxury suite hangs elegantly above the Makhutswe River. Hippos are already visible, along with the tentative drinking of impala and springbok. In the late afternoon, head out on horseback, an easy ride that's designed as an introduction to the horses and the landscape. It's nothing strenuous, just a chance to get familiar before your big adventure begins.
What's Included:
Day 2
Makhutswe – Easy Riding and Getting Ready for the Safari Adventure
Day 3
Makalali Private Game Reserve – Crossing Plains Filled with Zebra, Wildebeest, and More
Day 4
Makalali Private Game Reserve – Exploring the Wildlife of the Kruger
Day 5
Makalali Private Game Reserve – Galloping Across Kruger's Inspiring Scale
Day 6
Makalali Private Game Reserve – Riding Further Into an Untouched Realm
Day 7
Makalali Private Game Reserve – Flexible Day of Riding Around Garonga
Day 8
Balule Game Reserve – Allowing the Wildlife to Come to You
Day 9
Balule Game Reserve – Big Five Game Drives Through the Kruger Ecosystem
Day 10
Balule Game Reserve – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Spend seven days riding through the Kruger ecosystem, crossing vast grassy plains and riding deep into one of the world's most uninterrupted landscapes
- Encounter many of Africa's magnificent animals from horseback, including elephant herds, giraffe, buffalo, and rhino
- Gallop alongside zebra herds, canter besides various antelope, and become a part of the Kruger landscape
- Enjoy luxury picnics on route, at fantastic spots that overlook rivers filled with hippos and plains dappled with herds
- Savor the adventure by riding into landscapes that are inaccessible to, and uninterrupted by, safari vehicles
- Ride out to remote camps and lodges, where you are surrounded by the antics of Kruger's magnificent animals
- Complete the Big Five experience with two days of game drives in Balule Game Reserve to spot the big cats in their realm
Starting Price
$6,900 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.95 stars based on 1165 reviews.
The trip was the best we have ever had. Africa is a very special place. Zicasso's travel expert did a fantastic job of organizing the itinerary. The only disappointment was that we were not scheduled to see the mass migration across the river.
Reviewed By Andrew K.
Zicasso’s travel agent put together an amazing trip for our family. This travel agent was incredibly responsive.
Reviewed By David W.
We had an amazing trip, planned by Zicasso's travel partner. This is the first time I've ever used a travel agent and I'll admit, I was nervous. She took all of our feedback into consideration while planning. I highly recommend!
Reviewed By Kris C.
This was a well-planned trip that was personally rewarding and fulfilling.
This trip provided a great balance of the diverse locations from both countries (Namibia and South Africa).
I chose Zicasso as, at this stage of life, when taking well-deserved vacations, I just want to pay, pack, show up and have everything (accommodations, transportation, domestic and international flights, tours, attention to safety, and additional recommendations) accounted for. And that is exactly what the Zicasso's travel expert provided via her tour agency.
I was able to share my must-haves/nice-to-haves and she customized a vacation package that tended to every detail. It was a wonderful balance of rustic and luxury. It was also our July “birthdaycation” for my aunt and me, and we were surprised at multiple locations with surprise birthday acknowledgements. Birthdays are very special to me, so this was a major “icing” on the cake for me on this vacation.
Although there was a minor “hiccup” on the day of arrival, the travel specialist's “on-the-ground” (local) staff pivoted and quickly and professionally found another option for us for our airport pickup. This shows the mark of a company interested in ensuring the complete satisfaction of their clients.
For the destinations the travel expert specializes in, they will be my first point of contact when looking to make my next vacation destination.
Well done!
Reviewed By Andrea +.
The trip was carefully planned and we received optimal assistance throughout the trip and constant availability and monitoring during the journey. Our Zicasso travel agent was very professional and always available to respond to our requests and needs. The choice of hotels was excellent and reflected the expectations. The activities offered in the different locations were very well structured and the guides were of high quality, particularly those in Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta.
Reviewed By Roberto B.
Our family had a blast in South Africa, thanks to Zicasso's travel designer. She was meticulous in the planning and gave some good suggestions that worked well for our group. From fast-track tickets up to Table Mountain to food recommendations, she curated an itinerary that made the trip a breeze.
The guide in Cape Town was a wellspring of knowledge. We learned so much about the country from her, from history to economics and culture.
The safari portion of the trip was most memorable. The resort in Hoedspruit was just what the family needed.
We will definitely look up this travel company for future trips.
Reviewed By Lauren L.