Big Five Horse Riding Safari & Game Drives in Kruger

Elephants at Makalali Private Game Reserve in South Africa

What to expect on this itinerary

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.

Countries Visited

South Africa

Places Visited

Kruger, Makhutswe River, Makalali Private Game Reserve, Balule Game Reserve

Suggested Duration

10 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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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:

Accommodation
Transfer
Activity
Dinner
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)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

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.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 1122 reviews

Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

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Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

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Grace J.
South Africa Travel Review: Safaris, 1 Week

We had an awesome trip. Zicasso's travel expert was amazing. She accomplished everything.

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Nancy H.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Cape Town, Franschhoek, Wine Tasting, Elephant Experience, River Cruise, Wildlife, Nature, Scenery, 13 Nights

Zicasso's trip planner arranged the most fabulous trip for my family. She knew exactly what I wanted and delivered a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa! She always answered my questions promptly. She chose memorable experiences for us, our lodgings were top-notch, and she "kept in touch, behind the scenes," to ensure all elements were going smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone planning a trip to Africa!

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LESLIE W.
Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique Trip Review: Gorilla Trek, Bush Camps, 3 Weeks

It was very well planned. Zicasso's travel specialist was responsive and flexible in the planning process and throughout the final details.

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Catherine R.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Vacation Review: Safari, 11 Nights

The trip was amazing. Zicasso's trip expert did an awesome job planning the trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and exceeded all of our expectations. The “in-country” travel was seamless. Our accommodations and tours were all top-notch. I can‘t thank her enough for planning this awesome experience.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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