Since Africa was first discovered, the allure of wildlife and undulating, diverse terrain has been irresistible to those wanting to dive headfirst into what the world of travel has to offer. A trip to Southern Africa reveals several key attractions such as the world-famous Kruger Park and Okavango Delta.
While there are many safari packages that offer you the chance to explore these regions by 4X4, a novel method takes you back to the explorers of yore; such as blazing a trail through the veld on horseback.
Kruger National Park
A natural treasure of South Africa, the Kruger National Park is home to many private reserves. The Karongwe-Makalali Game Reserves encompass 25,000 hectares that are ringed by the impressive Klein Drakensberg Mountains and decorated in a tapestry of bushveld and greenery. Along with the extraordinary setting, you will be graced with the presence of the Big Five, wild dog, hippo, cheetah and numerous other game and birdlife.
There are 40 horses that call the stables at Karongwe home which range from South African Boerperd, Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds as well as hardy bush horses. The tours are run by Philip and Gerti Kusseler who have 15 years’ experience in horseback safaris and do their utmost to match the best horse with their client. There are three horseback safaris to choose from and each varies in length from 5, 7, and 9 night safaris –with each allowing the tour group to stay at a different camp within the reserve.
Try: The Big Five Safari
Comprising 8 days and 7 nights, you will spend 4 nights at base camp, 1 night in a fly camp and 2 nights in the luxurious Camp Phiva in the Makalali Game Reserve. Camp Phiva provides guests with private ensuite chalets, outdoor showers and private salas (pavilions). This package is perfect as it runs all year long.
Okavango Delta, Botwswana
One of the most humbling experiences is witnessing the splendour of the wilderness that is the green lung of Botswana; the Okavango Delta. The hub of migration for most of southern and central African wildlife, the vast plethora of permanent and semi-permanent residents include: the African Bush elephant, African buffalo, hippopotamus, lechwe, tsessebe, sitatunga, Blue wildebeest, giraffe, Nile crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, Brown hyena, Spotted hyena, springbok, Greater kudu, Sable antelope, both species of rhino, zebra, warthog, Chacma Baboon and the endangered African wild dog.
The horseback safari tours in the Okavango Delta are run by PJ and Barney Bestelink who started the company in 1986, proving that they have a wealth of knowledge and experience on the area. The horses used are thoroughbreds and include TB crosses, boerperds and Arabians and American Saddle bred crosses. The safari will take you over some 2,500 kilometres of game-rich land and makes use of three camps. Guests spend 4-6 hours per day in the saddle while the remainder of the day is open for relaxation, swimming, game drives or walking safari.
Try: The 7 Night Safari
The safari starts on the first night, making use of two camps while guests can explore the Okavango Delta fully –ensuring a once in a lifetime experience.
Contact African Travel Gateway to enquire about rates and availability
+27 (0) 15 793 1191
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Image Credits:
http://www.desireafricatravel.co.za
http://www.wildandexotic.co.uk
http://www.places.co.za
http://www.aardvarksafaris.co.uk
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