South Africa ~ Bhangazi Horse Safaris

The St Lucia Wetland Park is on South Africa's east coast, bordering the Indian Ocean, just below Mozambique. Classified a World Heritage Area, the Park covers a mosaic of landforms that support a very wide variety of animals, birds and plants. From the tops of the world’s tallest forested dunes you can watch whales breaching in the Indian Ocean; at the same time you might see white rhino grazing the coastal plain. There is also 220 kilometres of wild, pristine beach where turtles nest and dolphins play in the surf and a horse is one of the best ways to explore this magical combination of wild coast and unspoilt bush that few places in Africa can match. Nights on the True Safari are in luxury safari camps; the adventurous can choose an Adventure Safari, camping out in simpler style.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 4-6 hours a day.

Horses: boerperds, some TB & TB crosses.

Pace: moderate with good chances to canter.

Riding ability: intermediate to experienced riders.

Weight limit: about 95kg (15 stone) but please contact us to discuss if your weight is close to this.

Accommodation: 5Δ camps & 3Δ camps.

Group size: maximum 6 (minimum 2).

The horses include South African Boerperds which are renown for their good tempers and bravery, making them sensitive and forward going rides, some warmbloods and TB crosses. The horses vary from 14.2hh to 16.2hh and all are well schooled and responsive rides to suit all standards. All are ridden in English style with saddles specifically designed for long distances (some English saddles are available) and sheepskins and seat savers are used for added comfort.

Hours: There is usually between 4 and 6 hours a day.

Pace and experience required: To join a safari you must be a fairly experienced rider who is comfortable on a horse at all paces from a walk to fast canter in open country. You will be riding in a varied, open area where there is big game including buffalo and rhino. The going on the safaris is good and there are some long canters where are expected to be in control so need to be confident and fit. If in doubt about ability please contact us.

Accommodation on True Safaris is in walk in colonial style tents, each with their own verandah and en suite bucket shower and loo. Everything is provided from soap and insect repellent to delicious three course meals, with tables set with white linen, silver and crystal.

On Adventure safaris accommodation is in smaller dome tents with stretcher beds. A bucket shower and loo is shared between the camp and meals are good but simple, usually just one course and fruit.

Rates 2010	True Safaris - £250 per night; single supplement - £50 Adventure Safaris - £150 per night; single supplement - £30 (single supplements are not charged if you are prepared to share a tent with another guest if necessary) Note - Rates do not include transfers from / to Richards Bay Rates include - all riding and other activities, twin accommodation, all meals and drinks. Rates exclude - flights to Richards Bay, transfers between Richards Bay and the camp, personal medical insurance (compulsory), any visa fees, personal extras and tips. Single supplements (not charged if you are prepared to share a twin room / tent if necessary).
Dates 2010	aranged to suit
Season:	year round

The nearest airport is Richards Bay there are daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg. Transfer from Richards Bay to the camp can be arranged at a cost of approx £35 per person each way. British Airways, South Africa Airways and Virgin all have direct overnight flights from London to Johannesburg arriving the next morning in time to connect with a flight to Richards Bay. For an economy return flight from London to Richards Bay budget about £750 to £900 (varies with the season and availability).

Itinerary in Brief (True Safari)

Day 1	Arrive Richards Bay, met and driven about an hour to camp set up in the St Lucia Wetlands. Lunch and settle in before meeting the horses for an evening ride and first view of the area. Return to camp as the sun sets for drinks, hot showers, dinner and the night.
Day 2	An early breakfast and set off to explore the reserve while the game is most active. Return to camp for lunch and a siesta. The afternoon ride is often at a faster pace and you may canter along the shores of lake St Lucia, before returning to camp for dinner and the night.
Day 3	Breakfast and perhaps ride up onto the grass covered dunes where herds of buffalo graze in secluded valleys. From the tops there are wonderful views out to the Indian Ocean and you might catch a glimpse of a humpback whale in the far distance. Ride back to camp for lunch and in the afternoon explore an area in the south of the park where there are a number of pools hosting hippo and many different water birds amongst the open grassland.
Day 4	Breakfast and set off on a long morning ride, heading north along the edge of the marshes towards Lake Bhangazi. You may see zebra and wildebeest on the way, as well as a number of different antelope. Crocodiles can be seen sunning themselves on shores of Lake Bhangazi and there are also many hippo wallowing in the shallow water. A bush lunch on the shores of the lake before loading the horses and driving back to camp for a siesta. In the late afternoon you may set off again to try and track wild dog. Dinner and night in camp.
Day 5	Breakfast and load up the horses, driving about 20 minutes to Cape Vidal. From here you can ride north along the beautiful white sand beach towards Mozambique. You may be lucky enough to see dolphins playing in the waves and the tracks of turtles which have come ashore to lay their eggs. Opportunities for long canters before riding back to Cape Vidal and time for a swim in the sea before returning to camp for lunch. A late afternoon ride, perhaps riding to the mouth of a small stream on Lake St Lucia, a favoured nesting place for crocodiles and waterbirds.
Day 6	Breakfast and a final morning ride before your onward journey.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions