English
DeutschRiding in Africa can take many forms. You may choose to just spend a couple hours in the saddle or enjoy a riding vacation in one of the most unusual sceneries and surroundings you will ever ride. Cantering with zebras and wildebeest is an experience unsurpassed. Full of excitement, pleasures and surprises. Riders craving total wilderness can enjoy rides and “Big 5” territory with elephants, lions, buffalo, rhino and leopard.
South Africa
Riding Holiday on Game Reserve in scenic Waterberg
THE RIDING:
A herd of over 60 free roaming, very well trained horses and can cater for all levels of riders from experienced to complete novice. This is the perfect holiday for those riders wishing to experience the pleasure of riding with African wildlife in the absence of dangerous game. Wildlife to be seen on the reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, various antelope species, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve.
This riding holiday is fully flexible and offers the opportunity for many other activities in addition to game viewing, in particular great outrides over excellent riding country and also polocrosse, cattle mustering, jumping, western games and swimming with your horse. There are two outrides or riding activities a day. Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are somewhat shorter. Jumping is also available on request. Rides are tailormade to suit the needs of our guests and we try to be as flexible as possible.
The distinguishing feature of this safari is its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Horizon Ranch boasts an irreverent zest for life that is truly infectious and will leave you wanting more. We enjoy sharing this wonderful place and our lives with our guests, so come and be part of it.
THE LODGE:
Horizon Ranch is beautifully set alongside a large lake within the estate’s dedicated game reserve. All rooms are en suite with either shower or bath or both facilities. Three double rooms are separate from the main lodge; two suites overlook the lake and have a small veranda area, the rondavel is a traditional african dwelling adjacent to the lodge with its own charm. There is a large living area, dining room and large stoep (or verandah) for guests to enjoy. Three sumptious meals are served a day with afternoon tea before an afternoon ride. All drinks are complimentary. Special dietry requirements can also be catered for on request.
NON RIDING ACTIVITIES:
Cultural tours to visit local families and see their life styles, schools and creches, historical and environmental aspects of the Waterberg area can be explored. Visit craft workshops, Sunday church, farm tours and night star safaris.
BOOKING DETAILS: Can be booked any time of year for any length of time by experienced or non experienced rider (riders will be split into groups according their abilities). Fly into Johannesburg and transfer by road for about 3 hours.
Price 2018: Low Season US$208.- High Season US$270.-pp Peak Season US$282.-pp
Price is per person, sharing accommodation in standard room
Transfer: US$252.- pp, round trip from Johannesburg airport. Some flight arrivals require private transfers at additional cost.
Price includes: Accommodation, riding activities, full board, alcoholic beverages.
Beach Rides in South Africa
Two hour guided beach rides near Cape Town. You will be riding straight through the wetlands for about 20minutes onto beautiful Noordhoek beach. Then along the waters edge towards Chapman’s Peak and back. You may be able to spot birds, whales, otters and seals during the ride.
South Africa & Botswana
8 Day “Big 5” South Africa and Botswana Riding Safari
Your riding safari spans riding in two countries over 8 days, seeing plains game species on horseback and possibly elephant and lion. This eight day safari is for those who want a wonderful horseback game viewing experience, combined with an element of cultural history.
THE RIDING:
The safari combines four nights at Camp Davidson in South Africa with three nights in Botswana’s Tuli Block at Two Mashatu Camp. This combination provides an exceptionally rich and rewarding experience, not only of the African bush and it’s magnificent wildlife but also cultural history of the Waterberg. The topography at each destination is different and distinct and will give you a true flavor of Africa. Each area has its own unique and fascinating niche species, resulting in a broad diversity of animals to be seen.
Please have a look at our sample daily itinerary for this trip here.
This safari is only for experienced riders and offers a wonderful combination of game viewing on horseback and a mix of African culture.
THE CAMPS:
South Africa: Camp Davidson has recently been built high in the bushveld above the Matlapeng valley. It offers the opportunity to explore from a base camp nestled in the heart of the wooded mountains of the Waterberg. The camp commands a wonderful panoramic view of the central highlands of the Waterberg massif, while overlooking the picturesque Sunset Lake at the eastern boundary of Triple B Ranch.
This camp captures good ol’ days atmosphere with beautiful decked canvas tents nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy game filled valleys. Each tent is appointed as it would have been in olden days with classic items that would have been essential to the traveller accustomed to regular nights in the bush.
Depending on the season, the Botswana part of the safari can be done either as a mobile camping safari using wilderness camps or Two Mashatu camp with the added comforts it provides. The Two Mashatus camp is nestled in the shade of a century old Mashatu tree with two traditionally built Lala palm rondavels serveing as dining area and lounge. Accommodation is in big A frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with en-suite enviro loo and hot water shower. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck area on which to relax during the afternoons. The wilderness / satellite camp sites are set up in specific locations throughout the Mashatu Reserve. Accommodation is in smaller A frame tents on comfortable beds with sheets and duvets. Facilities include a bucket shower and “bush-WC”. Meals are cooked over a camp fire.
Camp Davidson is set in a private game reserve which forms part of this historic family estate. It is the perfect holiday for those riders wishing to experience the pleasure of riding with African game but in the absence of dangerous game.
Wildlife to be seen on the reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve. From US$375pp/pn/sharing, US$75.- for morning or afternoon ride.
BOOKING DETAILS: This riding safari is for experienced riders only and a riding test will be submitted upon arrival at the camp. We have between 4-10 departures per month. Please inquire for dates. Non-riders very welcome.
PRICE 2018:
US$2,536.- pp, sharing occupancy, plus road transfer US$406.-pp
Prices includes accommodation, full board, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, experienced guides and rides.
Note: Some flight arrivals require up-charge to private transfers.
C-AE
Botswana
8 Days Mobile Riding Safari in Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana
Spend 8 days in the African bush on this incredible seven night mobile safari in the Tuli Block. Large herds of elephant, leopard, lions (some of them black maned), wildebeest, kudu, eland, impala and waterbuck migrate through the area. Nile crocodile abound in large pools in the Limpopo River, with the occasional hippopotamus. Bird life proliferates in the diverse environment. Tuli is one of the best places in southern Africa for ornithologists. Over 350 species of birds have been identified in the area, including rock thrushes, boulder chats, shrikes and cormorants. Different kinds of kingfishers dart into the streams and rivers, while waders stand in the shallows. The vegetation is spectacular, the scenery diverse. Gigantic nyala trees and the yellow barked fever trees grow along the riverbanks. Gaunt sesame trees take root in rocky outcrops. Characteristic baobab trees are ubiquitous amongst the rock koppies. Animals flourish in the wild terrain. With no fences within the reserve, this is truly one of the wildest places in Africa!
THE RIDING:
A mobile safari, ending each riding day in comfortable walk-in tents with beds, cozy duvets, hot showers and fine dining in lovely settings. A highlight of the trail is two nights spent sleeping out under the stars in an old tribal court called the Kgotla; other nights are at various wilderness camps. The ride covers approximately 120 miles over the course of the week and is scheduled from April to October.
Please have a look at our sample daily itinerary here.
NON RIDERS ARE WELCOME:
For anyone who would love to join their friends or family on this safari but choose not to ride. We offer exciting alternatives for non-riders from enjoying the beautiful Mashatu Game Reserve from the comforts of a vehicle or if you are more adventurous, cycling or bush walks are available. After each adventure filled morning you will meet up again with your friends for lunch at each camp and be able to enjoy the afternoon’s activities together.
THE CAMPS:
Wilderness Camps – Wilderness campsites are set up in specific locations throughout the Mashatu Reserve. Accommodation is in A frame tents on comfortable beds with sheets and duvets. Facilities include a bucket shower and “bush-WC”. Meals are cooked over a camp fire.
The Kgotla – The Kgotla is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The boma is an open-air traditional African enclosure made up of leadwood logs. Guests sleep on beds around a large log fire which blazes at the centre.
Two Mashatus Camp – Nestled in the shade of a centurion Mashatu tree, two traditionally built Lala palm rondavels serve as dining area and lounge. Accommodation is in big A frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms, with en-suite enviro loo and hot water shower. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck area on which to relax during the afternoons.
**Please inquire about our riding safari with lodge accommodation in Mashatu or in the Okavango Delta.
BOOKING DETAILS: This riding safari is for experienced riders only and a riding test will be submitted upon arrival at the camp. Non-riders are welcome and will have a fabulous experience as well. 3-5 departures each month. Please inquire for the dates.
PRICE 2018:
High Season 8 days – US$4,007.-pp
Low Season 8 days – US$3,398.-pp
Accompanying non-rider US$2,38.-0pp
Transfers: by road US$514.- or to fly US$612.- from Johannesburg
High Season: (Mar 1-April 30; July 1 – Jan 5)
Low Season: (May1-June 30; Jan 6 – Feb 29)
Prices includes accommodation, full board, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, experienced guides and rides.
Note: Prices are per person, double occupancy, some flight arrivals in Johannesburg require up-charge to private transfers
C-LHSTULI
