Horizon Horseback Adventures and Safaris

Day 1

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

You will be collected from Johannesburg OR Tambo International airport and transferred c. 3 hours to the lodge, arriving in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon you will be able to join your first ride, which is a relaxed affair to give you the opportunity to settle into your surroundings. Crossing the plains, enjoy your first encounter with wildlife on horseback such as ostrich, impala, zebra, kudu, eland or giraffe.

A stunning lookout spot for sundowner drinks is a welcome moment to take in your first taste of Africa after a long journey, before returning to the lodge for a three course dinner.

Days 2 to 7

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

During a typical seven day holiday, guests have the chance to explore a wide area (21,000 acres) on horseback, venturing into different parts of the reserve and the conservancy. There are two riding activities per day - a longer morning ride (up to 3 - 4 hours) and a shorter afternoon ride (1 - 2 hours). Below we have detailed the different kind of rides you can experience during your stay, depending on your riding ability and preferences.

Out Rides and Game Viewing

Observing the local wildlife and seeing the bush from horseback is simply the best way! The sandy tracks wind through areas of thicker bush as well as open plains and the going is easy for both riders and horses. The game here doesn't view horse and rider combinations as a threat so you are able to ride close to animals such as giraffe and zebra.

Conservancy Ride

During your stay there is usually the opportunity for a full day ride, heading west into the conservancy game reserve. This route allows for long canters and the chance to see some different animals including large herds of wildebeest, hartebeest, sable, eland and blesbok. Buffalo, ostrich, kudu, waterbuck and impala may also be encountered. 

You eat lunch at the conservancy lodge and take a rest by the pool before making your way back to base, arriving in time for sundowners, although there is the option for an overnight out in the conservancy if you prefer (please enquire). 

Polocrosse

This is open to novice riders as well as those more secure in the saddle - your hosts will teach you how to play and find that guests often get quite competitive after a few chukkas! The game combines polo and lacrosse and uses a soft ball and lacrosse-like sticks. Players are divided into teams of three (a scorer, centre and defence) and the game starts with a line-out where the umpire throws the ball into play. The aim of the game is to pick up and throw or steal the ball in order to shoot and score a goal, but tactics may even include riding opponents off the pitch. Here at Far and Ride we LOVE the game with all of us having tried it during our own visits to Horizon. 

Swimming with your Horse (subject to local conditions)

This is one of the most popular activities at Horizon, especially for those who have not done it before. After a morning ride and providing conditions allow, you have the chance to take your horse swimming in the dam by the lodge. The motion of horses swimming underneath you is a wonderful feeling and it's the perfect way to cool off after a morning in the saddle. (Swimming cannot be offered when the hippo are resident in the dam).

Western Games

A team of guides run a western games afternoon which is full of great exercises to test the skills of both children and adult riders. Activities may include pole-bending, barrel-racing, threading a sword through a stirrup, hunting a marshmallow, musical horses and more. Brings out the team spirit in guests and is a real hit with younger riders especially. 

Jumping

There are a number of small jumps (inviting logs etc) and jumping lanes which are suitable for many levels of rider and incorporated into the out rides. 

Village Ride to the Local School

On the greater farm lies a small village called Lehlabile, comprising around 40 Sotho dwellings, a small primary school and creche. Many of the Horizon staff were born in the village and grew up there. This ride takes you through the village to the local school - you can see the traditionally painted houses, chat to villages and meet the children at the school. The children will often sing and dance for you and if you'd like to bring anything for them, they love donations of crayons, pencils, paper paint, play dough, secondhand books and toys

Day 8

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

On your final day there is usually time for one last ride on your favourite horse before a delicious lunch. You may have to check-out of your room if other guests are arriving but can relax in the communal spaces until your transfer arrives to whisk you back to Johannesburg airport.

Day 1

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

You will be met at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred to Camp Davidson (approximately 3 hours) in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon you are introduced to your safari horse, ensuring that you are matched with a horse to suit your ability and experience before you head off on your first ride. This first ride is a relaxed affair to give you the opportunity to settle into your new surroundings. Crossing the plains, enjoy your first encounter with wildlife on horseback such as ostrich, impala, zebra, kudu, eland, giraffe, warthog and jackal.

A stunning lookout spot for sundowner drinks is a welcome moment to take in your first taste of Africa after a long journey before returning to Camp Davidson for a three course dinner.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Todays ride sets out from the high country overlooking a beautiful wilderness area to the east and heads south, winding along the banks of Sunset Lake where resident Fish Eagles and Spur-Winged Geese are often spotted, as well as a pod of resident hippo. Later ride through the open savannah where wildebeest and zebra can be encountered. The riding is varied, from canters along sandy tracks to winding through rocky outcrops and densely wooded areas. Weather and local conditions permitting there may be a chance to take the horses for a swim in one of the dams before returning to camp for lunch and a chance to relax by the pool.

The afternoon ride offers more chance for hippo viewing and some great long canters.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Todays ride heads to the game conservancy which is home to Bellevue Lodge. The ride traverses a wide wetland, home to reedbuck and grass owls, before entering dense woodland dotted with wild fig trees and large fruited bushwillows. Here it crosses the watershed and descends through open grasslands with sweeping views to the upper reaches of the conservancy's main water system. Your route passes the favoured habitat of waterbuck and Cape buffalo. The open plains that follow are aptly known as Little Serengeti and are filled with large herds of blesbuck, eland, wildebeest and kudu as well as elegant sable, swift red hartebeest and impressive journeys of giraffe and Cape buffalo. After a lunch at the lodge and a rest by the pool, the afternoon continue to explore this game rich area, closing with sundowners overlooking the African plains.

Overnight Bellevue Lodges.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

A morning ride from the lodge in search of buffalo before returning to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax and enjoy this beautiful setting before riding back to Horizon lodge in the afternoon. Say goodbye to your horses and head back up to Camp Davidson for a final night in South Africa.

Day 5

Riding: 2 - 4 hours

An early ride down from Camp Davidson to Horizon Lodge where there's time to quickly freshen up before jumping into the vehicle for the transfer to Botswana, which aims to depart at 9am. You'll arrive at Mashatu in time for lunch before changing into your riding clothes and heading out on your first afternoon ride to experience your new horses before arriving at the newly built Tree camp.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

An early wake up call with tea/coffee brought to your tent followed by breakfast around the camp fire. You will make an early start each day to enjoy the freshness of the morning and to maximise game viewing opportunities in the hours the wildlife are most active. Undoubtedly you will come across the large herd of elephant for which the Tuli is renowned as well as many different species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, bat eared fox, jackal, hyena and possibly even lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah. 

Depart Tree Camp and explore the centre of the reserve and game rich Pitsane river area before arriving at Two Mashatus camp in time for lunch and a cooling afternoons rest beside the pool.

In the afternoon you can either ride or take a game drive to the south-western side of the reserve, which is an area not reached on horseback during this itinerary. It is an area which is rich in game with a resident pride of lion. The highlight of the drive is a sundowner in the ancient landscape of rock formations of the Mmagwa hills, with vast vistas into the setting sun.

Day 7

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Full morning ride from Two Mashatus camp.

The afternoon brings the chance to choose between a bush walk, afternoon ride or possibly a game drive with Mashatu looking for cats (subject to availability and an additional charge of USD 75 per person). Return to Two Mashatu camp for your last night in Africa.

Day 8

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

A final early morning ride back to the stables, taking one last photo of elephant of enjoying a long and winding canter through the scattered Mustard bush. At the stables there is time for a quick shower and brunch before heading back to the airport.

Light aircraft transfer back to Johannesburg airport for your flight home.

Please be aware that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events, the itinerary may be changed at the last minute. We will endeavour to keep everyone informed of any changes and the reason for them.

Day 1

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

Guests will be personally met at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg by our sister company, Saddlebag Shuttles. The road trip up to Horizon Lodge in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in Limpopo Province takes about three hours. After a light lunch in the gardens of the Lodge, and later a sumptuous tea, guests will be introduced to their horses. The first ride is a gentle introduction to the reserve and an excellent opportunity for first encounters with species such as zebra, giraffe and hippo. The riding ranges from purposeful walking to easy cantering along sandy tracks and culminates with sundowner drinks on the open plains.

Horizon takes great care to match horse to rider based on a guest’s riding experience and ability. Given that the first two nights of the safari are spent at the Horizon Lodge, the operational hub for Horizon’s herd of close to 100 horses, there is ample time to ensure that the most suitable horse is available for the long days in the saddle over the last five days of the safari.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

The ride this morning is generally sporty. The route follows the centre of an open valley which is home to species such as kudu, sable, reedbuck, red hartebeest, waterbuck and impala. The sandy tracks make for excellent going, and the route crosses open grassland and weaves through dense woodland. Dark red pedigree cattle bred on the property are often encountered on this route. When conditions are suitable, the last stretch of the ride involves splashy canters along the edge of the lake adjacent to Horizon Lodge. This is a great experience, but don’t expect to remain dry in the process! There is also the chance to cool off whilst experiencing the exhilaration of swimming on horseback. The afternoon ride heads east following the river past a series of dams where encounters with hippo are likely and returns across the open plains. At this time of day there is often much activity on the plains, with the herds mingling in the soft sunlight and different groups coming and going as they prepare for the night. It is a truly magical experience to be able to ride so close to these wild animals, which have become completely relaxed in the presence of the horses.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

An early start is needed for the long ride from the Horizon Lodge to either Savannah Lodge in the far south west of the reserve, or Seringa Lodge in the south east. The first part of the route covers country that riders will now be somewhat familiar with, but soon enters new terrain. In places the bush is thick but after a while the scenery opens up to grasslands with sweeping views to the south and west. Riding through this landscape gives riders a sense of the vastness of the African plains. The area boasts a very high concentration of game with herds of over 300 blesbuck, or 80 eland, often sighted. Other species which are home to the plains include red hartebeest, tsessebe and ostrich. There are plentiful zebra, wildebeest, impala and giraffe, and smaller groups of sable, roan and waterbuck. The final stretch to Savannah Lodge is along a wooded stream where kudu and bushbuck are likely to be seen.

After a relaxing time around the pool and within the sophisticated lodges, it is time to ride to the southern most areas of the reserve in search of Cape buffalo. These are members of Africa’s famous “Big Five” and deserve their formidable reputation. Riders therefore need to be alert and responsive to the guides’ instructions. This area is known for its spectacular sunsets as the sun sets over the distant headlands of the Waterberg escarpment – a fitting end to an eventful and memorable day in the African wilderness.

Day 4

Riding: 5 hours

Another long ride through game rich country returns riders to the heart of the operation, Horizon Lodge. The route taken is different from that on the outward leg, turning this part of the safari into an exciting journey passing through diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Game species typically prefer different habitats, with nyala and bushbuck for instance occupying dense forest-like sections of the reserve while blesbuck and hartebeest stick to the open plains, and waterbuck and reedbuck, unsurprisingly, are normally seen close to streams and other waterways. The route provides excellent opportunities to see giraffe, which is always a highlight.

After more than five hours in the saddle, the afternoon activity is a game drive in the nearby Entabeni or Welgevonden game reserves. Although this involves an hour or more of travel to reach these destinations, the opportunity to see lion, elephant and rhino in their natural environments make this excursion well worthwhile.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Horseback rides in a game reserve are always interesting because one never knows what animals will be encountered. The route on this day goes deep into the reserve to parts with a real wilderness quality. After about three hours in the saddle, riders arrive at a giant wild fig tree for a delicious bush breakfast prepared on an open fire. After this hearty meal the route back to the lodge passes through a dense forest area where some of the shyer species like to shelter. That afternoon guests leave Horizon Lodge and head towards Camp Davidson for an exciting night under canvas. The camp is perched high on a ridge overlooking a vast wilderness area to the east. This is not a long ride, but the route is exciting, following a narrow trail along the edge of the ridge. Wildlife often encountered in the area includes baboon, bushpig, kudu and klipspringer. Porcupines are frequent nocturnal visitors to the camp and leopard spoor outside the tents is not uncommon.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today’s route covers the north eastern areas of the reserve, descending from the camp to cross a stream and open plain and then tracks through untouched bush to the upper reaches of Sunset Lake. This lake is a favourite haunt of the hippo on the reserve and home to crocodile, otter, fish eagle and other waterfowl, such as the beautiful African jacana. Guests ride along the water’s edge and must be constantly on the lookout for the hippo. These animals, while having a reputation for being some of the most dangerous in Africa, are not a threat during the day but will often honk and blow as they observe the riders go by. The route offers an opportunity for exciting splashy canters, which the likes of Esme and Laura Collett loved doing. Having left the lake, riders cross open plains with some quick riding back towards Horizon Lodge. After the morning’s exertions, guests can relax around the swimming pool and enjoy the beautiful unspoilt surroundings. The afternoon activity is polocrosse, an amalgam between polo and lacrosse. The game is highly addictive and is sure to bring out competitive passions! Horses which are used to playing the game are used and no previous experience of playing polocrosse is required. What is guaranteed is a great deal of fun. Tonight’s dinner starts with a wine tasting , each wine is paired with a complimenting amuse-bouche.

Day 7

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

The route follows the valley down to eastern edge of the reserve, before crossing up to the highlands near Camp Davidson and then winding along game trails back to the lodge. There are places on this ride for extended canters, interspersed with off-piste riding with very scenic views across the highlands of the Waterberg. In the afternoon, riders follow a route interspersed with optional cross country jumps on the way to sundowners in a stunning spot with views over the rolling hills. A slow ride back to the Lodge at dusk completes the day’s adventure.

Day 8

Riding: 3 hours

By now riders are well versed in all aspects of the safari experience, and in consultation with their guides can suggest a favourite ride for their final experience. This is a last opportunity to ride amongst Africa’s incredible antelope species through a beautiful environment on superb horses. Following lunch in the garden it is time to embark on the road transfer back to the airport in Johannesburg.