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 65 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

You'll be met at Johannesburg airport and transferred to the lodge in time for a light lunch in the gardens. After a brief rest and afternoon tea you'll be introduced to the horses. Your first ride is a gentle one so you can get used to the tack, style of riding and spot your first wildlife - with luck the zebra, giraffe or even hippo will welcome you! After exploring the sandy tracks with a couple of canters you'll end with sundowner drinks on the open plains.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

This mornings ride is set to be sporty. Your route follows an open valley where you may spot kudu, sable, reedbuck, red hartebeest, waterbuck and impala. The sandy tracks make for excellent going and you can pick up the pace as it crosses the grasslands and weaves through woodland. After a couple of hours you'll reach a picturesque dam where you stop for a snack and can hopefully swim the horses (subject to local conditions).

The ride back to the lodge is more relaxed and you may encounter dark red pedigree cattle along the route. When conditions are suitable the last stretch of the ride involves a splashy canter along the edge of the lake adjacent to the lodge - a lot of fun but don't expect to stay dry!

After lunch and a siesta, the afternoon ride heads east, following the river past a series of dams when you may encounter hippo before returning across the open plains. At this time of day the plains can be busy as the herds mingle in the soft afternoon light - it is a magical experience to ride so close to these wild animals.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

An early start today as you ride from Horizon lodge to either Savannah Lodge in the far south west or Seringa Lodge in the south east. The first part of the route covers country you'll be 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 giving the sense of vastness of the African plains. There's high concentrations of game and large herds of blesbuck and eland can be sighted. The last section to the lodge can also offer up kudu and bushbuck.

After lunch and relaxing around the pool you'll remount to ride to the edge of the reserve in search of buffalo - part of the Big Five and with a fearsome reputation. Stay alert and responsive to your guides instructions, and enjoy the sunsets this area is renowned for before heading back to the lodge for dinner.

Day 4

Riding: 5 hours

Another long ride through game-rich country as you return to Horizon lodge, taking a different route to yesterdays. Different game species prefer different habitats, with nyala and bushbuck favouring the dense forest-like sections of the reserve whilst blesbuck and hartebeest stick to the open plains and waterbuck and reedbuck unsurprisingly hang around the streams and waterways. Your route also provides excellent opportunities to spot giraffe.

After more than five hours in the saddle, your afternoon activity is a game drive in the nearby Entabeni or Welgevonden game reserves. Although this involves an hour or so of travel each way, the change to see lion, elephant and rhino in their natural environments will make it worthwhile.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

No two days in a game reserve are ever the same as you never know what animals you will encounter. Todays route takes you deep into the reserve to reach parts with a real wilderness quality.After about 3 hours of riding you reach a giant wild fig tree where you stop for a bush breakfast over an open fire. After this hearty meal you return to the lodge through dense forest where some shyer species like to shelter.

In the afternoon, you head to Camp Davidson for an exciting night under canvas. Camp is perched high on a ridge overlooking a vast wilderness area to the east and the ride up there follows a narrow trail along the ridge. Baboon, bushpig, kudu and klipspringer are often encountered whilst porcupine can be frequent nocturnal visitors to camp!

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Head to the north-east of the reserve, descending from camp to cross a stream and open plain to reach Sunset Lake. A popular haunt for the hippo and also home to crocodile, otter, fish eagle and other water fowl. Ride along the waters edge, keeping a close eye out for hippo who may honk and blow as you pass! Depending on water levels it should be possible to have a splashy canter before leaving the lake behind to ride across the open plains back to Horizon lodge, with some decent canters along the way.

Relax by the pool after lunch and then head out for a game of polocrosse. An amalgam of Polo and Lacrosse, the game is highly addictive and sure to bring out your competitive side! The horses know the game and no previous experience is required by riders who will quickly pick it up and have a great deal of fun.

Day 7

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

One of the most memorable activities at Horizon is mustering the herd at dawn. Requiring an early start, but the memories will make it worthwhile. The horses to be used for the muster are not released into the grazing area the night before so that you can ride them this morning to find the herd in their vast pasture. Gather them up and gently canter them back to the yard along the edge of the lake as the sun rises. Once mustering is complete, head for a hearty breakfast before going on another magical ride to the eastern wilderness parts of the reserve with scenic views.

In the afternoon, follow a route interspersed with small optional cross country jumps on the way to sundowners in a stunning spot with views of the rolling hills. After a well-earned gin and tonic, the ride back to the lodge is slow and serene as night falls.

Day 8

Riding: 3 hours

Your last opportunity for a final ride on the reserve. Now you know the landscape you can request your favourite route to spot as much incredible wildlife as possible. After lunch in the garden, it's time to head back to the airport for your flight home.