Horizon Horseback
Horizon Horseback operates Adventure Rides and Safaris in South Africa’s beautiful Waterberg Mountains. They offer diverse and affordable riding, which is a suitable for families, experienced riders, and novices.
Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are somewhat shorter. During your stay you have the opportunity to experience all the riding options: outrides through the bush and across vast open plains, cattle mustering, game viewing on horseback, swimming on horseback, polo Crosse and Western games. Jumping is also available on request. Rides are tailor-made to suit your interests, with flexibility the order of the day.
Horizon Adventures is known for its great horses and riding, but also for its quality service and relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
For the experienced rider, there is also the opportunity of a Riding Safari in a beautiful and diverse reserve, which is home to abundant plains game and impressive endangered species (rhino and leopard), along with buffalo.
Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are somewhat shorter. During your stay you have the opportunity to experience all the riding options: outrides through the bush and across vast open plains, cattle mustering, game viewing on horseback, swimming on horseback, polo Crosse and Western games. Jumping is also available on request. Rides are tailor-made to suit your interests, with flexibility the order of the day.
Horizon Adventures is known for its great horses and riding, but also for its quality service and relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
For the experienced rider, there is also the opportunity of a Riding Safari in a beautiful and diverse reserve, which is home to abundant plains game and impressive endangered species (rhino and leopard), along with buffalo.
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DAY 1: After arrival at Oliver Tambo International airport, Johannesburg, a three hour group transfer to the safari departs at 10.00 am. The stone and thatch safari lodge overlooks a large lake with resident hippo, and has stunning views of the surrounding plains, and Waterberg escarpment. All rooms are en suite and the three double rooms open out onto private verandas overlooking the lake. The lodge is close to the stables and yards and has a small pool for cooling off after a long morning ride. In the afternoon, become acquainted with the horses, take in the wonderful open spaces, and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride provides the first taste of the incredible variety of game on the reserve. Return to the lodge for sun downer drinks overlooking the lake and a traditional African evening meal.
DAY 2: Ride to ‘little Serengeti’, a sweeping plain to encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. Experience that dream canter alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah. Back at the lodge you can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. In the afternoon ride out with the purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. These prehistoric animals are one of the remarkable success stories of the reserve, which holds one of the oldest breeding herds in the country. Vertical Divider
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DAY 3: Ride along the base of the mountain and follow a valley deep into the heart of the Waterberg escarpment. Look out for the colony of endangered cape vultures and some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and yellow spotted rock hyrax. The path follows crystal clear streams and passes several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. Enjoy a picnic at one of the dams, returning to the lodge in time for afternoon tea. Later relax at the lodge or join the guides on an afternoon bush walk.
DAY 4: Canter towards the reserve’s western boundary for unending views of the ‘seven sisters’ of the Waterberg escarpment in the background. Long and winding tracks offer the perfect opportunity for fast and exhilarating riding. A game drive in the afternoon offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with Cape buffalo and the magnificent rare sable antelope. Whilst driving back after dark, glimpse nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. That night relax around the fire, enjoy the magical African night sky, and a variable feast whilst recounting the day’s adventures. DAY 5: Use this last chance to find any species not yet encountered and take one last gallop along the endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch and sad goodbyes depart at approximately 11.00 am to your next destination. |
Another highly popular itinerary combines the above Safari with 4 nights in Botswana’s Tuli Block, with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris. The Botswana camp is only a three and a half hour transfer by road from the Horizon safari lodge and as a result this is a wonderfully convenient two country Riding safari. In Botswana, elephant, lion and leopard can be seen, adding to the buffalo and rhino seen in South Africa, making this a truly Big 5 Safari.
