Day 1 - Sunday
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 - Monday
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 - Tuesday
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 - Wednesday
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. 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. Swimming with your horse in front of Horizon Lodge is the perfect end to this special morning ride.
This afternoon you go on a game drive to a nearby reserve, where you can see the Big 5, including elephants, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lions.
Day 5 - Thursday
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
This morning you 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. Wildlife often encountered in the area include baboon, bushpig, kudu and klipspringer. Porcupines are frequent nocturnal visitors to the camp and leopard spoor outside the tents is not uncommon.
Today’s route to Camp Davidson covers the north-eastern areas of the reserve, tracking 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 and extended canters, off-piste riding with very scenic views across the highlands of the Waterberg.
Day 6 - Friday
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Ride through the neighbouring conservancy to search for sable. These magnificent antelope have striking markings and long sweeping horns. If conditions allow, we end the ride with another chance to enjoy a splashy canter along the edge of the Horizon Lodge dam. 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.
Day 7 - Saturday
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
This morning, you have the chance to ride into another neighbouring reserve, where Cape buffalo can be spotted. An early start is required for this longer morning ride. The thrill of cantering alongside wildebeest is a highlight. The land opens up to offer long, extended canters along broad tracks that skirt through pristine bush.
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.
Tonight’s dinner starts with a wine tasting, each wine is paired with a complimenting amuse-bouche. This is a brilliant introduction to South Africa’s famous wines.
Day 8 - Sunday
Riding: 3 hours
Final ride and Transfer to Airport. By now you will have experienced some fabulous rides and you and your fellow riders can discuss and choose where you would like to ride to for your final time.
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.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
