South Africa ~ Horizon Horseback Adventures
Riding from a comfortable private lodge and bush camp . Available year round, flexible dates and length of stay. Suits all levels of rider as well as mixed groups and families of all ages.
Where On private land in South Africa’s Waterberg, an easy 2½ to 3 hour drive north of Johannesburg and one of South Africa's most beautiful yet little touristed regions
What is it like The Horizon homestead has access to more that 22,000 acres of privately owned, undeveloped bush. Some of it was used for cattle and farmed, but much has been left untouched and the area varies from thick bush, narrow tracks and rocky plateaus to winding sand tracks and open grassy plains.
Who does it suit Almost anyone and everyone. Horizon's 'je ne sais quoi' is probably its open friendliness and welcoming, laid back atmosphere. A variety of riding for all levels, from novice to experienced, rides out for game viewing, for exhilaration or for relaxation and with polocrosse another very popular option, a good sized swimming pool and numerous outings and activities for non-riders, there's never a dull moment. Flexible dates and itineraries, comfortable accommodation and generous hospitality - its ideal for singles, couples, families and groups of all ages.
Why do we love it Who doesn't? Its our 'go to' option for a guaranteed friendly welcome, a little bit of luxury, great riding and horses, variety, excitement, R&R and fantastic value ...whether you are older, younger, one, two or many...
SUMMARY
Riding: tailored to suit
Horses: farm/locally bred, TB, Arab crosses
Pace: moderate (tailored to suit)
Riding ability: all standards from novice to experienced riders
Weight limit: about 85kg (13st 4lbs) but please call us to discuss if your weight is close to this
Accommodation: comfortable ranch house / cottages
Group size: lodge sleeps up to 14; riding is in small groups usually maximum 8
Season: year round
Price: 7 night stays from £2012 per person
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: The horses include local breeds such as South African Boerperde crosses, as well as Thoroughbreds, part Thoroughbreds and Arab crosses. They are between about 14hh and 16.2hh and there is a good selection for the experienced rider as well as horses to suit someone with less experience. All are responsive to ride, extremely good natured and well mannered. They are also used to the bush and are very sure footed, coping easily with varied terrain. There are grooms on hand to look after the horses. Saddles are Maclellan style with some English saddles available. Guests at Horizon are usually split into groups to ride with the average group generally not more than 4 or 5 riders.
Hours: 5 to 6 hours a day on set itinerary safaris; on flexible dates safaris riding can be varied to suit.
Pace and experience required: Riders of all standards can be catered for at Horizon. Basic instruction is available and slow, gentle rides for beginners; whilst the experienced will enjoy a good selection of horses, fast riding if they wish, the cross country course and exciting polocrosse matches.
ACCOMMODATION
Horizon can sleep a maximum of 12 to 14 guests with accommodation in thatched chalet cottages close to the main house, and two standard rooms in the ranch house itself (total 9 bedrooms). All bedrooms have en-suite bathroom with loo and either shower or bath (or both). The ranch house itself has a good sized, comfortable sitting and dining room with open fireplace and a large covered veranda. Lunch or barbecues are often served in a thatched 'boma' or by the swimming pool.
As well as accommodation at the lodge, you can stay at the ‘East African’ style tented camp. The camp has 4 spacious walk-in twin /double safari tents set on teak decking each with attached bathroom with flush loo and ‘bucket and pulley’ shower. There is a large central mess tent and a small pool at hte camp.
RATES & DATES
|
Rates 2024 |
Rates are seasonal 7 night set itinerary, Sunday to Sunday |
| Dates 2024 | 7 night set itinerary - Sunday to Sunday each week Flexible safaris - Arranged to suit, on request |
Average Temperature guide
ITINERARY
| This is an example of the 7 night set itinerary which runs Sunday to Sunday each week: | |
| Day 1 | Met at Johannesburg International airport and driven about a 2 ½ hours to Horizon in the Waterberg mountains. Time to relax before meeting the horses and a late afternoon ride to try them and for a first view of the area. Welcome dinner & night at Horizon. |
| Day 2 | Woken with tea and a light breakfast before an early morning ride to try your horse at all paces, keeping an eye out for resident antelope, zebra and giraffe as you head through the game area. Lunch at the lodge and time to relax by the pool then an exhilarating ride along sandy tracks. |
| Days 3 | An early start, riding onto the neighbouring Bellevue reserve to spend the night at Seringa or Savannah Lodge. There is abundant game here and some big open plains where you may find herds of several different species of antelope as well as zebra and giraffe. Lunch and in the afternoon set off to the southern part of the reserve to search for buffalo. Drinks admiring a beautiful African sunset. Dinner & night Bellevue Lodge |
| Day 4 | Breakfast and a long ride, around 5 hours, through diverse habitats where a variety of wildlife can be found. Arrive back at Horizon Lodge for lunch and in the afternoon there will be an option for a game drive in one of the neighbouring Big 5 game reserve with the opportunity to see lion, elephant and rhino (extra charge). Dinner & night Horizon Lodge. |
| Day 5 | A morning ride to some wilder areas, with perhaps a bush breakfast perpared under a giant fig tree. In the afternoon you set off following narrow paths to Camp Davidson for a night under canvas. A dip in the plunge pool, tea and a hot shower then drinks around the fire. Dinner and night Camp Davidson. |
| Day 6 | Leaving Camp Davidson you set off across the north eastern areas of the reserve, passing Sunset lake and heading back to the main lodge. Lunch, then in the afternoon there will be a chance to play the addictive game of polo crosse. Dinner & night Horizon Lodge. |
| Day 7 | A magical ride to explore another part of the reserve with views across the highlands of the Waterberg. In the aftenoon a fun, fast paced rides with optional cross country jumps. Your last sundowner at a stunning spot then return to the lodge for dinner and the night. |
| Day 8 | Breakfast and perhaps re-visit your favourite ride of the week. A farewell lunch then transfer back to Johannesburg in time to check in for your onward flight |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel: (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions |
TRAVEL
The nearest international airport is Johannesburg and transfers to the ranch can be arranged from there for an extra charge of approx £150 per person return to Horizon. British Airways and Virgin have direct overnight flights from London to Johannesburg arriving the next morning. For an economy return flight from London budget about £650 to £900 per person (varies with the season and availability).
