South Africa’s Safari Ride
Lodge
All meals included
Overview
Trip Details
The Signature Safari is based on the historic family estate. We run a herd of over 90 free roaming horses and can cater for all levels of riders from experienced to complete novice.
This is the perfect holiday for those riders wishing to experience the pleasure of riding with African wildlife in the absence of dangerous game. Wildlife to be seen on the reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve.
This program is fully flexible and offers the opportunity for many activities in addition to game viewing, in particular spectacular riding over excellent country and also polocrosse, jumping, western games and swimming with your horse.
We offer TWO riding options – a set 7N departure for advanced riders only and the option for 5 or more nights which can be tailored to all ability levels.
There are two organized rides or riding activities a day. Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are somewhat shorter. Jumping is also available on request. Rides are tailor-made to suit the needs of our guests.
All rooms at the lodge are ensuite with either shower or bath. Seven double rooms are separate from the main lodge; three suites overlook the lake and have a small veranda area, the rondavels are a traditional African dwelling adjacent to the lodge with its own charm. There is a large living area, dining room and large stoep (or verandah) for relaxing or enjoying cocktails. Three delicious meals are served per day with afternoon tea before an afternoon ride. All drinks are complimentary. Special diet requirements can also be catered for on request.
Dates and Rates (based on a 7 Night program – advanced riders only):
June 28, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $3,240.00 USD or £2,698 per person sharing (Single Supplement: $1,295.00 USD or £1,079)
Standard Room – $3,240.00 USD or £2,698 per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $2,755.00 USD or £2,293
Jan. 4, 2027-March 1, 2027:
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $3,090.00 USD or £2,377 per person sharing (Single Supplement: $1,236.00 USD or £951)
Standard Room – $3,090.00 USD or £2,377 per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $2,626.00 USD or £2,020
March 1, 2027-June 28, 2027:
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $3,257.00 USD or £2,505 per person sharing (Single Supplement: $1,303.00 USD or £1,002)
Standard Room – $3,257.00 USD or £2,505 per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $2,768.00 USD or £2,129
June 28, 2027-Jan. 3, 2028
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $3,718.00 USD or £2,860 per person sharing (Single Supplement: $1,487.00 USD or £1144)
Standard Room – $3,718.00 USD or £2,860 per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $3,160.00 USD or £2,431
Dates and Rates (price quoted per night – all levels welcome):
March 2, 2026-June 30, 2026:
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $410.00 USD or £339 per person sharing (Single Supplement: $160.00 USD or £136)
Standard Room – $410.00 USD or £339 per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $350.00 USD or £288
July 1, 2026-Jan. 4, 2027:
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $480.00 USD or 399,00£ per person sharing (Single Supplement: $195.00 USD or 160,00£)
Standard Room – $480.00 USD or 399£ per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $410.00 USD or 339,00£
Jan. 5, 2027-March 1, 2027:
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $449.00 USD or £345 per person sharing (Single Supplement: $179.00 USD or £138)
Standard Room – $449.00 USD or £345 per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $381.00 USD or £293
March 2, 2027-June 30, 2027:
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $476.00 USD or £366 per person sharing (Single Supplement: $190.00 USD or £146)
Standard Room – $476.00 USD or £366 per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $404.00 USD or £311
July 1, 2027-Jan. 4, 2028:
Luxury/Garden Chalet – $550.00 USD or £423 per person sharing (Single Supplement: $220.00 USD or £169)
Standard Room – $550.00 USD or £423 per person – single accommodation only
***3rd person in any room: $468.00 USD or £360
***Group transfers can be arranged strictly at a pre-set time and may require that you wait for other arriving flights, and are paid at the time of booking – pricing will be confirmed at the time of booking.
For more info on this ride, download the brochure HERE!
Itinerary
South Africa's Signature Safari Ride Itinerary
Horizon Horseback offers a flexible riding holiday on a family estate with a herd of over 90 free-roaming horses, catering to all riding levels. Guests can ride alongside non-dangerous wildlife (giraffe, zebra, hippo, antelope, and over 300 bird species) in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. Daily activities include two tailor-made rides (or options like polocrosse, jumping, and swimming with horses), plus non-riding options like game drives, bush walks, and wild dog visits. All meals, drinks, and ensuite accommodations (lodge double rooms, lakeview suites, or traditional rondavels) are included.
Sample Itinerary based on the 7 Night Advanced Rider Program
Day 1: Airport Transfer & Introductory Ride
Morning/Midday: 3-hour transfer from Johannesburg (OR Tambo Airport) to the lodge, followed by lunch, tea, and horse matching.
Afternoon: Gentle introductory ride across sandy tracks to spot zebra, giraffe, and hippos, ending with open-plain sundowners.
Day 2: Open Plains & Horse Swimming
Morning: Ride alongside unbothered wildlife across open plains, enjoy a splashy canter by the dam, and cool off with a swim on horseback.
Afternoon: Scenic ride ending with sundowners at a viewpoint and a dusk walk back to the lodge.
Day 3: Bellevue Lodges & Buffalo Tracking
Morning: Long ride into new grassland terrain to spot massive herds of blesbuck, eland, hartebeest, and zebra. Arrive at Savannah or Seringa Lodge for pool relaxation.
Afternoon: Ride through the southern reserve to track Cape buffalo and enjoy sunset views over the Waterberg escarpment.
Day 4: Bush Breakfast & Big 5 Game Drive
Morning: Journey back through varied ecosystems, stopping for a open-fire bush breakfast under a giant wild fig tree. Finish with a swim on horseback at the lodge.
Afternoon: Open-vehicle game drive on a neighboring reserve to spot the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo).
Day 5: Wilderness Ride to Camp Davidson
Morning: Ride northeast along Sunset Lake to view hippos, crocodiles, and waterfowl, featuring extended off-piste canters.
Afternoon/Evening: Arrive at Camp Davidson for an authentic night under canvas overlooking the wilderness ridge.
Day 6: Polocrosse & Wine Tasting
Morning: Ride through neighboring conservancies searching for sable antelope, followed by dam-side canters and lodge pool time.
Afternoon/Evening: Beginner-friendly polocrosse match, followed by a evening wine-tasting dinner paired with amuse-bouches.
Day 7: Cross Country & Sundowner Views
Morning: Long ride into neighboring land for extended canters alongside wildebeest and opportunities to track Cape buffalo.
Afternoon: Ride featuring optional cross-country jumps, leading to a scenic hilltop sundowner spot.
Day 8: Favorite Final Ride & Departure
Morning: Customizable final ride tailored to guest preferences to revisit favorite spots and wildlife.
Afternoon: Garden lunch followed by a road transfer back to Johannesburg Airport.
*Note: Itinerary sequence and activities are subject to change due to weather or operational needs.
What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 days of activity
- All meals
- Horse and all tack
- Guiding services on the trail rides
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Conservation fees of $20.00 per person per night
- Gratuities for the team at the end of your stay
- Airport Transfers
Reviews
Alix J.
The facilities on this trek are just as lovely as the pictures. I had a gorgeous rondavel bedroom with a big comfortable bed and my own bathroom. The food is plentiful (is it ever!) and so delicious and fresh. I’m a pretty confirmed carnivore so I enjoyed trying the game meats we had (eland is delicious) but they had plenty of filling options for non meat lovers.
The horses are well-behaved and energetic – there’s rarely a need to thump them to keep up – and the guides quickly learn good horse and rider match ups. The Maclellan saddles took some getting used to – so different from a dressage saddle! Definitely bring boots that are comfortable for walking in when not riding, as well as a seat saver – because you will be in the saddle for hours every day.
I traveled solo but was fortunate to join a group of three ladies who were super fun, great riders, and often did trips together so we got lots of chances to gallop and “kick some dust”.
We saw SO MANY animals! Regular sightings in South Africa were impala (who make the most ridiculous pig noises in mating season), springbok, kudu, wildebeest, eland, blesbok, steenbok, gemsbok, zebra, warthogs, duiker, ostriches and the resident giraffes. Lots of monkeys, baboons and birds of every color as well.
In South Africa all of the land is pretty much fenced game preserves so the rides take you to multiple reserves. One ride took us by a children’s school and they sang a lovely song for us – so cute in their uniforms! We also did an overnight trip to a neighboring reserve and beautiful lodge on a watering hole where we watched animals for hours over a lovely dinner. And every evening brought the option of a soda or “sundowner” gin and tonic often on the ride!
I highly recommend this trip!
Lai P.
We had a great time. The food was great! Horses are great too! If you ask me will I be back and the answer is I WILL BE BACK!!!
From $3,240 per person
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FAQ's
What is included in the tour price?
Tour prices typically include accommodation, guided activities, transportation during the trip, and some meals. Exact inclusions may vary depending on the itinerary.
Can I customize my itinerary?
Yes. Most of our trips can be tailored to match your interests, schedule, and travel style. Just let us know your preferences and we’ll help design the perfect adventure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities.
How many people are in a tour group?
Group sizes are usually small to ensure a more personal and immersive experience. The exact number may vary depending on the expedition.
