Africa

Horse Riding Safaris

It is a truly exhilarating experience to ride through the African bush as the pioneers did. In a vehicle, you are remote from the excitement around you; on horseback your senses come alive. The combination of riding and game viewing makes for a unique and unforgettable experience. Riding in the African bush is an ever-changing and stimulating experience: from quiet walking through thick bush on the lookout for birds and game, to long trots and canters where the going is good. Nothing in the bush is predictable and the sense of anticipation of what you might see heightens all your senses. 

A stay of 3 or 4 nights is recommended if you are on an active itinerary in South Africa and wish to see as much as possible. If you are taking a quieter holiday, want to relax, are a keen birder or want to ride and walk daily, then a longer stay of up to a week is suggested.

Limpopo Province 

The Waterberg Mountains are one of South Africa's least explored wilderness areas and home to many of Africa's major mammals and over 280 bird species. Rising gently to the peaks and spectacular views of its southern escarpment lies the Equus Reserve, 952 hectares (2380 acres) of unspoilt wilderness encompassing four distinctly different habitats: Afro-montane, bushveld, wetlands and grasslands. The sweeping grasslands of the main valleys offer fast riding, while the ridges and mountain areas can be explored at a slower pace both on horseback and on foot. Riders enjoy panoramic views across miles and miles of Africa.

Both Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill, situated on a private reserve in the malaria free Waterberg region, offer the opportunity for great game viewing in the African bush from horseback.The pace can be as fast or relaxed as the riders would like. Fit, reliable and responsive horses provide a choice for both the professional rider and the absolute beginner. You do not need to have ridden before. The herd of 60 horses is made up of big thoroughbreds and Arab-boerperd crosses and including some fabulous children’s ponies and each ride is led by two competent guides.The enthusiastic rider may wish to ride twice daily and turn their stay into a luxury riding safari. Families or couples, where some ride and others don’t,can enjoy separate activities. Basic lessons for non-riders are available at both reserves; many guests learn to ride and gain confidence here.

Jembisa Lodge also offers horse riding nearby for novice to experienced riders. They use either Waterberg Game Park Horse Trails (about 30 minutes drive from the lodge) or Horizon Horseback Safaris which is 45 minutes drive from the lodge. Waterberg Game Park Horse Trails offer one and a half hour rides and at Horizon Horseback Safaris you have a choice between one, two or three hour excursions. No special gear is required, just trousers and comfortable shoes, and a hard hat will be provided.

Northern Cape Province
Tswalu Kalahari offers you the opportunity to combine fantastic horse riding, with a night camping out in an elegant fly camp set up on the reserve. Nestled at the foot of the Korannaberg mountain range, Tswalu looks across the grasslands of the Kalahari. The russet sand dunes of the Kalahari are home to some of the world's most fascinating wildlife. Specifically adapted to their harsh environment, much of the game here is unlike anything visitors will have seen on other African adventures. What better way to get up close to these unique species then on horseback? Being situated on a reserve that covers an area of approximately 1000 km² Tswalu is an ideal environment for horse riding excursions. After a day’s riding excursion you are invited to kick off your boots, settle down to a cold beverage and spend the night under the expansive starry Kalahari sky. In the morning, after a delicious bush breakfast, you can either ride of drive back to the lodge.
 
Tswalu has a variety of horses ranging from 14.2 to 17.0 hands including breeds such as Percheron cross, Boerperd, Boerperd cross, Thoroughbred, Appaloosa and Arab cross. Horses range from being suitable for novice riders, as well as more experienced riders. Children are welcome to participate on the rides and may be put on lead ropes. An arena provides kids and novice adult riders with a chance to ride in a protected environment. The weight limit is 100kg. For Trail riding, trail saddles are used although a few English saddles are available for those who prefer them. In summer, rides are a maximum of 2 hours (depending on heat) but the cool of winter allows for 3-4 hour rides as well as all day rides with a stop for picnic lunch en route. Riders need only bring suitable trousers. Tswalu will supply hard hats, short and long chaps, gloves and boots. Hard hats are compulsory for children under 18 years of age and strongly recommended for all other riders.

Cape Province

One of the most satisfying and enriching ways of exploring one of the Cape’s nature reserves is on horseback. Grootbos Nature Reserve, situated just outside Hermanus, has ancient milkwood forest, afro-montane forests, the fresh invigorating smells of herbs and an amazing and harmonious relationship between insects, plants and animals. The stunning scenery and sheer presence of nature is why many visitors return again and again. This Cape Nature reserve has safe and comfortable equipment and extremely knowledgeable guides to make your horse trails a pleasurable experience.