An unrivaled range of riding activities in the hospitable and relaxed atmosphere is included in this horseback riding vacation in South Africa at one of the region’s oldest farms.
The flexible daily itinerary can include outrides across the bushveld to view wildlife, swimming horses in the lake, trying your hand at polocrosse, or competing in western games. There is even a course for riders experienced in cross country jumping. Combine unrivaled riding activities with local area non-riding outings for a full and varied African experience.
Guests are organized into small groups, so that riders of all abilities enjoy a suitable pace.
The itinerary is flexible and depending on the time you have your days riding can be spent doing the following activities.
Transfer to Horizon lodge (approx. 2.hrs) for lunch. That afternoon enjoy an introductory ride in the game reserve, with sundowners served at one of our picturesque hippo dams.
There is no better way to see the bush and its wildlife than from a horse. Ride across an area of approximately 21,000 acres. The terrain is mostly sandy tracks through the bush and open plain areas. The going is easy on the horses and riders and most of the horses are unshod.
The excitement of riding up to a giraffe on horseback is one you’ll never forget. The game does not view a horse and rider as a threat, which enables you to ride literally amongst the game. You will never be as close or as connected to wildlife as from a horse. We are particularly fortunate on the reserve that our zebra are habituated and are quite inquisitive too. As with all wildlife viewing, nothing can be guaranteed, and if it was, it wouldn’t be such a thrilling experience.
The lodge is in the reserve and as such on all rides, except other activities, there is an opportunity to see wildlife. The reserve and neighboring conservancy is a large area and you’ll cover most of the different areas and habitats during your holiday.
A full day ride west of the lodge takes you to the conservancy game reserve. This ride offers lovely long canters on sandy tracks and great game viewing opportunities on large plains, populated by a plethora of game: large herds of wildebeest, hartebeest, sable, eland and blesbok and impressive journeys of giraffe. Buffalo, ostrich, kudu, zebra, waterbuck and impala are also encountered.
After a lunch at the lodge and a rest by the pool, the afternoon ride continues to explore this game rich area, riding back to Horizon lodge in time for sundowners. Guests can choose to do as a day ride or overnight at one of the lodges within the conservancy (a minimum of 3 guests is required for overnight stay).
If you’ve never had the opportunity to play this game, we can strongly recommend it. You’ll be taught how to play and even novice riders can take part and most guests get quite competitive after a chukka or two. This game is a combination of polo and lacrosse, which uses a soft ball and lacrosse-like sticks. Players are organized into teams of three: scorer, center and defense. The game starts with a line-out, where the umpire throws the ball into play. Then a graceful, and sometimes not so graceful, dance around the field ensues, with players trying to pick up, throw and rob the ball or ride opponents off the pitch. It’s lots of fun, but does come with a warning: it is addictive
There is a small village, Lehlabile, on the greater farm. There are about 40 Sotho dwellings and a small primary school and creche. Many of the staff at Horizon were born in the village and have grown up there. This ride meanders through the village to the local school. It is very interesting to see the traditionally painted houses and chat to some of the villagers.
The children at the school are always very keen to meet the riders and horses. Sometimes they will sing and dance. Crayons, pencils, paper, paint, playdough, secondhand reading books and toys make wonderful donations for the school, if you would like to support them.
After a morning ride, you have the chance to take your horse swimming in the dam in front of the lodge, a fun and different experience!
The horses do actually swim, not just paddle, which is an amazing feeling when you realize they are swimming underneath you. The motion is bit like an old fashioned horse merry-go-round carousel at a fair. It is the perfect way to cool off after a morning ride.
A favorite with the children, but also remarkably popular with most adults. The team of guides run a Western games afternoon which is packed with fun exercises to test even the best of riders’ skills: pole bending, barrel racing, thread the sword through the stirrup, find the marshmallow, musical horses, the list is endless. It always make for a fun few hours in the saddle and again really brings out the team spirit in guests.
For those with jumping experience, there is a small cross country course. Jumping will be for individuals or small groups. After a warm up and few practice jumps, enjoy jumping on the course around the lake. Around the reserve, we also have a number of small jumps and jumping lanes that can be enjoyed by all level of rider on the outrides. English jumping saddles are used when specifically doing the cross country course. If you would like to wear a body vest , please bring your own with you.
Enjoy a final delicious meal and favorite ride of your choice before departing back to OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg.
This itinerary is flexible, and each day will be a combination of the above activities and/or non-riding activities.
Per person per night in a shared chalet during high season (July 1, 2025-Janaury 4, 2026)
Per person per night in a shared chalet during mid season (March 2-June 29)
Per person per night in a shared chalet during low season (January 6-March 1)
Per person round trip from OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg at 11:15am (must land by 10:15am), and back to ORT at 5pm (depart after 7:30pm)
Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.
Do you have questions about this tour itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right tour for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the tour consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have
Speak with our reservation team directly.
1.800.545.0019
Our reservation team would be happy to customize this tour to meet your groups needs. Customize your tour.
The staff was enthusiastic, gracious and knowledgeable. They tailored the ride to our riding level and interest and were always attentive and helpful.
Marta Goldsmith: December 2009
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