A fixed-date safari that captures the best elements of horseback riding in South Africa. Spread over eight days, the safari not only includes a lot of riding, over 150 km on horseback through the typical landscape of the Waterberg region with regular sightings of a variety of wildlife, but also activities such as swimming with horses, playing polocross, and cross-country and sundowner rides. There are also plenty of great galloping trails along long sandy paths, which require a good level of riding ability from guests.

There is usually a longer ride in the morning and a shorter ride or other (riding) activity in the afternoon. During the safari, riders get to know all parts of the 15,000-hectare reserve with all its wildlife hotspots. They learn about the diverse habitats, such as the open plains, savannah, rocks, wetlands, and dense forest-like areas.
Animal species typically found in Waterberg include giraffes, hippos, Cape buffalos, elands, zebras, sable antelopes, roan antelopes, kudus, impalas, waterbucks, red hartebeests, nyalas, tsessebes, blue wildebeests, blessbocks, bushbucks, ostriches, baboons, green monkeys, warthogs, and jackals. Crocodiles are also occasionally spotted. nyala, tsessebe, blue wildebeest, blessbuck, bushbuck, ostrich, baboon, green monkey, warthog, and jackal. Crocodiles, brown hyenas, serval, duiker, bush pig, steenbok, and reedbuck are also occasionally sighted.

The horseback safari departs from the comfortable lodge on the lake and includes two 2-day rides, one to the lodge's own wilderness camp, beautifully situated on a hill, and another to a small, fine lodge in the Bellevue Plains with views of wide plains full of wildlife herds. All accommodations also offer a pool.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the lodge in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve (approximately 2.5 hours). After a light lunch in the garden and a cup of tea, guests will be introduced to their horses. The first ride is a gentle introduction to the reserve and an excellent opportunity for initial encounters with animal species such as zebras, giraffes, and hippos. Many beautiful gallops lead you to sundowner drinks on the open plain.

Day 2: This morning's ride is more athletic. The route runs through the middle of an open valley where kudus, blackbucks, reedbucks, hartebeests, waterbucks, and impalas like to roam. The sandy tracks are excellent for riding and the route takes you across open grassland and through dense forests. After two hours in the saddle, you stop at a picturesque dam where you can enjoy a snack and try swimming with the horses. The dam is protected from crocodiles and is the perfect depth. Afterwards, you will return to the lodge on a gentle and relaxed ride. The dark red breeding cattle raised on the property are often seen along this route. A final lively gallop along the lake takes you back to the lodge. The afternoon ride takes you along the river, past dams where you are likely to encounter hippos, and back across open plains. At this time of day, the plains are often bustling with activity as the herds mingle in the sunlight. It is a truly magical experience to ride so close to these wild animals, which are completely relaxed in the presence of the horses.

Day 3: Ride to Bellevue Lodge. An early start is required for the long ride to the lodge in the southwest of the reserve or to Seringa Lodge in the southeast of the reserve. The first part of the route will already be familiar to you, but soon you will enter dense bush. After a while, the landscape opens up to grassland with wide views and you get a feel for the vastness of the African plains. The area has a very high concentration of game, with herds of over 300 blessboks and 80 eland often sighted. Other animal species include hartebeests, tsessebes, and ostriches. There are also plenty of zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and giraffes, as well as smaller groups of black, red, and waterbucks. The last stretch to the lodge leads along a wooded stream where you are likely to see kudus and bushbucks. After a relaxing break at the pool and in the lodge, you will set out again in the afternoon in search of Cape buffalos. These are one of Africa's famous “Big Five.” The area is known for its spectacular sunsets – a fitting end to an eventful day in the African wilderness.

Day 4: Return from Bellevue and “Big Five” game drive.
Another long ride through wild country takes you back to the lodge on the lake. The route is different from the one on the way there and leads through different landscapes and ecosystems.
The game species prefer different habitats, with nyala and bushbuck inhabiting dense, forest-like sections of the reserve, while hartebeest and kudu live in the open plains and waterbuck and reedbuck can be found near streams and lakes. The route offers excellent opportunities to see giraffes, which is always a highlight.
After about five hours in the saddle, an afternoon game drive to the nearby Entabeni or Welgevonden game reserves is on the agenda (not included, subject to availability!). Here you will have the opportunity to observe lions, elephants, and rhinos in their natural environment.

Day 5: Breakfast and ride to the wilderness lodge
The approximately 3-hour ride in the morning takes you deep into the reserve. After a while, you will reach a huge wild fig tree where you will prepare a delicious bush breakfast over an open fire. After this hearty meal, the trail leads back to the lodge through a dense forest area where some of the more shy animal species like to seek shelter. In the afternoon, you will set off on horseback to the camp for an exciting night in a safari tent. The camp is located high up on a ridge overlooking a vast wilderness area with a lake. You will follow a narrow path along the ridge. Wildlife commonly found in this area includes baboons, bush pigs, kudu, and klipspringers. Porcupines are frequent nighttime visitors to the camp, and leopard tracks around the camp are not uncommon.

Day 6: Sunset Lake, galloping and polo game
Today's route takes you through the northeastern areas of the reserve, downhill from the camp, across a stream and an open plain, and then through pristine bush to Sunset Lake. The lake is a popular hangout for hippos and is home to crocodiles, otters, fish eagles, and other water birds, such as the beautiful African jacana. Although hippos have a reputation for being among the most dangerous animals in Africa, they pose no threat during the day, but they often honk and blow when riders pass by. The route offers opportunities for lively gallops. Later, you will cross open plains and ride briskly back to the lodge, where you can relax by the pool at lunchtime. Polo cross is planned for the afternoon. The game is highly addictive and is sure to awaken your competitive spirit! The horses are experienced in polo and no previous knowledge is required on the part of the riders. Great fun is guaranteed.

Day 7: One of the most memorable activities at the ranch is bringing in the herd at dawn. The night before, the horses you will be riding are not let out to pasture with the rest of the herd. Once the herd is gathered, all the horses will gallop gently along the edge of the lake into the yard, driven by the riders through the early morning mist. Guests then enjoy breakfast before setting off on a magical ride into the eastern wilderness of the reserve with beautiful views of the Waterberg highlands. In the afternoon, you will follow a route interspersed with optional cross-country jumps on your way to sundowners at a breathtaking spot overlooking the rolling hills. A leisurely ride back to the lodge at dusk rounds off the day.

Day 8: To conclude your trip, you can enjoy one last ride of your choice. This is your last opportunity to ride among Africa's incredible antelope species through beautiful surroundings on excellent horses. After lunch, you will be transferred back to the airport in Johannesburg.

Accomodation
You will spend the night in various lodges:

Lodge at lake (5 nights)
The Lodge overlooks a pretty lake. From the large colonial veranda, you can enjoy the beauty of South Africa to the sound of hippos and jackals. Without a TV or daily newspaper, you can shake off the daily grind. Accommodation is in double rooms in the main house or in the luxurious, traditional round houses, which are situated a few meters away from the main house at lake and in the garden (chalets). All rooms and chalets have their own bathroom, hairdryer, fan and tea or coffee making facilities. The beautiful pool or the mineral-rich water of the lake are a refreshing change after a ride. Daily laundry service is also included.

Bellvue Lodge (1 night)
Comfortable Lodge at a waterhole. Guests to stand have several African-style bungalows with en-suite bathrooms at their disposal. There is also a large, beautifully furnished lounge with a fireplace and a sun terrace with a pool. The waterhole is home to ostriches, warthogs and numerous other animals.

Wilderness-Lodge (1 night)
The Safari Comfort Camp was built on the heights of Matlapeng Hill in the middle of the bushveld. The tented camp is harmoniously embedded in the landscape. The large safari tents are equipped with two comfortable beds and full bedding. They each have their own bathroom with basic washing facilities, flush toilet and bush shower. You also have your own small wooden deck with table and chairs and there is a large tent in the camp for evening meals and/or dinners (also possible in the open air). There is a possibility to charge batteries here, but sufficient spare batteries are recommended!

Single room: If available, the standard room on Lodge is free of charge for 5 days. In the camp and on the Bellevue Lodge, however, the tent/room must be shared according to availability. If you want a guaranteed single room every night, you should pay a surcharge. (upon request, depending on the available category). 

Catering: Before the morning ride there is a light breakfast (approx. 7:30am), then an early lunch (approx. 12pm), followed by afternoon tea with homemade pastries at around 3:30pm. A 3-course dinner is served at 7:30 - 8pm. Lunch may be served in the shade of a syringa tree. Over a sumptuous dinner with a ion of South African wines, you will evaluate the experiences of the day. In addition to home-grown vegetables and spices, there is home-baked bread and cake. All drinks are included - you can get drinks at the bar or from the fridge on the terrace - please simply add your name to the drinks list. You won't need too much money on Lodge , which is why it is not necessary to exchange large amounts in rands. Additional excursions or small items from the ranch store can also be paid for in dollars or by credit card (surcharge) and tips are at your discretion. We recommend approx. 50-100 Rand per person per night (approx. 5-10 EUR).

Saddle & Tack: McClellan saddles, snaffle

Experience: Advanced riders. Several years of riding experience on trails and confidence in all gaits required. Riding helmet compulsory.

Horses: Thoroughbred, Arabian, Anglo-Arabian, Boerpferd, Saddler. Well-kept, sociable, very well-trained horses that are sure-footed, forward-going and specially trained for Riding safaries.