Horizon Lodge Signature Horse Safari

Arriving at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, all guests receive a warm welcome from one of Horizon’s partners, Saddlebag Shuttles. The scenic drive to Horizon Lodge in the Waterberg Reserve, will take approximately three hours. Following lunch amid the Lodge’s gardens and a luxurious afternoon tea, guests get introduced to the herd of horses on the reserve.

The introductory ride serves as a gentle initiation to the reserve, offering encounters with zebra, giraffe, and hippo. From purposeful walks to breezy canters along sandy trails, the day ends with sundowner drinks on the expansive plains.

Horizon takes great care in pairing horses with riders, considering each guest’s riding proficiency and horse preference. During the initial two nights at Horizon Lodge, you will be matched with the perfect companion for the next few days of exciting riding in the bush.

In the morning, saddle up for an invigorating ride through the heart of an expansive valley, a haven for incredible wildlife like kudu, sable, reedbuck, red hartebeest, waterbuck, and impala. The sandy tracks make for great ground to ride on, meandering through open grassland and weaving through lush woodland. Along the way, you’re likely to see the red cattle bred on the ranch, grazing alongside the wildlife. Conditions permitting, the final stretch of the ride includes exhilarating canters along the lakeside near the lodge. Brace yourself for a splashy experience – staying dry is not guaranteed! Take the opportunity to cool off with a swim on horseback.

In the afternoon, set your sights eastward as the ride follows the river, passing dams where encounters with hippos are not uncommon. The return ride will take you across the open plains, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The plains come alive with activity, herds mingling in the warm sunlight, preparing for the night ahead. It’s a magical experience as you ride alongside these wild animals, completely at ease in the presence of the horses.

Embark on an early adventure from Horizon Lodge to either Savannah Lodge in the far southwest or Seringa Lodge in the southeast. The ride, initially through familiar terrain, soon leads to new landscapes, transitioning from thick bush to expansive grasslands with sweeping views. The region boasts a high concentration of game, with herds of over 300 blesbuck or 80 eland commonly spotted, alongside red hartebeest, tsessebe, ostrich, zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, sable, roan, and waterbuck. The final leg to Savannah Lodge winds along a wooded stream, often offering sightings of kudu and bushbuck.

After a relaxing time at the pool, saddle up and venture to the reserve’s southernmost areas in search of Cape buffalo, part of Africa’s famed “Big Five.” Riders must stay alert in this area known for stunning sunsets over the Waterberg escarpment — a fitting end to an unforgettable day in the African wilderness.

Embark on another extensive ride through wildlife-rich landscapes ending at Horizon Lodge. The return route differs from the outbound ride, taking you through different terrain and ecosystems. Each game species favors distinct habitats; nyala and bushbuck thrive in dense forest-like areas, while blesbuck and hartebeest prefer open plains. Waterbuck and reedbuck are commonly spotted near streams. The route offers excellent chances to encounter giraffes, always a safari highlight.

After more than five hours in the saddle, the afternoon offers a game drive in the nearby Entabeni or Welgevonden game reserves. Despite the hour or more of travel to reach these destinations, the opportunity to witness lions, elephants, and rhinos in their natural environments makes this excursion truly worthwhile.

Exploring a game reserve on horseback always promises surprises as you set off for a ride allowing unpredictable encounters with wildlife. This particular route delves deep into the reserve, unveiling true wilderness. After about three hours of riding, riders reach a massive wild fig tree, where a delightful bush breakfast awaits, cooked over an open fire. Following this hearty meal, th ride back to the lodge winds through a dense forest, providing shelter for shyer species.

In the afternoon, guests bid farewell to Horizon Lodge and set out for Camp Davidson, promising an exhilarating night under canvas. Although not a lengthy ride, the route is thrilling, tracing a narrow trail along the ridge’s edge. Wildlife commonly spotted in the area includes baboons, bushpigs, kudu, and klipspringer. Porcupines often visit the camp at night, and leopard tracks outside the tents are not an uncommon sight.

Today’s route explores the northeastern corners of the reserve, leading riders from the camp across a stream and open plain before meandering through untouched bush to the upper reaches of Sunset Lake. Explore the lake’s edge on a scenic ride, keeping an eye out for resident hippos, crocodiles, otters, fish eagles, and the elegant African jacana, known for their harmless curiosity during daylight hours. The ride offers opportunities for thrilling splashy canters. After leaving the lake, riders explore open plains, enjoying fast canters as they make their way back to the Lodge.

Post-morning adventures, guests can unwind by the pool. The afternoon brings the excitement of polocrosse, a dynamic fusion of polo and lacrosse. No prior polocrosse experience is necessary, and the game, played with horses familiar with it, guarantees both fun and a hint of friendly competition. The day concludes with a dinner featuring a wine tasting, each wine thoughtfully paired with complimentary snacks.

The path winds its way through the valley, hugging the eastern edge of the reserve and then ascending towards the highlands near Camp Davidson. Following game trails, riders are guided back to the lodge. Along the journey, there are opportunities for exhilarating canters in picturesque locations across the Waterberg highlands, complemented by awe-inspiring views. In the afternoon, the route includes optional cross-country jumps before reaching a breathtaking spot for sundowners with expansive views over the rolling hills. A leisurely ride back to the lodge at dusk concludes the day’s adventure, making it a memorable and fulfilling experience.

As it’s your last day, riders get to choose which routes they’d like to take for their final ride, usually heading out to find the herds of giraffe for one more memorable moment in the saddle. It will be the last chance to explore the stunning landscape on exceptional horses, surrounded by Africa’s extraordinary wildlife species. After a delightful lunch in the garden, it’s time for the road transfer back to Johannesburg airport.