Horizon Horseback Safaris
Horizon Horseback Safaris offer diverse riding safaris over nearly 21,000 acres of the stunning malaria-free Waterberg, South Africa and also in the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana, making it one of the most varied and action-packed horse riding holidays in Africa. The Waterberg region is home to antelope, zebra and giraffe, as well as the “big five”. Mashatu has an excellent population of lion, elephant, buffalo and other species. Catering to all ages and all abilities, Horizon Horseback Safaris offers something for both the complete beginner and the experienced rider.
The Riding
Horizon Horseback Safaris operates in both South Africa and Botswana. Stay in South Africa and choose from more than 90 well-cared horses with each day offering different activities, including cattle herding, polo crosse, gymkhana, western games, two-day safaris, jumping and cross-country practice. Enjoy their Signature or Family Safari, tailor-made to all levels of riders, beginner, novice and experienced. Horizon also offers longer riding safaris, ranging from five to eight nights, for more experienced riders with the option to combine South Africa and Botswana in the African Explorer Safari. This expedition ride provides wonderful wildlife viewing and exhilarating riding with the chance to canter alongside zebra, wildebeest and giraffe. A riding level of advanced intermediate to experienced is required.
Horizon Horseback is based on Mashatu Game Reserve in South Eastern Botswana, with much of the riding taking place on the banks of the famous Limpopo River. This is fast-paced riding, and the 45 horses are mainly crossbreeds that have been exceptionally well cared for and schooled. The horses vary in size from 15hh upwards and have been hand-picked for the area. You should expect to spend between four to seven hours a day in the saddle.
Accommodation & Facilities
In South Africa, guests stay either in the main ranch or in one of the chalets in the garden. When not riding, guests can relax by the pool or in the long shaded verandah and bar area. Camp Davidson beautifully decked canvas tents are nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy wildlife filled valleys. Each luxury tent has an en-suite bathroom. The camp is completely run on solar energy and has a small swimming pool. Savannah Lodge is on the south western side of the conservancy, while Seringa Lodge is on the south eastern side. Both lodges are tastefully decorated with a large comfortable living space and dining areas inside and outside. Both have a small pool which overlooks a plain where the wildlife frequent.
In Botswana, guests stay at Tree Camp, nestled in the bough of a giant Mashatu tree and two ancient Leadwood trees, with a deck built four meters off the ground. Overlooking the Majale River, it is possible to watch wildlife from above, coming down to drink at the river. Kgothla, an old tribal court on the western periphery of Mashatu, is also used on some riding safaris. This is a circular boma made of leadwood trees and guests sleep in the open, on camp beds around a large central fire.
Whilst on longer riding safaris, accommodation varies from staying in simple fly camps under the stars to spacious ‘A’ frame walk in tents with en-suite facilities. The tents are all furnished with proper beds, sheets and duvets.
