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Madikwe Game Reserve South Africa: Malaria Free Safari Holidays Sun City

South Africa: Horse Riding Holiday & Safari - Horizon + Ants Nest, Waterberg

South Africa: Waterberg Riding + Ants Nest Safari
South Africa Horse Riding Holiday Safari Horizon Ants Nest Waterberg
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$2,987
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
6SRB7J
• South Africa Horse Riding Holiday
• Waterberg Region
• Horizon Riding Ranch
• Outrides
• Cross Country Jumping
• Polocrosse
• Ants Net
• Waterberg Safari
• Malaria Free
• Riding Holiday & Safari

This South Africa horse riding holiday combines a safari at Horizon riding ranch, with the luxurious Ants Nest lodge in the malaria free Waterberg. As all riding is lodge based, this holiday is ideal for all levels of rider and all ages. Beginners can learn to ride, while advanced riders can enjoy outrides & cross country jumping. You can also try your hand at polocrosse. All riding, transfers & game drives included.   

Day 1
You will be met at Johannesburg Airport and transferred northwards for 2.5-hours to the scenic Waterberg Mountains, a UNESCO biosphere renowned for its diversity of plant and bird life.
 
Check in, settle in and relax at your malaria-free riding lodge, situated on a working cattle and game ranch and offering over 20,000 acres of superb riding country with breathtaking views.
 
After an introductory ride in the game reserve, including sundowners served at one of the hippo dams, enjoy dinner in the warm hospitality of the lodge.
 
Saddles are mainly trail, with a few English and Australian stock saddles available. Horses are mostly ridden in snaffle bridles. No single supplement is charged, provided you are willing to share.
 
You must bring your own helmet, gloves and riding boots (half chaps are advised rather than long boots) and good walking shoes. Wear comfortable riding clothing in neutral colours such as green, brown and khaki. Loose fitting cotton shirts are the most comfortable, with short sleeves to protect your shoulders from thorns. Avoid white or bright colours as these are easily seen by the animals. Also black and navy as these absorb the heat. Tight synthetic fabrics, shorts & skirts should also be avoided. Remember to pack sunglasses, wide brimmed sunhat, sunscreen, head torch, insect repellent, swimsuit and first aid kit with plasters.
Days 2 To 5
Enjoy riding in the Waterberg Mountains each day, with experienced riders enjoying stimulating fast rides, whilst novice riders are brought on at a pace comfortable to them - with good company, great food & exceptional horses.
 
With a herd of over 80 highly responsive Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and crossbreeds, ranging in size from 14 to 16 hands, the lodge is able to closely match horse to rider capability. Riding options, which can be discussed and agreed each day, include:
    • Outrides – across the vast Waterberg Plateau, including swimming the horses in the hippo dam;
    • Cross Country Jumping – on an international course designed by SA's top course builder;
    • Polocrosse – easy to learn and one of the most exhilarating and addictive sports on horseback;
    • Western Games – enjoy barrel racing and pole bending, with light commands & quick response;
    • Riding Safaris – leisurely rides within a private game reserve, viewing plains game such as giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, hartebeest, bushbuck and many smaller mammals such as duiker, steenbok, jackal, baboons, monkey and warthog. Hippos are also regularly seen in the river.
 
A variety of activities are also available for non-riding partners (or those feeling saddle-weary), including swimming, bush walks, a visit to the local village and farm school and open top game drives at a nearby Big Five Game Reserve.
Day 6
This morning transfer to the luxurious Ants Nest riding lodge, situated on a private game reserve with wonderful wildlife.
 
After checking in, enjoy your first afternoon ride amongst the plains game of this reserve.
Day 7
Enjoy a wonderful horse riding safari in the beautiful Waterberg Mountains.
 
With over 70 horses at your luxury riding lodge, ranging from thoroughbreds and Arab-Boerperd crosses to children’s ponies, you can enjoy some of the most exciting plains game viewing on horseback in South Africa - whatever your age or riding ability. Your guide will tailor-make each day to suit your requirement, with one or two ride daily and the pace as fast or relaxed as you would like. You can canter along open sandy tracks and traverse high ridges with spectacular vistas, often getting so close to wildlife that the experience will be unforgettable.
 
Open top game drives in the reserve are available for both riders and non-riders, as well as guided bush walks. You can hope to see up to 40 different species of game including giraffe, white rhino, sable antelope, buffalo, nyala, oryx, kudu, eland, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, zebra, impala, bushbuck, duiker, steenbuck, mountain reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog, blesbuck, baboons, bushpig, klipspringer, leopard, jackal, brown hyena, caracal, civet and genet to name but a few.
 
As there are no lions or elephants in this reserve, on one afternoon we recommend booking an optional Big Five open-top game drive into a neighbouring reserve, where you can hope to see lions, elephants, buffalo, rhino, leopard and much more (this will be arranged by your lodge & must be paid for locally, as it is subject to availability on the day).
 
Note: You will be required to sign an indemnity form on arrival, as there are risks involved with riding amongst wild animals. Bring your own safety helmet and ensure you have travel insurance that covers riding and includes medical evacuation insurance.
 
A variety of activities are available for non-riding partners - including game drives and walking safaris.
Day 8
Time permitting enjoy a final early morning ride, before transferring 2.5-hours to Johannesburg Airport for your flight home.