This is the perfect riding safari for families and mixed-riding-level groups who wish to enjoy an adventure holiday in Africa together. Wildlife to be seen on the reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, plains antelope, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve. Enjoy many activities on horseback from outrides discovering wild game polocrosse, jumping, Western games, and swimming horses. Spend a night or two at Camp Davidson for the full African experience in the bush.

Horse breeds on safari range from Thoroughbreds to Boerperd (a South African breed) to Percheron crosses, along with a variety of mixes. Horses are selected based on their good temperament in the bush and stamina for long days covering distance during safaris. The horses have been exposed to all the wildlife seen on safari and are comfortable in this environment.

There are two rides or riding activities a day. Morning rides are 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are 1-3 hours. Jumping is also available on request. Rides are tailor-made to suit the needs of all guests. 

Riding Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Riders must be intermediate level or higher to ride on safari, able to control the horse at all paces, rise the trot, and ride in a group over open terrain.

Tack

Riders will be in English tack (general purpose saddles) or McLellan trail saddles.

Terrain

Terrain consists of open, grassy plains, hills, rocky outcrops, rivers, and mountains. Enjoy exploring the differing topography of the area: open bush, and wooded riverine areas.

Optional Big 5 Jeep safari at a nearby reserve. This safari takes place on Wednesdays and includes transfers from Horizon Lodge. Subject to availability. $150 per person, to be paid on site.

During your 7-night stay, 1 night will be spent at Bellevue Plains Lodge and 1 night will be spent at Camp Davidson.

Horizon Lodge is on the historic Baber family estate, and is the base for this safari. All rooms of the lodge are en-suite with either a shower or bath or both. Seven double rooms are separate from the main lodge: three suites overlook the  lake and have a small verandah area, the rondavels are a traditional African dwelling adjacent to the lodge. There are also two double rooms in the main lodge. There is a large living area, dining room and large stoep (or verandah) for guests to enjoy and has Wi-Fi. Three delicious meals are served a day with afternoon tea before the ride. All drinks are complimentary. Special diet requirements are catered for. The lodge has a swimming pool alongside the lake.

Camp Davidson was modelled on the old ‘outspan’ camps of E.A. Davidson (great grandfather of Dr. Rupert Baber, a founding partner of Horizon Horseback) when he was selling goods across the area from his wagon in the early 1900s. Horizon has captured the early camp atmosphere in Camp Davidson. Beautiful decked canvas tents are nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy game filled valleys. Each luxury tent has an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The camp is completely run on solar energy and has a small swimming pool. Wi-Fi is available.

Bellevue Lodge is on the southwestern side of the conservancy. Guests can stay for one night at the lodge, giving more time to explore the conservancy area. It is a tastefully decorated lodge with five en-suite double rooms. The lodge has a large comfortable living space and dining areas inside and outside, and Wi-Fi. There is a small pool and deck which overlooks a plain and watering hole close by where the wildlife frequent.

Breakfast is served each morning in the lodge before riding, and riders will return to the lodge for lunch. Tea time in the afternoon is a great way to fuel up before your afternoon ride, and dinner is served in the evening at the lodge. Drinks are included and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. All meals are served family-style with all guests at the lodge.

High Season

June 28-January 3

Mid Season

March 2-June 28

10% off

Low Season

January 4-March 1

20% off