Horseback Riding Holidays in Southern Africa

All images in this blog post are owned & copyrighted by Horizon Horseback Safaris.

Set amongst South Africa’s most dramatic backdrops, Horizon Horseback Safari’s world-class horseback riding holidays provide the perfect setting for adventurous game viewing and leisure rides.

Since 1993, Horizon Horseback Safaris has been guiding their journeys throughout the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in northern South Africa, which is renowned for its varying terrain and wildlife diversity. From river crossings to rocky outcrops and savannah plains, guests are stimulated by the subtle changes in the surrounding topography.

Get to Know the Horses

Horizon Horseback manages 85 horses (from thoroughbreds to Arabs, Boerperds, and even Welsh ponies for children on a South Africa family safari) as a free roaming herd, outside the constraints of stables. All of their horses have been hand-selected and nurtured over the years, and, although each horse has its own distinct personality, they all possess a calm demeanor and are at ease with the natural surroundings of the area.

Guests on one of Horizon’s horseback riding holidays have the unique opportunity to develop an intimate connection with nature and with their trusted new companion (their horse, of course!).

Horizon Horseback Safaris’ collection consists of a variety of different journeys (note that all of their safaris run from one of two lodges: the Classic Safari Lodge and the Signature Safari Lodge), which include:

• Signature Safari: Known as Horizon’s original safari, the Signature Safari immerses guests into the breathtaking surroundings of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in northern South Africa. During their adventures, guests can witness large herds of zebra, hippo, giraffe, antelope, leopard, hyena, crocodile, and aardvark, as well as more than 300 species of birds. For those who are interested in the Signature Safari, the itinerary is extremely flexible, catering to guests’ needs and desires. It is also an excellent option for all skill levels, whether your novice rider or a seasoned one.

• Family Safari: I cannot stress enough how perfect this horseback riding safari is for families! All types of rider levels are welcome on the family safari as there is no dangerous game in the area. If you have teenagers or children with you, Horizon Horseback hosts a variety of exciting activities for them, such as polocrosse, western games, cross country, and cattle mustering. They even have Welsh ponies for the younger children to ride. And if you wish to take a break from horseback riding for a day, Horizon can arrange for Big Five game-viewing drives, bush walks, and even fishing trips.

• Classic Safari: With an adventurous edge to it, the Classic Safari takes guests and their horses into game-rich plains at the foot of the Waterberg mountain plateau. Some of the animals guests run alongside with and witness include the endangered white rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, and a variety of antelope species. With long winding areas, full of game, to run the horses, this safari is truly an adrenaline rush that shouldn’t be missed.

• Big Five Safari: This nine-day safari immerses guests into South Africa and Botswana’s most wildlife-dense regions, providing the ultimate adventure vacation. Each area that guests ride through is characterized by a unique topography that provides a new perspective on the African wilderness. And the best part of this horseback riding holiday is that you get to view the Big Five (rhino, leopard, buffalo, lion, and elephant) on horseback. It’s also important to note that this safari is designed for experienced riders who are looking for an action-packed getaway.

• Wildlife & Winelands Safari: Just picture it: Riding through vineyards along the dramatic, mountainous backdrop of Cape Winelands as you head to a delightful wine tasting at one of South Africa’s most renowned wine estates. What could be better? During this nine-day horse riding holiday, you’ll come in contact with giraffe, zebra, and other large game, as well as taste some of the world’s most celebrated wines at their place of production.

• African Explorer: Ideal for individuals who want to combine culture with adventure, the eight-day African Explorer safari begins with three nights at Horizon Horseback’s Camp Davidson and is followed by four nights at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana. For the cultural portion of the trip, guests will visit local villages and markets to learn about the cultural history of the area, as well as the unique artwork created in these regions. It’s important to note that this safari is only for experienced riders.

• Surf & Turf: This eight-day safari combines the best of Africa’s sea and land, taking guests across unspoiled beaches, and through South Africa’s wildlife-clad Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. During the first portion of this horseback safari trip, guests ride along one of the most spectacular sea coasts in the world, Wild Coast. This deserted coast is home to the jacaranda wreck and neighbors the Kobonqaba River and quaint villages. The second leg of the trip takes guests to the Limpopo Province where guests can gallop alongside a variety of large and small game, including zebra, giraffe, buffalo, rhino, hippo, ostrich, leopard, and a variety of antelope species.

Horizon Horseback Safaris also offers an exceptional Indulgence Week itinerary, which is perfect for individuals who are looking to take their mind, body, and soul into a place of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. We’ve outlined this itinerary in detail in today’s newsletter.

Click here to subscribe to the newsletter for bi-monthly updates and view the Indulgence Week itinerary!