Horizon Horseback Safaris

Horizon Horseback Safaris offers two riding safari options on some of the most impressive game farms in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. While the emphasis is on high quality game viewing on horseback, riders have the assurance that they are riding horses cared for and trained by Shane Dowinton on the ranch, and guided by Horizon guides. Furthermore, since the horses are chosen from the entire ranch herd of 70, guests can be expertly matched to their mount. Each safari option offers a unique element of riding with game, but the location in each case is truly exceptional.

Dinaka Luxury Riding Safari

The Dinaka Luxury Riding Safari is an 8-day safari in a location teaming with game and served by a stunning luxury lodge, which is perched on the edge of cliff overlooking a beautiful lake and the plains beyond. The 20,000 acre reserve was one of the first to reintroduce game into the Waterberg mountains. It encompasses a wide diversity of habitats, from towering mountains to secret valleys, wetlands and wide open plains criss-crossed by patches of denser bushveld. Due to the fertility of the plains, the reserve is home to literally thousands of animals. This safari offers unsurpassed game viewing on horseback in South Africa.

Species include white rhinos, hippos and buffalo, giraffe, leopard, ostrich and two species of zebra. In addition over 20 species of antelope are present, including the impressive cape eland and sable, the exquisite steenbuck and springbuck, and the rare black impala. The wide open spaces and sandy tracks makes this the ideal place to experience the thrill of galloping alongside herds of game. Rushing headlong across the African savannah in the midst of herds of blesbok, zebra, impala or wilderbeest is a memory guests will cherish forever.

Dinaka Luxury Safari Example Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival. Guests will be transferred from the airport to Triple B Ranch in time for lunch and a chance to relax and unwind and meet with fellow members of the safari group. Late in the afternoon you will have your first opportunity to experience a ride on one of Horizon’s horses. The first ride is a gentle introduction to riding in the bush and an opportunity to see some of the wildlife that inhabits the ranch.

DAY 2: Horse Selection. A chance to enjoy more riding on Triple B Ranch and to try different horses in order to be able to make a suitable selection for the safari.

DAY 3: Transfer to Dinaka. A morning ride on Triple B Ranch followed by a sumptuous brunch. Guests and horses are then transported to Dinaka reserve in time for afternoon tea. On the late afternoon ride you will experience this wonderful riding country with its long sandy tracks, abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. On the ride you are very likely to encounter your first white rhino. A warm welcome dinner is served in the lodge boma.

DAY 4: Rhino Spotting. On the Dinaka plains riders will encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. It is not uncommon to have sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with 11 other species all in your view at one time. It is an unforgettable experience to encounter on horseback the endangered and hugely impressive white rhino in its natural environment.

The open plains provide great opportunities for fast riding. Riders are also able to experience cantering alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah. Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these sociable creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. The afternoon ride goes to the buffalo and sable territory. Refreshing drinks watching one of the awe inspiring sunsets the Waterberg is famous for rounds off the day.

DAY 5: Mountain Exploration. After an early breakfast we will set out in search of some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, African rock python, rock dassies, klipspringers, black eagles and cape vultures. This ride follows a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment. The path follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams along the way. At one of the dams a picnic lunch will be enjoyed. The bush here is dense and full of birdcalls and there is a particular excitement when a shy animal is suddenly spotted.

You will return to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for a cooling swim and siesta. In the afternoon you will be given the choice of either relaxing at the lodge watching the animals come and go to the dam, or go on a leisurely ride out on the open plains.

DAY 6: Fast Riding. Distances covered this day are relatively great so expect some fast travelling and long canters. After a good morning of hard riding you will return to the lodge for lunch and another chance to relax by the pool. In the afternoon there is the option of a game drive to some of the further parts of the reserve, with drinks en route. On the drive back in the early evening you will use a spotlight to look for nocturnal species such as aardvark, porcupine and brown hyenas.

DAY 7: Buffalo encounters. In the morning there is a tranquil and scenic ride which meanders in the foothills of the mountains. There is always an element of surprise, including a visit to “jackal dam” where the horses have a chance to splash in the water lilies. The afternoon provides a welcome break for horses and riders, as a Dinaka guide escorts you on an informative game drive to the buffalo sanctuary. There is also the chance to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot. That night there is a “braai” evening where guests can relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast their experiences while a feast is served.

DAY 8: Farewell ride. One last opportunity to enjoy riding on this wonderful reserve with its amazing array of wildlife. After brunch, guests are transferred either directly to the airport or back to Triple B Ranch to continue their holiday with Horizon Horseback Adventures.

Big Five Riding Safari

In order for guests to fulfil the dream of encountering all of Africa’s famous "big five" on horseback, Horizon Horseback Safaris has teamed up with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana’s Tuli Block to create an unforgettable game experience. The “big five” are of course elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. All are impressive when seen from the back of a game drive vehicle, but even more so when encountered whilst riding on horseback through the African bush. Elephant, leopard and lion can be seen in Botswana, while rhino and buffalo can be seen in the Waterberg. Leopard can also be seen in the Waterberg, but only infrequently.

Limpopo Valley Safaris is in the Tuli Block, home to Mashatu Game Reserve and known as "the land of the giants". This is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas and land formations as old as time itself. It is also home to a multitude of wildlife species and remains untouched by the invasion of man. The riding trails cover both the riverine terrain and the true African mopane bushveld, including the famous sandstone formations of the Tuli. The richness of the Mashatu horse riding experience is complemented by regular sightings of lion, leopard, elephant and hyena.

The Horizon leg of the holiday takes place at Dinaka reserve, a full description of which can be found under Dinaka Luxury Safari.

Big 5 Riding Safari Example Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive at Dinaka. Transfer from Johannesburg International Airport to Horizon Horseback Safaris at Dinaka. The impressive stone and thatch lodge, set high above a large hippo dam with sweeping views of the surrounding plains, will be your home for the next four nights. Your early evening ride will follow the base of the Waterberg escarpment with long extended canters along unending sandy tracks. This ride will provide you with the first tantalising taste of this stunning game sanctuary.

DAY 2: Rhino Spotting. On the Dinaka plains riders will encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. It is not uncommon to have sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with 11 other species all in your view at one time. It is an unforgettable experience to encounter on horseback the endangered and hugely impressive white rhino in its natural environment.

The open plains provide great opportunities for fast riding. Riders are also able to experience cantering alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah. Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these sociable creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. The afternoon ride goes to the buffalo and sable territory. Refreshing drinks watching one of the awe inspiring sunsets the Waterberg is famous for rounds off the day.

DAY 3: Mountain Exploration. After an early breakfast we will set out in search of some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, African rock python, rock dassies, klipspringers, black eagles and cape vultures. This ride follows a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment. The path follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams along the way. At one of the dams a picnic lunch will be enjoyed. The bush here is dense and full of birdcalls and there is a particular excitement when a shy animal is suddenly spotted.

You will return to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for a cooling swim and siesta. In the afternoon you will be given the choice of either relaxing at the lodge watching the animals come and go to the dam, or go on a leisurely ride out on the open plains.

DAY 4: Fast Riding. Distances covered this day are relatively great so expect some fast travelling and long canters. After a good morning of hard riding you will return to the lodge for lunch and another chance to relax by the pool. In the afternoon there is the option of a game drive to some of the further parts of the reserve, with drinks en route. On the drive back in the early evening you will use a spotlight to look for nocturnal species such as aardvark, porcupine and brown hyenas.

DAY 5: Transfer to Limpopo Valley Safaris. In the morning there is a last chance to search for any species not yet seen and one last gallop along the endless sandy tracks. After brunch you will board your transfer to the Botswana border and the Tuli Block. The transfer will take approximately four hours and crosses a rugged and striking area of Limopo province.

Upon arriving at the stunning camp at Fort Jamesons, guests will have a chance to settle in and relax before the afternoon’s introductory ride that will give just a little taste of what is in store over the next four days. The ride returns to camp in time for sundowners around a log fire, centred in the beautiful gardens. Once the sun has disappeared a heart dinner is served. The evening will draw to a close with a nightcap at the bar.

DAY 6: Plains Riding. After an early rise and a light breakfast we will head along the Limpopo river in thick riverine forest to its confluence with the Majale river. This is a fast and exciting ride and four to five hours will be taken to explore open plains teeming with general game. Lunch will be enjoyed back at Fort Jamesons, followed by a chance to swim and relax. < br>
In the afternoon you can enjoy either the thrill of a pre-novice cross country course or a leisurely ride to Nylsvlei, a non-perennial marshland where elephant are often seen grazing. Sundowners around the campfire await you on your return to camp.

DAY 7: Stagecoach Trail. This ride follows the Zeederberg Stagecoach Trail from Rhode’s Drift past the e astern side of the Boer War battle site at Nylsvlei and up to the remnants of Bryce’ s Store. This fascinating ride will focus on the history of the area with interesting tales about the Anglo-Boer War. The day’s ride will last approximately 6 hours, the longest of the four days. A picnic lunch will be provided. Large herds of antelope are encountered in this area.

After a time to relax, the ride will return to Fort Jamesons for tea and a scrumptious snack under an impressive mashatu tree. In the afternoon guests will be taken on a game drive. Spend the late afternoon and evening on the “hunt” for the beautiful and awesome cats which are so much a part of the Mashatu experience. Sundowners are enjoyed on a great koppie and at nightfall the spotlight is used to search for and follow the nocturnal predators.

DAY 8: Elephant Encounters.Excellent elephant sightings are practically guaranteed on this day’s ride that passes through a range of vegetation types: riverine forests, savannah acacias, terminalia shrubland and area abundant in shephard’s trees. Following this four hour ride, lunch and an afternoon swim can be enjoyed. Alternatively, some quiet time can be spent sitting in a hide overlooking the watering hole.

The afternoon ride will head towards the rocky outcrop close to Rock Camp where waterbuck, rock dassies and black eagles are likely to be spotted. This ride brings a bit of pace and adventure, with lots of small jumps and an opportunity to explore the open plains and enjoy the exhilaration of riding among herds of galloping wilderbeest and zebra. A short stop at Pete’s Pond will provide an opportunity for some fascinating bird watching.

DAY 9: Farewell ride. After a final chance to encounter elephant on horseback, you will be driven to a local airfield to catch your flight to Johannesburg International Airport.