signature safari

Another long ride through game rich country returns you to the heart of the operation, Horizon Lodge. The route taken is different from that on the outward leg, turning this part of the safari into an exciting journey passing through diverse landscapes and ecosystems. You’ll arrive at a giant wild fig tree for a delicious bush breakfast prepared on an open fire. After this hearty meal, the route back to the lodge passes through a dense forest area where some of the shyer species like to shelter. Swimming with your horse in front of our Horizon Lodge is the perfect end to this special morning ride. This afternoon you’ll go on a game drive to a nearby reserve, where you can see the Big 5 including elephants, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lions.

This morning you’ll head towards Camp Davidson for an exciting night under canvas. The camp is perched high on a ridge overlooking a vast wilderness area to the east. Wildlife often encountered in the area include baboon, bushpig, kudu and klipspringer. Porcupines are frequent nocturnal visitors to the camp and leopard spoor outside the tents is not uncommon. Today’s route to Camp Davidson covers the north-eastern areas of the reserve, tracking through untouched bush to the upper reaches of Sunset Lake. This lake is a favourite haunt of the hippo on the reserve and home to crocodile, otter, fish eagle and other waterfowl, such as the beautiful African jacana. You’ll ride along the water’s edge and must be constantly on the lookout for the hippo. These animals, while having a reputation for being some of the most dangerous in Africa, are not a threat during the day but will often honk and blow as they observe riders go by. The route offers an opportunity for exciting splashy canters and extended canters, off-piste riding with very scenic views across the highlands of the Waterberg.

Today you’ll ride through the neighbouring conservancy to search for sable. These magnificent antelope have striking markings and long sweeping horns. If conditions allow, you’ll end the ride with another chance to enjoy a splashy canter along the edge of the Horizon Lodge dam. After the morning’s exertions, you can relax around the swimming pool and enjoy the beautiful unspoilt surroundings. The afternoon activity is polo crosse, an amalgam between polo and lacrosse. The game is highly addictive and is sure to bring out competitive passions! Horses which are used to playing the game are used and no previous experience of playing polocrosse is required. What is guaranteed is a great deal of fun. 

This morning, you’ll be offered the chance to ride into another of Horizon’s neighbour conservancies, where Cape buffalo can be spotted. An early start is required for this longer morning ride. The thrill of cantering along side wildebeest is a huge highlight. The land opens up to offer long, extended canters along broad tracks that skirt through pristine bush. In the afternoon, you’ll follow a route interspersed with optional cross country jumps on the way to sundowners in a stunning spot with views over the rolling hills. A slow ride back to the Lodge at dusk completes the day’s adventure. Tonight’s dinner starts with a wine tasting, each wine is paired with a complimenting amuse-bouche. This is a brilliant introduction to South Africa’s famous wines.

By now riders are well versed in all aspects of the safari experience, and in consultation with their guides can suggest a favourite ride for their final experience. This is a last opportunity to ride amongst Africa’s incredible antelope species through a beautiful environment on superb horses. Following lunch in the garden, it’ll be time to embark on the road back to the airport in Johannesburg.