Horse Riding Safari in Africa

Horse Riding Safari in Africa Overview

One of the best ways to get close to game is on horseback. This luxury private reserve has over 40 species of game ranging from rhino through to warthog. There are also smaller animals such as African wild cat, and more than 250 species of birds. The reserve is also famous for its magnificent herd of White Rhino.

TYPICAL DAY: All days follow a similar format although there is flexibility for individual choice within each day. A typical day starts after breakfast with a morning ride or other activity for those not wishing to ride - returning to the lodge for lunch followed by a late afternoon ride or activity. The itinerary is flexible to suit everyone staying and taking into account the weather and whether anything special is happening on the reserve such as a game capture or release. For those keen to ride there is the option to spend 4 - 5 hours riding per day, for those less keen to spend so much time in the saddle activities can be divided into riding and non riding activities. There are game drives and bush walks as well as riding available so this safari really does cater for everyone. Over dinner you can discuss with your guide or lodge manager the activities you would like to take part in the following day. Animals are more active in the morning and then again in the late afternoon hence the structure of the day. There are horses suited to experienced riders and novice riders as well as steady ponies for children. This safari is suitable for families - and all levels of rider can be safely taken out on horseback since there are no lion or elephant. All of the horses are well schooled horses, the breeds favoured include the ever versatile thoroughbred, the wonderful arabian horses which bring such tremendous stamina to the mix alongside african boerperds and freisan crossbreeds. Even non riders may choose to ride at least once during their stay - with the length and pace of rides tailored to suit ability and experience. We can cater for riders upto 110kg. The horses are ridden in very comfortable South African trail saddles and most have snaffle bridles. Hard hats are mandatory. ACCOMMODATION There are three spectacular lodges - Ant's Nest, Bushwillow and Ant's Hill both set within the private game reserve, they not only offer exceptional game viewing but are also superb places to relax, unwind and watch the sun go down. The riding safaris were set up by Ant Baber 25 years ago and he continues to be personally involved - his family have lived in Waterberg since 1865. Ant Baber and his team offer a very personal safari. The lodges are ideal for riders and non-riders as activities can be tailored to suit each person in the group. Both lodges offer the unique riding safari and also a range of other activities: guided bush walks, vehicle game drives and even cycling safaris! Guides can take you to other places of interest - bushman paintings, archaelogical sites or even a Big 5 game reserve drive. At the end of a long day in the saddle a massage can be arranged. Ant's Hill is to the west of the reserve on a high ridge with a magnificent panorama spanning over the bushveld. Overlooking a waterfall, the lodge is constructed from native rock and timber and blends in perfectly to the contours of the terrain - wide bi-folding doors and windows showcase the spectacular views towards the setting sun. This lodge can cater for up to 16 guests. A heated swimming pool set into the boulders on the edge of the cliff enjoys a panoramic view across the reserve - a great place to relax in between horse rides. Ant's Nest lies in a natural amphitheatre with a wide verandah and thatched roof, it has a classic African atmosphere. A wide variety of game frequent the waterhole in front of the lodge, bringing wildlife viewing to the doorstep. Not only are there views down the valley but it is also surrounded by the open plains where the horses and other game graze. This lodge accommodates a maximum of 12 guests. There is a heated swimming pool in the garden and indigenous plants surround the pool plus a thatched chill out spot with day beds to relax on during the heat of the day - this is the ideal spot to have your massage. The nosey rhinos come right up to these gardens to graze! Bushwillow is new to the Ants Collection the main lodge has sitting and dining area along with an outdoor boma (firepit) and swimming pool. There are five bedrooms, sleeping 10 guests. Bedrooms have private bathrooms and a veranda. Two of the bedrooms are in a seperate cottage and both are ensuite but share a living area and veranda. At all the lodges the meals are a highlight of your stay - you may find lunch laid out in the bush, starlit dinners around a fire in the boma or next to the pool with breakfast on the deck or under the shade of a tree in the gardens. The cuisine is a fusion of fine dining and home cooking.