South Africa, Waterberg - Ranch Stay with Safari
The ranch is beautifully situated by a lake with hippos and consists of a nicely renovated colonial house with a classic porch and a number of guest cottages, each with its own character. You will really enjoy your stay, whether in the main house or in one of the cottages.
Your stay here is tailored for you and with a herd of 60 horses, there is a suitable partner for every rider. There are lots of options, with exciting riding among wild animals, swimming with the horses, western games, jumping on the cross-country course and if you want you can learn to play polocross. You can even get married here, not to forget that it is an ideal special birthday destination.
Children over eight years are welcome and will love every minute. Without the distraction of computers, families mix and enjoy the wonderful experiences together.
Signature Safari
The Signature Safari is a fixed date safari which captures all the best elements of riding at our Lodge in South Africa. Spread over eight days (seven nights), the safari not only covers a great deal of riding – over 150 km on horseback through truly spectacular landscapes, with regular sightings of a wide range of wildlife species – but also fun activities such as splashy canters, swimming with horses, playing polocrosse and popping over a series of natural obstacles on the way to a spectacular sundowner spot.
You will typically enjoy two riding activities a day – generally a longer ride in the morning and either a shorter ride or fun riding activity in the afternoon. Over the course of the safari, riders will get to see all parts of the 15,000-acre reserve using carefully planned routes which take into account all the game hotspots and interesting natural features. Given the diverse habitats- from wide open plains to savannah, rocky outcrops, wetlands and dense forest-like habitats - they are sure to encounter a wider range of wild animals than usually seen even on a trip to some of the most famous national parks in Africa. Species typically seen within this veritable Noah’s ark in the Waterberg include the following: giraffe, hippo, cape buffalo, eland, zebra, sable, roan, kudu, impala, waterbuck, red hartebeest, nyala, tsessebe, blue wildebeest, blesbuck, bushbuck, ostrich, baboon, vervet monkey, warthog and jackal. Occasionally seen are crocodile, brown hyena, serval, duiker, bush pig, steenbuck and reedbuck. These are all beautiful animals and a privilege to observe in their natural environment. Combined with the wide open spaces, variable topography and excellent going, this makes the Signature Safari an unforgettable riding experience.
The safari allows guests to enjoy a range of accommodation types, from the wellknown Lodge perched on the edge of a gorgeous lake and surrounded by horses, to one night glamping under canvas at Camp Davidson high on an isolated ridge, to enjoying safari chic one night at one of the Bellevue Plains lodges which look out over expansive plains filled with herds of wildlife.
To cover these distances and enjoy all these activities, while maintaining the cohesiveness of the group,
riders need to be of at least an intermediate level. Should the guides feel a guest is not able to ride at the correct standard for this safari, alternative rides from the lodge will be organised.
Ranch Stay with Safari
The terrain on this ranch is superb for riding. The horses are ridden unshod on perfect sandy surface and although the bush is thick in places, it is mostly open and flat landscape. There are rolling hills that lead to ideal vantage points where you can truly see the breadth of the Waterberg Plateau.
To swim with the horses in one of the many ponds is a great way to cool off after a long morning ride. On the rides in this private game reserve, you get close to wild animals such as giraffe, zebra, impala, red hartebeest, eland and reedbuck as well as many of the smaller mammals such as jackals, baboons, monkeys and warthogs. Getting to see these wild animals on horseback is a deeply enriching experience and you can come closer than you ever thought possible, as the game animals do not feel the horse as a threat. The guides will show you how to follow animal tracks and teach you the local bushlore. A ride to the hippo family at the lake is always appreciated.
Experienced riders can enjoy the challenging terrain course, which consists of logs and over thirty obstacles.
Those who are interested in yet another challenge on horseback can participate in fun western games. Barrel racing and pole bending are fun ways to teach yourself the art of giving light commands and get a quick response.
Polocross is a mixture of polo and lacrosse and is easy to learn. It is an exciting sport on horseback. Guests who have never played before are introduced to the game slowly, and go through the basic rules. Then it's "for real" with a full game. One chukka is usually all that is needed to bring out the competitive spirit.
There are two outrides or riding activities a day. Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are somewhat shorter.
Riding about 4-7 hours / day.
Accommodation and Food
There is one double room (standard room) in the main building or six bungalows (garden chalet) with thatched roofs and all with private bathrooms. Each bungalwo is discretely located away from the main house. A pier extends out into the lake and offers secluded sunbathing. There is a pool in the garden where you can cool off on hot summer days.
After the horses, food is your hosts' passion. After a light breakfast and an appetite building morning ride, you are invited to lunch under a giant tree in the garden followed by afternoon tee.
Dinners are social events where the day's adventures and events are re-lived. There is a carefully planned three-course meal served with selected South African wines. Fresh vegetables and herbs are included in all recipes and fresh bread and homemade cakes are baked daily.
Travel Information
Ability description: Trail ride level 1-3 >>
Included in the price: 7 nights, 7 days riding, full board incl. beverages.
Not included: Flight, Transfer to from Johannesburg airport. Possible nights at the camp. Tips. Big Five Game drive including transfer, on Wednesday. To be paid on Site (subject to availability).
Transfers: Book and pay to horseXplore in advance.
Group transfer: It is a group shuttle that leaves Johannesburg at 10:30am. Flight landing before 09.30am. On the return trip you arrive at Johannesburg airport at approx. 5:00pm. Flight departure after 7:30pm. Provide us your arrival and departure details in good time.
Price: 325 EUR per person for return transfer.
Private transfers: If you need a transfer at other times, then you can book a private transfer.
Price: 752 EUR for 1-10 people in same booking for return transfer.
Number of riders: At least 1 and 12 or less.
Child discount: Up to 15 years. Discount stated under Dates & prices - Book on request. No discount on Signature Safari.
Season: Arrival/departure any day all year. Minimum 3 nights. If you like to go any other dates than stated under Dates & prices send us an e-mail: info@horsexplore.com . Set dates on Signature Safari.
Electricity/Wi-Fi: 3 plug (type M). There is some adapters to borrow. Wi-fi both at the lodge and at camp on the veranda.
Misc.: The pool is open all year
Feedback from our travellers
Magical Atmosphere and Exceptional Cuisine
A spacious and beautifully designed room with a comfortable bed and a large bathroom. Daily laundry service was a fantastic bonus. The food was outstanding, and despite my celiac disease, I always had safe and delicious meals. The guides were highly knowledgeable and shared stories about local history, plants, and animals. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making me feel like part of the family. A truly special place where you can unwind and enjoy every moment!
Maria Hauglund Johnsen
The Best Riding Holiday Ever!
A stunning bungalow with Wi-Fi and an outdoor shower—what an experience to watch the stars while showering after an evening ride! The food was outstanding, always featuring fresh ingredients and home-baked treats. Riding six different horses was amazing, and every single one was a dream. I had high expectations, but this trip exceeded them all! Absolutely the best riding holiday ever—we will definitely be back, probably as soon as next spring!
Kirsi Rajalainen
An Unforgettable Safari Adventure
Super comfortable beds with fresh linens, towels, and toiletries—like a high-end hotel! I chose vegetarian meals, and they were incredibly tasty and diverse. The gallops across the savanna were exhilarating! A trip with extra everything, exceeding all expectations, with amazing guides and breathtaking wildlife encounters.
Anna Arborelius
World-Class Riding and Luxury Accommodation
A stunning, well-maintained lodge with twice-daily cleaning and laundry service. The food was exceptional, with three-course dinners and a knowledgeable chef. Wine tastings and sundowners after rides made the experience even more special. The riding was thrilling, with well-trained horses and unforgettable routes through the savanna. The level of horse care was impressive—comparable to the best standards in Sweden. One-third of the guests return, and I can see why. This was truly a priceless experience!
Sonya Wennerström
The Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Adventure
Fantastic food and well-cared-for horses. The week was a perfect escape—disconnect from the world, enjoy nature, and indulge in incredible meals. Ending the day with a gin and tonic while watching the sunset from a cliff was simply unforgettable.
Ulla Paavola
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