8 Day Horizon Horseback

Day 1:

You will be transferred by road from O R Tambo (formerly Johannesburg International) Airport this morning, to the Triple B Ranch, where you arrive in time for lunch. Here you will have a chance to relax, and meet the other member of your safari group. Later this afternoon, you have will have a introductory ride, and meet the horses. This 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:

Today you enjoy riding on Triple B Ranch, and try different horses in order to be able to make a suitable selection for the safari.

Day 3:

There is a morning ride on Triple B Ranch followed by a sumptuous brunch. You (and the horses) are then transported to Dinaka Reserve in time for afternoon tea. On the late afternoon ride you get to 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:

On the Dinaka plains riders you have the chance to 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. Back at the lodge, you 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. Enjoy refreshing drinks watching one of the awe inspiring sunsets the Waterberg is famous for.

Day 5:

After an early breakfast set out in search of some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species - such as leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboon, and klipspringer. 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. A picnic lunch is enjoyed at one of the dams en route. The bush here is dense and full of birdcalls and there is a particular excitement when a shy animal is suddenly spotted. You return to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for a cooling swim and siesta. Later today, you have 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:

This is quite a long day, so you can expect some fast travelling and long canters. After a good morning of hard riding, 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 , a spotlight is used to look for nocturnal species such as aardvark, porcupine and brown hyenas.

Day 7:

This morning there is a tranquil and scenic ride which meanders in the foothills of the mountains. 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. This evening there is a “braai” (barbecue) where you can relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast your experiences while a feast is served.

Day 8:

Today you have the last opportunity to enjoy riding on this beautiful Reserve with its diversity of wildlife. After brunch, you are transferred either directly to O R Tambo International Airport, or to the Triple B Ranch to continue their holiday with Horizon Horseback Adventures.