South African Lodge Stay
You’ll enjoy varied rides that include splashy canters, close-up wildlife encounters, and exciting extras like polocrosse, swimming with your horse, western games, or popping over a few small jumps. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the lodge makes it easy to settle in and feel at home, whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family. There is no better way to see the bush and its wildlife than from a horse. You will ride across a private reserve of approximately 21,000 acres.
Riding at Horizon Lodge is wonderfully varied and tailored to suit all experience levels, from complete beginners to confident, experienced riders. Guests typically enjoy two rides a day — a longer morning ride of 3-4 hours and a shorter, more playful afternoon ride of 1-2 hours. Riders are split by ability and experienced riders can enjoy speedy canters and a dynamic pace. The rides explore the reserve’s 21,000 acres of pristine bushveld. The terrain is gentle and the game is non-threatening, allowing for relaxed wildlife viewing at close quarters, with sightings of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and more.
There’s also plenty of fun to be had beyond the trails: you might try polocrosse (a mix of polo and lacrosse), swim your horse in the dam (when conditions allow), tackle small natural jumps, or join in mounted western games designed for all ages. Riding into the conservancy offers long canters and the chance to encounter large herds of plains game, with the option to break for lunch by the pool - or even sleep out overnight for a true bush adventure.
- Ride across a 21,000-acre private South African bush conservancy
- Encounter giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plains game at close quarters
- Enjoy relaxed rides with optional fast canters for more experienced riders
- Try polocrosse, swimming with horses and fun mounted bush games
- Stay in a friendly lodge with swimming pool and optional tented camp
- Experience sociable safari dining and sundowners in the African bush
itinerary
Day 1
Your first ride is a gentle introduction to the African bush, giving you time to settle in and get comfortable with your horse. You’ll cross open plains as the afternoon light sets the landscape aglow, spotting wildlife like zebra, kudu, or giraffe before enjoying sundowner drinks at a scenic lookout and a welcome dinner back at the lodge.
Day 2
Each day offers two riding activities — a longer morning ride (up to 3–4 hours) and a shorter, fun-focused afternoon ride (1–2 hours). Here's a taste of what’s on offer by day but the programme is bespoke rather than a fixed day-by-day itinerary.Outrides & Game Viewing: Ride along sandy tracks through acacia woodlands and grassy savannas, getting remarkably close to wildlife. Horses blend naturally into the landscape, so you can approach animals like giraffe and impala without causing a stir.Jumping & Trail Challenges: For more confident riders, the out rides can include small, natural jumps and dedicated jumping lanes. It’s all optional and tailored to your skill level.
Day 3
Conservancy Ride: Embark on a ride deep into a 21,000-acre private game reserve. Enjoy long canters, spot large herds of wildebeest, hartebeest, and eland, and break for lunch and a swim at the conservancy lodge. There's even the option to overnight in the bush for a wilder experience.
Day 4
Polocrosse: Whether you're a beginner or a natural competitor, polocrosse is a favorite here. It’s fast, fun, and a little bit addictive! You'll learn the ropes quickly and join friendly matches with fellow guests.
Day 5
Swimming with Your Horse: If conditions allow, you’ll wade into the dam on horseback for a unique experience—feeling your horse move beneath you as they swim is a true trip highlight. (Note: swimming is only offered when hippos are not present in the dam.)ORVillage Ride to Lehlabile: Ride to a nearby Sotho village, home to many of the lodge’s staff, and visit the local school. It’s a heartwarming experience where guests are often welcomed with songs and smiles. Donations of school supplies or books are always appreciated.
Day 6
Before you say goodbye, enjoy a final morning ride on your favorite horse—one last chance to soak up the sights, sounds, and serenity of the African bush before heading back to Johannesburg.
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South African Lodge Stay
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
This holiday is suitable for riders of all levels, including complete beginners, thanks to the calm, well-schooled horses and the supportive, flexible approach of the guiding team. The absence of dangerous game such as lions or elephants means the environment is safe and relaxed, allowing novice riders and children to enjoy long hours in the saddle with confidence. More experienced riders won’t be left wanting, either - there are opportunities for fast-paced canters, polocrosse, small jumps, and longer rides into the conservancy. Each guest is paired with a horse that suits their ability, and rides are split by level to ensure everyone can ride at a pace that’s comfortable and enjoyable. The weight limit is 13st 5 lbs/ 187lbs / 85kg.
The guiding team at Horizon is at the heart of the safari experience, blending deep-rooted bush knowledge with a genuine passion for horses and hospitality. Each ride is led by two professional guides—a lead and a backup—ensuring safety, personalised attention, and an enriching journey through the African landscape. All guides have a wealth of experience, holding various qualifications in horse riding and bushcraft, and are adept at tailoring each ride to match the group's abilities and interests. They know the bush like the back of their hand and are fantastic company!
The maximum number of riders in a group is 8.
This destination boasts a diverse herd of over 100 horses, including breeds such as Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds, and various crossbreeds. Each horse is carefully selected for its temperament, endurance, and responsiveness. The horses live in a natural herd environment on the reserve, allowing them to acclimate to the local wildlife and terrain, which contributes to their calm demeanor on the trails. They have dedicated rest days each week and a varied routine, including schooling, lunging, jumping, mounted games, and trail rides. Living out in huge open spaces allows the horses freedom to graze naturally, but they come in at least once a day for hard feed and to be checked over.
McClellan trail saddles are used on the horses here, originally designed for the U.S. cavalry and adapted for long hours in the saddle. These saddles are known for their comfort and security, providing a balanced seat that accommodates both horse and rider during extended rides through the bush.
The horses are well cared for, with each having its own fitted tack, and saddles are checked regularly and cleaned after every ride. When riding you'll be provided with small saddlebags to carry the essentials such as a camera, suncream and water bottle.
Price includes
- 4 full days of riding (up to 5 hours per day)
- Shorter rides on arrival and departure days
- Accommodation in double or twin rooms
- All meals
- Drinks
- Bush walks
- Sundowners
- Laundry (turnaround time is one day)
- All arrangements for duration of holiday
- Services of guides
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Airport Transfers
- Tips
- Optional game drives
Accommodation
The main lodge accommodation comprises several rooms and garden chalets, all of which are en-suite with either a shower, a bath or both. Guests also have access to a spacious living area, dining room, stoep (verandah) and swimming pool which overlooks the lake.
In addition to the main lodge, Horizon also has a tented camp called 'Camp Davidson' where guests can stay for a more traditional 'under canvas' safari experience. The camp features luxurious canvas tents with decking and is completely run on solar energy. It also has its own small swimming pool. Rides to Camp Davidson are usually scheduled on a Monday for guests and are available for a supplement of £65 for a minimum of 4 riders.
After the horses, food is your hosts' second passion. Before an early morning ride, guests are offered a light breakfast. After working up an appetite on your ride, lunch is served under the giant syringa tree in the garden followed by afternoon tea at about 3 pm.
Dinner is a sociable and sumptuous affair, during which the day's adventures are accounted with great delight. The carefully planned three-course menus are accompanied by a selection of fine South African wines. Fresh vegetables and home grown herbs are used in all recipes with home made bread and cakes which are baked on a daily basis.
South African Lodge Stay
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Flights and transfers.
Do not book your flights until you have received the confirmation email from saddletravel.com.
Stays are flexible (minimum 5 nights) with arrivals possible on any day. Shorter stays can be requested by emailing trails@saddletravel.com.
Flight and transfer information
- Johannesburg (JNB)
- Arrival time: Group transfers operate at set times, and you must arrive no later than 09:45 to join the scheduled transfer.
- Departure time: Your return flight should be booked for after 19:30 on Day 8, allowing you to ride on the final day before departure.
- Group transfers are available to and from Johannesburg Airport at a cost of £138 per adult and £124 per child under 16. These operate at fixed times, and passengers may need to wait for other arrivals. Private transfers are available at any time for £320 per vehicle each way.
The single supplement is available upon request and subject to availability. We cannot guarantee a solo room.
Non-riders are welcome to join the group (paying the child rate) and can take part in bush walks, game drives and other locally bookable activities.