Riding Safaris

There are some top quality riding destinations all around South Africa suitable for novice and experienced riders enabling guests to enjoy their sport, riding deep into the wilder, less visited areas of this beautiful country on a brilliant adventure. Whether staying in 5 star wilderness lodges or the more basic (but VERY exciting) tented camps, you will enjoy well trained horses, professional guides, magnificent scenery and mouth watering home cooked meals; a holiday to remember.

In some locations non riders can also be looked after with many activities on offer as well as riding: guided safaris and walking safaris, fishing, hiking, white water rafting, game drives, abseiling, quad biking, cultural visits, Battlefield Tours to name but a few.

Talk to DD who can recommend which riding safari will suit you and your itinerary the best.

Bhangazi Horse Safaris
Bhangazi is an unusual riding safari as it is located in the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, Kwa Zulu Natal near to the stunning Lake St Lucia and is therefore concentrated on the coastline giving wonderful opportunity to learn about this unique eco system. Close encounters with hippos, galloping along miles of pristine beaches, climbing sand dunes, and delving deeper in land searching for bigger game. Its location is central and ideal for adding on other activities within Kwa Zulu Natal such as whale watching, deep sea fishing, kayaking and Battlefield Tours.

Your hosts Richard Daugherty and Sarah Burrows specialise in privately guided horse safaris, offering two styles of safari (Luxury and Adventure,) both using the same locations. These safaris are tailor made or run to set dates.

The safaris stay in mobile tented camps and itineraries are tailored to suit the groups riding abilities / ages, the weather and the location of the game. All safaris start in St Lucia, with transfers to and from Richards Bay (the closest commercial airport).

Experienced Riders:
Bhangazi Horse Safaris ride in a big game area and for the safety of the individual and the group everyone must be capable of riding quickly away from possible danger. Children less than 12 years of age or riders over 100kg cannot be accommodated.

Novice Riders:
Rides are offered for Novice riders along the beach for those staying in the area.

Experienced and novice riders, ideal for families:
At the Horizon Adventures ranch they have horses to suit beginners and competent riders with some ponies. They offer a plethora of children friendly fun activities (also enjoyed by adults) such as Western games, cattle mustering, swimming with the horses, lessons and tailor-made rides out. Children from the age of 8 are welcome all year round and every now and then they will run special family holiday weeks open to children of all ages. You will not find a more friendly, relaxed, flexible location whether you are travelling on your own, as a group or as a family.

For experienced riders:
Dinaka Safari: If you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, this safari combines four nights in South Africa (staying at Dinaka Lodge, a pristine private reserve of 10,000 acres in the Waterberg luxury lodge accommodation) and four nights in Botswana (staying in comfortable mobile or static tented camps depending on weather.) It is a 3.5 hours drive between the two on swap over day. Both rides take place in beautiful, private wilderness locations where the Big 5 roam. Expertly guided, riding responsive well schooled horses in small groups, this safari runs to set dates throughout the year.

Experienced riders only.
There are two safaris with itineraries that are fairly flexible:

"Big Five" Safari: The seven night riding Safari where guests spend four nights at Wait A Little Camp, one night at a simple bush camp and two nights at the tented Phiva lodge.
The Makalali safari: A ten day riding Safari takes place on the famous Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve. You spend three nights at Wait A Little Camp, four nights at two separate Makalali camps, and three nights at the very luxurious Garonga Safari Camp.

Ants Hill and Ants Nest:
Situated in the malaria free Waterberg area this privately owned concession offers the choice of staying at Ants Hill, a thatched bush house with breathtaking views across the Waterberg, and Ants Nest; just six luxurious en-suite rooms surrounded by gardens and a swimming pool in the classic colonial house, with a Kenyan twist, owned by Ant and Tessa Baber.

Both are private bush homes, friendly, relaxed and amazing for families, catering for children of all ages, allowing parents to enjoy time off whilst the brilliant babysitters entertain the young. The accommodation is cosy, colonial, classic, friendly and comfortable in a game paradise you will never forget.

Experienced and novice riders, ideal for families:
From here you can take daily rides into the beautiful and diverse natural bush cantering along open sandy tracks taking you up onto high ridges with spectacular vistas, searching for game on the way. Often you can get so close to the game that the experience remains unforgettable. The pace can be as fast or relaxed as the riders would like and there are horses that cater for all abilities.