Horse safari in South Africa & Botswana

On arrival at the airport, our representative is here to welcome you and assist you with any question you may have. Pick-up of your rental vehicle. Drive to Simon's Town on the seafront along the Cape Peninsula. Estimated journey time: 1 hour.   Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a stroll through the town, with the chance to see some African penguins on the beach.   Overnight stay at Mariner Guesthouse & Villa, in an executive room (sea facing with balcony). Included: meet & greet, car rental, room & breakfast

09:30 - 11:30 This morning, you are going to visit one of the most unique places in the world - a penguin colony in suburban Cape Town! And the best way to see it is from the water, in a kayak! Duration : 2 hours approx.   The meeting point is at the town jetty in Simon's Town for a short introduction to paddling technique and a safety briefing, and then off you go! This colony of "jackass penguins" is unique in that it was initiated by the animals themselves, who voluntarily decided to occupy this residential area and the public swimming area. Kayaking is an original way to get close to them in their natural environment, without disturbing them. You can also observe seabirds (cormorants, seagulls, oystercatchers), seals often play around the kayaks, and you can sometimes meet schools of dolphins! It is also a great opportunity to see False Bay and the Cape Mountains from a different perspective.   trip 02:00hrs. Today is your first day to explore Cape Town, known to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world! We suggest that you take the Cableway to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). The floor of the cable car rotates through 360 degrees during the ascent or descent, giving passengers a panoramic view of the city. From the top of the mountain at 1000 meters above sea level, a walk will enable you to get different view point of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.   Afterwards, you can then stroll through the gardens of Company's Garden, visit the colorful Bo-Kaap district or the National Museum of South Africa, admire the Green Point stadium and its original shape, which makes it easy to spot from afar. You can also buy a few souvenirs at the African crafts market in Green Market Square, walk along the ocean on the Sea Point Promenade, admire the views from Signal Hill, or stroll through the alleys of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.   We also recommend a visit to the the Zeitz MOCAA Museum on the Waterfront. This is the largest museum of contemporary African art on the continent and home to permanent collections, temporary exhibitions and more than 100 art galleries. The originality of the architectural design based on former grain silos and the diversity of the works displayed make it a truly unique place.   Other activity suggestions during your stay in Cape Town (please consult us in advance for booking): - A Township tour (1 half-day) - A culinary tour of the city (1 half-day) - A cycling tour of the city (between 3 hours and 1 day) - Shark cage diving to encounter the Great white (1 day) - An helicopter flight above the city and the peninsula (between 12 and 60 minutes) - An abseil of 112m on the Table Mountain (1 half-day) - A paragliding experience on the Atlantic coast, - A sunset cruise on board of a catamaran including sparkling wine,   Late afternoon gourmet with Gamidah Jacobs who opens the doors of her kitchen for a moment of culinary sharing. Roll up your sleeves and buckle down to cook typical Cape Malay products: malay curry, roti, sambal, samoosa and koeksisters for dessert. Then, enjoy your meal for dinner with your host! Beyond the cooking, you will also discover the history of Gamidah and its house, as it is one of the oldest houses in the Bo-Kaap district. Duration of the activity: 3 hours.   Overnight stay at Mariner Guesthouse & Villa, in an executive room (sea facing with balcony). Included: excursion (shared), car rental, cooking class, dinner, room & breakfast

Departure from Hout Bay for a marine excursion to meet the Cape seals. After been equipped with a diving gear, a mask and a snorkel, you reach Duiker Island in a zodiac, and enjoy a privileged moment accompanied by these adorable animals. Curious and playful, they come closer and closer and have fun with you, grazing you gently and making you live an incredible experience. Possibility to rent a waterproof camera on site to capture this moment.   Duration of the excursion: about 3 hours including about 50 minutes in the water. Accessible to anyone over 10 years old who can swim well.   Day at leisure to discover the Cape Peninsula and the legendary Cape of Good Hope. Suggested itinerary:   You can start this discovery with a little stop in the small fishing village of Hout Bay. This fishing village is a cosy little hamlet surrounded by mountains to the North, East and West and the Ocean to the South. Home to bustling craft markets, antique shops, a beautiful beach and a thriving fishing community. The harbour is also where many boat cruise departs from to Duiker Island. This small island is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and local birdlife. The boat ride lets you see the Cape Peninsula from a new perspective.   Then, you can enjoy the famous Chapman’s Peak scenic drive. Chapman’s Peak Drive is renowned for its spectacular 180° views of the Cape Peninsula as well as its 114 twists and turns. Viewpoints and picnic spots are scattered throughout its 9km length and its dramatic views have made it a great spot for photographers.   After that, you can enter the Cape Point Nature Reserve to reach the tip of the Cape Peninsula where you enjoy a dramatic view point located in a 17 750 hectare nature reserve. Looking out over the shining sea from the Cape Point Lighthouse truly makes you feel like you are standing at the edge of the world. The rich diversity of the nature reserve, part of the Table Mountain National Park, makes it home to a stunning array of animal and plant species.   After leaving Cape Point Nature Reserve you travel up the other side of the Cape Peninsula on the way to Simon’s Town and Boulders beach. Simon’s Town has been an important naval base and harbour for over two centuries and you can still see some historic naval vessels anchored just off-shore. Boulders beach is home to a colony of African Jackass penguins since 1985. These small citizens have been charming residents and tourists ever since.   A seafood lunch is highly recommended in this area but you can also have lunch in the Cape Peninsula Nature reserve’s restaurant.   As you head back towards Cape Town along the False Bay coastal road; you travel through Fish Hoek a little town with a long history. From Fish Hoek you drive past Muizenberg, another seaside town.The warm waters and long stretch of beach makes this town a popular spot for holidaymakers and a wide variety of activities is available, like kite boarding and surfing.   Enjoy some horse riding on the beautiful Long Beach. This beach is over 8km long and backed by National park-protected wetlands, as a result offers the best beach outride in Cape Town. Our 1 hour, 45 min starts with negotiating wetlands before you reach the unspoiled stretch of beach with magnificent views of Chapman’s Peak and The Sentinal. Overnight stay at Mariner Guesthouse & Villa, in an executive room (sea facing with balcony). Included: excursion (shared), snorkeling equipment, car rental, horse riding, room & breakfast

Departure to the Gondwana Private Reserve. Estimated travel time: 4h30.   Gondwana Private Game Reserve offers an authentic safari experience along South Africa's Garden Route. The 11,000 hectare private game reserve offers a malaria-free safari destination with free-roaming animals (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, rhino and leopard). Herds of wild animals such as Cape eland, giraffe, hippopotamus, cheetah and zebra can be seen on the majestic landscape with impressive views of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains in all directions.   The endemic vegetation of Fynbos covers the undulating valleys, adding bright colours and interest to an experience of big game and wilderness viewing.   You arrive and have lunch at approximately 1pm. Transfer to remote Tented Eco Camp where you meet your ranger, Jonah. Let him present your programme for the next 3 days on video HERE.   Afternoon activity: Observe wild buffalo and giraffe species including behaviour analysis, data collection of feeding ecology and environmental impact of these keystone species.   Overnight stay in tent at the camp. Included: car rental, excursion (shared), full board (without drinks), room

Morning: Tracking of Lions, recording spatial arrangement, social interactions and feeding patterns. Recording of Elephant feeding behaviour and habitat utilisation. Afternoon: Stealth Camera University of Minnesota Project: walking to our permanent bush camera stations to retrieve memory cards, change any batteries and observe any disturbance in the area. Download data onto the computer. Continue lion tracking if unsuccessful in the am.   Overnight stay in tent at the camp. Included: excursion (shared), full board (without drinks), room

Morning: Wildlife Husbandry: the monitoring and care of rare and endangered species such as disease-free Buffalo, Sable and Rhino. • Condition assessment • Dung analysis to determine parasite loads and condition • Data collection   Afternoon: Working for Water Program – Eco Camp contribution to Gondwana’s government funded Working for Water Program. Wattle Cutting and spraying to prevent re-growth in designated locations in the Reserve to help eradicate this alien invasive species plaguing the region.   Overnight stay in tent at the camp. Included: excursion (shared), full board (without drinks), room

Morning: Wetlands Assessment – Mini Sass – Diagnosing the state of our water quality and the micro fauna. This is utilized to determine wetland health on the Reserve Continuation of the Stealth Camera Checks. You leave the camp late morning.   Drive to George Airport where you hand in your rental car. Estimated travel time: 1h. Domestic flight George - Johannesburg (flight time and number to be confirmed). Flight duration: 2h05. Overnight at The Safari Club near Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Each room is carefully decorated according to a specific theme, for example. The Kalahari Room, the Etosha Room, the Okavango Room and all the other rooms in the garden all have a casual safari theme. A driver can transfer you to and from the airport free of charge. Included: excursion (shared), car rental, domestic flight, room & breakfast

Please ensure flights are booked to arrive before 09.15am on arrival day. 10h30: Guests are met at ORT airport and transferred to Horizon Horseback’s Camp Davidson, your base for the next three days, in time for a late lunch. The transfer from ORT airport and Horizon Horseback is approximately 3-3.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops en route.   That afternoon you will be introduced to your safari horse. We will ensure that you are matched to a horse that suits your ability and experience before heading off on your ride.   This first introductory ride is a relaxed affair, giving riders the opportunity to settle into their new surroundings. Crossing the plains, enjoy your first close encounter with wildlife on horseback: ostrich, impala, zebra, kudu, eland, giraffe, warthog and jackal are all frequently seen in the open bushveld.   A stunning lookout spot for sundower drinks is a welcome moment to take in your first taste of Africa after a long journey. A three course supper is served at Camp Davidson that evening.   Night at the camp. Included: full board (without drinks), horse riding, room, shared transport

Today’s ride sets off from the high country overlooking a beautiful wilderness area to the east, and heads south, winding along the banks of Sunset Lake with its resident pod of hippos and the odd sly crocodile, before trekking upstream to an adjoining reserve. The lake itself is rich in birdlife, including the impressive Fish Eagles, dainty Dabchicks, elegant Jacanas and a variety of geese. Later, riding through the open bush, wildebeest and zebra can be encountered. The riding is varied, from canters along sandy tracks to winding through rocky outcrops and densely wooded areas. The ride then crosses the reserve and returns to Camp Davidson in time for lunch. Guests can then relax by the pool, before a shorter afternoon ride.   In the evening there is the option of a night sky safari with a local astronomer, Dr Calcott, who will guide you through the amazing constellations (subject to weather conditions and availability). Additional cost R300 pp, Min. 4 pax.   Night at the camp. Included: full board (without drinks), horse riding, room

Setting off in a westerly direction, this ride tracks past a brown hyena den, skirts past the upper reaches of the Horizon dam before crossing a wide grassy valley. At one point the ride enters into dense woodland, home to shy species such as kudu, bushbuck and Vervet monkeys. Emerging from the woods, the horses have a chance to stretch their legs along open sandy tracks. Finally the ride swings back to the north, through mixed bushveld and fascinating rock formations.   Two highlights of this ride are the jumping lanes and the chance for riders to swim their horses bareback in the Horizon dam next to the main lodge. For many guests, this is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Once dried off and back in the saddle, the ride climb back up to Camp Davidson is particularly intriguing, as it follows a mountain pass cut through boulders and outcrops.   After lunch, enjoy a sundowner ride across the plains on the reserve. We are very fortunate to have a large herd zebra. Over the years, the herd has become quite habituated to the horses and it is now possible to ride really close and experience being part of the zebra herd.   Dinner and night at the camp. Included: full board (without drinks), horse riding, room

Having left Camp Davidson for the final time, this ride heads south to the Game Conservancy which is home to Savannah Lodge. The ride traverses a wide wetland, home to reedbuck and grass owls, before entering dense woodland dotted with wild fig trees and large fruited bushwillows. Here it crosses the watershed and descends through open grasslands with sweeping views to the upper reaches of the Conservancy’s main water system.   The route passes the favoured habitat of waterbuck and Cape buffalo. The open plains that follow are aptly known as “Little Serengeti”; large herds of blesbuck, eland, wildebeest and kudu are all on view, as are groups of elegant sable, swift red hartebeest and impressive journeys of giraffe and Cape buffalo.   After a lunch at the lodge and a rest by the pool, the afternoon ride continues to explore this game rich area, closing with sundowners overlooking the African plains.   Dinner and night at the lodge. Included: full board (without drinks), horse riding, room

We depart the lodge early and enjoy an exhilarating ride back to Horizon Lodge in time to change before departing for Botswana at 09:30 am. The drive to the border takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours depending on stops en route. The Pont Drift border does close at 4pm, so we like to get away from Horizon Horseback South Africa promptly.   We arrive in Botswana in time for a light lunch.   Enjoy an introductory ride to check you are suited to your horse, before embarking on your first ride out to our Two Mashatus Camp.   This will be your first opportunity to experience the beauty of the Mashatu Game Reserve and view the wildlife on horseback.   Mashatu Game Reserve is home to the largest herd of wild free-roaming elephants on private land in Africa, and, although not a guarantee, it is almost assured that there will be great viewing of these incredible creatures.   As evening falls at Two Mashatus Camp, relax in the cool of the thatched lounge and dining areas, before enjoying a three-course dinner.   Night at the Camp. Included: full board (without drinks), horse riding, room, shared transport

Sunrise, the dawn chorus and tea or coffee which is brought to your tent, sounds the start of your first day. After breakfast, it’s time to mount and depart from the dense woodland that hugs the Limpopo River and head towards the rocky hills that delineate the edges of the great river valley. As the ride traverses the heartland of Mashatu, you will encounter plentiful game: plains game, many giraffe and herds of elephants.   You will arrive back at Two Mashatus Camp in time for lunch and a cooling afternoon rest in the shady camp or lazing by the pool.   That afternoon the group has the choice of an afternoon ride or a game drive to the south western side of the reserve. This is an area not reached on horseback during the African Explorer safari. It is rich in game with a resident pride of lion. The highlight of the the drive is a sundowner in the ancient landscape of rock formations or the Mmamagwa hills, which vast vistas into the setting sun.   Dinner and night at the camp. Included: full board (without drinks), game drive, horse riding, room

Ride out following the movements of wildlife in the area. The tempo of the rides is always varied and depending on the terrain, there are opportunities to enjoy the spirit and fitness of the horses.   The afternoon brings a chance to again choose between another ride or a bush walk in the northern area of Mashatu Game Reserve and enjoy the rich birdlife, spot crocodile in the pools and learn about the magnificent trees lining the banks.   Dinner and night at the Camp. Included: bush walk, full board (without drinks), horse riding, room

The last ride in the Limpopo Valley is a great opportunity to take one last picture of elephants and enjoy a long and winding canter through the scattered Mustard bush with your guides. Arriving back at the stables and reception mid-morning, there is plenty of time for a quick shower, before saying farewell to safari companions, new found friends and Horizon Horseback Mashatu.   For the return journey to ORT Airport, there is a standard road transfer, which takes approximately 6 hours. Charter flights can also be organised from Botswana (Limpopo Valley International airfield to ORT International airport). Air transfers are an additional cost.   Please ensure flights are booked to depart no earlier than 20.30pm on departure day.   Included: horse riding, lunch, shared transport