HORIZON HORSEBACK
The Collection
Horses are our first love and passion
H
orses are the very heart of our
business. For nearly 20 years, our
philosophy has entailed managing
our horses as a free roaming herd within large
tracts of natural pasture, rather than in stables
or paddocks. Our horses are at ease with each
other and within their environment, which
generates calm and contented natures. As
a result, we can offer our guests responsive,
subtle and honest rides.
H
orizon Horseback was established
in 1993 and is based within the
malaria free Waterberg Biosphere
Reserve in northern South Africa. This is
an unspoilt part of the country with varied
topography, from bushveld savannah to rocky
outcrops and mountains. Over the years we
have developed a collection of horse riding
safaris which offer not only close encounters
with game but also a diverse range of other
rewarding riding experiences: polocrosse,
western games, jumping, cattle mustering
and swimming with your horse.
S
afaris
in Africa are an intimate
experience; there is simply no better
way of taking in the African bush, than
by horseback. Becoming part of a herd of zebra
or giraffe as they canter across the plains, or
quietly approaching a grazing rhinoceros is a
truly amazing feeling. Africa is a very special
place, but Africa on horseback is truly magical.
The Collection
HORIZON HORSEBACK runs safaris from the
Signature Safari lodge and the Classic Camp Davidson.
SIGNATURE SAFARI
CLASSIC SAFARI
The
original
Horizon
Horseback riding holiday.
Diverse activities from
outrides to game viewing
and polocrosse. With a large
herd of horses, we have the
flexibility for novice and
experienced riders.
The Classic Safari at Camp
Davidson
combines
fabulous
riding
with
rewarding game viewing
while experiencing the
adventure of sleeping
under canvas as the original
pioneers did - except now in
the lap of luxury.
FAMILY SAFARI
AFRICAN EXPLORER
Tailor-made for families.
Enjoy the exhilaration of
riding in the African bush as
a family. Safe environment
due to the absence of
dangerous game. Varied
riding activities to keep all
the family occupied.
The
African
Explorer
is a seven night safari,
combining four days of
the Horizon Classic safari
with Limpopo Valley Horse
Safaris in Botswana for a
‘Big Five’ game viewing
experience.
Signature
Safari
The Signature Safari is the original Horizon
Horseback riding holiday, which is based on
the historic family estate. We run a herd of
over 60 free roaming horses and can cater
for all levels of riders from experienced to
complete novice.
riding with African wildlife in the absence of
dangerous game. Wildlife to be seen on the
reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope,
leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal,
crocodile and aardvark. There are also over
300 bird species on the reserve.
also polocrosse, cattle mustering, jumping,
western games and swimming with your
horse. Non-riding activities on the reserve are
fishing and guided bush walks. Excursions
include a big five game drive, elephant-back
rides and a cultural tour and hike.
The lodge is beautifully set alongside a large
lake within the estate’s dedicated game
reserve. This is the perfect holiday for those
riders wishing to experience the pleasure of
This riding holiday is fully flexible and offers
the opportunity for many other activities in
addition to game viewing, in particular great
outrides over excellent riding country and
The distinguishing feature of this safari is its
relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Horizon
boasts an irreverent zest for life that is truly
infectious and will leave you wanting more.
Signature Safari cont.
The Signature Safari offers superb flexibility
and variability for all levels of rider. Every
aspect of riding prowess is tested whilst
having lots of fun at Western games,
our own bush Le Trec challenge, cross
country jumping, cattle mustering or
‘racing the mealies’! The love of horses comes
out strongly. Complete novices can try all
these events, as we coach and train everyone
in the various skills, whilst experienced riders
will enjoy new and satisfying challenges on
responsive and forward going mounts.
Family Safari
The Family Safari, based at
the Signature Safari lodge,
is the perfect holiday to
experience Africa and relax
together as a family. This
safari is accessible to all
levels of rider due to the
absence of lion, buffalo and
elephant on this reserve.
Here, the plains game is
incredibly calm, making
for very close and exciting
encounters during outrides.
In order to keep the children
and teenagers busy, we
run lots of other fun riding
activities such as polocrosse,
Western games, jumping
and cross country, cattle
mustering and swimming
with your horse. Also, we
endeavour to tailor other
acivities, such as treasure
hunts and bush camps, in
order to give the whole
family complete variety
during their holiday.
For those who would like a
break from horse riding, big
five game drives, bush walks
and fishing trips can also be
arranged. The dams on the
reserve are stocked with
Bass, so if you are lucky you
can even catch supper!
There is a swimming pool
at the lodge for everyone
to cool off and enjoy in
between rides. We have a
luxury suite with adjoining
verandah close to the lodge
specifically for families.
Classic Safari
Camp Davidson is set in a private
game reserve which forms part
of this historic family exstate. This
is the perfect holiday for those
riders wishing to experience the
pleasure of riding with African
wildlife in the absence of dangerous
game. Wildlife to be seen on the
reserve include hippo, giraffe,
zebra, antelope, leopard, caracal,
brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and
aardvark. There are also over 300
bird species on the reserve.
Camp Davidson has recently been
built high in the bushveld above
the Matlapeng valley. It offers
the opportunity to explore from
a base camp nestled in the heart
of the wooded mountains of the
Waterberg. The camp commands
a wonderful panoramic view
of the central highlands of
the Waterberg massif, while
overlooking the picturesque
Sunset Lake at the eastern
boundary of Triple B Ranch.
In the late 19th century, Ted
Davidson, one of the first
members of the Baber family
(owners of Triple B Ranch) to
settle in the Waterberg, was a
young man trading by ox wagon
to remote cattle outposts of a
young ranching area. A good
days travelling may have been
only five miles or so by rugged
track, and so an itinerant life in
the Waterberg meant a life by the
campfire. Horizon has captured
that early camp atmosphere in
Camp Davidson, with beautiful
decked canvas tents nestled
amongst the sandstone ridges
overlooking grassy game filled
valleys. Each tent is appointed as
it would have been in Ted’s day
with classic items that would have
been essential to the traveller
accustomed to regular nights in
the bush.
The African Explorer Safari is amazing value: riding
in two countries over eight days, seeing plains game
species, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild
dog.
Both Horizon Horseback and Limpopo Valley Horse
Safaris put their horses first and as a result there is
a wonderful riding experience in Africa. It combines
four nights at Horizon Horseback’s Camp Davidson
with three nights at Limpopo Horse Safaris in
Botswana’s Tuli Block.
African
Explorer
This combination provides an exceptionally rich
and rewarding experience, not only of the African
bush and it’s magnificent wildlife but also cultural
history of the Waterberg. The topography at each
destination is different and district and will give
you a true flavour of Africa. Each area has its own
unique and fascination niche species, resulting in a
broad diversity of animals to be seen. This safari is
only for experiences riders and offers a wonderful
combination of game viewing on horseback with a
mix of African culture.
HORIZON HORSEBACK
Please note: Hard hats are mandatory at Horizon Horseback