The joy of riding a fine responsive horse through the African bush along side a herd of impala or sitting in the saddle under the lofty stare of a giraffe bull is an exciting and memorable event. The safaris are run on a game farm adjacent to the private nature reserves of the central Greater Kruger Park and under the distant ancient face of the Transvaal Drakensberg.

The horses are habitulised to the game and graze side by side with the various species of African wildlife found on the farm. The horses are tough bush horses mostly of a local breed called a Boerperd cross. However they are individual, well schooled and alert. The daily schedule is flexible and makes the most of the seasons and what they have to offer.

Guests arrive at the farm and are checked in to wooden bandas with separate bathroom facilities. We later gather at the paddock and there guests meet the horses and guides will suggest a mount for each individual. Back at the lodge / homestead, high tea is served before the afternoon introductory ride. This is the opportunity the riders have to familiarize themselves with their horses and the terrain. We meet at the fire for drinks and a traditional South African braai with added fresh vegetables.

We rise at dawn and meet for tea and a snack while the horses are tacked up. The morning ride pauses along the way for a bush breakfast served under the trees and then meanders back to camp. During the heat of the day guests can take a day trip to surrounding attractions or relax at the pool. The sleep out camp is prepared weather permitting. The riding party leaves the homestead after tea and takes a longer extended ride with opportunities for new game sighting and some exciting riding for the more experienced riders.

The riding party arrives at the sleep out hide as the evening sets in to a welcoming fire and chilled drinks. The horses are accommodated in an overnight paddock adjacent to the camp. They are settled, fed and watered by attending grooms. The guests are shown individual elevated sleep out platforms with linen and mosquito nets. The menu includes a traditional meal of venison fresh vegetables and desert off the fire. Good South African port , woollen beanies and hot water bottles keep out the chill while the stars filled skies and plentiful night sounds fill the night-time with new discoveries. Lions roar from neighbouring reserves and hyena calls echo from across the river. Night apes and owls proclaim their territories from tree tops close by. Basic ablution facilities like canvas basins and a bush pit latrine are on site.

At dawn we gather around the fire for hot drinks and snacks while the horses are saddled. The morning ride winds its way back to the home stead where a cooked breakfast is prepared. Horses and riders say their good byes, till we meet again.

2009 RATES (subject to change)

• Outride: 1-2 hour guided out rides @ R350 per person.
• Bush camp out rides: Overnight with afternoon and morning rides @ R950 per person. This include accommodation in twin bedded wooden bandas with private bathroom facilities and 3 meals a day.
• Riverhorse sleep out: Sleep out with the horses at a specially constructed fly camp with adjacent paddock. Meals and afternoon and morning rides are included & R1,250 per person.
• Wildlife Encounter: 2 Night package with the first night in camp with an afternoon and morning ride and all meals. The second night is in the sleep out hide with afternoon and morning rides. R2,200 per person.
• Kruger & Canyon: 6-day or 10-day package (1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month) - combines open safari vehicles with seeing wildlife on foot, from horseback, mountain bike and even micro-lite!. Full itineraries on request.  R7,100 per person for 6 days & R12,500 per person for 10 days.