General Info

Choose a variety of riding vacations on the coast or in the bush of South Africa and combine a South Africa big five safari with a safari in Botswana.

Enjoy a fifth generation South African ranch that offers diverse riding holidays and safaris, both mobile and stationary in South Africa and Botswana, at an affordable price for a quality African adventure. The South African main lodge is set on a private game reserve alongside a beautiful lake with plains game and hippo. There are no other dangerous game on the reserve, and it's a great option for families with children. There are safaris and African equestrian vacations to fit singles, families, experienced, and novice riders. Please contact us to be matched with a trip.

Options:
Lodge Based Riding Adventures
There are two rides that go out each day. Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are somewhat shorter. During your stay, you have the flexibility to experience a variety of riding adventures: treks through the bush and across vast open plains, cattle mustering, game viewing on horseback, swimming on horseback, polocrosse and Western games. Jumping is also available upon request for experienced riders. During its 17 years in operation, people have arrived as guests and left as friends.

Horseback Safaris
Enjoy classic African big five safaris in Botswana and South Africa. A great option for experienced riders, the pace is fast, exhilarating and fun. View abundant plains game and impressive endangered species as you ride through diverse habitats, and landscapes. Three of the 'big five' game of South Africa may be seen, including white rhino, buffalo and leopard - all from a luxury lodge perched on the edge of a lakeside cliff. Combine a safari with other adventures. 

Private Game Reserve
Stay at the luxury Endalweni Private Game Reserve searching for non dangerous game in the early mornings, with refreshing beach rides in the afternoon along the stunning Wild Coast.

Packing

Packing for African Horse Safaris

• hard hat (helmets are available for you to borrow on site)
• comfortable riding clothes
• Lipbalm
• sunscreen
• Short boots and chaps. Long rubber boots are not advised.
• Swimsuit
• Light weight long sleeved shirts
• Light weight raincoat
• Extra film and camera batteries.
• If you are traveling during the Winter (June, July, August) pack a warm fleece as it can get cold as the sun goes down. 
  
   

About the Horses

Responsive horses and ponies (ponies available at the South Africa lodge) for a variety of skill levels and interests. The tack is comprised of mainly customized McClellan saddles, which are a comfortable and secure Western type ride. English and Australian stock saddles are also available.

Activities/Events

The lodge based adventures in South Africa are ideal for equestrians who are traveling with non-riding partners and friends.

Below are activities available at the South Africa Lodge
Bush walks
Birding hotspots in the reserve
Fishing in one of the many dams (Bass and Barbel readily caught)
Historical farm tour with the great character Charles Baber, includes 24 rivers church and historic family settlers house form 1908
Cultural tour with Marty Mosima, includes traditional sotho houses, school and farm creche
Visit to Beadle, a community integrated craft workshop and shop
Evening with Night Star Safaris
Game drives in a Big Five game area (45 mins away)
Elephant backed safaris
Visit to Waterberg Welfare Society, a local charity that is address the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS
24 RIvers Church congregation on Sunday morning for a non-denominational service
Visit local art galleries
Private pilates sessions

Beadle Craft Workshop & Shop on Triple B Ranch

Established in 1998, Beadle employs young people from the farm community. Skills’ training in leather and bead work is given in house to an extremely high standard. Items available in the shop include a selection of leather belts and sandals, bags, braided riding chaps, half chaps, beaded dog collars, browbands, keyrings, photo frames and mirrors, a selection of fabric tableware, cushions and jewelry. Lodge staff can take you over any time or please ask for directions as it is a short 10 min walk away.

Lehalbile cultural tour

Visit the village on the host farm Triple B Ranch. Three charismatic ladies, Marty Mosima, Myrium Moabi and Anna Majadibodu will guide you through the village show you the school and creche and take you to their houses. You can even try a traditional Sotho lunch on arrangement.

Entabeni Game Reserve

This private game reserve offers Big 5 Game Drives in an open Landrover. Excellent chance of seeing lion, rhino buffalo and hopefully elephant and leopard. ** Additional Cost. Please inquire.

Dinaka private game reserve

Following our arrangement to offer riding safaris on this private reserve we have also recently been given permission to visit for game drives. Ideal for anyone wanting guaranteed good game viewing with an amazing diversity of species and large numbers of animals. ** Additional Cost. Please inquire.

Guided Bush Walk

For a change of pace and a chance for more in depth information on the flora and fauna in the area, guides would be happy to escort you on a walk through our game reserve. This is also a chance to view some of the stunning birds this area have to offer.

Pilates

Personal pilates instruction with a BASI-certified instructor available upon request. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Absolute begginers welcome.

Elephant back Safari

This fascinating experience is a Safari on the back of an African Elephant through a big 5 game reserve. Viewing rhino from the back of an elephant is an experience you will not forget. Each person rides with their own guide who explains the Elephants, their training and the bush. Includes a short game drive and a light finger breakfast. ** Additional Cost. Please inquire.

Sunday service at St John's 24 Rivers

Those interested are very welcome to join the local Church Service (non-denominational) held every Sunday at 9.30am. Dress is very informal, dirty jods and chaps are more than adequate. Should you want to go to the service, an early short ride can be arranged before. 

Farm tour

You are welcome to join Charles Baber, The Triple B pioneer rancher for 70 years, who will take you on an informative and insightful tour of the Ranch. You will learn about Bonsmara Cattle, the crop history of the farm, and the Baber family legacy. ** Additional Cost. Please inquire.

Waterberg Welfare Society and Vaalwater visit.

Visit the Waterberg Welfare Society(www.waterbergwelfaresociety.org) in the local town of Vaalwater. This local charity addresess the needs of people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. programmes include, a Wellness clinic, hospice, support groups, youth centre, life skilsls and any more.

You are also welcome to join one of the weekly shopping trips. Vaalwater has all the basic shop - grocery store, chemist, bottle shop and curio shops. Those interested may also enjoy a drive around the local township, or perhaps a visit to one of the other local organizations Horizon likes to be involved with such as the township crèches.

Telekishi Ramasobane Cultural Village

'Telekishi' is a community tourism project situated on communal land adjacent to Masebe Nature Reserve. Nestled at the base of the north-eastern Waterberg escarpment, the site has access to this pristine and inaccessible landscape with breathtaking views & impressive geo-morphological forms. Features include 1.5 & 3 hr hikes up the escarpment to view rock art, 18th and 19th century settlement sites, Middle and Stone Age tools and an initiation site;
** Additional Cost. Please inquire.

Night Sky Safaris

Be amazed by the African night sky with an evening with Night Star Safaris, hosted by British physicist Dr. Philip Calcott.

Local Art galleries

Two resident artists are in the area. Liz Hunters ancestors moved to the area 125 years ago and she resides in one of the old houses nearby. Her work is inspired by the Waterbegr environment and includes cultural scenes.

Clayton Otley, is an Australian painter who lives here for a few months of the year and paints stunning wildlife scenes and portraits in oil.

Massages offered at the main lodge
at an additonal cost 

Swedish Massage which is the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

Deep Tissues Massage which is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). This is perfect for those Saddle Sore aching limbs.
 

Accommodations/Food

Main Lodge in South Africa

All rooms are en suite with either shower or bath or both facilities. Three double rooms are separate from the main lodge; two suites overlook the lake and have a small veranda area, the rondavel is a traditional african dwelling adjacent to the lodge with its own charm.

There is a large living area, dining room and large stoep (or verandah) for guests to enjoy. Three sumptious meals are served a day with afternoon tea before an afternoon ride. All drinks are complimentary. Special dietry requirements can also be catered for on request.

Lodge for Safaris

The thatched lodge is perched on a koppie on the edge of a large lake with a resident hippo pod and stunning views of the Waterberg escarpment. All rooms are en suite and the three double rooms open out onto private verandahs overlooking the lake.

The lodge is closely situated to the stables and yards and has a small pool for cooling off in after a long morning ride.

Three meals are served a day either on the lodge verandah, overlooking the lake, in the dining room or outside under the stars in the boma. Afternoon tea is also a must before the afternoon ride. Special dietry requirements can be catered for upon request.

Endalweni Private Game Reserve

Located in a Malaria free area along the banks of the Great Kei River, just a short drive from Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay, two of the Wild Coast of South Africa's most beautiful coastal resorts, accommodations feature a well-appointed self catering lodge or cottage. Peace and tranquility are easy to come by here. 

The Ideal Traveler

Families, riders with non-riding companions, beginner or experienced riders can enjoy the stationary lodge adventures. More experienced riders can enjoy the safaris.

10 day Adventure

Dates and Rates

10 days/ 9 nights

2012 Low Season
Jan. 11- Feb 20, May 1- June 30, Nov. 10- Dec. 10
Adult $2,075 USD* (1314 GBP) Standard Double (2 pax sharing)
Child under 16  $1,919 USD* (1215 GBP) Standard Double (2 pax sharing)

Adult $2,445 USD* (1548 GBP) Lake/Garden Chalet (2 pax sharing) or Standard double (single occupancy)
Child under 16 $2,445 USD* (1548) Lake/Garden Chalet (2 pax sharing) or Standard double (single occupancy)

2012 High Season
Feb. 21- April 30, July 1 -November 9, Dec 11-Jan 10
Adult $2,445 USD* (1548 GBP) Standard Double (2 pax sharing) 
Child under 16 $2,289 USD* (1449 GBP) Standard Double (2 pax sharing) 

Adult $3,028 USD* (1917 GBP) Lake/Garden Chalet (2 pax sharing) or Standard double (single occupancy)
Child under 16 $3,028 USD* (1917) Lake/Garden Chalet (2 pax sharing) or Standard double (single occupancy)

These vacations are available all year with arrival and departure on any day of the week, subject to availability. Family holidays are also available by arrangement.

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions. 

Due to the number of single travellers, the lodge will allocate three lodge rooms without single supplement, on a first come first serve basis. Side trips or other adventure activities are available. 

Safari’s can be booked for private groups, any group of 8 – 10 people receives one free. Please ask us for more information.

Included:
All riding activities, accommodation, meals and drinks.

Not Included:
All transfers (see below itinerary for pricing)

Sample Itiinerary:

Day 1:
Transfer to the lodge for lunch followed by an introductory ride in the game reserve with sundowners served at one of the picturesque hippo dams.

Day 2:
Ride to the original farm homestead and main African village and view the quaint hand decorated houses. Perhaps, call in at the historic Baber family homestead for tea, and a visit the farm crèche for some delightful entertainment. Ride back to the lodge for a cooling swim in the lake with your horse before lunch. Later, during the heat of the day, relax by the pool or take a siesta. In the afternoon, ride out into the game area to encounter game on horseback and learn the signs of the wild and medicinal values of the native bushes and trees.

Day 3:
Start the day’s activities with an introduction to polocrosse, an invigorating sport that will soon have you addicted. After lunch, tag along on one of the bi-weekly shopping trips into the local town of Vaalwater for some retail therapy bush style! Then enjoy another horse ride in the game reserve on the complex network of sandy tracks.

Day 4:
After breakfast embark on a two-night wilderness safari in search of an even wider variety of game. After an extended ride (approx. 4 hours), arrive at a tranquil stone and thatched bush camp in time for a well deserved lunch. That afternoon, enjoy a chance to take photos on a guided bush walk or game drive. Sundowners are served at a breathtaking lookout spot.

Day 5:
Have a full morning of riding in the game reserve with possible encounters with white rhino, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, impala, hartebeest or zebra. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and a siesta by the pool. After tea enjoy a short fast ride in the reserve game before returning to the lodge for sundowners and dinner around an open fire.

Day 6: 
Ride back to the lodge in time for lunch. Visit Beadle, the local farm community-linked project and shop, where locals hand make exquisite beaded leather products, including browbands and made to fit riding chaps or go on a gentle horse ride to discover new parts of this beautiful property or to find hippos.

Day 7:
After many hours in the saddle, some may choose to take a break and enjoy an outing and game drive at a local ‘big five’ reserve with the possibility of close encounters with lion, elephant or buffalo. Return to the lodge for lunch. After another indulgent afternoon tea, enjoy a horse ride or try your skills over the challenging cross-country fences.

Day 8:
Spend the morning mustering and cutting some of the ranch’s magnificent Bonsmara stud cattle, a nonagressive breed adapted to local conditions. After bringing a herd in from pasture, take turns to move one cow or youngster away from the group. This activity pits you and your mount against the animal’s herding instinct and will test your riding ability to the full. Follow the action with a refreshing swim with your horse. Afternoon tea is followed by another new challenge in the form of Western games (gymkhana for adults) where your riding skills and competitive edge can once again be pushed to the limits.

Day 9:
In the morning, enjoy an exhilarating fast ride to one of the furthest points of the property, riding endless sandy tracks. Return to the lodge for a quick swim and a late lunch. Afternoon tea is followed by an horse ride in the game reserve for one last photo opportunity with game. A final sundowner on a high rock overlooking the tranquil Waterberg landscape is a relaxing way to end the day.

Day 10:
Complete your holiday with a final ride of your choice.

* Please note this itinerary is flexible and subject to change based on the weather or the trip guide's discretion.

2012 Transfer Rates
Group transfers

$133 USD* (84 GBP) Arriving: Daily leaving ORT at approx 10 am (arriving at Horizon approx 1pm)

$133 USD* (84 GBP) Departing: Daily leaving Horizon at approx 2pm (arriving at ORT at approx 5pm)
Private Transfers

$389 USD* (246 GBP) 1 – 3 pax (salon car)

$594 USD* (376 GBP) 4 – 12 pax (mini bus)
Additional Transfers

$62 USD* (39 GBP) Horizon to Dinaka, Welgevonden main gate or other Waterberg lodges
$92 (58 GBP) Collection from address in Gauteng to OTR to meet group transfer 

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions. 

5 Day Safari

Situated on a private game reserve deep in the Waterberg Mountains, the lodge is at the base of the escarpment, overlooking a large dam with resident hippos. Enjoy stunning game viewing on horseback as you ride through large herds of antelope and zebra on the plains at one of the pioneer game reserves in the Waterberg. Explore different habitats so that the true diversity of species can be viewed. The topography of the reserve is dramatic: a backdrop of the Waterberg mountain plateau, mountain tracks and passes, dams, streams and waterfalls in the summer, large open sandy plains where the game congregates and bushveld woodland where other game browse. The morning rides are 4-6 hours. Afternoons include shorter rides, a game drive or bush walk. This Safari is for experienced riders only, as you ride with dangerous game. Safaris are limited to 8 guests.

Dates and Rates 5 day/ 4 night Safari at Dinaka

2012: Jan 26-30, Feb 16-20, Feb 22-26, Mar 9- 13, Sep 14-18, Oct 5 – 9, Oct 31 – 4 Nov, Nov 16 –20  

$1,770 USD* (1121 GBP) 4 Nights safari at Dinaka

$354 (224 GBP) Single Supplement (Safari at Dinaka two rooms can be booked as guaranteed single.)

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions. Rates are subject to change due to credit card processing fees.

Included:
All riding activities, accommodation, meals and drinks.

Not Included:
All transfers. (see below itinerary for transfer prices)

Itinerary:

Day 1:
Arrive at the stone and thatch safari lodge after a three hour transfer from the airport. The logde overlooks a large lake with resident hippo, and has stunning views of the surrounding plains, and Waterberg escarpment. The lodge is closely situated to the stables and yards and has a small pool for cooling off after a long morning ride. Become acquainted with the horses in the afternoon, take in the wonderful open spaces, and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride will provide the first taste of the incredible variety of game on the reserve. Return to the lodge for sundowner drinks overlooking the lake and a traditional African evening meal.

Day 2:
Ride to ‘little Serengeti’, a sweeping plain to encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. Canter alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah. Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. Ride out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino in the afternoon. Encountering these magnificent creatures is a highlight of any safari but riding closely alongside them is a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 3:
Ride along the base of the mountain and follow a valley deep into the heart of the Waterberg escarpment. LEndangered cape vultures and some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species will surround you  as well as the leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and yellow spotted rock hyrax. The path follows crystal clear streams and passes several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. Enjoy a picnic at one of the dams, returning to the lodge in time for afternoon tea. Relax later at the lodge or join the guides on an afternoon bush walk.

Day 4:
The afternoon game drive offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with Cape buffalo and the magnificant rare sable antelope. The night drive back will allow a glimpse at nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark.  Relax around the fire, enjoy the magical African night sky, and a feast that evening while recounting the day’s adventures.

Day  5:
 The morning ride is the last chance to find any species not yet encountered and take one last gallop along the endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch depart at approximately
11:00 am.

* Please note this itinerary is flexible and subject to change based on the weather or the trip guide's discretion.

2012 Transfers
$185 USD* (117 GBP) Arrival day leaving ORT at 10 am, Departure day leaving Dinaka at 1pm

Group transfers

$133 USD* (84 GBP) Arriving: Daily leaving ORT at approx 10 am (arriving at Horizon approx 1pm)

$133 USD* (84 GBP) Departing: Daily leaving Horizon at approx 2pm (arriving at ORT at approx 5pm)
Private Transfers

$389 USD* (246 GBP) 1 – 3 pax (salon car)

$594 USD* (376 GBP) 4 – 12 pax (mini bus)
Additional Transfers

$62 USD* (39 GBP) Horizon to Dinaka, Welgevonden main gate or other Waterberg lodges
$92 (58 GBP) Collection from address in Gauteng to OTR to meet group transfer 

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions.

9 Day Surf and Turf

The Surf and Turf safari is designed for those who love riding, wildlife and the beach. Enjoy four days along South Africa's Wild Coast, followed by four days of exhilarating game viewing on horseback deep in the Waterberg mountains to complete your African experience. The first four days of this eight day combination takes you on a journey along the Wild Coast wilderness. Unspoilt and deserted beaches make for fine gallops along the surf. The ride also takes you to the jacaranda wreck, crosses the mouth of the Kobonqaba river and explores rolling countryside through traditional villages. For those inclined for a little pampering there is also time for a spa treatment or massage en route! 

The Surf portion is for intermediate riders and can be combined with additional days at the Lodge. (see 10 Day Adventure) The Turf portion is for Advanced riders only.

9 days/ 8 nights Rates 
Dates 2012:

Jan 22-30, Feb 12-20, Feb 18-26, March 5-13, March 25- April 2
Sept 10-18, Oct 1-9, Oct 27-Nov 4, Nov 12-20

Rates 2012:
$1,770 USD* (1121 GBP) 4 Nights Horizon safari on Dinaka
$1,639 USD* 4 Nights Wild Coast mobile safari (1038 GBP)
$3,408 USD* (2158 GBP) Total 9 day 8 night (01/01/11 – 31/12/11) 

A $144 USD* (91 GBP) single supplement will be charged at the Wild Coast for anyone not willing to share or anyone with whom this tour operator cannot find a partner to share a room.  Plus an additional supplement is charged if only one rider on of $289 USD* (183 GBP) $354 USD* (224 GBP) Single Supplement at Dinaka (Safari on Dinaka two rooms can be booked as guaranteed single)

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions and do not include transfers.

Safari’s can be booked for private groups, any group of 8 – 10 people receives one free. Please ask us for more information.

Included:
All riding activities, accommodation, meals and drinks.

Not Included:
All transfers
2012 Transfer rate $185 USD (117 GBP) Return ORT to Dinaka transfers

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions. 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Transfer to Kei Mouth for a light lunch. You'll be in the saddle by mid-afternoon to cross the Great Kei River on a pontoon boat! Your African adventure begins with a canter down a deserted beach, a great place for faster riding.

Day 2:
Set off for Wavecrest Hotel. The tide dictates the pace and path but along the way stop at the wreck of the Jacaranda. Rolling slay paths make for a steady trot and canter to the mouth of the Kobonqaba river. Explore the rolling countryside and sandy coves in the afternoon. There's always something new to discover and intriguing paths to follow.

Day 3:
The departure time is dictated by the tide. It’s a full day ride either up the beach and back cross country through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around. Take advantage of the hard wet beach at low tide. It's an awesome place to gallop! Enjoy a picnic and stop at a secluded beach for lunch.

Day 4:
Meander your way back along the coast towards Kei Mouth through rolling hills, villages, deep river gorges, and sandy paths. Arrive at the Seagulls Hotel for a pub lunch and a much needed cold drink! The last ride along the beach gets you to the paddocks in Kei Mouth around 4pm.

Day 5:
After your flight to Johannesburg and a three hour group transfer, arrive at the Lodge leg of the safari. The stone and thatch safari lodge overlooks a large lake with resident hippo, and has stunning views of the surrounding plains, and Waterberg escarpment. All rooms are en suite and the three double rooms open out onto private verandahs overlooking the lake. The lodge is closely situated near the stables and yards and has a small pool for cooling off after a long morning ride. Get to know the horses that afternoon by taking in the wonderful open spaces, and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride will provide the first taste of the incredible variety of game on the reserve. Return to the lodge for sundowner drinks overlooking the lake and a traditional African evening meal.

Day 6:
Ride to ‘little Serengeti’, a sweeping plain to encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. Experience a canter alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah. Back at the lodge guests can sun bathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. Ride out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. Encountering these magnificent creatures is a highlight of any safari but riding closely alongside them is a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 7:
Ride along the base of the mountain and follow a valley deep into the heart of the Waterberg escarpment. Endangered cape vultures and some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species will surround you as you ride with leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and yellow spotted rock hyrax. The path follows crystal clear streams and passes several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birds. Enjoy a picnic at one of the dams, returning to the lodge in time for afternoon tea. Relax at the lodge or join the guides on an afternoon bush walk.

Day 8:
Canter towards the reserve’s western boundary for unending views of the ‘seven sisters’ of the Waterberg palisade in the background. Long and winding tracks offer the perfect opportunity for fast and exhilarating riding. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive and get up close and personal with Cape Buffalo and the magnificant rare Sable Antelope. The night return allows a glimpse of nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. Relax around the fire, enjoy the magical African night sky, and a feast. You'll have much to talk about after today's adventures.

Day 9:
Take one last gallop along the endless sandy lanes and enjoy looking for any final animals you may not have seen on the trip. After a hearty brunch, depart at approximately 1:00 pm.

* Please note this itinerary is flexible and subject to change based on the weather or the trip guide's discretion.

9 Day For Families

Great for families, ride the wide open rural spaces of South Africa, spending each night in a comfortable lodge with one night out on an exciting camping safari. Options for children to try cattle work, Western games on horseback, polocrosse, and spectacular game viewing on fine ponies.

Dates and Rates 

9 days/ 8 nights
2012 Low Season
Jan. 11- Feb 20, May 1- June 30, Nov. 10- Dec. 10
Adult $2,174 USD* (1376 GBP) Standard Double (2 pax sharing)
Child under 16 $2,174 USD* (1376 GBP) Standard Double (2 pax sharing)

Adult $1,845 USD* (1168 GBP) Lake/Garden Chalet (2 pax sharing) or Standard double (single occupancy)
Child under 16 $1,707 USD* (1080 GBP) Lake/Garden Chalet (2 pax sharing) or Standard double (single occupancy)

2012 High Season
Feb. 21- April 30, July 1 -November 9, Dec 11-Jan 10
Adult $2,174 USD* (1376 GBP) Standard Double (2 pax sharing) 
Child under 16 $2,035 USD* (1288 GBP) Standard Double (2 pax sharing) 

Adult $2,692 USD* (1704 GBP) Lake/Garden Chalet (2 pax sharing) or Standard double (single occupancy)
Child under 16 $2,692 USD* (1704 GBP) Lake/Garden Chalet (2 pax sharing) or Standard double (single occupancy)

Family holidays are available by arrangement.

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions.

Due to the number of single travellers, the lodge will allocate three lodge rooms without single supplement, on a first come first serve basis. Side trips or other adventure activities are available.

Safari’s can be booked for private groups, any group of 8 – 10 people receives one free. Please ask us for more information.

Included:
All riding activities, accommodation, meals and drinks.

Not Included:
All transfers (see below Itinerary for pricing)

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1
After enjoying lunch, your first ride out from the lodge to explore the private game reserve will be of moderate pace to acquaint you with your horse or pony and to adjust to the rhythm of the African bush. Be on the lookout for impala, eland, hartebeest, waterbuck, hippo, zebra, giraffe, kudu, the funny warthog and other small antelope. As the African sun begins to set and the day draws to a close, enjoy a ‘sundowner’ perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the peaceful veld, the wide open rural spaces of South Africa.

Day 2
The morning ride can be split, with active and adventurous children trying cattle mustering on the greater ranch. Both challenging and fun, having a go at being a cowboy at least once in your life is a must! For those who would perfer a more relaxed ride, there is an option to venture across the ranch, through the traditional Sotho village, to the historic family homestead. Meet the children of the farm on a tour of the farm crèche and school. For the afternoon ride, meander along the hippo pools in search of wildlife.

Day 3
Today you will ry something completely different; polocrosse, which is a mixture of polo and lacrosse. This is a wonderful sport for the whole family. After a competitive and hilarious few hours, enjoy cooling yourselves and the horses off in an unconventional way…swimming together with them in the dam. After an exciting morning, spend the afternoon ride relaxing as you visit Beadle, the farm community-linked project and shop, where locals hand make exquisite beaded leather products, including browbands and made to fit riding chaps.

Day 4
The following two days are spent exploring the bush and discovering its wildlife and secrets, from bushlore to medicinal plants. Journey through the bush on horseback on a wilderness safari. This is a wonderful experience for the whole family. It enables children to discover nature and its beauty. This night will be spent at a bush camp along the banks of the Melk river.

Day 5
Breakfast is the best meal of the day, and if it is in the bush over a camp fire, that is certainly true! The morning is spent exploring the bush on horseback, and tracking some of the many antelope, giraffe and white rhino. After a picnic lunch and refreshing swim in the river, ride back to the lodge before sunset.

Day 6
Either a morning game drive on one of the few Big Five game reserves in the area or an elephant-backed safari can be arranged. It may also be possible to squeeze in a trip to the local town of Vaalwater to visit the local curio shop en route back to the lodge. In the afternoon, hop back in the saddle for a session of Western games. Pole bending, barrel racing and the water carrying race will all bring out the competitive spirits and test the whole family’s riding abilities.

Day 7
Spend the morning learning a bushveld sport that involves not only orienteering across the expanse of the ranch, but also a set of challenges along the way such as river crossings and target shooting. It really is good fun for everyone and the entire family’s talents will be needed for the event. In the afternoon enjoy either a wilderness ride in the reserve or a faster ride along the some of the ranch’s array of sandy tracks.

Day 8
After a mounted treasure hunt, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast. This is followed by a short ride back to the lodge, and another chance to swim the horses. In the afternoon, ride out to the plain for a last photograph of a zebra, giraffe, kudu or hippo.

Day 9
A final favorite... your ride of choice, before departing after lunch.

* Please note this itinerary is flexible and subject to change based on the weather or the trip guide's discretion.
 

2012 Rates
Group transfers

$133 USD* (84 GBP) Arriving: Daily leaving ORT at approx 10 am (arriving at Horizon approx 1pm)

$133 USD* (84 GBP) Departing: Daily leaving Horizon at approx 2pm (arriving at ORT at approx 5pm)
Private Transfers

$389 USD* (246 GBP) 1 – 3 pax (salon car)

$594 USD* (376 GBP) 4 – 12 pax (mini bus)
Additional Transfers

$62 USD* (39 GBP) Horizon to Dinaka, Welgevonden main gate or other Waterberg lodges
$92 (58 GBP) Collection from address in Gauteng to OTR to meet group transfer

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions. 

Wildlife & Winelands

NEW! Wildlife & Winelands is a fantastic nine day horse riding holiday that incorporates two of the most iconic elements of South Africa: African wildlife and famous wine estates.

2012 Dates
Jan 10-18, Jan 14-22, Jan 19-27, Jan 26-Feb 3, Feb 2-10, Feb 16-24, Feb 22-March 1, March 29-April 6, May 17-25, June 27-July 5, Sept 14-22, Oct 5-13, Oct 19-27, Oct 31-Nov 9, Nov 16-24, Nov 20-28, Nov 24- Dec 2, Nov 30- Dec 8, Dec 5-13, Dec 10-18

2012 Rates:
$1,770 USD* (1121 GBP) 4 Nights Horizon safari on Dinaka
$1,966 USD* (1245 GBP) 4 Nights Cape Winelands accommodation at Sante
$3,736 USD* (2366 GBP) Total (9 day 8 night)

$354 USD* (224 GBP) Single Supplement at Dinaka (Safari on Dinaka two rooms can be booked as guaranteed single) 
$984 USD* (623 GBP) Cape Winelands Single Supplement for those unwilling or unable to share 

* Prices subject to changes based on currency conversions. Prices do not include transfers. Return ORT to Dinaka transfers set times is $185 USD* (117). Return CT Int to Sante transfers set times is included. Please see additional transfer pricing below the itinerary.

Horse Safari Description
Set within two of South Africa's most beautiful biosphere reserves (the Waterberg Biosphere and the Cape Winelands Biosphere), this trip combines four days exhilarating game viewing on horseback with riding through stunning scenery of the Cape’s winelands along with wine tasting at some of South Africa’s best wine estate.
 

Horseback Classic Safari - Spend first four days on one of the Waterberg’s pioneering and most impressive wildlife reserves. The freedom to ride across 25,000 acres of bushveld, characterized by a huge diversity of species and unusually large herds of plains game, make this safari a truly rewarding horseback game viewing experience. The topography of the reserve is dramatic and varied, with a towering mountain backdrop to pristine bushveld, hidden valleys, kilometres of river frontage, sweeping plains and endless vistas. Species to be seen include buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra, wildebeest and a wide array of antelope, including the impressive sable antelope. However, the most exciting, without doubt, is the highly endangered white rhinoceros. If you have never encountered a rhino on horseback before, do it before it is too late!
 

Cape Winelands Riding - The Cape Winelands are amongst the most scenic winelands in the world. Splendid mountains form a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history. With its magnificent natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage and its world-renowned wines, the Winelands region is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer. Combining this setting with the joy of riding great horses and the privilege of unfettered access to some of country’s best known vineyards makes for a magical riding experience. Adding the decadence of multiple wine tastings, fine cuisine and luxurious spa treatments leads to truly unforgettable holiday.

Sample Riding Vacation Itinerary

Day 1: After arrival at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, a three hour group transfer to the Waterberg departs at 10.00 AM. Perched above a large, hippo filled lake, the reserve’s sole safari lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding plains. On the first afternoon riders become acquainted with the horses and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride provides the first taste of the incredible variety of game species on the reserve.

Day 2: The ride to ‘Little Serengeti’ – a mosaic of open plains and bushveld savannah – provides an encounter with the dense herds of zebra, eland and blesbuck for which this beautiful reserve has become renowned. That dream canter alongside herds of galloping antelope can be experienced with all its heart stopping adrenaline. Many other species are to be seen along the way. The afternoon ride sets out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. Encountering these magnificent creatures in the wild is a highlight of any safari, but riding closely alongside them is a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 3: Riding along the base of the mountain and into hidden valleys deep within the folds of the Waterberg escarpment offers an opportunity to encounter endangered cape vultures
and some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and yellow spotted rock hyrax. The path follows crystal clear streams and passes several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. A bush picnic at one of the dams allows the ride to be extended, with riders only returning in time for afternoon tea and an optional bush walk.

Day 4: Through fast riding on long and winding tracks the reserve’s western boundary can be reached. An afternoon game drive offers encounters with Cape buffalo and the magnificent sable antelope. The return drive provides glimpses of the reserve’s fascinating nocturnal inhabitants such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. That evening riders can enjoy the magical African night sky while relaxing around a campfire and enjoying traditional bush cuisine.

Day 5: An 8.30 AM transfer departs for O R Tambo for a short two hour flight down to the Cape Winelands. Arrival in the Fairest Cape at 2:00 PM brings a short 30min transfer to the
luxurious Sante Villa & Wellness Spa in the very heart of wine country. A short ride in the afternoon allows riders to become familiar with their new horses and surroundings, and that
evening it is time to sample traditional Cape cuisine accompanied by a selection of fine wines from the region.

Day 6: The morning ride meanders through the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, arriving at one of the high vantage points mid-morning for a brief drink and snack. The views across the Paarl Valley are breathtaking, and it becomes abundantly clear that the area is steeped in a very proud history of viticulture. The ride continues along the mountainside and through the vineyards towards the Anura Wine Estate where a wine and cheese tasting is followed by an à la carte lunch. Well fortified, riders meander back through the vineyards, visiting the Neil Joubert private estate for an exclusive tasting of their award winning wines.

Day 7: A long morning ride through lemon, pear, peach and plum orchards heads towards the famous Backsberg Wine Estate for another iconic wine tasting. The route home along the western face of the Simonsberg Mountain provides sweeping views towards the Franschoek Valley with the Great Drakenstein Mountains in the distance. After returning to Sante at 3 PM, the remainder of the day can be spent at the villa’s wellness spa or on a drive into the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschoek or Paarl. This region is world famous not only for its wine, but also for its fine cuisine and that evening both can be savoured at a selected nearby restaurant.

Day 8: A choice is provided for further horseback exploration of the area or an excursion to some of the best known destinations in the wider Cape, including Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. The riding option crosses orchards and vineyards to one of the larger holding dams nearby where the exhilaration of swimming with your horse can be experienced. Lunch is at another of the area’s wonderful wine estates, and in the afternoon the cross country course can be tackled or a lesson taken with our qualified international coach. An alternative is to relax around the pool or enjoy a treatment at the spa.

Day 9: The final ride is to the Glen Carlou Estate for wine tasting and light snacks. Then back to the villa for a chance to pack and relax before transferring to the airport. Those with later flights can enjoy a trip to the V&A Waterfront for some last minute shopping and sightseeing.

* This itinerary is subject to changes based on the weather or the trip guide's discretion.

Group transfers
$133 USD* (84 GBP) Arriving: Daily leaving ORT at approx 10 am (arriving at Horizon approx 1pm)
$133 USD* (84 GBP) Departing: Daily leaving Horizon at approx 2pm (arriving at ORT at approx 5pm)

Private Transfers
$389 USD* (246 GBP) 1 – 3 pax (salon car)
$594 USD* (376 GBP) 4 – 12 pax (mini bus)

Additional Transfers
$62 USD* (39 GBP) Horizon to Dinaka, Welgevonden main gate or other Waterberg lodges

$92 (58 GBP) Collection from address in Gauteng to OTR to meet group transfer

* Prices are subject to changes based on currency conversions.

Botswana & South Africa Big Five Safari

An eight night riding safari in two different countries. Ride the first four days on Dinaka reserve in the Waterberg Mountains of South Africa with the chance of seeing rhinoceros and buffalo from horseback. During the next four days, ride in Limpopo, Botswana and complete your “big five” game viewing with potential sightings of elephant, lion and leopard. 

8 nights/ 9 days (4 nights in South Africa and 4 nights in Botswana)

Depending on the season, the Botswana part of the safari can be done either as a mobile camping safari or as a static camp with the added comforts this provides. Please note that during the months of February, March, and November the Botswana part of the ride will be based at Two Mashatus Camp.

Dates and Rates 2012
Static Camp Departures (static camps run during Feb/ March and November)
Nov 5-13 SOLD OUT, Nov 9-17

Mobile Departures
April 14-22, April 18-26, June 15-23, June 19-27, June 23-July 1 (please note that these dates will either be the Big 5 Mobile or African Explorer, a trip that is one day shorter) 

Sept 4-12, Sept 8-16, Sept 19-27, Oct 10-18 SOLD OUT, Oct 14-22

$4,024.62 USD* (2449 GBP) for 8 nights total
$2,182.39 USD* (1328 GBP) for 4 nights total of Botswana Part Only
$546 USD* (332 GBP) for supplemental nights

Single supplement is 50% and will only be charged if guests do not wish to share a room. Many guests are single guests are not charged extra as long as they are willing to share a tent with a person of the same sex.

* Prices are subject to change based on currency conversions. Pricing is based on British Pounds.

Please contact us for more information.

Included:
Rate is inclusive of accommodation, riding, meals, teas and coffees, drinks, game drives (at least 2), bush walks and laundry. Only transfers, tips and gift purchases payable locally in cash.

Not included:
Please note that transfers by Waterberg Transfers from Johannesburg International are $427 USD* (259 GBP), per person (unless coming after 8 am on arrival day or leaving before 7 pm on departure day when its $599 USD* (363 GBP) and for the Big 5 which is $513.695 USD* (311.25 GBP). Guests are encouraged to bring some cash for tips and/or gift items they may want to purchase only. Please contact us for more information. Guests are encouraged to bring some cash for tips and/or curio only. 

Medical:
A medical kit is taken on safari but we recommend you bring your own necessary items of a personal nature. The Tuli region of Botswana is a low-risk malaria area. Anti-malarial precautions should be taken in this area during the summer months of November through March. You should consult your doctor about this and any other medical precautions.

Riding Level:
Intermediate to Advanced level. Advanced level riders should be comfortable at both trot and canter in a variety of terrain.

Sample Itinerary:
Depending on the season, the Botswana part of the safari can be done either as a mobile camping safari or as a static camp with the added comforts this provides. Please note that during the months of February, March and November the Botswana part of the ride will be based at Two Mashatus camp. Riders will be able to enjoy 4-5 hours a morning on horseback and leisurely game drives or walks in the afternoons as per the below itinerary.

Day 1:
Guests are met at Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and be transferred to Dinaka, a stunning stone and thatch safari lodge set high above a large hippo dam, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding plains. Guests will arrive in time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings and to meet with their guides and fellow safari group. A late lunch will be served to revive the weary travelers. Late afternoon, guests will have their first opportunity to acquaint themselves with their selected horse, to take in the wonderful open spaces around them, and to go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride will give guests their first taste of the stunning variety of game on Dinaka. The day will finish with sundowner drinks and a sumptuous three course evening meal.

Day 2:
Today, ride to the “Small Serengeti Plains”, where you will be able to observe and interpret the behavior of various plains game species. Your guides will have a surprise bush “game” up their sleeve. On the Dinaka plains, riders may encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. Sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with 11 other species in your view, are not uncommon. The open plains provide great opportunities for fast riding. Riders are also able to experience that dream canter alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and prance across the open savannah. Back at the lodge, guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family-orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. This afternoon, you may be able to try a little cross country jumping or ride amongst beautiful big trees.

Day 3: 
After an early breakfast, set out on a hunt for some of the reserves more elusive mountain species - leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboon, African rock python, rock dassie, klipspringer, and Cape vulture. This horseback ride ascends a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment, following a crystal clear stream and passing several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at one of the dams along the way, returning to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for a cooling swim and siesta. The afternoon includes a gentle pre-sunset ride to one of the larger dams hosting some of the many hippos on the reserve.

Day 4:
A ride today to another area of the reserve, where Dinaka runs its highly successful breeding program for highly valued species, which include white blesbuck, sable, antelope, and bontebok. En route, the ride crosses a particularly fertile plain where riders can experience the exhilaration and thrill of cantering amongst herds of game, with many different species galloping together across the plains.

The afternoon proves a welcome break for both horse and rider. A Dinaka guide will escort you on an informative game drive, where you will visit another area inhabited by buffalo and some unusual red wildebeest. The guide, who is responsible for the feeding and monitoring of the rhino on the reserve, will accompany the guests on a very special opportunity to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot. The last night is the final ‘braai’ evening where guests relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast their experiences while a feast is served.

Day 5:
In the morning there is a last chance to find any species not yet seen and enjoy one last gallop along the endless sandy lanes. After goodbyes, guests are transferred to their next destination - on the other side of the Botswana border! You will depart the lodge at approximately 10.30 to Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris – a transfer of approximately 4 hours. After crossing the mighty Limpopo River either by cable car or through the dry river bed, you arrive at the stunning Two Mashatus camp. Built in traditional Botswana style, two round huts with Lala palm roofs serve as lounge and dinning area under a majestic Mashatu tree. Your accommodations are walk-in tents with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms and shower. Guests are taken on an introductory ride in the afternoon to familiarize riders with their horses. With a stable of 34 horses, your guides will aim to find you the perfect match!

Day 6:
Rise early and enjoy a light breakfast. Head out to explore the Limpopo Valley, including a natural marshland called “Nels Vlei”. The ride offers lots of possible game sightings such as giraffe, eland, kudu and zebra as well as the abundant elephant! The morning ride is 4-5 hours which will take you to your next destination- Zeederberg Wilderness Camp. A well-deserved lunch awaits you upon arrival. After a relaxing afternoon, you can join your guide for a bush walk around the area, following in the footsteps of legends such as Cecil John Rhodes. On return to camp, sundowners await you around the campfire and dinner is served. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the African bush, interrupted only by the occasional calls of lion, hyaena and jackal.

Day 7:
Today’s ride of about 4-5 hours takes you to Liana camp, descending from the Zeederberg Hills and on to the open Pitsani Plains with the possibility of a fast canter with zebra, wildebeest or giraffe. This ride offers the opportunity of jumping some of the fallen logs pushed over by elephant. Lunch awaits you under another splendid Mashatu tree. A lunchtime siesta follows before heading out on a game drive with a Mashatu ranger, in the hope of seeing some of the big cats or African wild dogs. Enjoy the special location of this campsite set in an old riverbed overhung by the twisted Liana vines after which it is named.

Day 8:
The dawn chorus will wake you to a light breakfast. Today’s ride of about 4-5 hours will take you back to Two Mashatus camp, passing through the central game area where you will have a good opportunity to look for leopard in the Mashatu trees along the Majale river. Follow the course of the river and enjoy the winding canters through the bush. This afternoon you have the choice of going to the local village on a game drive or enjoying a relaxing sundowner along the Limpopo. Back at camp another delicious meal cooked over the fire is served. As the night draws to a close, enjoy a night cap around the fire.

Day 9:
After breakfast around the fire, you will head off in the direction of Nels Vlei with a good chance of catching a final glimpse of elephant as this is one of their favorite areas. Back at the stables, after a farewell to your horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and enjoy lunch before heading off for the border and the 5 to 6 hours drive to JHB airport.

* This itinerary is flexible and subject to changes based on the weather, trip guide's discretion or other factors. The itinerary is just a sample and may change based on whether it's mobile or at a static camp

Related Travel Articles

South Africa- A Week in the Bush

Traveler Reviews

Media
Most people ask, "Where is it?" - that's the point: a century ago and still today, the Waterberg is South Africa's last great wilderness.
--David Bristow, Getaway Magazine.

Swimming a horse in a lake in the middle of the African bush, less than 20 hours after stepping off the Picadilly Line, is a remarkable and moving experience.
--Unlimited Magazine, U.K.

The rhino spotted us just as we saw him. Conversation ceased abruptly and all our eyes were fixed on the huge grey bulk of wild animal just a few yards away.
--Lesley Bayley, NFU Countryside.

The hair rose on the back of my neck as we edged forward. I had seen a giraffe from the confines of a jeep, but this was a completely different experience.
--Wanderlust Magazine, U.K.

There are co-workers, cooks, stable hands and an office, but it takes time to distinguish guests from staff. Obviously the staff do less lazing around but the atmosphere is inclusive, sociable and open.
--TimeOut Magazine

Guest Reviews

Our stay was awesome and we appreciated all the personal touches for our aniversary! The food was top notch and all the bits of advice were much appreciated and helped us find our seats real quick. I know you guys really did a great job in boosting Chantell's confidence and she will be a better horsewoman after her stay. She has learnt a great deal in a very short time. Experiencing the day to day life was great and also very interesting and eye opening at the same time. For me it was nice to spend some quality time in the saddle as it has been a while, hope you didn't notice !! I couldn't have wished for a better start to the weekend than being chucked straight into a game of polocrosse as it was top of my agenda for the weekend although I never mentioned it .Also a note of thanks for the use of the guide's personal mounts ( thanks Kirst ) , we both really enjoyed our horses and couldn't wait to see who we had been partnered with for the next ride! You guys have a great team at Horizon and the horses are stunning ( I did have my favourite though ), so this is cheers till next time cause we will be back so Kirst look after MY horse and don't teach him any bad manners !! Thanks once again.
--Charl & Chantell

I was worried about returning to somewhere I had been before, as I had such a fantastic time previously. I should never have been concerned. The staff may have changed, but the 'formula' is still the same. 
--Mandy from Co Antrim

Far exceeded my expectations. Absolutely fantastic. Good selection of horses to ride. Never laughed so much playing polocrosse. The swimming is the best riding experience I have ever had.....Chocolate Brownies to die for.
--Emma from South Yorkshire

The horsemanship was fantastic, as were the horses. Far outweighed my expectations.
--G.R., London, UK.

I had never been abroad on my own but with your welcome I was never alone.
--Angie, Glous., UK.
 

Reading List

Frommer's South Africa (Frommer's Complete) by Pippa de Bruyn

Completely updated every 2 years, Frommer's South Africa features gorgeous color photos of the sights and experiences that await you and a brand new history and culture chapter. The author, a lifelong resident of South Africa, hits all the highlights-including safaris in South Africa and Botswana, side trips to Victoria Falls, and vineyard tours outside Cape Town. She's checked out all the region's best game lodges, hotels, and restaurants in person; and she offers authoritative, candid reviews that will help you find the choices that suit your tastes and budget. You'll also get up-to-the-minute coverage of World Cup 2010; the South African political dynamic and its effects on travel in the region; active travel advice in nearly every destination chapter; in-depth coverage of dining, shopping, and nightlife in Cape Town; detailed driving tours; dozens of maps; and side trips to Botswana, Victoria Falls, and Zambia.

A History of South Africa, Third Edition by Leonard Thompson

This magisterial history throws a floodlight on South Africa's current crisis by examining the past. The absurdity of the apartheid philosophy of racial separatism is underscored by the author's argument (backed with convincing research material) that the genes of the nation's first hunter-gatherers are inextricably mixed with those of modern blacks and whites. The Dutch colonial invaders felt no sense of kinship with the original inhabitants, however: their arrival brought slavery and disease, pulverizing chiefdoms and pastoral communities. From the outset, white settler society was dependent on the labor of slaves and indigenous peoples. Thompson, a specialist in South African history, expertly relates how the Afrikaners--still poor, scattered and disunited in 1854--threw off Dutch and British hegemony to forge their own national identity, forcibly uprooting and relocating millions of blacks. Although the author deems president Frederik W. de Klerk "like his predecessors . . . wedded to fixed racial categories," he sees signs of hope in blacks' increasing economic power and the student revolt against pedagogical brainwashing in the state-controlled schools.

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela by Nelson Mandela

The famously taciturn South African president reveals much of himself in Long Walk to Freedom. A good deal of this autobiography was written secretly while Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island by South Africa's apartheid regime. Among the book's interesting revelations is Mandela's ambivalence toward his lifetime of devotion to public works. It cost him two marriages and kept him distant from a family life he might otherwise have cherished. Long Walk to Freedom also discloses a strong and generous spirit that refused to be broken under the most trying circumstances--a spirit in which just about everybody can find something to admire.

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at Amazon.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.



Equitrekking DVD's featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, available in the Shop section of Equitrekking.com 

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

    

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.