Flexible Signature Safari

There is no better way to experience the African bush than from horseback. Across the reserve and neighbouring conservancy, you’ll ride through sandy tracks, open plains and bushveld, with the chance to encounter giraffe, zebra, hippo and a wide variety of antelope along the way.

Because the wildlife is accustomed to horses, you can often get surprisingly close to the animals and observe them from a completely different perspective. Wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed, which is part of what makes every ride so exciting.

For a full day of riding and exploring, head west from the lodge into the neighbouring conservancy. The ride takes you across wide open plains, where you can enjoy long canters and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

This part of the conservancy is home to large herds of wildebeest, hartebeest, sable, eland and blesbok, alongside giraffe, buffalo, ostrich, kudu, zebra, waterbuck and impala.

You can choose to make this a full-day adventure or spend the night at one of the lodges within the conservancy, giving you even more time to explore this beautiful part of the area.

After a morning ride, there is nothing better than cooling off with your horse. At the lodge, you can take your horse into the dam and swim together in the water.

The horses actually swim, rather than simply wade through the water, making this a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s also the perfect way to relax and cool down after a morning in the saddle.

Looking for something a little different? Try your hand at polocrosse, a fun and fast-paced combination of polo and lacrosse.

No previous experience is needed and the guides will teach you how to play. You’ll play in teams of three, with the aim of picking up, carrying and passing a soft ball using a lacrosse-style stick.

It’s easy to get caught up in the game, many guests find themselves becoming surprisingly competitive!

The Western Games are all about having fun and putting your riding skills to the test. You might find yourself weaving between poles, racing around barrels or taking part in a variety of other games and challenges on horseback.

It’s a relaxed and playful way to spend an afternoon in the saddle and a great activity for families and groups.

Riders with jumping experience can also try their hand at cross-country jumping on a small course near the lodge. After warming up and practising a few jumps, you can ride the course around the lake.

There are also smaller jumps and jumping lanes around the reserve that can be enjoyed during regular outrides. Cross-country jumping is available on request and is suited to riders with previous jumping experience.

For a glimpse into local life, you can also ride to the nearby village of Lehlabile and visit the local primary school and crèche. The route takes you through the village, where you can see the traditionally painted houses and meet some of the local community.

The children are often excited to meet the riders and horses, and depending on the day, you may be welcomed with singing and dancing. Guests who would like to support the school can also bring donations such as crayons, pencils, paper, books or toys.

If you’d like to take a break from riding, there are also several other ways to experience the Waterberg. Depending on your interests, you can join a guided bush walk, head out on a Big Five game drive or explore the area by mountain bike.

Other activities available in the wider area include a visit to the Waterberg Living Museum, a night-sky experience with a local astronomer, fishing, massages and visits to local cultural and community projects.

Please inquire about the available activities and current prices when planning your stay.