Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Destination: Ants Hill Lodge, Waterberg
Accommodation: Luxury Safari Lodge
Includes: All meals, Tea, Coffee, water & a daily 3-hour ride.
Various afternoon activities are available for your own account.
Interests: Well-schooled, forward going horses, Game viewing, nature, luxury Lodge, Great Food!
This is a true bucket-list Breakaway for Ladies who love Horse-riding very well-schooled horses in some of the best riding landscapes South Africa has to offer. When not working, the horses roam freely and are habituated to the wildlife. The reserve is teeming with game, with the exception of Lion, elephant and black rhino. This makes for an exhilarating and safe experience. Riding meters away from White Rhino and Buffalo or watching the rare Roan or Sable antelope from close quarters is a really invigorating experience never to be forgotten.
Despite the high level of quality and luxury, the atmosphere is very laid-back and the staff are extremely warm, approachable and accommodating.
HORSES ARE OUR PASSION
At Ant’s Horse Safaris they have been building a string of over 90 phenomenal horses since 1996. They are fit, responsive and reliable and also totally adapted to the African environment. This is no small feat. The horses range from big strong forward-going thoroughbreds, tough African Boerperds, feisty Arab crosses and exciting Friesian crossbreeds, ranging in size from 12hh to 17hh, including weight carriers which can cater for riders of up to 110 kgs.
Their large team of horse grooms and guides take pride in the well-being of each horse, ensuring that they are well schooled but not over-worked, with the result that each guest can have the opportunity of riding several different horses during their stay.
Great care is taken in matching the rider’s ability and confidence to their preferable type of mount. Rides vary in pace and duration according to the groups desires and ability.
TACK & EQUIPMENT
We use comfortable McClellan saddles, originally based on the famous US cavalry saddle designed for the comfort of both horse and rider alike. A few Endurance saddles are also available if preferred. The saddles are hand made by Liversage Saddles in Belfast South Africa. We require all clients to wear a riding hat and stock a selection of sizes. We only ride traditionally English style.
If you’re an avid rider and plan to spend many an hour in the saddle, we definitely encourage you to bring your own well-fitted helmet! Check out our suggested packing list.
All riders should be experienced with soft hands, a good seat, and capable of long canters along sandy paths.
ACCOMMODATION
Every Chalet is slightly different but built on a traditional African stone wall, thatch roof theme. The level of luxury is world-class with large baths and beautiful showers crafted of wooden tree stumps framing the entrance and stone walls. The interior furnishings are a representation of “Where Bali meets Africa” with maybe a hint of Morocco, thrown in for good measure. Vibrant colours, antique Asian furniture and extremely comfortable seating. The beds have memory foam matrasses with beautiful high thread cotton linen. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed!
• Wi-Fi is available throughout the Lodge
• Special dietary requirements can be arranged on request (upon Booking)
RIDING ABILITY
This Ladies only Horse Safari is for experienced riders and the minimum age is 16, only if accompanied by an adult. All riders should be comfortable in the 3 main gaits (walk, trot & canter).
RIDING STYLE
The riding style is classic English. During a canter you should be out of the saddle with a light seat and the reins short but without excessive pressure on the bit. When walking the reins should be kept long allowing the horse to extend it’s stride. While trotting, (not that we do much trotting) you should be able to post or rise to the trot. Please always listen to the instructions given by either of the guides. There will be two, a Lead guide and a rear guide. During a canter should you feel that the pace is too fast, slow down to your confidence level and the rear guide will look after you.
Always have the reins in your hand, even when taking photos. While stationary and watching animals your horse is allowed to graze.
Itinerary
Day of arrival
11h00 – Arrival & Check-in
12h00 – Hosted lunch with Meet – Greet & Briefing.
15h30 – Meet your horse & afternoon ride.
17h30 – Sundowners in the Bush
18h30 – Return to Lodge on Game Drive Vehicle & freshen up
19h30 – Hosted Dinner
A Typical Day
07h00 – Wake up
07h30 – Continental breakfast of yoghurt, cereals, fruit salad followed by a full English Breakfast.
08h00 – Morning ride or chosen activity for non-riders
11h00 – Return to Lodge to freshen up.
12h00 – Lunch in the Bush or back at Lodge.
14h00 – Relax or chosen afternoon activity.
17h30 – Sundowners in the Bush
(drinks for own account)
18h30 – Return to Camp and freshen up.
19h30 – Dinner is served.
Day of departure
07h00 – Wake up
07h30 – Continental breakfast of yoghurt, cereals, fruit salad followed by a full English Breakfast.
08h00 – Morning ride or chosen activity for non-riders
11h00 – Freshen up at Lodge
11h30 – Goodbyes & Departure
