Horizon Horseback Waterberg Riding Adventure
Seven Days of Game Rides, Polocrosse and Swimming With Horses in the Malaria-Free Waterberg
Overview
Horizon Horseback Adventures takes a more adventurous, activity-rich approach to riding safari across the same malaria-free Waterberg landscape, roughly three hours north of Johannesburg. Over six nights you ride a large and versatile herd of around 80 horses — Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and hardy crosses — across open bushveld among giraffe, zebra, hippo and antelope. What sets Horizon apart is the sheer range of mounted activity: classic game rides, polocrosse, cross-country jumping and, in one of the most joyful experiences in African riding, swimming with the horses in the reserve's dam.
Because the Waterberg here is free of the Big Five's dangers, the riding is bold and liberating in a way big-game country never allows — confident riders can range far and fast across open country while novices are carefully brought on. Accommodation ranges from the comfortable main lodge to the more rustic, solar-powered Camp Davidson, a tented outpost reached on horseback and reserved for intermediate and stronger riders — an authentic bush-camp experience that captures the romance of a riding expedition without leaving the Waterberg. This seven-day adventure blends lodge-based days with a Camp Davidson expedition for those riding fit enough to reach it.
Who It's For
Riders who want adventure and variety, from carefully brought-on novices to fast, confident riders chasing cross-country work. Ideal for solo travellers and active groups. The Camp Davidson expedition leg is reserved for intermediate and stronger riders. Maximum weight approximately 85 kg. Minimum age around 12 for the full adventure.
Package Highlights
80 Versatile Horses
Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds and Boerperds schooled for every level and pace
Polocrosse & Jumping
Play polocrosse and ride a cross-country course between game rides
Swim With the Horses
Swim bareback with your horse in the reserve dam — pure joy
Camp Davidson Expedition
Ride out to a solar-powered tented bush camp for a true riding-expedition night
Fast, Free Bushveld Riding
Open canters and gallops among plains game in predator-free country
Malaria-Free Waterberg
No prophylactics needed — three hours from Johannesburg
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Transfer roughly three hours north from Johannesburg to Horizon's main lodge. After lunch, an assessment ride lets the guides gauge your riding and match you to one of the 80-strong herd, followed by a first easy ride out into the bushveld and sundowners.
🏨 Accommodation: Horizon Main Lodge (nights vary by ability)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Horizon Main Lodge
📍 Waterberg, Limpopo, South Africa
A comfortable, relaxed riding lodge at the heart of Horizon's Waterberg reserve, home to a versatile herd of around 80 horses. Easy-going rooms, a pool, a convivial bar and stables at the door make it the social hub of an activity-rich riding holiday.
From $520 per person per night
Camp Davidson
📍 Horizon Reserve, Waterberg, South Africa
A rustic, solar-powered tented bush camp deep in the reserve, reached only on horseback and reserved for intermediate and stronger riders. Canvas tents, bucket showers, a camp fire and star-filled skies deliver the authentic romance of a riding expedition.
From $560 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Lodge-Based Riding Week
(~$567/night)
Six nights based at the main lodge with daily game rides, polocrosse, jumping and swimming with horses — the flexible option for mixed abilities and novices.
Get QuoteCamp Davidson Adventure
(~$650/night)
Six nights combining lodge days with a ridden expedition to the solar-powered Camp Davidson — for riding-fit intermediate and stronger riders.
Get QuotePrivate Guided Adventure
(~$867/night)
A privately guided departure with a dedicated guide, tailored routing and priority horse selection across the full range of Horizon activities.
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 6 nights accommodation at Horizon main lodge and Camp Davidson
- ✓ All meals and selected drinks
- ✓ Daily riding with experienced guides, matched to ability
- ✓ Polocrosse, cross-country jumping and swimming with horses
- ✓ Camp Davidson expedition ride for eligible riders
- ✓ Reserve and conservation fees
- ✓ Laundry service
✗ Excluded
- ✗ Flights and road transfers to/from Johannesburg (arranged on request)
- ✗ Premium drinks and champagne
- ✗ Comprehensive travel and riding insurance (mandatory)
- ✗ Gratuities (recommended for guides and staff)
- ✗ Personal expenses and curio purchases
- ✗ Single supplement where applicable
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The Waterberg rides year-round. Cool, dry winter (roughly April–September) gives the most comfortable riding and the best game concentrations; summer (November–March) is green and warm with active riding around the midday heat.
Why Choose This Package
The Most Active Riding Holiday
Game rides, polocrosse, cross-country jumping and swimming with horses — far more than a simple trail.
A Horse for Every Rider
Around 80 versatile horses schooled for everyone from a first-timer to a fast cross-country rider.
A Genuine Expedition Night
Ride out to the solar-powered Camp Davidson for the authentic romance of a bush riding expedition.
Bold, Free, Malaria-Free
Predator-free Waterberg country lets you ride fast and open, with no anti-malarials and an easy drive from Johannesburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Horizon Horseback Waterberg Riding Adventure?
From $3,400 per person | 7 Days / 6 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates