South Africa Surf and Turf Horizon
Safari with a difference: the Surf and Turf holiday is designed for those who love riding, wildlife and the sea. Enjoy 4 days in the fresh sea air along the stunning unspoilt Wild Coast, followed by 4 days exhilarahting game viewing on horseback deep in the Waterberg mountains to complete your African experience. Also Big Five short breaks (4 nights) and Big Five (8 nights) combining a safari in South Africa with a safari in neighbouring Botswana. Based on private game reserve and historic ranch in South Africa, two combination safaris (Big five and surf and Turf) operate on scheduled dates throughout the year, but additional dates can be arranged for groups of four or more. The Big Five Safari (8 nights) combines 4 nights at HORIZON SAFARIS, South Africa, followed by 4 nights at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris mobile or static camp in Tuli Block, Botswana. There is a lot to do here if you choose to spend th whole week at Horizon. Join the fabulous Horizon Health week: Combine an incredibly varied horse riding experience for all levels of rider: outrides, game viewing, cattle mustering, with a pilates course alongside the pool and lake together with a range of salon treatments for a truly magical experience. Or combine all this with vineyard tours and winetasting. Fun for the whole family: a wide variety of children-friendly fun activities such as Western games, cattle mustering, swimming with the horses, lessons and tailor-made hacks, makes this a perfect destination for adventurous families.
The focus at Horizon Adventures is horses and quality riding.With a herd of over 60 horses, we are able to ensure that riders of anyability are well matched and have the chance to ride several suitablehorses during their holiday. There are two outrides or riding activities aday. Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoonrides are somewhat shorter. During your stay we try to ensure that you have the opportunity to experience all our riding options: outrides 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 on request. Rides are tailormade to suit the needs of our guests, young and not-so-young, and we try to be as flexible as possible.
Surf and Turf:
Have you ever dreamed of galloping through the spray along deserted beaches or of riding next to giraffe and zebra? Well, if you have the surf and turf is the safari for you. The first 4 days of this 8 day combination, take you on a journey along the Wild Coast wilderness. This coastline, like the name suggests, is wild. Unspoilt and deserted beaches make for exhilarating 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!
Following a flight from East London to Johannesburg and a transfer to the Waterberg, Horizon Safaris hosts the next 4 days. This privately owned reserve is deep in the Waterberg mountains in Limpopo Proivince, and was one of the pioneer game reserves in the Waterberg. Across its 17,500 acres, the diversity of species and sheer size of plains game herds make it a rewarding game viewing experience. Species to be seen include rhino, buffalo, giraffe, mountain and burchall's zebra, eland, blesbok, impala, kudu, wilderbeast, springbuck, hartebeast, waterbuck, mountain and common reedbuck, bushbuck, hippo, ostrich, golden wilderbeast, black impala, and the endangered sable anteloppe and leopard. 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.
SURF AND TURF ITINERARY
DAY 1: You will be collected from the East London airport and transferred to Kei Mouth. A light lunch will be served and you will be able to change into your riding clothes at the country club. We need to be in the saddle by 3pm to make the crossing across the Great Kei River on a pontoon! Your African adventure begins with a canter down a deserted beach. This afternoon’s ride through to Trennerys is just long enough to blow the cob webs away, you can breathe in the salt air and feel the pounding hooves on wet sand – welcome to the Wild Coast.
DAY 2: After a lazy breakfast we set off for Wavecrest Hotel. The tide dictates our pace and path but along the way we will stop at the wreck of the Jacaranda. Rolling slay paths take us at a steady trot and canter to the mouth of the Kobonqaba river. This afternoon we explore the rolling countryside and sandy coves where there is always something new to discover and intriguing paths to follow.
DAY 3: Our departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It’s a full day ride either up the beach and back across country through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around. Either way we take advantage of the hard wet beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating!!! We will take a picnic with us and stop at a secluded beach for lunch.
DAY 4: This morning we make our way back towards Kei Mouth. Rolling hills, villages, deep rivervgorges, and sandy paths meander their way back along the coast and get us to Seagulls Hotel for a pub lunch and a much needed cold drink! Our last ride along the beach gets us to the paddocks in Kei Mouth around 4pm.
DAY 5: After a leisurely breakfast, the shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London airport. From Oliver Tambo International airport, Johannesburg, a 3 hour group transfer will take you to the Horizon 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 to the stables and yards and has a small pool for cooling off after a long morning ride. That afternoon, become acquainted with the horses, 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 6: Ride to ‘little Serengeti’, a sweeping plain to encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. Experience that dream 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. That afternoon ride out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. These prehistoric animals are one of the remarkable success stories of the reserve, which holds one of the oldest breeding herds in the country. 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. Look out for the colony of 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. Enjoy a picnic at one of the dams, returning to the lodge in time for afternoon tea. Later 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 escarpment in the background. Long and winding tracks offer the perfect opportunity for fast and exhilarating riding. A game drive in the afternoon offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with Cape buffalo and the magnificant rare sable antelope. Whilst driving back after dark, glimpse nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. That night relax around the fire, enjoy the magical African night sky, and enjoy a veriable feast whilst recounting the day’s adventures.
DAY 9: In the morning use this last chance to find any species not yet encountered and take one endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch and sad goodbyes depart at approximately 1 pm.
HEALTH WEEK
HORIZON HORSEBACK ADVENTURES HEALTH WEEK is an opportunity to spoil yourself thoroughly. Combine an incredibly varied horse riding experience for all levels of rider: outrides, game viewing, cattle mustering, with a pilates course alongsidethe pool and lake together with a range of salon treatments for a truly magical experience.
Pilates: As part of this wonderful trip, each day will start with a Pilates lesson with BASI qualified instructor Dr. Tina Du Toit. Tina will take you through the basic concepts of pilates: discovering your pelvic floor muscles,stretching the spine, toning the thighs, buttocks and arms and ofcourse exercises for the perfect set of abdominals! Lots of fun to be hadby the pool; a perfect tranquil setting, but remember...no pain, no gain! For the more experienced pilates enthusiast, more advanced sessions that go further can also be arranged.Treatments: In between horse riding and pilates, enjoy a range of salon treatments by the experienced Mrs Rosie Koch and her colleague. During your week long stay, Rosie will give you a full body massage, indian headmassage, pedicure, manicure and facial. Other treatments also available upon request include, massage (Swedish, aromatherapy, lymph drainage,deep tissue, hot stone), Shiatsu, energy healing, electrolysis, and waxing.
Food: Horizon is well known and loved for its passion for food. Being a health week, we will be serving a selection of low fat, well balanced yet utterlydelicious meals. All accompanied with an abundance of freshsummer fruits, salads and vegetable from our organic vegetable garden.
Get in touch with us for the full itinerary of this week.
WILDLIFE & WINELANDS RIDING SAFARI a fantastic nine day horse riding holiday that incorporates two of the most iconic elements of South African tourism: African wildlife and famous wine estates.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 estates.
Horizon Horseback hosts the 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..
Riding Safaris for Kids
Fun for the whole family: a wide variety of children-friendly fun activities such as Western games, cattle mustering, swimming with the horses, lessons and tailor-made hacks, makes this a perfect destination for adventurous families. Children from the age of 8 are welcome all year round, however we also run special options for family vacations when we will accept children of all ages. Families may enjoy the option of a full days ride with camp out. This is a wonderful experience where dinner is served from the camp fire and your canopy is the star-filled Africa sky. A morning of EQ, a homespun bushveld sport that involves orienteering and accomplishing a set challenges such as billy boiling, river crossing and target shooting. It’s a fun morning and one enjoyed by all ages. The treasure hunt: teams will compete to be the first to solve the clues, which will eventually lead to a surprise prize.
The following prices for Horizon Horseback Adventures and Safaris include all riding activities, accommodation, meals and drinks, but not transfers. Please note, all rates are subject to change without prior notice. Due to the number of single travellers to Horizon Horseback Adventures, we allocate three lodge rooms without single supplement, on a first come first serve basis. Please contact us for availability
SURF AND TURF SAFARI (8 nights) The Surf and Turf Safari combines 4 nights on the Wild Coast of South Africa at Dinaka, with 4 nights at Horizon Horseback Safaris, South Africa.
This runs on certain dates only. Please get in touch for availability
The following prices include all riding activities, accommodation, meals and drinks, but not transfers. All rates are quoted in Pounds Sterling.
CAMP TARIFFS
Surf and Turf Safari
(01/03/2011-31/12/2011)
4 nights Dinaka
4 nights Wild Coast
Total per person (9 days, 8 nights) .............£1760
Single accommodation at Wild Coast can be arranged with a £180 single supplement charge plus the Dinaka single supplement as above. Please contact us for availability
4 night Horizon Safari at Dinaka
(01/03/2011-30/12/2011)
Per person for 4 nights ..............................£960
At Dinaka, two lodge rooms are allocated as single rooms, and can be pre-booked with a 20% single supplement charge. Please check for availability.
Big Five Safari
(28/01/2011-30/11/2011)
4 nights Dinaka ........................................£1080
4 nights mobile camp in Botswana ..............£1160
Total per person (9 days, 8 nights) .............£2240
Single accommodation at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris (Botswana) can be arranged with a £500 single supplement charge plus the Dinaka single supplement as above. Please contact us for availability.
Single accommodation at Wild Coast can be arranged with a £180 single supplement charge plus the Dinaka single supplement as above. Please contact us for availability.
The above safari’s can be booked for private groups, any group of 8 – 10 pax receives one free place.
HEALTH week - Pilates
Rate per person excluding transfers................................................................ £ 1449.00Dr. Tina Du Toit is a fully qualified BASI Pilates instructor. Mrs Rosie Koch - Beauty Technology (Wits Tech) 1983-4(CIDESO &ITEC), Dip. Public Relations (Damelin) 1982 and is a member of CIDESCO & S.A.A.H.S.P
WILDLIFE & WINELANDS RIDING SAFARI
TRANSFERS
to/from Johannesburg International Airport (JIA)
Group Transfers (return)
Dinaka Safari .......................... £120 per person
Daily transfers from JIA to Dinaka Lodge at 10am.
Daily transfers from Dinaka Lodge to JIA at 1pm.
Big Five Safari ......................... £300 per person
This rate includes:
Arrival day transfer at 10am from JIA to Dinaka Lodge in South Africa.
5th day transfer at 11:00am from Dinaka Lodge in South Africa to Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris (LVHS) in Botswana.
Departure day transfer at 11:30am from LVHS in Botswana to JIA, South Africa.
Surf and Turf .......................... £145 per person
Private Transfers
Private transfers for Dinaka Safari are charged as for Horizon Horseback Adventures above.
Private transfers for Big Five Safari are available on request. Please contact us for current price.
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to South Africa at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
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