Comfort
Horizon Safari Lodge (5 nights)
Horizon offers a picturesque backdrop that provides the ideal setting to unwind with a drink while observing the wildlife. For sun enthusiasts, there is a jetty on the lake, serving as a perfect haven for those keen on soaking up the sun. A pool is available.
There are different room types (all en-suite). The Luxury Chalets are set apart from the others and offer a more private experience. The Hippo Lodge rooms are of high standards, but the rooms have shared verandas. Solo travellers will be assigned a Standard room.
Savannah Lodge (1 night)
Located in the south-western side of the conservancy, this lodge has a total of five en suite double rooms. There is a comfortable living space and dining areas inside and outside. You can relax by the small pool or on the deck which overlooks a plain.
Camp Davidson (1 night)
The camp is laid-out on a wooden deck. Each tent has comfortable beds and an en-suite bathroom area (bucket showers). There are hand wash facilities (jug and basin) and flushing toilets.
There is also a small pool available.
Meals
Meals are prepared on-site using fresh, local ingredients wherever possible.
Breakfast consists of cereal, fruit, eggs, toast, tea and coffee.
Lunch is usually light such as quiche and salad or lasagne or salad.
Afternoon tea with a selection of drinks and freshly baked cakes.
Dinner comprises three courses and there are plenty of vegetables on offer.
All drinks are included.
Vegetarians and special diets can be catered for with advance notice.
Climate
From November to December, the summer months become hotter and more humid with either continual rain or storms in the afternoon, on these days, you will head out to ride once the rains have stopped. At this time of year, mosquitoes and other insects are also more numerous and present in comparison to the winter months.
From January to March, the weather is usually drier and the days are very hot. Your morning rides finish earlier in order to avoid this heat. Mosquitoes and other insects are also more present and numerous in comparison to the winter months.
In April, the vegetation starts to change. The green bush becomes brown and sparse throughout this period of autumn. The temperatures will drop during the night, however during the day it will still be hot with the possibility of storms in the afternoon.
In May and June, the winter months, the temperature lowers significantly at night and early in the morning. The vegetation becomes browner still and the trees lose their leaves. Due to the sparseness of the vegetation, visibility through the bush is improved.
From July to September, the weather is extremely dry with cold nights. The temperature is also quite cool during morning and end-of-afternoon excursions.
From October to November, the spring is at its peak dryness with hot winds and sparse vegetation. The first rains arrive at the end of October.
Tips
Tips are not expected but if you wish to leave a tip then we recommend c. £10 per guest per day for the entire local team - this can be given to your hosts to share out equally. You can tip in any currency (GBP, Euro, USD or Rand) by cash or card.
Packing list
If you have any old clothes, shoes, or blankets that you would otherwise throw away and have some room in your luggage please do take it with you. Horizon is involved with local schools/day-care centres and helps where possible with the Waterberg Welfare Society and its aids orphan program. Please note this is not expected.
Head
- Hard hats are compulsory and we recommend you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and thorns
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - particularly during the summer months (October - April) when there can be rain or thunderstorms
- Casual clothes for the evening
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps to protect against thorns. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the lodge and camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Other useful items
- A high lumen torch or head torch
- Swimsuit - for the pool or swimming your horse in the dam
- Binoculars for viewing game
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipad, etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
Our Recommendations
- Wherever possible you should wear neutral colours, such as beige, brown or natural bush colours for riding as bright colours, such as red, yellow or white can startle the wildlife and they will see you long before you've seen them
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc).
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride
- It is advised to take a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals.
- A laundry service is available, which may mean that you can pack light.
