South Africa Horseback Safaris

The Riding Available

There are two options:

Songimvelo Safari – a seven night safari at the luxury Dawson’s Lodge, spending five nights in a tented camp  in Songimvelo Game Reserve and finishing at Ebutsini a traditional Swazi village staying in the Rondavels.

Dawsons Lodge Riding – on the weeks when the horses are not on safari in Songimvelo Safari and during the hotter summer months, clients have the opportunity to be based at Dawson’s Lodge and ride out on morning and afternoon rides.

Your guide Steven Rufus is an experienced horseman. He has lectured in equine studies, competed in eventing at a top level in South Africa and is a registered farrier. Nine years ago he established Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana which is now one of the leading horse safaris. He has recently moved back to South Africa.

His horses are of various breeds, but mainly thoroughbred/shire cross; Boerperd and Boerperd /Quarterhorse cross; Arab/Quarterhorse cross; Anglo Arab and Hanoverian /Boerperd cross. They range in height from 15hh to 17hh. All horses are selected with the same criteria as for a sport horse (pace, temperament, confirmation, ride ability) and are fit and in good condition.

The tack is Australian or South African stock saddles designed for comfort and long hours in the saddle. Pelham bridles are used for control, although you will normally ride on a loose rein.

For the Songimvelo Safari, you should be competent at walk, trot, canter and gallop. Confident novice riders can be accepted, but should have an independent seat and be secure in the saddle should they need to react quickly. The riding is challenging and technical since it is wilderness riding with steep climbs and descents, river crossings and tricky rocky terrain to cross. There are some opportunities for fast riding on the plains. It is not suitable for nervous riders.

All abilities can be accepted for the riding at Dawson’s Lodge and the riding will be tailored to the ability of the clients.

There is a weight limit of 16 stone and on the Songimvelo Safari, clients over 60 years should have confirmation from their doctor that they are fit for the ride and that there are no medical conditions of which the guide should be aware.

There is a maximum of 8 guests on the Songimvelo Safari or at Dawson’s Lodge Riding. Minimum of 3 guests per ride. (Please note we will charge a premium of £150 per head for Wilderness Rides under 4 people)