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Horseback Riding and Equestrian Vacations
South Africa
 Triple
B Ranch and Waterberg (South Africa) Set in the pristine montane bushveld of the Northern
Province, Triple B Ranch lies in the heart of the Waterberg plateau. It is an area
of great natural beauty, breathtaking vistas, mountain gorges, clear streams and rolling
hills alive with a variety of bird and wildlife. Home to the Baber family for three
generations the ranch has bred cattle here since the first settlers trekked into the area
at the end of the last century. The ranch now holds over 2000 head of Bonsmara
cattle, a hardy African breed suited to the harsh conditions, operates it's own private
game reserve and grows crops such as maize, tobacco and peanuts.
Horizon Horseback Adventures
Horizon is a specialist riding operation based at the northern end of Triple B Ranch at a
rustic and attractively decorated colonial farmstead. Horizon's emphasis is on
it's horses and offers some of the best horses and horsemanship you are likely to come
across on a riding holiday. With over 40 horses to choose from for a maximum of 8
guests, Horizon excels at matching horse to rider. For the more experienced rider we
take pleasure in constantly providing stimulating rides on intelligent and responsive
horses. Whilst the novice will build confidence quickly as you are
informally coached by both guide and mount.
Riding Available
The area lends itself to superb riding, the going is easy, the horses run unshod on
perfect sandy soil, and though in places the bush is thick much of the country is open and
flat lending itself to extended canters.
One option during your stay is our Wilderness Trail, riding into the Palala conservancy
by day. The camp is definately not a roughing it experience, reed and thatch huts,
flush toilets and hot showers, three course meals around a roaring campfire with a glass
of South African wine and a true African wilderness around you. The area boasts many
species of game including Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, and a host of antelope such as
Eland, Kudu, Impala, Hartebeest etc and using the knowledge of local guides you will
explore game tracks, follow spoor and learn local bushlore. Viewing game on
horseback is an enriching experience, as the animals seem to have no fear of you, you will
get closer than you ever thought possible.
Polocrosse is a popular sport in South Africa, an amalgam of Polo and Lacrosse, it
provides beginner and experienced player with lots of fun. We coach guests in the
finer arts of stick and ball before throwing you in the deep end playing dusty chukkas in
the late afternoon beneath the shady Eucalyptus. Warning, this game is addictive.
Your ride might be to explore part of this huge ranch, learning about the different
cattle and agricultural activities. Alternatively you may spend the morning working
cattle. There is always much to do, the cattle are kept in small herds from 50 to
100 animals so each day they have to be checked for illness or injury. Gentle
rounding into kraals from large camps gives a lovely purpose to a mornings ride.
For those riders who enjoy other equestrian pursuits there is an international
standard cross-country course, built by one of South Africa's top course builders Johnny
Perrera. There are over fifty jumps of various degrees from junior training to
open level.
The Horses and Tack
The horses are a mixed herd of Arabs, Thoroughbreds and Boerperde (a hardy South African
breed with a responsive, kind and honest temperament). Each is well looked after by
our renowned horseman Shane Dowinton whose expertise shows in every aspect of the horse
care. Shane has been using the round pen reasoning techniques on young and problem
horses for over 10 years, and those interested are welcome to ask for a demonstration of
this type of training or can have an informal lesson whilst riding together. English
or Western type saddles are available. The stock Western saddles are based on
the South African Mclellan military saddle and provide comfort for many hours of riding.
Itinerary
There is no set itinary and the riding will be tailored to suit you. The rides are
kept small with rarely more than 4-6 people and we can take out a guest on his or her own
if that is what is enjoyed. Typically you will set out to ride early in the morning
after a light breakfast. A welcome brunch awaits you after a few hours in the
saddle, and suitably relaxed you have the middle of the day to read a book, swim in the
plunge pool or go for a walk before your afternoon ride.
Accomodation
The Horizon farmstead overlooks a beautiful lake with a backdrop of open bushveld.
With no TV or newspapers this is the perfect spot to get away from it all. There are
three double rooms in the house (each with private facilities) and a thatched en suite
rondavel. There is a small plunge pool to sit and cool off on a hot summer's day and
a large colonial verandah overlooking the lake to ponder the beauty of Africa.
Meals
All your meals are included when staying at Horizon. Early morning brings a light
breakfast of tea or coffee with toast or cereals to keep you going for the morning
ride. When you return you will be greeted by a hearty English brunch. High tea
is served before your afternoon ride. Dinner is a sumptuous three-course affair,
joined by your hosts you will try a variety of international and South African cuisines
served with local wines; all beverages are included in the cost of your holiday.
Meals are one of the highlights at Horizon and are enjoyed in the large living room, on
the verandah or beneath the branches of the old Syringa tree.
Other Activities
While the emphasis at Horizon is on horse riding there are many other things to do.
Such as; game drives on nearby private reserves, guided bushwalks, touring Triple B and
learning about the management of this huge mixed farm, spending afternoons by the pool,
playing tennis or simply relaxing with a good book.
You may also want to visit Lapalala Wilderness. Lapalala is a privately owned
game reserve in the Waterberg, home to the largest population of Black rhino in South
Africa. It is also home to White rhino, Roan and Sable antelope, Wildebeest, Zebra,
Giraffe and many other species of antelope.
A popular addition to your stay at Horizon is to spend either a couple of days riding
or enjoying other activities at Ant's Nest (private game reserve - ½ hour drive from
Horizon but also part of Triple B).
Getting There
Triple B is 2 and a ½ hours drive from Johannesburg International Airport. You may
choose to make your own way to Triple B by hire car, or we can arrange private transfer
directly from Johannesburg International Airport. The transfer charge is extra.
Weather
The seasons are the reverse of the States and UK. The hottest months are from
November to March. Because of the altitude, it is never too hot to ride, although in
summer rides are usually taken early in the morning and late in the afternoon leaving the
rest of the day to relax and swim. The main rains are from end November to January,
These are typically short late afternoon or evening dramatic thunderstorms and are
occasional - average rain days per month are 5. Summer is a wonderful time to come
as it is the European winter and rain will not hinder your stay. The mid winter
months of June, July and August have dry, warm days and clear blue skies, although it does
get chilly at night, it is advisable to bring warm clothing.
Passport, visa and Health Information
You must be in full possession of a valid passport to visit South Africa. The
passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. British or
Irish passport holders do not need a visa for South Africa.
Currently, there is no inoculation or malaria prophylactics required as the Waterberg
is considered a non-malarial area. However you should seek medical advice prior to
travelling.(Eastern Trekking does recommend this treatment)
Extras
The price of the holiday quoted on our tariffs includes all meals, beverages, laundry,
accommodation and riding during your stay. Excluded are transfers to and from your
point of arrival in South Africa, Gratuities (suggested at $5 to $10 per day). If
you are single and not willing to share then a single supplement is payable if we have to
turn away another booking.
The Waterberg's temperate climate, ever changing landscapes, diverse flora and fauna
and being a malaria free zone makes it South Africa's best kept secret.
International Tariffs
All rates are per person per night and are quoted in Pounds Stirling and US Dollars
30/11/99 - 30/11/01
Horizon Horseback Adventures
Horizon's Homestead $204pp/per day
Low season rate:
15/01 - 15/03/00 & 01/05 - 01/07/00 $186pp/per day
Horizon Wilderness riding safari - As above
(based out of Horizon in the neighbouring Palala Conservancy, accommodation is in a
semi-luxury camp.)
Transfers from Johannesburg International airport One way per
person $72 pp each way
(Subject to change
without notice)
Single supplements: A 50% single supplement will be charged to guests staying at
Horizon only if they are not prepared to share a room with another guest of the same sex.
Price includes: Accommodation on a full board basis including all drinks and all
activities at Horizon
Payment conditions:
Bookings will be confirmed once a 20% deposit has been received.
Full payment is required one month prior to arrival.
Cancellation fees:
20 % of Total cost if cancelled 30 days before arrival.
50 % of Total cost if cancelled 15 days before arrival.
100 % of Total cost if cancelled 7 days before arrival.
Please note these rates are subject to change without prior notice
CONTACT US
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Eastern Trekking Associates
http://www.horsevacations.com
Shelly and Albert Morris
PO Box 357
Thomson, Georgia 30824
phone Outside Georgia 1-888-836-6152
In Georgia: 1-706-541-2450
Email: rides@horsevacations.com
Web site copyright Eastern Trekking Associates.
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