Saddle Safaris — Ride Into the Wild

Our Safaris

Choose Your Adventure

Immerse yourself on a breathtaking safari in the Waterberg region of South Africa. Just 3½ hours from Johannesburg, our horseback safaris offer full days of riding through pristine wilderness — with world-class hospitality to welcome you back each evening.

5 Nights · 4 Days

Horseback Escapade

Spend 5 nights on horseback in South Africa's renowned Waterberg region. Enjoy a malaria-free experience with no vaccinations or visas required for American citizens. Your stay includes continental breakfast, chef-prepared packed lunches for riding, and a lavish buffet dinner each evening. Coffee, water, and bottled juices included throughout.

Full-Day Rides All Meals Malaria-Free No Visa Required Beverages Included

Per person sharing $3,990

Single occupancy $4,990

Optional excursions available on site: Bush Braai, Sky Safari (helicopter)

7 Nights · 6 Days

Horseback Journey

For those seeking a deeper immersion, the Horseback Journey extends your adventure to 7 nights in the Waterberg wilderness. Enjoy the same world-class hospitality — continental breakfasts, chef-prepared packed lunches and buffet dinners — with even more time to explore South Africa's stunning landscapes on horseback.

Full-Day Rides All Meals Malaria-Free No Visa Required Beverages Included

Per person sharing $5,990

Single occupancy $6,990

Optional excursions available on site: Bush Braai, Sky Safari (helicopter)

The freedom of riding through untouched African bush — there's nothing else like it.

The Experience

Safari, Reimagined

Saddle Safaris offers something truly rare — the chance to experience South Africa's wildlife and landscapes not from behind a window, but from the back of a horse. Our safaris take place in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized region of extraordinary biodiversity.

Each day begins with a hearty breakfast before you set out into the bush for a full day of riding. Our experienced guides lead you through multiple reserves and varied terrain — from open savannah to wooded valleys — where you may encounter giraffe, hippo, rhino, zebra, wildebeest, and the majestic African fish eagle. Leopard sightings are also common in the region. Evenings are spent unwinding with a chef-prepared dinner under the African sky.

3^½ hrs

From Johannesburg

100%

Malaria-Free

No Visa

For US Citizens

FAQ

Common Questions

Our safaris require intermediate to experienced riders who are confident and comfortable at a walk, trot, and canter. You will be spending full days in the saddle across varied terrain, so a strong level of fitness and solid riding ability are essential. This is not a beginner trail ride — it is an immersive, active safari experience. If you're unsure whether your riding level is a fit, we warmly encourage you to reach out and we'll be happy to help you assess.

American citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days in South Africa. The Waterberg region is also malaria-free, so no antimalarial medication or special vaccinations are needed. For citizens of other countries, we recommend visiting the South African Department of Home Affairs website to review the latest entry requirements for your nationality. We always recommend consulting your doctor before any international travel.

Your package includes accommodation, all meals (continental breakfast, chef-prepared packed lunch, and buffet dinner), coffee, water, and bottled juices, as well as full days of guided horseback riding. Premium drinks (alcoholic beverages and specialty options) are available for an additional charge on site. All guests are required to book roundtrip transfers from Johannesburg at $250 per person, which ensures a seamless and safe journey to and from the safari. Optional excursions like the Bush Braai and Sky Safari (helicopter) can be arranged on site.

The safari is located in the Waterberg region, approximately 3½ hours by road from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport. For the safety and convenience of all our guests, roundtrip transfers are included as a required part of your booking at $250 per person. Our experienced drivers know the route well, and this ensures you arrive relaxed and ready for your adventure. Transfer details and pickup times will be coordinated with you upon booking.

The Waterberg is home to a remarkable range of wildlife. Over the course of your safari, you'll ride through multiple private reserves, each with its own unique character and ecosystem. Commonly sighted species include giraffe, hippo, rhino, zebra, and wildebeest. Leopard sightings are also common in the region, though never guaranteed. Keep your eyes skyward for the majestic African fish eagle, one of the most iconic birds on the continent. The experience of approaching wildlife from horseback is uniquely intimate — animals tend to be far more relaxed around horses than vehicles.

We recommend comfortable riding clothes in neutral/earth tones, sturdy boots with a small heel, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking. Riding helmets are available on site, but you're welcome to bring your own.

Get in Touch

Ready to Ride?

Whether you have questions about our safaris or you're ready to book your adventure, we'd love to hear from you. Our team is here to help plan the horseback experience of a lifetime.

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bookings@hippotravel.com Booking inquiries & questions

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404-602-9177 Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm EST

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Ride Into the Wild