The Waterberg Mountains - one of South Africa's least explored wilderness areas and habitat to many of Africa's major mammals and over 280 bird species. Rising gently to the peaks and spectacular views of its southern escarpment lies Equus Reserve, 952 hectares (nearly 2400 acres) of unspoilt mountain wilderness.

This is home to Equus Horse Safaris. Formed in 1989, they are the longest established horse safari specialists in South Africa, offering guests an informative, private and unique bush experience on horseback where attention is paid not only to the mammals, but also to all aspects of the local ecology.

It is a truly exhilarating experience to ride through the African bush as the pioneers did. In a vehicle, you are remote from the excitement around you; on horseback your senses come alive. The combination of riding and game viewing makes for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Wildlife indigenous to the area occurs on the reserve in limited numbers and every effort is made to observe the animals in their natural surroundings. The owners have not introduced any species and the land is not game-fenced; the animals are here because they want to be. Regular wildlife sightings include kudu, reedbuck, klipspringer, bushpig, baboon, warthog, duiker, bushbuck and jackal. Fresh spoor of leopard and brown hyena are seen frequently. Unusual sightings could include porcupine, aardvark, caracal, serval, civet, genet, otter and water mongoose. At Equus, emphasis is on exhilarating riding on fine horses in a spectacular mountain landscape and wildlife seen is a bonus to the experience.

Traversing rights on neighbouring land allow us to explore over 5000 hectares (12 500 acres) of valleys, streambeds and mountains. On some neighbouring reserves it is possible to observe zebra, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbok, impala, eland and ostrich from horseback. For those guests who want to see the "big five" (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard), we can arrange game drives or overnight stays on neighbouring private game reserves.

Whilst horse-riding is the top priority, guests are encouraged to create their own experience, explore the reserve on foot or just relax in our beautiful camp. Hiking trails of up to 15 kms. (over nine miles) traverse the reserve and, if desired, a guide can accompany you on the longer trails which offer spectacular mountaintop views and refreshing dips in mountain streams.

Wendy Adams, co-owner of Equus with John Miller, pioneered horse safaris in South Africa and has many years of experience in combining all the elements that create a great riding holiday. Her high standard of horses, tack, guiding experience (she is a highly qualified field guide and British-trained riding instructor) and attention to detail create a unique and relaxing environment in which to enjoy great riding on well-schooled horses. Equus is a founding member of the African Horse Safari Association (AHSA) and a member of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA).

Guests truly enjoy serenity and peace at Equus. Wendy and John live on the reserve and together with managers Jill and Jacques Du Preez personally host and guide all our guests.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is in three spacious, comfortable, twin-bedded safari tents with en-suite facilities, electricity and a private verandah. Each tent is shaded by large indigenous trees and looks out over a streambed, grasslands, trees and mountains.

The central thatched lodge overlooks a small lily pond with an expansive view up the grasslands towards the distant ridge. The lodge is decorated in an African style and has a charming atmosphere with a roaring log fire, comfortable couches and dining table, reference books and drinks fridge.

Adjacent to the lodge is a boma where we relax in the evenings with a big campfire and the star-studded night sky. Meals are served in either the lodge or the boma.

Catering is of a high standard and features three-course dinners, home-baked bread and fresh fruit and vegetables, some of which are organically produced from our own gardens.

A stay of three to five nights is recommended if you are on an active itinerary in South Africa and wish to see as much as possible. If you are taking a quieter holiday, want to relax, are a keen birder or want to ride and walk daily, then we suggest a longer stay of up to a week. Guests may want to take advantage of Equus' proximity to two major big-five game-viewing destinations. Day trips to Marakele National Park can be arranged with a guide, picnic and refreshments. Alternatively, you can combine a few nights in a luxurious lodge at Welgevonden Private Game Reserve with a few days of riding at Equus to create a great one-week African holiday. For passionate riders, a combination of a horse safari at Equus with another specialist African horse safari enables you to see and experience diverse scenery and riding.

Horses & saddles: Breeds include the South African Boerperd, Arabs, Friesians and Thoroughbreds of 14.3 to 16.2 hands. All are well-schooled in English style. The Boerperd is remarkably well-adapted to our conditions - versatile, lively, kind and sure-footed over difficult terrain. Many of our horses are home-bred from our own mares. We recommend our trail saddles with a deep seat for comfort, although some English saddles are available (no western saddles). The majority of the horses have snaffle mouths. All tack is kept in excellent condition.

Riding ability: Equus caters for novice, intermediate and advanced riders. The minimum riding requirement is the ability to post to the trot for ten minutes at a time and canter confidently. Our weight limit is 95 kgs. (210 lbs.). Maximum of six riders on a ride with a lead guide.

Book your Horse-Riding safari now!