Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Wait a Little

8 days - Hoedspruit to Hoedspruit

Set in a private game reserve in the Limpopo Province, Wait a Little offers challenging and varied riding. With the Drakensberg Mountains as a backdrop, this 8500 hectare reserve covers prime African bushveld, ranging from thick bushveld and riverine bush to spectacular rocky outcrops. Three rivers cross the reserve and are the lifeline of the area, supporting an impressive variety of trees, plants, birds and wildlife including the 'Big Five', cheetah, wild dog and a host of antelope species. To maximise your game viewing experience, you will stay in two totally different luxury camps with a night spent en-route sleeping out under the stars.

There is plenty of fast riding where the going permits, with lots of canters and gallops and jumping of logs and ditches. The terrain is very varied, up and down steep riverbanks, across sandy open plains and through very thick bushveld. Rather than just encountering big game, your guide will impress you with his knowledge of tracking game on horseback.

Day 1
Transfer from Hoedspruit to Wait a Little. On arrival a light lunch or afternoon tea and coffee awaits you. Philip, your guide, will introduce you to the safety procedures before going on your first ride. This is your chance to become accustomed to your horse and the riding style. You might even see the first giraffe or zebra. Sundowners, looking out towards the Drakensberg Mountains, are a perfect prelude to the generous 3-course dinner, accompanied by hand-picked South African wines. (L,D)
Day 2
After a light breakfast it is time to mount your horse and go on safari. The weather will dictate the day's activities. If it is cooler, you'll ride take a full day ride into the bush to visit Croc Dam. Crocodiles, fish eagles, hippos and lots of water birds can be seen in the biggest dam on the reserve. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Spend the morning tracking spoor in the riverbed, possibly encountering cheetah or leopard. After lunch, the afternoon will be free for relaxation. Mandi, the aroma therapist can ease away any aches or strains (payable locally) and a long siesta by the pool perfectly compliments her handiwork. (B,L,D)
Day 4
The morning's ride will offer new and exciting sites and sounds of the bush. After lunch depart Wait a Little and ride between the twin rock formations of Lion and Leopard Hill. The gently undulating roads in this area lend themselves to long fast canters. Giraffe, zebras or wildebeest may pick up the pace and run by your side, elegantly manoeuvring through the veldt. Tonight will be spent at Beacon Rock, a giant rock formation from where you can overlook the whole Lowveld escarpment. A quick scramble up to the top rewards you with a spectacular panorama over the whole reserve and the perfect vantage point to watch the sun set behind the Drakensberg Escarpment. You will sleep under the stars, around a campfire, surrounded by the horses. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Wake to the sunrise, a reviving cup of coffee and breakfast around the campfire before embarking on your longest ride of your holiday. Continue into the Makalali Game Reserve, dominated by huge open planes (gate fee of R130 payable locally). Spectacular views, over big distances show you the way to Phiva, your camp for the night. This camp is truly spectacular. As with all the Makalali camps, accommodation is in private chalets, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private salas for your relaxation. Dinner is served either at the edge of a big dam, in the dining area or outside under the stars in a torch lit boma. Makalali's chefs are famous for their cuisine with a mixture of European and East African flavours. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Spend the day exploring, cutting through the veldt at a canter, twisting and turning around the trees. Your surefooted horse carries you nimbly through the undergrowth, changing direction as you guide his course, having just as much fun as you. Here and there a tree, felled by an elephant, provides an irresistible jump. Refreshed after lunch and a well deserved siesta, ride to a nearby dam, where hippos wallow during the heat of the day. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Another long ride back to Wait A Little arriving in time for lunch. A chance to relax or perhaps enjoy a short afternoon ride. (B,L,D)
Day 8
A final morning's ride before transferring back to Hoedspruit. (B)
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South Africa
  • Departure Dates: Most Saturdays throughout the year. Departures from the UK are one day earlier.
  • Prices (2009 Land only): £2035 per person
  • Includes: Return transfers from Hoedspruit, accommodation and meals as indicated, locally made drinks and all riding. A gate entrance fee of R130 is payable locally at Makalali Game Reserve. This can be paid by credit card on departure from Makalali if preferred.
  • PRICE WITH FLIGHTS FROM LONDON: From £2,770 depending on the season and availability.
  • Single Supplement: None if willing to share, otherwise supplement on request. Please note that some twin room set ups consist of 2 single mattresses next to each other on a king size base.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.
  • Children: Aged 12 and upward are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider.
  • Riding ability required: Experienced Intermediate upward
  • Type of ride:
    South Africa
  • Trip Code: ESWL