A South African horse riding holiday of the highest standard, combining two professional operations in spectacularly different natural scenery. At both operations, emphasis is on great horses and riding; wildlife and the natural habitat; professional, informative guiding and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. .

Equus is based on its own private reserve of 1000 hectares of unspoiled mountain wilderness land at the top of the Kransberg peaks, which form the southern escarpment of the Waterberg mountain range. Perhaps the most spectacular aspect of the reserve are the panoramic views across miles and miles of Africa. The reserve encompasses four distinctly different habitats : afro-montane, bushveld, grasslands and wetlands and the diversity of flora and fauna associated with these habitats is astonishing. The sweeping grasslands of the main valleys offer fast riding while the ridges and mountain areas can be explored both on horseback and on foot. Wildlife occurring on the reserve includes kudu, mountain reedbuck, klipspringer, bushbuck, duiker, common reedbuck, warthog, chacma baboon, leopard, caracal, black-backed jackal, brown hyena, aardvark, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, porcupine and mongoose. Due to the diversity of habitats, birdlife is prolific. The nearby Marakele National Park is home to the largest breeding colony of Cape Vulture in Africa and these may be seen soaring on thermals above the ridges.

Equus' reputation is built on many years of experience as riding specialists. Great emphasis is placed on the quality of our horses, staff (FGASA qualified guides) and accommodation. The horses are our top priority and we cater for novice to advanced riders. Guests are also encouraged to create their own experience, explore the reserve on foot or just relax in our beautiful camp. Hiking trails of up to 15 kilometers traverse the reserve and a guide can be provided on the longer trails which offer spectacular mountaintop views and refreshing dips in mountain streams. Accommodation is in three spacious, comfortable safari tents (two beds each) with electricity and en-suite facilities. Birding from the central thatch and stone lodge is excellent as it overlooks a small lily pond and sweeping view up the grasslands towards the distant ridges. Roaring log fires and delicious meals in like-minded company complete the picture!

Wait-A-Little Horse and Game Ranch is on Karongwe Private Game Reserve, in the north east of South Africa, close to the Kruger National Park. With the Drakensberg Mountains as a back-drop, the reserve covers 8500 hectares of prime African bushveld. It has various eco-systems, ranging from open grasslands, woodland and riverine bush to spectacular rocky outcrops. Three rivers cross the reserve and are the lifeline of the area; supporting impressive populations of trees, plants and wildlife as well as a host of bird species. Wildlife is plentiful on the reserve and includes lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard as well as cheetah, wild dog, hyena and all the antelope species that normally occur in the region.

The horses at Wait-A-Little are South African Boerperds which are renowned for their even tempers and brave hearts and are well schooled, responsive and forward going. Tack is kept in excellent condition and every effort is made to match you to the perfect horse. All the rides are led by a FGASA qualified guide .

Accommodation is in two luxury double-bedded, en-suite safari tents built on platforms on the banks of the Makhutswe river. On the mobile portion of the trip accommodation is either in fly camps with all the creature comforts or at one of the bush camps on the reserve, sleeping in furnished safari tents built along a river. Three meals a day are served and always in generous proportions. Dinner is a gourmet affair, with a variety of dishes and is often cooked over an open fire.

SAMPLE 8 DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 : Road transfer of three hours from Johannesburg International Airport to Equus Reserve. On arrival our camp manager will check you in to our tented camp and give you a brief introduction to the reserve and camp. Our resident guide will join you over tea to discuss your interests and reserve activities with you. Later that afternoon, we suggest an introductory ride of about two hours to familiarize yourself with the horses, tack and surroundings. As evening falls, return to drinks round the campfire and a delicious meal accompanied by South African wines.

DAY 2 : Wake up in your own time and breakfast at the lodge as the early morning light washes over the valley. Walk over to the stables, mount up and set off on an exploration of the reserve. The valleys are good for trotting and cantering along tracks, perhaps jumping a few logs and otherwise picking your way across the streams and around the hills. Your guide is knowledgeable on the flora, fauna and spoor of the area and will share as much of this with you as you wish to know. Light refreshments are carried in saddlebags and we will stop at a viewpoint, picket the horses and rest for half an hour. The ride will be between three and four hours in length, followed by lunch at the camp. A siesta after lunch is called for and perhaps you may like to do a hike in the afternoon, swim in one of the reserve dams or just relax at camp with binoculars and a book.

DAY 3 : We suggest that you do one of the longer hiking routes this morning to stretch your legs (routes of up to 15kms). If required, a guide will accompany you. We encourage you to explore on your own and will supply you with good route-finding maps, snacks and drinks. Return to camp for lunch, followed by a late afternoon ride of two to three hours to enjoy the rich evening light and perhaps spot some nocturnal animals emerging at dusk.

DAY 4 : A morning ride of two hours through the valleys and along one of the high ridges with spectacular views once again. Return to camp for brunch and check-out at 11am. A road transfer of 4 hours has you arriving at Wait-A-Little Horse and Game Ranch by 3pm. After check-in, get together with your hosts over tea to discuss the schedule and the rules and safety measures on safari. This will be followed by a short familiarization ride. Return to camp at dusk, after which dinner is prepared over an open fire while you enjoy a drink and the sounds of the African nightlife.

DAY 5 : After breakfast, ride out onto Karongwe reserve on the lookout for game. The full days riding will take you through dry river beds, open plains and bush. Game you can expect to see along the way may include elephant, lion, rhino, giraffe, zebra and many antelope species. Stop for lunch and a siesta in the bush before riding towards your overnight destination. At the end of a long and exciting day, spend the evening in either a fly camp set up specially for you or one of the bush camps on the reserve.

DAY 6 : Ride on through the reserve, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountains and following various wildlife spoor. Perhaps you may be lucky to spot a breeding herd of elephant with their young, or the endangered wild dog or cheetah. Lunch is served in another equally beautiful bush setting and the afternoon sees you heading for a different fly camp or bush camp for the last night of the mobile section of your trip.

DAY 7 : The day is spent traversing the reserve, gently winding your way back to base camp. After approximately 6 hours in the saddle you arrive back at base for a well deserved rest. In the evening, enjoy a three-course farewell dinner accompanied by fine South African wines with your other safari companions in the beautifully decorated African dining area. Retire for the evening at your leisure.

DAY 8 : After a morning ride, head back to camp and get ready for your midday departure. A road transfer of approximately five hours through the scenic Mpumulanga highlands gets you to Johannesburg International Airport in time for your flight home.

RATES AND DEPARTURE DATES

PER PERSON SHARING
US$ 1680.00 gross
£ 1021.00 gross
€ 130.00 gross

Based on a minimum of two people and a maximum of four people. The rate is fully inclusive of all meals, riding and accommodation. Excluded are all transfer costs (see rate below), drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Please note: A single supplement charge of 50% applies to anyone not willing to share accommodation.

DEPARTURE DATES:

In 14 June 2003	Out 21 June 2003
In 19 July 2003	Out 26 July 2003
In 30 August 2003	Out 6 September 2003
In 8 November 2003	Out 15 November 2003
In 6 December 2003	Out 13 December 2003

Road transfer rate:

2 people sharing : R 1925.00 nett per person return
3 people sharing : R 1634.00 nett per person return
4 people sharing : R 1375.00 nett per person return

Minimum riding ability: post to the trot for 10 minutes at a time, canter confidently and gallop out of danger if necessary. It is an advantage if you are a fit and proficient rider.

Weight limit : 95kgs/210lbs.

Malaria:
Equus Reserve in the Waterberg is malaria free and no precautions are necessary. Wait-A-Little is in a low risk malaria area and during summer (September to May) special precautions need to be taken. Please consult your doctor on medication needed and also make sure you bring a good insect repellant with you to avoid being bitten. Wear clothing to conceal as much of the body as practical, especially before sundown and during the evening.