Wake to the sounds of the South African bush and ride into the wilderness alongside giraffe, zebra and incredible wildlife.

This is more than a riding holiday – it’s an unforgettable blend of horses, safari, luxury, friendship, conservation and a unique veterinary conservation experience. From exhilarating rides and Big Five game drives to sundowners and time to relax, this is Africa at its most magical.

A Journey of a Lifetime in South Africa!

Imagine waking to the sounds of the South African bush, saddling up and riding out into the wilderness as giraffe move through the trees and wildlife watches quietly. Then, as the heat of the day arrives, returning to beautiful surroundings to relax, unwind and enjoy the magic of being on safari.

This is so much more than a riding holiday. It’s an unforgettable journey combining incredible days of horseback safari, spectacular wildlife encounters, relaxation, friendship and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into conservation.

With a herd of over 120 horses, there is a horse for everyone, and every ride offers the chance to experience Africa in the most intimate way possible-from gentle bush trails to exhilarating canters across open landscapes depending on your experience. Because the horses live freely amongst the wildlife, we can get remarkably close to the animals from the saddle.

And when we’re ready to swap the saddle for four wheels, our adventure continues at Dinokeng Game Reserve, where we’ll head out in open safari vehicles in search of the Big Five and experience conservation in action.

Along the way, there’s time to slow down too.  Relax beside the pool, share long lunches and sundowners, and simply soak up the beautiful surroundings with a wonderful group of like-minded women.

Most importantly, this is a journey with purpose. Our stay helps support the wildlife, conservation and communities that make these incredible places possible, allowing us to experience Africa while contributing to its future.

Adventure, horses, wildlife, luxury, friendship and a little bit of magic – this is South Africa at its very best. 

Big Five Encounters in Safari Vehicles

Experience thrilling close encounters with lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos. Climb aboard open safari vehicles and venture deep into the African bush, tracking these iconic animals in their natural habitat.

Horseback Safari

Ride through the African bush surrounded by extraordinary wildlife.

Get incredibly close to wildlife from the saddle

Ride alongside giraffe, zebra, rhino, buffalo and antelope in their natural environment.

Unforgettable Riding

Experience the freedom and exhilaration of riding through spectacular South African Waterburg landscapes, with unforgettable wildlife encounters along the way.

Sundowners in the African bush

Finish incredible days with breathtaking sunsets, a drink in hand and unforgettable company.

Ride One of 120 Horses

With over 120 horses in the herd, there’s a special horse for everyone, with each rider thoughtfully matched to a horse suited to their experience and riding style. Living freely amongst the wildlife, these incredible horses allow us to get closer to Africa’s wildlife from the saddle – making every ride a truly unforgettable experience.

Relax and Recharge

In between rides, escape the heat of the African sun and slow the pace. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, a leisurely lunch or simply relax and recharge in beautiful surroundings before heading back out into the bush.

Make a Difference

Your stay directly helps support wildlife conservation and the protection of these precious animals. By choosing to travel with us, you’re not just experiencing Africa – you’re helping make a difference to its future.

Conservation Immersion

Learn about vital conservation efforts and contribute to protecting its wildlife.

Go behind the scenes of wildlife conservation

Spend a unique day with the Dinokeng Wildlife Team and veterinarian experiencing real conservation in action.

Experience the very best of African Adventure

Combine horseback safari, Big Five game drives, conservation, relaxation and incredible friendships into one unforgettable journey.

To make sure everyone has the best possible experience, the group will be divided into riding groups according to ability, experience and confidence. This allows each group to ride at a suitable pace and ensures that everyone is matched with the most appropriate horse.

Beginner / Novice

This group is for riders with little or limited riding experience.

You have ridden a number of times and are comfortable at walk and able to do a rising trot. You may have had some lessons or occasional hacks, but have limited experience riding outdoors. You enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Intermediate

You have good basic riding experience and are reasonably confident and balanced in the saddle.

You are comfortable at walk, rising trot and canter, and have had experience riding outside of a riding arena, such as hacking or trail riding.

You are confident enough to ride independently in an open environment and are comfortable on a horse that may be forward-going or react to its surroundings.

You may have been riding for several years, but do not necessarily ride regularly or own your own horse.

This group is ideal for confident recreational riders who enjoy riding outdoors and are ready for an adventurous safari experience.

Advanced / Experienced

This group is for very confident and experienced riders.

You ride regularly and/or have ridden for a number of years, and are fit, balanced and confident on a forward-going horse outdoors and at all paces.

You are comfortable riding different horses and can confidently manage your horse in an open environment. You have experience hacking, trail riding or riding in open country and are comfortable with a horse reacting to wildlife or its surroundings.

Previous or current horse ownership, regular riding or competition experience would generally place you in this category.

This group is for experienced riders who are looking for a more adventurous and potentially faster-paced riding experience.

A note about choosing your level

Please choose your riding level based on your current ability and confidence, rather than how long ago you last rode.

A riding safari is very different from riding in an arena. You will be riding outdoors, over natural terrain and in an environment where horses may react to wildlife and their surroundings. For this reason, confidence riding outdoors is just as important as your technical riding ability.

The final groups may be adjusted by the riding team once everyone has arrived, so that each rider is paired with the most suitable horse and group.

Our priority is for everyone to feel safe, confident and, most importantly, have an incredible experience in the saddle.

PLEASE NOTE

• Weight limit strictly: 15.10stone/220lbs/100kg.

• All riders must bring their own riding hat and riding boots.

• The itinerary is subject to change. Whilst we do our best to follow the published itinerary, activities, timings and locations may be amended due to weather conditions, wildlife movements, road conditions, park regulations or other operational requirements.

• Accommodation, room sizes and facilities may vary between rooms, lodges and hotels.

• We reserve the right to substitute accommodation with an alternative of a similar standard should circumstances require.

• Images used on this website and in promotional materials are for illustrative purposes only and do not guarantee specific wildlife sightings, accommodation rooms, views or experiences.

• Safari activities take place in natural environments. Guests should expect varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, dust, and other environmental factors associated with travel in the African bush.

• Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Animals are free-ranging, and sightings will vary according to season, weather conditions and animal behaviour.

• Travel in remote areas forms part of the safari experience. Infrastructure, services and facilities may differ from those typically experienced in the UK, Europe or North America.

• Most activities and transfers will be conducted as a group; but this is dependent on group numbers.

• Prices quoted in USD are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and may vary at the time of booking.

• Booking fees apply on the We Travel booking site.

• We cannot be held responsible for delays, disruptions or alterations caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to adverse weather, natural events, government actions, transport disruptions, strikes or supplier-related issues.

• Information published on this website is believed to be accurate at the time of publication but may be updated or amended without notice.

Riders
For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, if your riding ability does not meet the required standard upon arrival, you will unfortunately not be permitted to ride. Our priority is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, so we encourage you to carefully assess your riding skills before booking. If you are unsure about your ability, please feel free to contact us for further guidance – info@wildheartedadventures.com.

Weight limit strictly: 15stone/210lbs/95kg.

Daily Alternatives
If you prefer a vehicle over horseback riding, game drive vehicles are available daily as an alternative to the horse riding experiences. Explore the wildlife and beauty of the reserve from the comfort of a four-wheel-drive vehicle with the guidance of expert safari guides.

Non-Riders
Non-riders are also welcome to join the safari experience! If you prefer not to ride, you can still fully immerse yourself in the adventure by participating in daily game drives in a specially outfitted Land Rover, on foot, or by mountain bike  – the experience is just as mind-blowing. 

All activities are designed to ensure that every guest, regardless of their preferred mode of exploration, enjoys a truly exceptional experience.

Other Information

Please be aware that the Lodges are located in the wild, and room sizes vary. Where a single room is booked, sometimes this will be a lodge on it’s own, and sometimes a room within a larger lodge. They will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage booking early.

We reserve the right to adjust hotel accommodations if necessary. Rest assured, we strive to maintain the highest level of comfort and service. 

Our travels will be conducted exclusively as a group, and wherever possible, tours will be private, provided we meet the minimum participant numbers required.