Waterberg Lodge Stay

This fantastic horseback safari experience in the unspoiled Waterberg region is ideal not just for the avid rider, but also for their non-riding travel companions, families and guests wishing to learn to ride. Flexibility is key here, with tailor-made luxury programmes offering activities for all.

Best period
Year-round
Price
From € 430 per night (activities included)
Ideal length
2 - 10 nights
Level
Beginner to experienced

Highlights

Encounter abundant wildlife, such as the white rhino, on horseback from very close.

Stay in elegant luxury accommodation with breath-taking views on the unspoiled Waterberg region.

Have a tailor-made horseback safari experience - each day is tailored to suit you.

Enjoy a unique flexibility, with the option to bring non-riders and children, but also to include other activities in your itinerary.

Quick facts

2 - 10 nights
Beginner to experienced
110KG
Groups up to 8
4 - 6 hours/day in the saddle
OR Tambo (Johannesburg)


At a glance

This brilliant ride is set at two family-run luxury bush lodges located on their own private game reserve in the wild and unspoiled Waterberg region in the north of South Africa. This part of the country is known for an incredible diversity of terrain and scenery as well as wildlife, including many of the rarer species not easily observed elsewhere. Your hosts’ ancestors were one of the earliest pioneers in the area, settling here in 1886.

The lodges are widely known for their unparalleled horseback safari experience and unique flexibility. As a guest, each day is tailored to suit you. There is no fixed programme, the hosts pride themselves on their flexibility to accommodate everyone’s needs and wishes. They can cater for any riding ability, both the experienced rider as the first-rime beginner, and also welcome non-riders and children of all ages. There is a range of activities available to suit any kind of guest, including bush walks, game drives, mountain biking and horse riding of course. The choice is yours!

 

 

The lodges have a herd of over 90 horses, who live a blissful life on the private game reserve amongst the wildlife. With the horses seen as a normal part of daily life, horse riding safari guests can get closer to wildlife than probably anywhere else in Africa. Guests can wake up when they want, ride when they want and for as long as they want. There will be no more than 6 guests on any one ride and each ride is accompanied by two guides as safety is of paramount importance. Riders of different abilities will not be mixed unless they choose to do so. Reliable ponies are available for children.

 



More information

The owners strive to create your home away from home. The two spacious and luxurious safari lodges are owner designed and built. Using local stone and thatch, they blend into the surroundings beautifully, setting the scene to give guests the most memorable bushveld views. Both lodges have room types of different sizes and standards available. Delicious cuisine with a blend of local and international recipes, glorious sundowner locations, beautiful gardens, various chill-out lounge spots and a heated swimming pool all make the relaxed and comfortable African atmosphere complete.

 

 

 

Both lodges can either be booked exclusively, to one group at a time (like a family), or you can book just one room, making it a favourite destination for multi-generational family bookings, solo riders, couples or friends travelling together. The staff is exceptionally hospitable and will go above and beyond to exceed your expectations to ensure your stay is a memorable and a life-changing safari experience.

 

What do others say?

I had been dreaming of going on a horseback safari for so many years. I had already been to Africa before, but experiencing it from the back of a horse was something I longed for deeply. My trip with Outside the Corral to Zambia didn’t just fulfill that dream, it surpassed it in every possible way. From my very first call with Laure-Anne, every doubt disappeared. She immediately understood what I was looking for, and her warmth, passion and professionalism gave me complete confidence. Everything was organized to perfection, down to the smallest detail. This was my first horseback riding holiday, so I was quite excited and a bit nervous, but the moment I arrived, all of that melted away. The combination of the stunning Chundukwa River Lodge and the incredibly kind and professional team of Zambian Horseback Safaris made me feel right at home. The horses were beautifully cared for – something that matters deeply to me – and the whole team radiated love and respect for their animals, the land, and their guests. And then… the riding. Galloping across the endless Simalaha Plains, surrounded by wildlife, golden light, and pure African magic – it was everything I had ever dreamed of. I felt so free, so alive, and honestly so overwhelmingly happy. Every moment was unforgettable. The food was delicious, the stays were beautiful, and every experience felt personal and thoughtfully curated. They truly listen to your wishes and go above and beyond to make your dreams come true. Laure-Anne knows exactly where she sends you, and thanks to her I had the journey of a lifetime.
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Laure-Anne had prepared the trip incredibly well and really counts down with you until the moment you leave. Amazing! During the trip, there was nothing to worry about. Carefree enjoyment of the horses, the people, the beautiful nature, accommodations and the delicious food. What a beautiful part of Spain too, which you might otherwise never visit. What I find a very big plus: having had some lesser experiences myself in terms of the welfare of the horses on horseback rides, it is blissful that Outside the Corral values this so highly. And how well the horses were looked after there!
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What a wonderful holiday! I wanted to plan a fun trip with horses for my daughter and myself, and after searching online, I discovered Outside the Corral. Communication with Laure-Anne was very easy and pleasant. She knows all the destinations personally and was able to put together a proposal that suited us perfectly. After that, it was simply a matter of eagerly counting down to the holiday and we already had so much fun anticipating it.

The holiday itself exceeded all our expectations. We enjoyed every moment. The surroundings were stunning, and everything was organised down to the smallest detail. The horses were truly wonderful. My daughter especially loved the high-level lessons and learned so much from them. The rides through nature were superb, and the food was always delicious and freshly prepared. And I still miss the view from the jacuzzi! A special recommendation for the location in Portugal: don’t miss the evening with live music, it’s absolutely magical.

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From the very first moment I contacted Outside the Corral, Laure-Anne provided excellent guidance and advice. She took the time to explain the pros and cons of different trips, always taking my experience and expectations into account. After booking my first horse riding holiday in Iceland, I quickly realised how much I loved exploring a country on horseback, immersed in nature and far from the hustle and bustle.

Over the years, I’ve grown more confident in my riding skills and have had the privilege of exploring Iceland, the Costa Brava, South Africa, Botswana, and most recently, Jordan. Each trip has been a truly unique and breathtaking experience.

Laure-Anne has been there every step of the way, providing detailed yet concise information and always being available to answer any question. Her personal approach, dedication, and passion for horses are remarkable, and they’ve already inspired me to start planning my next adventure!

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