Why Book Your Autumn Or Winter Sun Stay In South Africa?

[Sam Ward]

Riding holiday specialist Ranch Rider has been selling horseback safaris in Southern Africa for six years, the tour operator covering Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and offering stays at luxury lodges, static and mobile tented wilderness camps and cattle farms. But, where should you head for the best autumn or wintersun deal? Tony Daly, managing director of Ranch Rider, comments, “The South African rand has been losing ground against the strong British pound all year, and that means horseback safaris in the Rainbow Nation are excellent value for money. If you’re planning an autumn or winter sun holiday with a large group of friends or extended family, South Africa should be top of your list. Luxury bush homes, Ant’s Hill and Ant’s Nest are based in the malaria free Waterberg region, a plus for anyone with children in tow, and our current offer will save you even more.”

Rhino, zebra, buffalo, impala and giraffe inhabit the private reserves at the Ant Collection and as the horses graze amongst the wildlife riders are able to view the game from a mere few feet.  Out of the saddle there are "Big Five" 4X4 safaris, nature hikes and fascinating “bug and spoor walks” for the kids. Guests can also enjoy sundowners and gourmet dining in the bush or overlooking the gorge before retiring to luxurious accommodations featuring four-poster beds, sunken baths and waterfall showers. (SAVE £128pp) Six nights with Ranch Rider from only £1,165 pp (two sharing) and from £530 pp (five to eleven years) including, accommodation, meals, drinks, riding safaris and game drives and taxes. Excludes transfers and gratuities. Return flight from £839pp. Offer valid on all departures from now through 01 January 2016.

Alternatively, enjoy a luxury tented camping experience. Built to resemble one of the Waterberg’s early cattle outposts, Camp Davidson has an intimate atmosphere, each of its four tents commanding panoramic views of the Waterberg massif. On the twice daily rides, guests are able to track herds of zebra, giraffe, eland and wildebeest and there is the opportunity to stray off the trails and onto the narrow kloofs in search of wild game. Dining by candle light, cooking over an open fire and sleeping under canvas to the sounds of African bush make this a truly authentic safari experience. Cross country jumping and polocrosse are additional activities at the nearby Triple B Ranch. Six nights with Ranch Rider from only £1,050pp (two sharing) and from £840pp (five to sixteen years) including accommodation, meals and local beverages, activities (including horse riding), laundry and taxes.  Gratuities are left to discretion and transfers are available from Johannesburg at an additional cost. Return flight from £839pp.

Ranch Rider also features horseback safaris in the Pakamisa Private Game Reserve, the luxury lodge located in South Africa’s remote KwaZulu-Natal Province (Six nights from £1,025pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, riding safari and game drives, use of facilities and taxes) and experienced equestrians have the option of choosing from four different luxury camps close to the Kruger - the Big Five riding holidays covering an area of 70,000 acres. Five nights from £1,850pp (two sharing) including accommodation, all meals, drinks and riding safaris. Excludes transfers and return flight from £839pp. 

Seven-night add-on, tailor-made self-drives in South Africa with Ranch Rider cost from £450 pp (two sharing), including accommodation and car hire.


For further information and images please contact Ranch Rider on 01509 618 811, email [e-mail] or visit the website at www.ranchrider.com. ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.