Triple B Ranch Waterberg South Africa One of the oldest farmsteads in the Waterberg mountains of South Africa, Triple B Ranch was settled by the pioneering Baber family over 100 years ago! The horse and cattle ranch continues to operate as a working farm, a property filled with the local wildlife and essential oil, offering 20,000 acres of horseback riding country to guests from far and wide. We run a herd of over 80 free roaming horses and can cater for all levels of riders from experienced to complete novice. This is the perfect holiday for those riders wishing to experience the pleasure of riding with African wildlife in the absence of dangerous game. Wildlife to be seen on the reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve. This riding holiday is fully flexible and offers the opportunity for many other activities in addition to game viewing, in particular great outrides over excellent riding country and also polocrosse, cattle mustering, jumping, western games, and swimming with your horse. There are two outrides or riding activities a day. Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are somewhat shorter. Jumping is also available on request. Rides are tailor-made to suit the needs of our guests and we try to be as flexible as possible. The distinguishing feature of this safari is its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Horizon boasts an irreverent zest for life that is truly infectious and will leave you wanting more. We enjoy sharing this wonderful place and our lives with our guests, so come and be part of it. Feeling saddle weary? At any point, you can opt to go on an non-riding adventure; you can visit the on-site bead craft workshop for some souvenir shopping or visit the shops in the nearby town of Vaalwater, or the ranch can book you on a nearby elephant or jeep safari at the neighbouring Big 5 reserve for the morning or afternoon. A wonderfully welcoming and varied horse riding destination for riders of all equestrian experience and abilities. Highlights - Diverse and affordable horse riding holiday full of adventure - Perfect for single travelers, couples, families, of both experienced and novice riders - Set in private game reserve alongside a beautiful lake with plains game and hippo, with no dangerous game - Wildlife to be seen on the reserve include hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, jackal, crocodile and aardvark. There are also over 300 bird species on the reserve. - Herd of over 80+ horses - Swimming with horses - Equestrian sports available like polocrosse, cattle mustering, Western gymkhana games and arena jumping - Personalized itinerary each day - Special occasions and weddings on horseback! - Established 1993, exceptional return rate of about 51% Short Getaway Family Vacation Riding with fishing options Trip with multi activities Safari Ride Center-based ride Meeting: Vaalwater Airport: O.R. Tambo Int’l Airport Transfer: O.R. Tambo Int’l Airport Riders: Min 1 riders Max 12 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 16 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Can request longer stays

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick up Day 1 is at 10:30am from the J'burg airport. Drop off is at approx 5:00pm on the last day. Please book flights that arrive into SA no later than 9.00am and depart SA no earlier than 7.30pm.

The focus at our lodge and farm is on horses and quality riding. With a herd of over 100 horses, we are able to ensure that riders of any ability are well matched and have the chance to ride several suitable horses during their holiday.
There are two outrides or riding activities a day:
- Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested)
- Afternoon rides are somewhat shorter (usually 1-2 hours)
During your stay we try to ensure that you have the opportunity to experience all our riding options: outrides and game viewing, conservancy ride, polo crosse, swimming your horse, western games and cross
country jumping. Rides are tailor-made to suit the needs of our guests and we try to be as flexible as possible.

Arrival: Transfer to the lodge (approx. 2.5 hours) in time for lunch. That afternoon enjoy an introductory ride.
Departure: Find a favorite ride of choice before departing after lunch.

Riding Activities
There is no better way to see the bush and its wildlife than from a horse. We ride across an area of approximately 21,000 acres. The terrain is mostly sandy tracks through the bush and open plain areas. The going is easy on the horses and riders and most of our horses are unshod.
The excitement of riding up to a giraffe on horseback is one you’ll never forget. The game does not view a horse and rider as a threat, which enables you to ride literally amongst the game. You will never be as close or as connected to wildlife as from a horse. We are particularly fortunate on the reserve that our zebra are habituated and are quite inquisitive too. As with all wildlife viewing, nothing can be guaranteed, and if it was, it wouldn’t be such a thrilling experience.
The lodge is in the reserve and as such on all rides, except other activities, there is an opportunity to see wildlife. The reserve and neighboring conservancy is a large area and we try our best to cover most of the different areas and habitats as we can during your holiday.



Conservancy Ride
This ride offers lovely long canters on sandy tracks and great game viewing opportunities on large plains, populated by a plethora of game: large herds of wildebeest, hartebeest, sable, eland and blesbok and impressive journeys of giraffe. Buffalo, ostrich, kudu, zebra, waterbuck and impala are also encountered. After a lunch at the lodge and a rest by the pool, the afternoon ride continues to explore this game rich area, riding back to the lodge in time for sundowners.

School Ride
There is a small village called Lehlabile nearby. There are about 40 Sotho dwellings and a small primary school and crèche. Many of our staff were born in the village and have grown up there. This ride meanders through the village to the local school. It is very interesting to see the traditionally painted houses and chat with some of the villagers. The children at the school are always very keen to meet the riders and horses.
Sometimes they will sing and dance. Crayons, pencils, paper, paint, play dough, secondhand reading books and toys make wonderful donations for the school, if you would like to support them.



Polocrosse
If you’ve never had the opportunity to play this game, we can strongly recommend it. We will teach you how to play. Even novice riders can take part and most guests get quite competitive after a chukka or two.
This game is a combination of polo and lacrosse, which uses a soft ball and lacrosse-like sticks. Players are organized into teams of three: scorer, center and defense.
The game starts with a line-out, where the umpire throws the ball into play. Then a graceful, and sometimes not so graceful, dance around the field ensues, with players trying to pick up, throw and rob the ball or ride opponents off the pitch. It’s lots of fun, but does come with a warning: it is addictive!

Cattle Work
Experience a morning of mustering and cutting some of the ranch’s magnificent Bonsmara stud cattle, a non-aggressive breed adapted to local conditions. After bringing a herd in from pasture, take turns to move one cow or youngster away from the group. This activity pits you and your mount against the animal’s herding instinct and will test your riding ability to the full. Follow the action with a refreshing swim with your horse.



Western Games
A favourite with the children obviously, but also remarkably popular with most adults. Our team of guides run a Western games afternoon which is packed with fun exercises to test even the best of riders’ skills: pole bending, barrel racing, thread the sword through the stirrup, find the marshmallow, musical horses, the list is endless.
It always make for a fun few hours in the saddle and again really brings out the team spirit in guests.

Swimming with your horse
If you’ve never done this before, it is a ‘must do’. After a morning ride, you have the chance to take your horse swimming in the dam in front of the lodge. The horses do actually swim, not just paddle, which is an amazing feeling when you realize they are swimming underneath you. The motion is bit like an old fashioned horse merri-go-round carousel at a fair. It is the perfect way to cool off after a morning ride.



Non-Riding Activities (extra cost to be paid locally)

Non riders are welcome on this trip. There are a number of non-riding activities on offer; sundowners, bush walks, game drive, elephant backed riding, fishing, cultural, historical and environmental aspects of the Waterberg can be explored. The Waterberg is also currently hosting a pack of endangered wild dog, which you can visit with the Endangered Wildlife Trust upon arrangement. Otherwise, just relax with a massage with or enjoy the African bush.

Game Drive at Entabeni or Kololo (min 2 pax)
Search for elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo from the comfort of your game drive vehicle. Great opportunity for photography.
Price:
Game Drive: R550 pp
Transfer: R250 pp

Elephant Encounter
Offers an amazing educational opportunity to meet and interact with elephants as well as learning all about these incredible creatures. There is also the opportunity to ride the elephants for about 20 minutes after the interaction or to bath them depending which time slot you join.
08:00 (Summer) 08:30 (Winter), 12:00, and 15:00
Price:
Adults R600 pp, Under 12 R340 pp
With riding: Adults R1200 pp, Under 12 R940 pp
Transfer: R1854 Car, R2239 Bus

Bouncy Croc Crocodile Farm
Bouncy Croc is one of South Africa’s largest commercial Nile crocodile farms. Enjoy a guided tour around the farm and the opportunity to touch and hold a baby croc.
Their restaurant serves a variety of crocodile dishes for those who want to tempt their pallet.
Price:
R200 pp including light lunch
Transfer: R240 pp

Bambelela Monkey Sanctuary
This is a wildlife care and monkey rehabilitation facility. Orphaned and injured African animals are cared for with the aim of rehabilitating them back into the wild. Enjoy a 1.5 hour guided tour with in-depth knowledge about hand-raising wild animals and primates.
Price:
Adults R100pp, Children R50pp
Transfer: +R300 on transfer to Elephant Encounter
*An excellent activity to combine with a trip to the elephants, if the whole group is interested

Night Sky Safaris
The lack of light pollution here in the bush makes it the perfect location for astronomy. An evening with Dr. Phil Calcott is not only educational, but entertaining and incredibly interesting. Learn about the constellations, how stars are born and die, and how to see the planets. Looking at the stars is one thing, but viewing them through a whopping telescope with someone who actually know what you're looking at, is fantastic!
Price:
R300 pp

Lekhalo Zip Lining
An exciting 2-hour tour down six lines between 150m and 90m. Admire stunning views and wildlife before devouring the best burgers in town for lunch.
Price:
Zip line: R375 pp
Transfer: R150 pp

Telekishi Ramasobane Cultural Village (min 4 pax)
Telekishi is a community tourism project situated on communal land adjacent to Masebe Nature Reserve. Nestled at the base of the north-eastern Waterberg escarpment, the site has access to this pristine and inaccessible landscape with breathtaking views & impressive geomorphological formations. Features include 1.5 & 3 hr hikes up the escarpment to view rock art, 18th and 19th century settlement sites, Middle and Stone Age tools and an initiation site.
Price:
Excursion: R250 pp
Transport: R300 pp

Cycling
Nestled in the beautiful Waterberg mountains, riders of all levels will enjoy 30-40km of cross-country mountain biking that consists of single-track, trails, gap jumps, drop-offs, and even a rock bridge. The less adventurous can ride on open farm roads or visit nearby sites.
Price:
Cycling: R250 pp
Transfers: R100 pp

Waterberg Living Museum
This museum is a living classroom, a natural & cultural history museum, an exhibit of living creatures, and a botanical garden, all in one place. This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about the Waterberg area
and its vast history that stretches back to before man.
Price:
Entrance by donation
Transport: Complimentary

Guided Bush Walk - no extra charge
For a change of pace and a chance for more in depth information on the flora and fauna on the area, our guides will escort you on a walk through the game reserve. A walk is a chance to see the smaller details in the bush and also with over 250 different species of bird on the reserve, it is an ideal opportunity for bird watching.

Fishing - no extra charge
Fishing can be arranged with one of our staff in one of the many dams on the reserve. Bass and Barbel are readily caught and can be cooked for supper! Just make sure you catch enough for everyone.

Vaalwater Visit - no extra charge
You are also welcome to join one of the weekly shopping trips. Vaalwater has all the basic shop - grocery store, chemist, off license, and curio shops. Those interested may also enjoy a drive around the local township, or perhaps a visit to one of the other local organizations. We recommend visiting The Vaalwater Market, The Black Mamba, Kamotsogo Crafts and Afrihouse for African curios and decor.

Beadle Craft Workshop & Shop on Triple B Ranch - no extra charge
Established in 1998, Beadle employs young people from the farm community. Skills’ training in leather and bead work is given in house to an extremely high standard. Items available in the shop include a selection of leather belts and sandals, bags, braided riding chaps, half chaps, beaded dog collars, browbands, keyrings, photo frames and mirrors, a selection of fabric tableware, cushions and jewelry. We can take you over any time or please ask for directions as it is a short 10 min walk away.

Sunday Service - no extra charge
Those interested are very welcome to join us at the local Church Service (non-denominational) held every Sunday at 9.30am. Dress is very informal, dirty jods and chaps are more than adequate! Should you want to go to the service we can arrange for an early short ride before.

Bullseye Taxidermy - no extra charge
Look around this family owned taxidermist and see what is under the skin of a taxidermy animal.

                                            Mokopane area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	89	90	88	84	80	76	75	81	87	89	89	89
Average Low Temperature (°F)	65	65	62	57	49	43	42	48	56	61	63	65
Average High Temperature (°C)	32	32	31	29	27	24	24	27	31	32	32	31
Average Low Temperature (°C)	18	18	17	14	9	6	6	9	13	16	17	18
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	6	4	4	2	0	0	0	0	1	3	6	5

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Well off the beaten path, the vast Waterberg region consists of mountains and high plateaus. There is a good diversity of game here and the area is malaria-free!

Summer / Rainy season (October to March)
The climate in the Waterberg is subtropical. The rainy season is from November to March, and it is then that most of the many rivers in the Waterberg will rise substantially and so will the heat of the sun; therefore the verdant vegetation will once again return to the landscape, becoming green and lush for the wildlife.

Winter / Dry season (April to September)
The winters, are pleasantly cooler, but incredibly dry. The now barren land becomes a variety of golds, reds, browns, grays and black. It is beautiful in its own eerie way, and there is less vegetation available for the animals to hide from your safari view which is a bonus! And no bugs!

The hottest season is summer, from November to March. The rainy season extends from late November to February, with short showers in the late afternoon, and an occasional evening thunderstorm. The winter months of June, July and August are warm and dry, but evenings are chilly so it is advisable to bring warm clothing.

When packing, do bear in mind the fact that we offer a free of charge laundry service.  A daily laundry service is included at our Signature Safari lodge in South Africa. We can normally turn laundry around within 24 – 48 hours. 

What is supplied?

*Towels
*Shampoo
*Shower gel
*Lotion

We suggest bringing the following:
• Your own well-fitting hard hat - Hard hats are mandatory (we can supply if needed)
• Comfortable riding clothes, this is not the place to test out brand new boots, wear everything a couple of times before bringing it on safari. Neutral colours such as khaki, brown, navy, and green are preferable. Light-coloured garments such as whites and creams should be avoided.
• Short boots and half chaps, ride/walk boot are perfect. Long leather boots are also good but long rubber boots are not advised.
• Bum bag
• Lip salve, hand cream, and moisturiser (it’s dry here!)
• Strong sun protection cream factor 30 or higher
• Mosquito repellent
• Hiking boots or sneakers
• Swimsuit
• Light weight long sleeved shirts
• Camera, memory cards and spare camera batteries
• If you ever suffer from regular bouts of illness e.g. cystitis, sinusitis, eczema, asthma, allergies etc please bring your preferred medication its best to have whatever you may need with you
• Ibuprofen and deep heat are also useful items, especially if you aren’t used to long hours in the saddle
• In our Winter, mornings can be chilly and days hot so bring layers, a vest, shirt fleece and body warmer are ideal winter wear.
• In summer pack a lightweight rain coat
• Books for when you are relaxing between rides
• High lumen torch or head torch
 
The Waterberg is a malaria-free area, but please check with your doctor or travel bureau for the latest advice.

This may sound strange but if you would like to purchase a spare pack of sanitary items to donate, please do, we donate them to local schools, many girls cannot afford them and have to miss school and exams also if you have any old clothes, shoes, blankets, books or stationary that you would otherwise throw away and have some room in your luggage please do bring it with you. Horizon is involved with local schools and creches and helps where possible with a local outreach project working with the very poor. As such we have lots of people who are grateful for any old clothing. Please do not feel you have to now go out and buy items to bring, - it is not by any means expected - it is just that over the years so many people have expressed regret at not knowing how useful that item they threw away last week would have been to someone here.

Average ratings from 4 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date galina bystritskaya 8/10/2017 bobbi laurens 10/22/2014 donna armstrong 4/16/2013 lauren sorel 10/31/2012

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights are spent in the same location. However, you have the option to book additional night at Camp Davidson or Bellevue Lodge for an added fee.

Description
The lodge was established in 1993 and is based in the malaria-free Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in northern South Africa. This is an unspoiled part of the country with varied topography, from bushveld savannah to rocky outcrops and mountains. The lodge is beautifully set alongside a large lake within the estate’s dedicated game reserve.
There are 4 chalets or rondavels (traditional African style hut) separated from the main lodge as well as 2 double rooms in the main lodge.
All rooms are en-suite with king or twin beds, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryers, and safes. Either shower or bath or both facilities are in each room.
There is a large living area, dining room and large stoep (or verandah) for guests to enjoy. The 15m x 5m swimming pool overlooks the lake where hippo are frequently seen.

We have limited wireless internet and guests can borrow the computers if needed. We also have reception for you to use your cell phone with international roaming.
We offer daily laundry service (not always a 24 hour turnaround - air dry only), which is included in the package.

Massages can be booked with Lydia, our resident masseuse. There is an additional cost for all treatments.

Room Options
The rates include a stay in a Garden Chalet. You can upgrade to a Luxury Chalet for an added fee or pick the economy Standard Room and receive a discount.


Garden Chalet
These rondavels are ideal for families and friends traveling together as well as single travelers wanting to enjoy spacious luxury. They are large rooms and a third bed can easily be added.
Our largest garden chalet has 3 double rooms (each room with private facilities). We also have a 2-bedroom garden chalet.
All garden chalets share a communal veranda. 
 

Luxury Chalet
These luxury chalets are positioned independently of all other rooms on the edge of the dam with stunning views of the lake. They have their own private verandas and are perfect for couples.


Standard Room
These rooms are cozier an ideal for the budget traveler.
From January 1st 2024, these rooms will be reserved for single travelers.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy is possible at the lodge and at the camp.
If you are willing to share, the single supplement fee does not apply.



Meals
All meals are included form lunch on Day 1 to lunch on your last day.
Three sumptuous meals are served a day with afternoon tea before an afternoon ride.

Our food sways toward Mediterranean influences with an addition of iconic South African dishes.
Breakfast is buffet of freshly baked bread, muffins, cereals, toast, porridge, eggs.
Lunch is a buffet usually quiches, lasagna, babotie. salads, Freshly baked breads.
Dinner is a 3 course meal served to you in the lodge.

All drinks are complimentary.
Please advise us if you will be celebrating a birthday or special occasion, that you may want us to be aware of to help plan something special!

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		McClellan saddles and English saddles
Horses:		South African Boerperd, Shire Cross Thoroughbreds, Appalosas, and South African Warmblood
Pace:		Can cater from novice to experienced. 2 rides per day. 3-4 hours in the morning and a shorter ride in the afternoon. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Jumps |
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    Novice
Weight:		Max 190 lbs / 85 kg
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 12 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 16

Pace
This holiday is suitable for novice to experienced riders. The pace of ride is varied to suit the rider with plenty of challenging riding for the experienced rider. Rides can be tailor-made short, slow, fast, or long with a good mix of walk, trot, canter, and some occasional gallop for the experienced rider. Polocrosse can be fast and fun and cross-country is available to guests wanting to experience jumping. There are two outrides or riding activities a day. Morning rides last 3-4 hours (or less if requested) and afternoon rides are somewhat shorter.  Rides are tailor-made to suit the needs of our guests and we try to be as flexible as possible.

Guides & Safety
Guides leading the safari have many years’ experience and most have grown up in the area and know the bush like the back of their hand. Our guides have either professional or assistant guiding licenses with the Botswana Qualifications Authority. They are qualified to use firearms and qualified in first aid.
All rides are conducted by two experienced professional guides. The lead guide is armed with a rifle and a bull whip. All management staff and guides do regular first aid training with a specialized doctor for remote areas. The lead guide has a local phone and a radio for use in emergencies.

Riding Groups
Rides are kept to a maximum of 8 riders (usually smaller groups) with two guides. Comparable abilities ride together.

Riding Gear
Hard hats are compulsory. We can provide helmets, but suggest that clients bring their own. We do not provide half chaps but might have the odd pair should clients need.



Horses
Our farm's string of over 100 horses have been carefully picked, bred, or nurtured over the years.
Though there are Thoroughbreds, Arabs, Boerperds, Welsh ponies, and various crossbreds ranging from 11.2 - 17.2, the uniting factor is a wonderful temperament and a willing nature when ridden. The personalities in the herd are wide ranging, from gentle natured animals eager to please and offering confidence to those riders who are a little nervous, to competitive energetic rides challenging the rider to enjoy their ability. In all our horses, there is an independence and responsiveness that allows the rider to make the most of our outrides. Our safari horses have been hand selected for their endurance, courage and responsiveness.
Our philosophy has entailed managing our horses as a free roaming herd within large tracts of natural pasture, rather than in stables or paddocks. The horses live freely in the bush and come in at dawn for breakfast and again in the afternoon.
Our horses are at ease with each other and within their environment, which generates calm and contented natures. As a result, we can offer our guests responsive, subtle and honest rides.
Our horses are mostly English schooled, so we highly recommend that Western riders have a course of lessons in English style prior to arrival.
Your horse will be groomed and saddled for you.

Children
Children under 16 please enquire. Strictly no under 12’s.

Passports

Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Passport Note

Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. This cannot include the 'endorsement' page at the back. Passengers who also require a visa must have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for their entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter South Africa without the required pages will be returned to their country of origin.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days for business and tourist purposes, except:

1. nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic who may stay for up to 30 days, and nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia who do require a visa, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (advance notice of overnight stay is required).

Visa Note

(a) Proof of financial means may be required. (b) Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years must hold written consent from their parents when travelling alone. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (d) After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visa fee: £35. UK nationals are exempt from visa fees.

Validity

Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.

Working Days Required

Five to 10 days. 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	Some
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.