South Africa: Mounted Earth guardians safari in Limpopo

O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa
Better than just riding safari. Ride with the purpose – ptotect nature on horseback. Participate in conservation activities like wildlife tracking, snare sweeping, game counting and mapping animal movements. This hands-on program is ideal for adventurous nature enthusiasts seeking a unique way to connect with Africa’s nature.
South Africa
Strong Intermediate, Advanced
min 3 max 8 riders
8 Days to 1 month

Styles

• Trail Riding
• Point to Point Trails
• Guided tour
• Package program
• Expedition
• Solo-riders, familiers, couples, teens

Key information

• Daily rides 25 – 30 km adjusted for conservation tasks, coverage area: 75 000 hectares
• Night rides on moonlight nights when conditions allow
• Varried terrain: rocky climbs (slow pace or walking), open areas (fast canters)
• English speaking guide and English tack
• All meals, snacks, tea /coffee at lodge and bush camps, non-alcoholic and limited alcoholic drinks, all equipment
• Small groups: min 3 max 8 riddeers

Highlights

• Participate in conservation activities like wildlife tracking, snare sweeping, game counting and mapping animal movements.
• Track and lock wildlife numbers, record animal movements and habbits, remove snares, assist in moving livestock to new pastures.
• Complete the program with practical field knowledge and earn a conservation certificate.
• Experience tented camp set up with rooms under canvas and change locations every 2 nights.
• Camp under the stars, learn bushcraft skills, and explore diverse landscapes with expert guides.
• Set up your own camps and cook your own meals (with assistance) and take care of your horse.

Price per person for 8 days in a DBL/TWIN room / tent. Single supplement 100€. For longer stay please inquire.
2250 €

CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP!​

The organizer has discretion over price and availability for each inquiry

This is the adventure you normally watch on National Geographic Channel. The course will include a mixture of classroom learning, bear in mind your “classroom” could be a chair under a tree or around the fire! – as well as practical field work in the bush. The program is very hands-on and you should be prepared for lots of foot-based tracking and walking across different terrain. Some nights you will go on a night patrol and there may be early mornings for big game tracking. At the end of the course, there will be a short exam to recap all you have learnt, for your certificate. This is an 8 days / 7 nights program and is a mobile route combining different overnight locations. The base camp is a permanent tented camp set up with rooms under canvas – overlooking the plains and variety of animals. During the trip we will change locations every 2 nights, these locations will be in the bush and participants set up their own camps and cook their own meals with assistance. The meals are pre-planned and will still be very tasty and easy to manage. You will travel considerable distances to discover the terrain and animal wildlife of the reserve with beautiful scenery.

Accommodation at base camp lodge and bush camps. The base camp is a permanent tented camp set up with rooms under canvas (lodge) – overlooking the plains and variety of animals. During the trip we will change locations every 2 nights, these locations will be in the bush and participants set up their own camps and cook their own meals with assistance.

Day 1.

Day 1 begins with your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, followed by a transfer to the base camp in the Waterberg, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Once you arrive, enjoy a welcome lunch and meet our friendly team. A safety briefing and overview of the program will be provided, along with an introduction to your assigned horse. To get acquainted with your mount, you’ll enjoy an introductory ride on the campgrounds before settling in for dinner and your first night at the lodge.

Day 2 – 6.

Each day kicks off with an early breakfast before heading out on horseback to designated areas for wildlife monitoring and conservation activities. You will engage in lots of different tasks. Game Counting: track and log wildl ife numbers. Tracking and mapping : record animal movements and habitats. Snare sweeping: removes nares to protect wildlife. Fence patrol : ensure secure reserve boundaries. Cattle herding: assisting moving live stock to new pastures.

This sounds complecated but mostly you will be just riding and walking in the nature with short briefing at campfire in the evening telling the guide your observations. No paperwork is required.

In the evenings, you will set up camp at new scenic locations, cook meals together and share stories around the campfire. Night patrols and stargazing will enhance your connection to nature during clear nights.

Day 7.

Time for reflection and celebration as you return to base camp. You’ll pamper the horses and compile all the data gathered throughout the week. Enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi and warm showers before a festive evening celebration, complete with a delicious three-course dinner and the presentation of certificates, recognizing your achievements and contributions.

Day 8.

After breakfast, you’ll have a final farewell ride with your horses. Finally, a transfer back to O.R. Tambo International Airport will be arranged for your departure.

 

Itinerary may vary due to weather or animal movement. All rides operate from a minimum of 3 guests and a maximum of 8. Due to the nature of this experience, being outdoors in rough terrain and camping – we reserve the right to cancel/alternate the program in case of non-conductive weather.

  • 14 December 2025 – 21 December 2025: 8 saddles available

Local English-speaking guide and observation team

Waterberg region, Limpopo, South Africa

All meals, snacks, tea /coffee at lodge and bush camps, non-alcoholic and limited alcoholic beverages at the bush camps

  • Riding activity / bush walks / tracking as outlined above.
  • Food and drinks as described above.
  • Accommodation at base camp lodge and bush camps.
  • Required equipment, such a specific backpacks, lamps, binoculars, lanterns, tents, sleeping bags etc – are for use during the trip only and will remain the property of the Company.
  • Certain other items may be given to you as memento of your exciting experience.
  • Conservation certificate.
  • Airport transfers from and to Johannesburg OR Tambo international airport for €280,00 p/p for 2 guests in a vehicle or €120,00 p/p for 3-8 guests in a vehicle.
  • Gratuities

Book the flight to Johannesburg OR Tambo international airport and transfer to the base camp with us