SADDLE SAVER
BUDGET RIDING SAFARI
Based at Mauricedale Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, this budget riding holiday aims to offer a safari that combines both horse riding, and exploring the Southern Kruger area by vehicle, for a complete experience.
The Horse Safari Company have spent the last six years running a very successful volunteer programme, and for 2027 have decided to also offer full riding safaris, albeit at a lower cost, making this experience more affordable for a wider range of people.
The Southern Kruger area is well known for it’s sub-tropical vibes, and plentiful wildlife. Mauricedale Game Reserve is a mere 14km from the Melelane Kruger Gate. This area is also referred to as the Lowveld of South Africa, meaning it is low in altitude, and has pleasant mild winters, as well as being characterized by its mixed woodland biome, trees and scrubs. Also referred to as ‘the Slowveld’…as life has a different rhythm here.
With 40 horses to choose from in the safari herd, you will surely find a steed you enjoy. Passionate guides will share their knowledge of the bush with you, whether it be flora and fauna, conservation, or history and culture.
You will be riding with ‘The Horse Safari Company’, owned by Tamlyn Whitebread. The Horse Safari Company is based at: Mauricedale Game Reserve. Mauricedale is a 7000-hectare game ranch that offers riders the chance to see general game such as giraffe, buffalo, kudu, impala, zebra, waterbuck, duiker, baboons and vervet monkeys from horseback. Hippos, crocodiles, leopards and aardvarks are also resident on the reserve, but are shy and trickier to spot.
During a one week itinerary, guests will also visit Kruger National Park for game drives, as well as Mjejane Game Reserve, giving you the chance to spot the Big Five, as well as an abundance of other wildlife, such as hyena and wild dogs.
Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Nights: 7 nights.
Rider Limitations: Experienced riders.
Season: January - December (all year).
Dates: Monday - Monday throughout the year.
Riding: A mixture of riding and vehicle safaris.
Included: All safari riding activities, game drives at Kruger National Park and Mjejane Game Reserve, accommodation, food (three meals per day).
Not Included: Flights, insurance, airport transfers, meals purchased at external restaurants.
Extra Costs: Airport transfers. Transfers are booked for you, and paid directly to the driver on the day. Cost: ZAR R650 each way.
Flights: Flights must be booked to arrive and depart from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport in Nelspruit (KMIA).
Flights on arrival day must land at Kruger Mpumalanga Airport between 10:00 -13:00.
Flights on departure day must depart from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport between 14:00 -17:00.
Internet: Wi-fi available at the accommodation.
Discounts available for groups of six.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is within Mauricedale Game Reserve, at Boulders Lodge. The lodge is a simple 3-star lodge, yet comfortable, with a good safari and ‘at one with nature’ feel.
The lodge has a perimeter fence to keep buffalo out, but smaller animals such as bushbuck and mongoose can wander in, as well as the usual critters you may find on safari, such as insects and frogs. Guests need to be comfortable with nature.
Rooms contain two single beds, with an en-suite bathroom. Each room has a mini fridge, small coffee station, cupboards, a dressing table, air-conditioning, and a small veranda. The lodge hosts a pool area, dining and boma area, plus a bar and laundry service.
PRICES
7 Nights:
£1400 sharing
£1650 private room
The private room option is recommended for those who enjoy their own space.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note this is a sample only, individual experiences may vary slightly.
This itinerary acts as a guide to give you an overview of what your safari will be like.
DAY 1, Arrival + Safari Ride: Arrival around midday at Boulders Lodge, Mauricedale Game Reserve. Enjoy a light lunch, followed by an introductory ride on the reserve in the late afternoon. Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 2, Safari Ride + Kruger National Park Game Drive: Rise early for coffee/tea, cereal and fruit. A morning ride out on the reserve, returning for brunch and some relaxation around the pool. In the afternoon, head out to Kruger National Park for a sunset Game Drive (from Malelane gate). Followed by dinner at the lodge.
DAY 3, Safari Ride + Sunset Game Drive at Mjejane Game Reserve (Overnight Stay): After a morning ride on the reserve, and brunch, riders head to Mjejane Game Reserve for an overnight stay. Sunset game drive at Mjejane, followed by dinner at the villa.
DAY 4, Sunrise Game Drive at Mjejane Game Reserve + Safari Ride: Early rise for a sunrise game drive at Mjejane, followed by breakfast at the River Lodge, overlooking the Crocodile River (spot a few crocodiles and hippos)! Head back to home base Mauricedale after breakfast, for some relaxing around the pool. Head out on a sunset ride in the late afternoon.
DAY 5, Game Drive Kruger National Park: An early morning start to head to Kruger Game Reserve for half of the day. Arrive back at Mauricedale around 3pm, with some time to relax before a boma dinner.
DAY 6, Safari Ride + Sundowners: A morning ride, relaxation at the pool over lunchtime, followed by sundowners out on the reserve.
DAY 7, Safari Ride, Dinner at Pestana Lodge: A long lazy Sunday ride out on the reserve, followed by dinner at Pestana Lodge, overlooking Kruger National Park.
DAY 8: Departure day.
