On
one of my trips to South Africa we decided to do something a bit different and
went on a Horse Safari Game Trip. Fish River Horse Safaris are based just
outside Port Alfred within the Eastern Cape. When you arrive you are met by
among the guides who takes you through to get you just about all kitted out.
Rider safety is taken quite seriously here and proper hard riding hats need to
be worn. You then gather round to be allocated your own horse. This is good
chance to meet your fellow riders and also to ascertain what level of
experience everyone has at using. Fortunately we are all in pretty much the
same boat and you will find no expert riders.
The
guides are very helpful plus they pick out a suitable horse for you based on
your height and weight and competency. All the horses look well looked after
and are very good natured. We had chosen to complete a Game Ride which lasts
approximately 2.5 hours however you can choose to do a combination of a Beach
and Game Ride (its next on my list after i go back). The additional beach ride
aspect takes you down through the dunes and onto a secluded beach where one can
ride through the glorious sea.
We
set off on our Game Ride trip and in the beginning it's all about getting to
know your horse and ensuring you feel comfortable. The guides, although young,
are very useful and experienced. We head off through the reserve, down and up a
few hills before reaching open grassland where we allow horses exercise a bit
and soon we are galloping together. Now I am no expert so galloping takes a
little bit of mastering but if you don't mind the bouncing down and up and are
game for a laugh you will enjoy yourself. We are soon riding through thick
valley bushveld as well as open plains and spotting buffalo, giraffe, zebra,
wildebeest, dollar, impala and duiker. The guides help us to spot various
animals and ensure we don't disturb them.
I
had two highlights on my trip. The first was being able to get really close to
several giraffe who really didn't mind us. Some great pictures were taken by
our group. It's so nice every single child experience the complete tranquility
as opposed to groups associated with jeeps or minibuses dashing about. This is
a totally new experience. My second highlight was spotting the rhino. Of course
we needed to be very careful as they have a very acute sense of smell and we
maintained a great distance but it was amazing to sit on the horse watching
three rhino in the field ahead. I can't pretend that my bottom wasn't a little
tender the next day but it was well worth it and I'll be going back to try the
beach and game ride the next time.
Please check on horse safaris in
Africa for more details and visit to this site africahorsesafaris.com.
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