Wild Ride
Middelburg Mpumalanga, South Africa
fr. 2 weeks
fr. ZAR 37 800
Intermediate Plus - Advanced
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Accommodation
The accommodation at Wild Ride is a small, personal tented camp with nine safari tents, located in the middle of the reserve but with amenities that make everyday life easy after long days on horseback. The tents are about 100 meters from the communal areas and offer both privacy and proximity to the camp's social life. The camp's communal areas are simple yet thoughtful: a cold water pool, a lounge with a fireplace, a TV room with board games, and access to hiking trails in the reserve. Wi-Fi is available in the main area but not in the tents – a conscious choice to maintain a sense of calm and presence.
Tented camps
Each tent has its own bathroom, electricity, a fan for warm days, and electric blankets for cooler nights. The beds are comfortable – either two ¾ beds or a spacious king size – and the tent is equipped with linen sets, towels, and storage. Outside, there is a private veranda with chairs and a table, where it is not uncommon to see giraffes passing by in the early mornings or late afternoons. This is not a luxury accommodation in classic safari style, but a functional, homely, and genuine bush camp. The focus is on riding, the horses, and life close to nature – with sufficient comfort for you to rest, recover, and feel at home during longer stays.
A day at Wild Ride
A day at Wild Ride usually starts with breakfast prepared by the staff; it is simple but well-made and includes porridge, yogurt, fruit, eggs, and coffee. The horses are fed early – the responsibility rotates among the guests – and then each person is responsible for grooming and saddling their horse before the day's ride. Riding typically starts in the morning and takes place in small groups, adapted to experience and pace. Often, there is a longer ride each day, usually around four hours, but sometimes longer on full-day trips with a picnic in the bush. The landscape constantly varies – open savannahs, hills, rock formations, river stretches, and large water holes – and the pace is adjusted according to the weather and the group. During warmer periods, the riding is planned accordingly, and some days end with bareback swimming in one of the reserve’s three ponds. After riding, there is time for relaxation – resting by the pool, reading, taking a nap, or going for a walk in the local area. Lunch is informal and prepared by the guests themselves with what is available – often leftovers from the night before, sandwiches, eggs, or simpler dishes. The days are airy and flexible. In the evening, everyone gathers again in camp, where dinner is served. It usually consists of homemade, nutritious food with a focus on variety and good ingredients. After dinner, you can unwind by the fire, discuss the day's riding, or go to bed early – days in the saddle are long and energy-consuming. On certain evenings, when the weather and moon phase permit, full moon rides are offered, something that is only possible in reserves without the Big Five. Aside from riding, there are several other activities for those who want to relax or take a break from the saddle. The reserve offers hiking and nature walks, and it is possible to join town trips for shopping or errands. For those staying longer, there is an option for a 2–3 night excursion to Kruger National Park with game drives, national park visits, and experiences with elephants and hippos. All excursions are organized with safety in focus and led by experienced local partners.
