The Waterberg Mountains - one of South Africa's least explored wilderness areas and habitat to many of Africa's major mammals and over 280 bird species. Rising gently to the peaks and spectacular views of its southern escarpment lies Equus Reserve, 952 hectares (nearly 2400 acres) of unspoilt mountain wilderness.

This is Equus Reserve, former home to Equus Horse Safaris. Formed in 1989, we were the longest established horse safari specialists in South Africa. We offered our guests an informative, private and unique bush experience on horseback where attention was paid not only to the mammals, but also to all aspects of the local ecology.  Wendy retired from guiding riding guests in 2008, but Carla Lucassen is now operating her horse trails on Equus Reserve.

Equus Reserve falls within the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and encompasses four distinctly different habitats: afro-montane, bushveld, wetlands and grasslands. The sweeping grasslands of the main valleys offer fast riding while the ridges and mountain areas can be explored at a slower pace both on horseback and on foot. Riders enjoy panoramic views across miles and miles of Africa.

It is a truly exhilarating experience to ride through the African bush as the pioneers did. Today, we are on the lookout for birds and game or just quietly following spoor. In a vehicle, you are remote from the excitement around you; on horseback your senses come alive. The combination of riding and game viewing makes for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Wildlife indigenous to the area occurs on the reserve in limited numbers and we make every effort to observe the animals in their natural surroundings. Although some of the adjacent reserves are game-fenced with their own introduced species, we have chosen not to game-fence and have not introduced any species. The animals we see at Equus are here because they want to be. Regular wildlife sightings include kudu, reedbuck, klipspringer, bushpig, baboon, warthog, duiker, bushbuck and jackal. Fresh spoor of leopard and brown hyena are seen frequently. Unusual sightings could include porcupine, aardvark, caracal, serval, civet, genet, otter and water mongoose. At Equus, the emphasis is on exhilarating riding on fine horses in a spectacular mountain landscape and wildlife seen is a bonus to the experience.

Traversing rights on neighbouring land allow us to explore over 3,500 hectares (about 8,700 acres) of valleys, streambeds and mountains. On some neighbouring reserves it is possible to observe zebra, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbok, impala, eland, waterbuck, and giraffe from horseback.

Due to the diversity of habitats on Equus Reserve, birdlife is prolific. Eagle species include Black, Tawny, Martial, Black-breasted, African Hawk and Wahlbergs amongst others. Dams, streams and wetlands on the reserve attract a wide variety of water birds, including roosting blue crane during the summer months. The nearby Marakele National Park is home to the largest breeding colony of Cape vulture in Africa and these may be seen soaring on thermals above the ridges on the reserve.

The horses are our top priority, but non-riding guests will enjoy exploring the reserve on foot.  Hiking trails of up to 15 kms. (over nine miles) traverse the reserve.  Visitors will enjoy spectacular mountaintop views as well as the Iron Age ruins at the top of a kopje.

Wendy Adams, co-owner of Equus with John Miller (quien habla español con fluidez e também fala muito bem o Português!) pioneered horse safaris in South Africa and had many years of experience in combining all the elements that create a great riding holiday. Her high standard of horses, tack, guiding experience (she is a highly qualified field guide and British-trained riding instructor) and attention to detail created a unique and relaxing environment in which to enjoy great riding on well-schooled horses.  Equus was a founding member of the African Horse Safari Association and is a member of the Waterberg Nature Conservancy.

Wendy and John live on the reserve. We care for this special place, enjoying it ourselves and sharing it with others who have the same interest and passion in the natural world, and of course, in horses.  We endeavour to live lightly on the land.  It is a wondrous natural environment that we seek to preserve and conserve in a way that maintains its incredible beauty, protects its natural patterns and inhabitants, and contributes to a return to its most natural state.

A Unique Horse Riding Experience in South Africa.