For sixteen years, Equus Horse Safaris accommodated guests in spacious, comfortable, twin-bedded safari tents with en-suite facilities, electricity and a private verandah.  At the main camp, or on safari, fine meals were prepared and served in bush elegance. 

We no longer accommodate guests, but we understand what guests are looking for, and with confidence, can suggest the following accommodation options close to the exceptional riding you'll enjoy on Equus Reserve:

1.  For a particularly private experience, at very affordable cost, we can book you into a neighbouring self-catering cottage on a 1,000 hectare (about 2,400 acres) reserve inhabited by wildebeest, impala, zebra, kudu, giraffe, and more.  This is an easy self-drive trip with the opportunity to purchase groceries and any supplies at a quality shop in the town of Vaalwater (which you'll pass through on your way).  Accommodation is in a bush-style, thatched-roof cottage, sleeping four guests.  From the cottage, you can walk a short fifteen minutes to the Equus stables (or drive in two minutes).  When not riding, you'll enjoy the view from your verandah taking in the immediate valley and distant mountains.  With no dangerous game on the reserve, you can walk freely to its dams and up its mountains.

2.  If you are interested in catered accommodation at a reasonable cost, we can suggest a nearby farm-stay -- two chalets, each sleeping two guests, on a 1,500 hectare reserve (about 3,600 acres) very close to Equus.  The farm is inhabited by wildebeest, impala, zebra, kudu, and more.  After your breakfast to order, your host will drive you the five minutes to the Equus Reserve stables.  When not riding, you may choose among other activities your hosts will arrange for you -- walking freely in their valleys and mountains (no dangerous game) or, visits at additional costs to, for instance, Marakele National Park, a cheetah and wild dog research facility, or the other special Waterberg places.

3.  For a more up market option, we can recommend a stay on a 2,000 hectare reserve (about 4,800 acres), a short drive from Equus Reserve.  The reserve offers a variety of chalet and bush-home options, each in a private garden setting.  Accommodation includes three full meals a day at its spectacular restaurant, complete with stunning views across the river to the plains.  Transfers from Johannesburg can be arranged.  Your hosts will drive you fifteen minutes to the Equus Reserve stables.  When not riding, you may swim in the pool, ride a mountain bike, or walk freely on the reserve (no dangerous game).

4. At the high end of the market are several 5-star, luxury lodges on Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, the south gate of which is located about twenty minutes drive from Equus Reserve.  The wide open grasslands and craggy mountains of this 33,000 hectare (81,000 acre) reserve are home to the famed African "Big Five" and much, much more.  When not riding, you'll enjoy game drives in open vehicles with your professional guide, or relaxing at poolside with your drink watching the sun set over the mountains.  Accommodation is in luxurious en-suite lodges, each offering a private vista over the savannah.  Gourmet meals are served either outdoors or in the beautifully decorated lodge.  Transfers from Johannesburg can be arranged.  Your guide will drive you to the Equus Reserve stables, or arrangements will be made to pick you up at the South Gate.

From each of these lodgings, you'll arrive at Equus Reserve for a 2-2½ hour ride that starts at 8 am in the summer, and 9 am in the winter.  For more information about these nearby accommodation options, including rates, availability, and booking, please contact us.

Equus Horse Safaris, PO Box 975, Vaalwater 0530, South Africa
phone and fax +27 14 721-0063
e-mail equus@equus.co.za