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Highlights of the trip: “ The surprises - sleeping in the treehouse under the stars, the surprise locations for lunches, Lucinda (Green) being a wonderful host - I feel very privileged to have met her”.
Anything we could do to improve the ride: “ Not really, I had the time of my life. Wonderful people and fantastic rides and experiences to treasure”. LJ (Kent) 23/06/11
‘’I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Macatoo - it really is the most fantastic place and such an amazing set-up. They really have thought of everything! The camp, the tents and most importantly the riding and horses are all absolutely wonderful. ‘’ CF (4/4/11)
Just wanted to thank you so much for helping me organise my trip to Africa!
I had the time of my life saw the big5 and much more from horseback! My
favourite had to be the Okavango delta where we galloped with giraffes
through the water! I saw and experienced so much I could of never
imagined.
LW (Isle of Wight) 26/11/10
"The meals were generous as was the supply of alcohol. The horses we rode were well-schooled and steady. We had a wonderful time and thank you to everyone for making it such a good experience - including yourselves at Ride World Wide".
DS (Harrogate) Ride date 26/10/09
"Brilliant - can’t fault it!"
LA(Nottinghamshire) Ride date 04/10/09
"Fabulous! I’ll definitely go back. Not as fast or wild as Tristan and Cindy in the Mara and more relaxed (more free time) but guides and horses all fabulous"
AS (Lincolnshire)
"We felt that a great deal of thought had been given to every detail of this trip and although relatively expensive, the degree of luxury justified the extra cost... riding was excellent, everything up to our expectations. A great holiday"
M & JT (Norfolk)
"Second time around for me. Everything was just as perfect as the first time. Don’t change a thing!"
BE (N Yorkshire)
"This holiday was without doubt the best holiday we have ever had and this was the feeling of other guests in the camp. Each of us had the perfect horses for our abilities and preferences – thoroughbreds for those who prefer them – Arabs for the girl who loved Arabs and all of them immaculately looked after, fit as fiddles and ready to go all the time. The tack was so comfortable and cleaned everyday. Basically we felt we had been treated like Kings and Queens all week. Thank you!!"
Mr & Mrs L (Surrey)
"We had a very exciting and happy holiday. Really exhilarating galloping through the water and we all returned safe and sound. We saw wonderful numbers of wild game and also lots of interesting birds (possibly 100 species!). Altogether a spectacular holiday."
VH (Hampshire)
"I couldn’t fault staff or experience; beautiful attention to details and such an impressive commitment to the ecology and beauty of the bush. Thoroughly professional."
MM (London)
"A truly exceptional trip in every way. The camp at Macatoo, the riding and all the staff were completely wonderful. The transport from Macatoo to Victoria Falls was a masterpiece of organization. Stanley Lodge was quite simply the loveliest hotel I have ever stayed in. The activities recommended by the hotel / lodge were all outstanding, especially swimming on the edge of the Falls. Thank you again for organizing, for my daughter and me, the trip of a lifetime."
VT (Surrey)
"It was the most incredible holiday I have had, exceeding all expectations. The assistance from RWW could not have been better. The guide and staff at the camp were superb. All fellow guests were great fun – either I was very lucky with my week or Macatoo attracts special people both to visit and as staff. Thank you for being part of my holiday"
KS (London)
"We had a fantastic time, all the staff were very friendly and helpful. Horses were excellent, keen and lots of long fast canters/gallops. Accommodation excellent. Will be back"
P & S H (Bedfordshire)
"I really couldn’t fault a thing. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly and everything that could be done to make it a great and memorable visit was done."
JG (Berkshire)
"It was an absolutely amazing holiday and exceeded all expectations. There has been friendliness and professionalism from the start and through the holiday to the end. Nothing was too much trouble in Macatoo and we were looked after extremely well. Thank you"
RA
Highlights of the trip: Going to fly camp at Mok, ride / swim on horses across river; fishing trip,great food, charming staff and grooms; PJ and Barney’s warm hospitality and humour.
I’ve traveled a fair amount and to me it was a stand out holiday.
Would have liked to stay longer!
BB (Surrey) 25/9/11
Highlights of the trip: Riding bareback through water (swimming on horseback); close animal encounters; P J’s knowledge, professionalism and enthusiasm; experiencing the Delta in such a ‘natural’ way; friendliness and helpfulness of all P J and Barney’s team.
C J (London) 11/10/10
HIghlights of the trip: Riding through the wild isolated country with unexpected opportunities anticipated at every turn.
It was such a brilliant experience that it is difficult to think of how to improve it. I took far too much luggage - the laundry service was excellent.
JA (Devon) 18/10/10
"The most amazing wonderful experience - loved every moment".
IP (London) Ride date 17/07/08
"A truly v. good best ever holiday"
VC
"Best of any of the eleven week or longer trips I have been on. PJ and Barney have a superb operation. Wish the ride had been faster but that was impossible given the high water conditions"
LB
"The level of organization and efficiency was incredible. There was absolutely nothing to find fault with"
AG
"It was excellent in all respects"
JC
"It was a fantastic holiday and lived up to every expectation. We should have gone for the 10 day option though as we lost half a day at the beginning due to the delay of another flight and half a day at the end due to Air Botswana changing the flight times – we felt we were leaving the party too soon!!"
VC
"We were surprised at the depth of the water (apparently unusually high and abundant this year) but horses took it in their stride... It is all beautifully organized, varied and interesting. We had a lovely time – even the luggage checked straight through both ways with no problems. Many thanks for your help"
G & H H
"Absolute trip of a lifetime, totally wonderful"
S C-H
"Okavango Horse Safaris are total professionals and our every need was catered for. It was all superb and I cannot think of any criticism, even small"
DA
It was so much better than expected. We were very lucky with the late rains, very green and an amazing amount of game to be seen. Horses were beautifully schooled and Cor and Louise went to a great deal of trouble to match us up with the horses. Sundowners were exceptional - we were taken to wonderful viewpoints. Staff all brilliant and food exceptional. A marvellous holiday.
HM (Leics) Tuli Safari 15/5/10
I felt the riding and horses were of a far higher quality than I could possibly have hoped for! The riding itself was exhilarating and I felt the trip was amazing on all levels. DM (Northants) Tuli Safari 15/5/10
"Totally fab holiday - would recommend it to anyone! Great group of people and lovely horses". SM (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) Ride date 15/06/08
"This was our first riding safari and so, although we have nothing to compare it to, it sets and incredibly high standard. We especially loved the organisation of each day riding the morning followed by lunch and a rest followed by evening game drives. We think Cor and Louise run the safari brilliantly. It was a real privilege to ride such beautiful and well-schooled horses, all with lovely soft mouths. In particular both horses I rode were fabulous at jumping… we thought the two guides West and David were unbelievably professional – we really felt we were in safe hands".
A&RT (London) Ride date 08/06/08
"I was very impressed with the quality of the horses, which were very good hacks, nevertheless accepted contact with the hand and their rider in general. They are not race horses, but very good horses in such conditions... the safari was delightful."
CP
"The ride for us was perfect in every way. A good balance of riding, excitement, relaxation, fun and lots of game. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this trip;. Louise takes a great pride in her horses and this is reflected in their performance and excellent condition. We particularly enjoyed sleeping under the stars in the leadwood stockade on nights three and four with the night sounds of Africa all around..."
MT
"Probably one of the best trips ever. Horses in great condition and so well cared for. Food and accommodation great. Cor and Louise make wonderful hosts and their knowledge was invaluable. All their staff and helpers a credit, friendly and polite. Hope they don’t change anything"
JT
"It was exactly as expected if not better... I will definitely be going again on the trip!"
LA & AW
Just to let you know that I had a FANTASTIC time at Borana...
I was the only guest for the first 2 nights...Flick and Sam are just charming!!!...
The horse riding was fantastic!!!...cantering with zebras, lion in the bush, elephants at a water tank....(I'm pretty sure I passed the riding test!!!ha)
I would recommend Borana to everyone interested in great riding, hospitality and FUN!!...
SJ (Australia) Ride date 25/7/10
We very much enjoyed our trip and riding - they were very child friendly and helpful. Lovely lodge and people. We would definitely go back.
CS (Suffolk) Ride date 29/12/09
"A superb holiday passing all expectations"
JC
"It was a great holiday (we would have loved to see lion but unpredictability is part of the adventure)"
PV and family
"You did not prepare us for how wonderful it would be! Our family had the most wonderful time and declared it the best holiday ever & impossible to beat! We loved Kenya, enjoyed Shompole and adored Borana and everything about it…Bimbi Dyer is a brilliant hostess, nothing is too much trouble and she remains enthusiastic and cheerful through the longest of working days & she and her team make sure each guest is totally spoiled & welcomed. We had a room with a view of elephant swimming ...we are going back"
Mrs H and family
"I can honestly say this was a holiday of a lifetime. Everything went smoothly and everyone was so friendly and helpful. The guides were great. Amazing knowledge and enthusiasm. They didn’t ram it down your throat, just made everything interesting and informative. I loved every minute of it. Borana was so luxurious, absolutely out of this world. Thank you so much for organizing my fantastic holiday"
SB
Patrick and Nicola were superb and absolutely made the trip. They were concerned and helpful without removing a sense of spontaneity and adventure.
RW (London) 05/06/10
"It really was perfect. Patrick and Nicola are delightful, knowledgeable and professional. Their staff are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble. Most of the time they were one step ahead of our needs! John and I were both blown away by Ride Kenya. The operation is outstanding and their commitment is phenomenal. The horses are beautifully schooled and in such good condition and remained so even at the end of the safari. Patrick and Nicola clearly love what they do, and their horses, and this shows".
J&FH (Berks) Ride date 30/01/09
"Ol Donyo Wuas was beautiful and the horses so well mannered and clearly very well handled by Nicola and Patrick".
SC (London) Ride date 23/01/09
"Super lodge and beautiful area to ride"
AC (Hants) Ride date 27/12/08
"…Nicola and Patrick, in particular, are just fantastic. The fly-camping was so much fun we think we would probably have rather spent and extra day out, rather than having the extra time at the lodge. But we weren’t to know at the time we booked whether our standard of riding would have been up to it".
TS (London) Ride date 03/08/08
"The place, the environment, the guide give the ideal setting for one of the most beautiful riding safaris in Africa..."
CR
"The wildness of Ol Donyo Wuas was breathtaking and the flexibility was remarkable. Our hosts Nicola and Patrick made ODW a very special place as did the staff"
EG
"The holiday was wonderful, it was more than I had hoped for. The planning and booking of it by Ride World Wide was flawless - I had to do very little work myself and the hard work done by RWW was a great help to me. Patrick and Nicola are very good horse safari guides and they were great company – I’d highly recommend them. We had a great time from start to finish and I am now the most popular new husband in London – so thank you! Thank you especially for all the details you took care of – transfers, reps, looking after us, checking flights for me and so on. It was the holiday of a lifetime"
JE
"It was quite simply the holiday of a lifetime. Tristan is absolutely the BEST of guides and a born naturalist and horseman and brilliant company. An incredible attention to detail whilst always remaining relaxed. Poppy who was helping is a hugely delightful hostess and great company too. The camps were beautifully oraganised and comfortable and the food excellent. Cooks and house / tent boys and grooms all did a fantastic job…regardless of weather conditions.. and we had some very heavy rain.
We loved staying at the Aero Club East Africa on Sunday night. Hugely charming, full of character. Wilson airport is our favorite airport! The perfect place to stop over.. even better if they could have had a plate of sandwiches for our late arrival. Very welcoming drivers to meet us at the airports.. pick up/ drop down etc. Very efficient.
Am recommending Ride World Wide to everybody I meet!"
Mr & Mrs JA & family (London) 14/08/11
"I reiterate everything in Gillian's email about our holiday in Kenya. It was my first riding safari and it was absolutely amazing. It exceeded all my expectations and was the best holiday I've ever had and the experience of a lifetime. Jakob and Cesca are fantastic and all the people at camp (the grooms, cooks etc), ensured that everything went like clockwork. I just don't know how they do it and how they manage to cook such delicious meals. The riding was excellent and my old bones stood up to it very well - didn't even have to take any pain killers!
A big thank you to all of you for answering our many questions, replying so quickly and for oganising our flights. As Gillian said we shall be getting in touch with you again to organize the next one".
AK (Sussex) 18/9/10
This holiday was absolutely fantastic. Sue and I had a truly amazing time. Horses super, hospitality and guiding was terrific. The staff looked after us extremely well, even down to having our boots polished every day! We want to go again in 2011, assuming the 7 day trip is on offer. This is the ultimate riding safari!!
KC (Bucks) 02/09/10
It was a quite incredible, memorable, trip; it exceeded our expectations in every way. We saw lions make not one, but two kills; we got ourselves charged by an elephant; we saw a Nile Monitor, stupendous birds; bee-eaters and vultures and more storks than you could shake a stick at; Maasai characters from central casting . The highlight - being stalked whilst on horseback by a pair of hungry cats. We were soaked to the skin by torrents of rain. Thunder and lightning all around. …….three grumpy bachelor buffalo to the left, and two lions hunting in daylight, the lioness skulking through the bush to try to get in front of us whilst her mate began the direct approach………….. If anyone can tell me of a more viscerally exciting experience I should like to hear of it!
The horses were excellent, on the button, decent mouths, steady under fire and fit. Mine only ever spooked once, when we almost trod on a sleeping hyena.
The food was splendid, especially when it was served by staff with oilskins over their white coats, and wellies. Mark Lawrence, our guide, was first class - relaxed, knowledgeable, patient.
I have thought long and hard, and have managed to find not one, but two improvements that you might suggest to Tristan. Two small candles are insufficient to light a dinner table in a mess tent in a dark African night. You need at least four…..
So pleased I picked up your brochure at the Burghley Horse Trials! RC (Lincs) 02/03/10
"Safari was amazing. Saw leopard, lion and cheetah. On my last trip I didn’t see any cats. Also had opportunity to canter alongside 60 giraffe!! A truly unique experience. My horse was fabulous and took great care of me. This is the best way to see game in Africa – and Offbeat is clearly the best safari out there".
HR (London) 03/09/09
"Fantastic in every way…Tristan was a very patient and amazing guide, I like the way he pushed us…just a little bit of danger, with a mischievous grin!!
The most luxurious of all the camping trips I’ve done, the attention to detail is superb, but not so much as to take away the spirit of adventure". NS (London) Ride date 08/01/09
"Maybe (need) a bit more detail on just how luxurious it is – no need to take own nailbrushes and soap containers!! And that everything (laundry etc) is included in the price. This was without any shadow of a doubt the best riding holiday I’ve ever been on and worth every penny (and more). The military precision of the operation, the attention to the most minor details and the quality and comfort provided throughout was breathtaking. If you can only do one riding holiday in a lifetime this is the one to do".
KS (Devon) Ride date 08/01/09
"The staff couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating, Jakob was great, everything seemed to work perfectly. Starting with 2 days at Deloraine was ideal as it gave me a chance to get used to riding again and with just a couple of hours each day in a more normal environment ie not out in the open Mara, that worked well for me - going straight out on safari may have been a bit more scary".
LF (Switzerland) Ride date 11/10/08
"Overall this was the trip of a lifetime and one we shall never forget. The horses were superb, the camp was outstanding and Tristan’s encyclopaedic knowledge and enormous enthusiasm were inexhaustible. He really gave 110% of himself and not a moment of time was wasted. Well up to every expectation we might have had. Thank you for your excellent and comprehensive advice, clothes list etc. All spot on!"
VT
"For me the ride more than fulfilled my expectations – beautiful scenery & sky scapes & multitudes of wild animals in their natural setting. The camp life was enormous fun & we all seemed to get along very happily despite our differences. The lamping game drives in the evenings will be a long remembered experience"
AH
"Tristan was amazing – we had the holiday of a lifetime. Giraffe Manor was perfect – thanks for sorting that. My husband who hasn’t been before, thought it was the best holiday he had ever had – well done and many thanks"
Mrs H & family
"Would it benefit you to know that it was the most unbelievable trip, that I don’t think could ever be repeated? It was fantastic, everything about it was perfect!"
TB
"This was our best trip so far – Jacob was a superb guide, up for anything but always aware of the safety of his clients. His sense of direction (and humour!) coupled with boundless enthusiasm made every day thoroughly entertaining. We were very lucky as the Mara was teeming with game."
P & SR
"We can’t say enough good things about Tristan and Jakob and the great horses. Perhaps the best trip we have ever done, and we have done lots!!"
AP
"It was the best holiday ever. Haven’t had so much fun in a long time. Every day was a different experience. The combination of riding and game drives was perfect – I didn’t want the trip to end"
HR
"I didn’t know how great this was, people were so good to us all. I would recommend it to everyone I see"
SB
"We had a wonderful time and all loved Jakob. All staff were excellent and meals too good (put on weight!!). Jakob’s personality and style will become legendary. Enjoyed immensely the freedom we had on the Mara. No complaints about anything"
RB
"I found it more demanding than I expected but this is a good thing for me personally as it really did test me"
MJ
"I would love to add something but trust me this had to be the most amazing horse experience I have ever done or heard about. Thank you very much for making it real"
SK
"...It was a great experience. Saw lots of game – jumped a wildebeest, almost stood on a lions tail, chased by elephant. What more could you want? ...Jakob, the guide, was extremely professional and knowledgeable. He had quite a diverse group but kept everyone included and happy. The best holiday of my life!"
KM
"The organisation from the start was really excellent - Kate and colleagues in the UK were very helpful on the phone and email in helping me make a decision about whether I could cope.....The 'staff' - everyone from Cindy, Jakob to the boys in camp cleaning boots, looking after the horses etc etc were very friendly & accessible, couldn't have been more accommodating."
LF (ride date October 2008)
‘’Very charismatic, a natural leader, would follow him anywhere……don’t tell him that big headed enough already!! Fantastic in every way…Tristan was a very patient and amazing guide, I liked the way he pushed us….just a little bit of danger, with a mischievous grin!! The most luxurious of all the camping trips I’ve done, the attention to detail is superb, but not so much as to take away the spirit of adventure’’
NS (Mara Ride 8/0109)
‘’This was without any shadow of a doubt the best riding holiday I’ve ever been on and worth every penny (and more). The military precision of the operation, the attention to the most minor details and the quality and comfort provided throughout was breathtaking. If you can only do one riding holiday in a lifetime this is the one to do. I’ve already planned to go back….’’
KS (Mara Ride 8/01/09)
Annabel and Steve and their staff were unbelievably hospitable – nothing was too much trouble. I’d knocked myself out riding 2 days before the holiday so could only amble around but the others went off at amore sensible pace and we were all looked after beautifully. The weather was unseasonally wet so thank you for telling us to take macs and jumpers - we so needed them! But still a great holiday!
AC (Wilts) 23/8/10
"There are not many horses for inexperienced riders...... people should be aware that they need to be fit and reasonable riders. I loved this holiday and would very much like to go again... the camping was really great and the horses were excellent and forward going"
M & CS
"Our hosts had everything we needed. The food was very impressive and we wanted for nothing. The horses were better cared for than in a lot of places in the UK and the trip on the whole was far better than we expected. Well worth every penny and very hard to leave behind. They made a dream come true"
SS
"...The horses were in v good condition, well behaved, knew their job and made the whole adventure so enjoyable"
IP
"This is a very good format and appealed strongly – it is a holiday that you can imagine taking if you lived in the country. I do not think that they should change and try to mimic the luxury safari market"
P & SR
"Thank you for arranging a holiday which more than met our expectations and was so much fun..."
C&CF
"It was brilliant! The best riding holiday I have been on so far. Totally flexible riding and a great assortment of horses. Fantastic hosts and guides".
JE (Bristol) 05/10/11
"Overall a really impressive team at Horizon from being picked up at the airport to final goodbyes. We would love to go back one day and do the progressive safari.
Highlights of the trip: watching my girls play polocrosse - going flat out on strange ponies. Riding through a herd of zebra. Just being in the bush". Mr & Mrs H & family (Surrey) 19/12/10
This trip was the most memorable and best holiday I have ever had. I didn’t want to come home. The people, horses, food, accommodation were beyond my expectations and I will definitely be going back in the next 12 months so I’ll be in touch! JF (Oxon) 22/01/10
"I could not fault the holiday – Horizon was in a beautiful location and all the staff were friendly and very professional. Thank you for recommending it"
VSvH (London) Ride date 08/10/08
"This was one of the best holidays I have had. The staff and horses were absolutely fantastic and the food was amazing. Overall, the ranch was extremely well run and everything was done to make the whole experience incredibly memorable".
KC (London) Ride date 02/08/08
"Just to say how much we enjoyed our few days at Horizon. Shane and Laura made us feel very welcome and, as you suggested, the match for our family was perfect. All the staff were professional and kind and the horses were in great shape. We had so much fun – my teenagers particularly enjoyed the western games and polocrosse whilst my husband and I loved the peaceful rides though lovely open countryside. I would thoroughly recommend Horizon to your other adventurers"
VK and family
"...Really good that clients were split into small groups for the rides. Guides were excellent at telling us about local flora and fauna"
BB
"Just a note to say thank you for organising our fantastic holiday in South Africa. Everything at Horizon was perfect and I can well understand why people return over and over again. We rode a number of different horses and liked them all, although we had to admit to favourites by the end of the week. Polocrosse was a challenge, Western games were fun and the cattle mustering needed perseverance to find the cattle to muster. However the highlight as far as we were concerned was riding in the game reserves at Horizon and Born Wild with giraffe, zebra, impala and wildebeest only a few yards away. Being on horseback made us feel we were part of their environment rather than just observers – a fantastic feeling. Everyone at Horizon made us very welcome and the group we were with were great fun. Thanks to the guides Shelley, Carmen and Pete and a special thank you to Shane for demonstrating his approach to horsemanship. Laura was great, nothing was too much trouble and we must have put on a stone thanks to Mimi and Carolyn’s cooking."
M & ES
"My time at Horizon was fantastic... and even though I had not ridden for 10 years got back into it and really enjoyed it. Once in a lifetime experience"
SF
"It was the most fantastic, relaxed holiday ever and we’d love to go again"
EE
"A lovely place, the hosts, staff and horses were all wonderful. I will be going back as soon as I can"
S mcC
"This was a holiday I would recommend to anyone. My husband and I have different levels of riding experience an dboth were catered for. The horses were fantastic, the wildlife was superb and the guides (Carmen and Dean) were out of this world.
I also think that the lodge itself is undersold in the brochure. We had a group of 5 and exclusive use of the lodge and park. I hadn’t realised this at the time of booking but it makes you feel very special."
MM (Lincs) Ride date 14/04/09
"Everything about the holiday was wonderful. All the correspondence prior to departure was handled efficiently and accurately and the place was more beautiful in reality. The riding was as described and the quality of both horses and guides excellent. I would certainly book another holiday although this would be hard to beat!"
SF
"I can’t fault this holiday at all. The pre-holiday communication was excellent and friendly; the pick ups were smooth; the lodge was beautiful and well run in a casual, relaxed way; the guides were knowledgeable and helpful and passionate about their jobs; the horses were fantastic with characters to suit anyone and the riding was just exhilarating. I thought I might be disappointed not to be in a reserve with elephants and cats but in fact it was fine and just took that extra element of risk away. Thank you"
SC
"Saskia and Kobus were excellent guides and superb hosts, their knowledge and dedication were outstanding. In summary, a wonderful holiday, definitely repeatable. Never replace Saskia and Kobus!!"
EC
‘Thank you for all your help and advice in organising this trip. The information and packing lists were extremely useful and accurate. .. I cannot praise highly enough the staff and facilities at both Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris and Dinaka Lodge. The holiday of a lifetime!’
SD (Beds) Ride date 12/10/09
"The horses in Botswana were superb…West and Impho were excellent guides …Louise and her team are quite something - a wonderful introduction to Botswana. Carmen (at Dinaka) loves her horses and runs everything very professionally – great game sighting too. A great trip".
LL (London) Ride date 20/02/09
"..it was all fabulous! Just like to say a big thank you to our guides, grooms, back up staff, cooks and horses for making the holiday so fantastic and memorable. I’m busy starting to save up so I can go out again!"
CG-C (Hants) Ride date 08/04/08
"Having been to Macatoo in Botswana last year we were not expecting to enjoy this holiday as much – we thought nothing could compare to Macatoo. However we both agreed at the end of the holiday that it had been even better! The combination of two safaris with such different landscapes was fantastic. At Dinaka we saw masses of game and had a great time and were thinking that Fort Jameson couldn’t be as good! Again we were surprised as we enjoyed it there even more! Despite not seeing as much game there it was a wilder experience and the staff there and the horses really made our holiday – thank you!"
C & P L
"This was the best holiday I’ve ever had, maybe it could be made clearer how fast the pace is in Dinaka though"
KS
"Hosts, guides and staff at both sites and from Waterberg transfers were extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful. The horses were beautifully trained and matched to riders very well…I was extremely impressed with my experiences at both Dinaka and LVHS and would definitely return. Very well done and many thanks to all concerned!"
CH
"Great holiday, great people and great horses. Would recommend this holiday"
S mcM
"This trip was going to be a ‘holiday of a lifetime’ type of holiday for me and it definitely lived up to expectations. It was all that I’d hoped and more. Overall the service was fantastic and I was particularly impressed by the level of horsemanship and care of horses in both places..."
CP
"Fantastic trip. From Tessa and Ant, through all staff we were made welcome and treated as ‘special’. Riding exceeded our hopes and the whole week was memorable".
Mr & Mrs C Isle of Man (15/05/11)
"The most fantastic holiday I have ever been on. The only fault with it was that I had to come home!"
JH (London) 5/10/10
It was a lovely holiday. Lovely people and place. Children really want to return!
AT (Lincolnshire) 28/03/10
The week I spent at Ants Nest was wonderful. The place was gorgeous. Food was amazing all local home cooked meals. The staff were incredibly courteous forever offering drinks etc. I am not used to ‘group’holidays, generally travelling alone with guides however the other guests were fine and we all got along well. However Ant had arranged for a journalist to come along. This guy rather took over the holiday ..…apart from that the whole week was quite amazing and the staff and Ant very accommodating.
SA (Somerset) Ride date 15/09/09
"As the advert says, it really does what it says on the tin!! Brochure really shows it as it is – BRILLIANT. We have nothing but praise for the staff/accommodation and catering – we had the most fantastic holiday and feel priviledged to have had the experiences we did and share it with our wonderful guides/hosts".
I&JD (Llanelli) Ride date 17/06/08
"Perfect (for me) mixture of riding and relaxation".
KL (London) Ride date 11/03/08
"It was well run, friendly and a pleasure to stay there".
LM (Swindon) Ride date 27/02/08
"This was a truly fantastic holiday with genuine hospitality not experienced anywhere else. It was natural and real - not put on for show. Very special place with very special people"
DW
"This was a fantastic holiday. It worked better than I had anticipated for the level of riding as I’m an experienced rider and my partner only learnt to ride 6 weeks before we set off! The guides were excellent and helped him improve in skill and confidence more than we expected so we both really enjoyed the riding. The small group was also great in these circumstances as it meant that we could be flexible about speed and distance. I couldn’t recommend Ants Hill and Ants Nest highly enough, everything about the holiday was great..."
ML
"We felt this ride worked well – as advertised a family relaxing and very enjoyable holiday- we would go back to Ants Hill again and be happy to recommend it and its wonderful staff and horses... we agreed with the comments [re: the situation / position of Ants Hill] for our 2 year old but found it manageable and were glad to be on the hill for its lovely views and peaceful atmosphere."
Mr & Mrs S
"Overall an excellent itinerary with a lot of thought into filling the day – especially for non-riders"
Mr & Mrs B
"We had a wonderful trip again. Ants Nest was fabulous. We loved the riding (horses always very good) and the game. As usual the connections, back up and arrangements were all reliable and efficient. Everything was of a very high standard"
L & CF
"We had a terrific holiday – the people at Ants Nest were friendly, trustworthy and excellent with all of our children; without exception all four described it as their best ever holiday. If anything I was surprised by how much game we saw and how easily it could be seen"
IW and family
"Absolutely fabulous – it really suited a holiday of a lifetime and probably the only holiday you could take 2 teenagers and still have fun. Wonderful!"
JM
"Excellent trip. All preparations were great from RWW. We have used other riding holiday organizations but RWW were far superior"
CW
"Hats off to all we cannot find anything negative to say
- Ride World Wide for great professionalism, knowledge, organization skills and the patience to help us 'customize the trip'
- Naledi ...Top class game drives and walks. Great food and accommodation.... The perfect place to start the trip
- Wait a Little Big 5 Horse Riding Safari ....We went with no expectations, only hopes and were not disappointed for a second. Believe us nothing can prepare one for 'Close Encounters of a Lion Kind!'
Only complaints are that it's over and the food was far too good for us to have lost an ounce!
We are privileged to have been able to indulge our riding and travel passion over the last 10 years, each trip is different and we don't regret any of them. The horses have always been very special and the real stars of the show. We consider that we have had 'A Fortunate Life'. This trip has brought no disappointments and has just emphasized that thought."
CG & AG (Belgium) 02/09/11
"It’s excellent. I had an amazing time and thoroughly recommend it. The accommodation, food hospitality and, of course, horses are all great"
AF
"Philip and Gerti are the perfect hosts – the atmosphere was always fun, friendly and I have never seen such happy horses! Nothing is too much trouble for them and as a result after the 7 days you spend with them you really feel like you are leaving friends! The standard of food and accommodation is excellent. Philip is an amazing guide and gets you really close to the animals"
FG
"Food, horses, guide / hosts, accommodation all of highest quality…[Philip & Gerti] have got the balance absolutely right and have created an absolutely wonderful experience for their guests"
SM
"This is an exceptional holiday – a holiday of a lifetime experience. Truly professionally run and delivered. They have a stock of very well looked after horses and tack is in excellent condition and cleaned after every ride! It is for advanced riders. You are required to be in full control at full canter weaving right and left through thorn bushes. You need a good balance and excellent seat."
AH
"I had a great holiday. In terms of safaris it was very different experience to Botswana [Okavango] and Kenya [Offbeat Mara]. Because of the fences there wasn’t the same sense of remoteness - this is just fyi and I still had a great time! Philip and Gerti’s horses were lovely – the best we’ve had. The schooling they get makes a big difference. They and their staff were excellent - I was particularly impressed with Kirstin whose empathy with the horses and environment was a pleasure to see. She and P & G were also very informed about the politics, plants and birds which adds to the whole experience"
AL
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Sarah Burrows was extremely professional. The riding was fantastic. Everything was very well organised. The horses were well schooled and fit. Sarah herself had part prepared our meals and compiled the menus. As she is a trained chef the food was excellent. Sarah also entertained us in the evenings. I can recommend her safari without reservation.
AB (Bolton) 22/9/10
Basically I loved it and would have been happy to stay longer - it is a pity that dreams don’t last, but to be there with my daughter in such glorious surroundings was a dream come true! PD (Glos.) 04/06/10
"The horses and the riding really were the highlight of the trip for me. The horses were all superb, so well behaved - towards each other and their riders, and the stallions were real gentlemen!- you could canter alongside each other no problem. All the horses were so brave even the young ones -
they didn't spook at anything! Not at tractors, barking dogs, runaway mules or trains and lorries sounding their horns at us. My horse was a 5 year old palomino mare called Ramlia (affectionately known by all as Blondie!) and she was a delight, very sweet with an amusing character! I was after a faster ride than Jordan and that's definitely what i got! We really didn't hang about - just when we thought we were slowing down and walking for a bit we would be off cantering through olive groves and hay fields again- it was such good fun!
You definitely see the real Morocco on this ride which was fascinating, although not always picturesque- outside some villages we passed through we would also pass their rubbish tip and a ride on one morning we passed a quite industrial area. Fes, Rabat and Meknes are vibrant and bustling and
great to have seen so much in such a short time even though we were all a bit tired by the last day in Meknes! I still managed to come home energised, with a few new muscles and ready to plan the next trip!"
EW (London) Royal Cities Ride 18/09/11
“The riding was fantastic, Rena brilliant too. The holiday was perfect in every way. Although I think the tents could have been better (bigger) for not much extra investment”. CA (Leeds) Middle Atlas Ride 07/07/11
"I found the first half hour the most stressful of the whole holiday as without much warning in the first 10 minutes we had to ride along a grass verge at the side of a busy 4 lane dual carriageway and then had to cross it…..if possible start the ride from the other side of that hideous road!
This is the only negative thing I have to say about the ride. The rest was fantastic, the horses were incredibly well mannered and the stallions very well behaved. You could canter a mare and stallion side by side and they didn’t bother at all. The horses were all very gentle and lovely to handle, the sweetest horses I have encountered on any trip so far. We were both riding fit and wanted something challenging and your information was pretty explicit. Some of the others in the group obviously hadn’t been given such clear information and weren’t expecting such a challenging ride. Having read your updated information about Rena’s trails I think your ride descriptions and expectations are entirely accurate.
Highlights of the trip: The changing landscape every day, the pace of the riding which was fast with lots of canters and gallops every morning and afternoon. It was great to ride fast over open countryside and not in a line on tracks and roads. The ride to camp on Xmas eve along the sandy cliff tops where we galloped for miles in the sunset is something I will never forget, as were the gallops on the beach on Xmas day".
Dr & Mrs DF (Cumbria) Agadir & Golden Sands 19/12/10
Just a short note to let you know that the trip to the Royal Cities let by Renate was the best horseback riding trip that I have ever taken.
The horses were terrific, strong, willing and controllable…some rougher than others...but I was
put on a safe , fast and controllable mare.
The staff was excellent, cooking and breaking up camp...the food delicious and unbelievable that such good dishes can come from a small space in the back of a truck! All the problems were handled professionally and everything worked out well.
My one suggestion is that everyone should be required to bring a gel seat saver...they are necessary
for some of the saddles...and for being in the saddle for over 4 hours.
SM (Brooklyn, USA) Royal Cities Ride 03/10/10
I have rarely seen better cared for horses on trips that I have done, I think this is probably because Rena has bred most of them herself and she really looks after them. I didn't worry at all as we set off for our zillionth canter that the horses were being pushed too hard because she knows them so well…….. you were right about warning me about the fitness level - it was tough going, at least two day we did rides of 5 hours without stopping (although we didn't ride in the afternoon then) and Rena did not hang about: I haven't cantered/galloped so much on any other trip, including Kenya, I think. It was great.
TB (London) Royal Cities Ride 26/09/10
Before the trip we were informed that it was a bit ‘rough and ready’ and I was fine with that but I felt others were not so prepared for a bit of fending for themselves. I had a fantastic ride mostly due to my kind, well behaved, beautiful horse. The ride was hard going in terms of day length and heavy rain / blazing sun, but I thoroughly enjoyed the sense of adventure.
RB (Herts) Middle Atlas Ride 13/08/10
An excellent endurance type ride on very fit horses. Varied terrain and some beautiful scenery – lakes, mountains and sea – what more can you ask for?
Condition of tack only fair but I believe good quality tack is impossible to buy in Morocco. But the saddles were comfortable and did not rub the horses.
CB (Kent) Golden Sands, Agadir & Atlantic Ride 28/03/10
Great ride but I would stress the fact that the riding is tough, long, long days and very challenging. We were fine with that but some people in the group were physically very very challenged.
SK (Italy) Tafilalelt Ride 08/11/09
Excellent holiday, superb country and horseriding – great pace. Will do another one! Thoroughly enjoyed myself. Just one thing to mention – you did correctly inform me that there would be two other English girls on the ride but it might have been a bit lonely for me had the two not been there. All the rest were German speaking!
RL (Belfast) Royal Cities Ride
This was my first ride and I thought it was excellent. It was hard but there is nothing like that feeling of genuine tiredness at the end of the day. My thanks to Rena, my horse Ginia and the cook and groom – all fabulous. I thought the scenery was wonderful, food super and have rarely felt so relaxed.
JC (Somerset) Royal Cities Ride 27/09/09
"We thought Rena was great, loved her horses and the way she relates to them. Amazing countryside, long rides, glad for the half day in the middle!"
JS (Wiltshire) Middle Atlas Ride 14/08/09
"Days are long and some of our group were exhausted at the end of the day. Stress need for experienced riders as natural obstacles occur like rock, river crossings quicks and, crazy mules. I had a really good time and a lovely horse …Rena was awesome and did the whole organisation herself, even shoeing!"
SC (Hants) Ride date 18/04/09
I had read that riding in Ethiopia was possibly the best in the world and can easily believe it to be true. Long canters on ground grazed to a perfectly manicured lawn, a fun gallop towards the end of the day; walking past village compounds and beside fields being ploughed by oxen as they would have been for generations…seeing views stretch for miles .. all the time feeling utterly safe and confident in the horses who were very responsive.
Elias, our guide, was ever attentive to our needs. Meret our aide de camp was a perfect hostess and excellent cook. Camping was not as basic as described. Hot water bottles at night and bowls of hot water at our tent door in the mornings.
The two day visit to the guesthouse in the woods was a delight.
The weather was perfect - if it started to get too hot there was a gentle breeze or we would turn into a wooded grove. It rained at night to settle the dust and put a bounce in the ground.
Ethiopia is a country most people would not think of visiting - however they are missing a chance to experience excellent riding and a country unspoilt by western influences. I hope more people are encouraged to ride in Ethiopia because they would love it.
PS Oxfordshire (21/04/11)
First of all my thanks for arranging yet another wonderful holiday for me.
Simply in terms of the pleasure of riding this is one of the best trip of the many I have done with you. The quality of the riding is excellent. The horses are responsive, intelligent and extremely good natured (I rode Fitsum, Tasso and Sinbad). To be able to canter (and indeed gallop flat out) for long periods over the most perfect going was heavenly - a lot of the time it's like riding on a soft English lawn. Although the scenery may not be spectacular, it is endlessly fascinating, riding across farmland and through farmsteads and small villages. The highlight is of course Suba forest and we saw lots of wild life including hyena, Menelik bush buck, baboon and wild cat, as well as orchids, butterflies and wonderful birds.
Elias, our guide, was first rate, thoughtful and kind. Excellent client skills and a lovely man.
…The food was amazing and lots of it…and to eat so well was an unexpected delight. Meheret looked after us superbly - we felt like privileged house guests. The camping was luxurious - we didn't need our sleeping bags as camp beds with quilts and blankets (and hotties at nighttime). The guest house at the park headquarters was great fun and atmospheric.
I would definitely go back to ride again, particularly if there were a special itinerary or journey.
Thank you again for another super trip. The Namib desert next!
PC (London) 05/05/11
"Unfortunately I am running out of epithets to describe the riding trips you arrange for me so please forgive any hackneyed turns of phrase.
This is the fastest and most exciting ride I have yet done - endless fast canters and gallops and excellent going across the desert expanses. I rode the same horse for the whole ride - Coco was strong, determined and full of energy, even on the last day: when I asked for more on a gallop (well
we were actually racing!) he still had reserves to give. Well-schooled and responsive, calm and collected, full of character, I really miss him. The only time he spooked was on the beach at the end of the ride when he was startled by the pop of a champagne cork - well we were all startled to be
drinking fizz on the Atlantic shore, a lovely thought which summed up the
care and consideration which had been put into the trip.
We slept out under the stars every night - I placed my camp bed so that I faced sunrise every day; waking with the dawn over the veldt was magical , going to sleep under the vault of heaven mesmerising.
Lots of wildlife: zebra, ostrich, springbok, oryx, wart hog, dussie, raptors and even a sluggish fat puff adder one morning!
The food was outstandingly good: oxtail stew, homemade breads and olive pesto, oryx fillets cooked rare, a whole roast pumpkin filled with sweet corn sauce, bacon and eggs for breakfast were just some of the highlights, all cooked on the open fire. You could almost market the ride as an experience for gourmets.
Although the distances were I suppose substantial, the trip was not tiring rather exhilarating, with the ever changing light and landscape, from the rocky escarpment down to the desert plains and canyons and finally the mountainous dunes on the coast. And of course the fast pace of the ride over generally excellent ground was perfect for a speed merchant like me!
We had plenty of opportunity to eat, relax and rest at lunch and the tacking up and grooming were a pleasure rather than onerous and an aspect of the experience - you want to look after and care for your horse on a big ride.
A very special trip and a country to which I shall return".
PC (London) Namib Desert Ride 01/08/11
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