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Triple B Ranch
Waterberg
South Africa
One of the oldest farmsteads in the Waterberg mountains of South Africa, Triple B Ranch was settled by the pioneering Baber family over 100 years ago!
The horse and cattle ranch continues to operate as a working farm, a property filled with the local wildlife and essential oil, offering 20,000 acres of horseback riding country to guests from far and wide.
The vast open skies, beautiful views and open, grassy spaces provide a perfect setting for an equestrian vacation with old and new friends, with both two and four legs! Help the smiling staff at the ranch outline your ideal stay, incorporating the many activities they have on offer to you: trail ride on safari to spot the local game hidden amongst the landscape, take your horses for a swim in one of the many dammed lakes across the property, have friendly competition with your guides and the other guests by trying a chukka of polo-cross or your agility at western gymkhana games, improve your riding instruction on the flat and over fences in the arena, go for an overnight tenting trek to Camp Davidson, or go round up some cattle and prove you have some cowboy skills! All trail rides are taken out in small groups, but requests for private rides can be accommodated as well when necessary. Feeling saddle weary? At any point, you can opt to go on an non-riding adventure; you can visit the on-site bead craft workshop for some souvenir shopping or visit the shops in the nearby town of Vaalwater, or the ranch can book you on a nearby elephant or jeep safari at the neighbouring Big 5 reserve for the morning or afternoon. A wonderfully welcoming and varied horse riding destination for riders of all equestrian experience and abilities.
Highlights
* Diverse and affordable horse riding hoilday full of adventure
* Perfect for single travelers, couples, families, of both experienced and novice riders
* Set in private game reserve alongside a beautiful lake with plains game and hippo, with no dangerous game
* Herd of over 70+ horses
* Swimming with horses
* Equestrian sports available like polocrosse, cattle mustering, Western gymkhana games and arena jumping
* Personalized itinerary each day
* Special occasions and weddings on horseback!
* Established 1993, exceptional return rate of about 51%
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Family Vacation
Safari Ride
Center-based ride
Meeting:
Vaalwater
Airport:
Johannesburg
Transfer:
Johannesburg Airport
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations in luxury chalet - all meals, drinks and all daily activities
| A | 2013 | 5 day trip, AP | 5d / 4n | $1185 |
| Single supplement - no charge, but in Standard Room | $0 |
| Extra day (Chalet) pp (dbl) | $296 |
| Collection from address in Gauteng to OTR to meet group transfer | $95 |
| Kids under 16 - Discount | ($160) |
| Camp Davidson Extension pp/night | $240 |
| Camp Davidson Extension - Single per night | $360 |
| Camp Davidson Surcharge for Easter and Christmas per day | $120 |
| B | 2013 | 5 day trip, AP (Peak) | 5d / 4n | $1440 |
| Single supplement - no charge, but in Standard Room | $0 |
| Extra day (Chalet) pp (dbl) | $360 |
| Collection from address in Gauteng to OTR to meet group transfer | $95 |
| Kids under 16 - Discount | ($320) |
| Camp Davidson Extension pp/night | $240 |
| Camp Davidson Extension - Single per night | $360 |
| Camp Davidson Surcharge for Easter and Christmas per day | $120 |
Rates Note:
Three lodge rooms - no single supplement- first come first served basis.
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Group transfer Johannesburg airport is at 10 AM and drop off at 5 PM on last day
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$240
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2013
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Private transfer per car (1-3) each way
This is a "Group Rate"
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$400
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| A |
2013
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01/11
- 02/20
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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02/21
- 04/30
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (Peak)
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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05/01
- 06/30
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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07/01
- 11/09
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (Peak)
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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11/10
- 12/10
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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12/11
- 12/31
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP (Peak)
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2
/12
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Reserve
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Open all year - daily arrivals.
Rates do not include:
Gratuities.
The focus on this South African equestrian vacation is on the horses! With a herd of over 70+ horses, they are truly able to ensure that
riders of any ability have a good selection of mounts to choose from and are well matched to their partners. You will have the chance to ride
several horses during your holiday; you will definitely find some special favorites that will have you returning for more sometime soon!
Each day, there is two riding activities scheduled, that you will choose as an individual or a group together. Typically, after a light
breakfast, you will set out on an early morning trail ride which lasts for 3 to 4 hours (or less if requested). Upon return, we have a hearty lunch and then the guests usually like to relax at the poolside with a book or cool off in the plunge pool. You are welcome to go for a walk in the surrounding
bushveld. Once the heat of the day has subsided, there is afternoon tea time for some quick treats before we set off for the afternoon riding shift. Afternoon riding is typically shorter in duration; try some horse swimming, polo-crosse, arena jumping, cattle round ups to keep your agenda always interesting! Polocrosse has proved a very popular activity for our guests. An amalgam of Polo and Lacrosse, this sport provides both beginner and experienced riders with lots of fun. After being coached in the finer arts of stick and ball, you will be thrown in the deep end to battle it out on the dusty pitch field lined with the shady Eucalyptus trees.
There is also the option to join a two night mini safari into nearby Lindani game reserve. The ride leaves early on day one, stops for a snack en route arriving at the accommodation (chalet style) in time for a late lunch and an afternoon relaxing by the pool. The next day is a morning ride in the game reserve with a picnic lunch stop in the middle of the day arriving back at the lodge in time for an afternoon game drive, guided walk or orphan rhino visit. On the third day you ride back to Triple B in time for lunch. All bedding and towels are provided and there are flush loos and hot showers (some shared). Single accommodation is not always available and may have to share a bedroom. This option is at additional cost – approx £50/ $80 per person paid locally.
The ranch is renowned not only for
its
great horses and riding, but also for its quality service and relaxed
and friendly atmosphere. Over 17 years of operation it has developed
tremendous customer loyalty with many guests returning time after time.
Riding Days
There is no set itinerary and the
riding is tailored to suit the guests, the weather and other local
conditions. The rides are kept small with rarely more than four to six
guests. Guests can also be taken out on their own if requested. Guests can enjoy numerous
rides across the large tracks of land that constitute Triple B Ranch. As
a working cattle property, the ranch also provides riders with the
opportunity to work with cattle. There is always much to do. The cattle
are stud animals and they are kept in small herds of between 30 and 100
head. Each day every animal has to be checked for illness or injury,
especially calving cows and often an individual herd requires mustering
from one part of the ranch to another. Gently rounding up the animals in
the bush gives a challenging but lovely purpose to a morning’s ride.
The ranch has its own small
private game reserve so on a day ride you may see species such as
giraffe, zebra, hippo, impala, eland, kudu and warthog.
Here are some sample rides...
-- Ride to the original farm homestead and main African village, view the quaint hand decorated houses, call in at the historic Baber family homestead for tea, and a visit the farm crèche for some delightful entertainment. Ride back to the lodge for a cooling swim in the lake with your horse before lunch. Later, during the heat of the day, relax by the pool or take a siesta. In the afternoon, ride out into the game area to encounter game on horseback and learn the signs of the wild and medicinal values of the native bushes and trees.
-- Start the day’s activities with an introduction to polocrosse, an invigorating sport that will soon have you addicted. After lunch, tag along on one of our bi-weekly shopping trips into the local town of Vaalwater for some retail therapy bush style! Then enjoy another outride in the game reserve whilst enjoying the excellent going on the complex network of sandy tracks.
-- After breakfast embark on a 2-night wilderness safari in search of an even wider variety of game. After an extended ride (approx. 4 hours), arrive at a tranquil stone and thatched bush camp in time for a well deserved lunch. That afternoon enjoy a chance to take photos on a guided bush walk or game drive. Sundowners are served at a breathtaking lookout spot.
-- Enjoy a full morning of riding in the game reserve with possible encounters with white rhino, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, impala, hartebeest or zebra. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and a siesta by the pool. After tea enjoy a short fast ride in the reserve game before returning to the lodge for sundowners and dinner around an open fire.
-- Depart for the ride back to the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon the saddle weary can visit Beadle, the local farm community-linked project and shop, where locals hand make exquisite beaded leather products, including browbands and made to fit riding chaps. Alternatively, go on a gentle outride to discover new parts of this beautiful property or to find the hippo.
-- After many hours in the saddle you may opt to take a break and enjoy an outing and game drive at a local ‘big five’ reserve with the possibility of close encounters with lion, elephant or buffalo. Return to Horizon for lunch. After another indulgent afternoon tea enjoy an outride or try your skills over the challenging cross-country fences.
-- Experience a morning of mustering and cutting some of the ranch’s magnificent Bonsmara stud cattle, a nonagressive breed adapted to local conditions. After bringing a herd in from pasture, take turns to move one cow or youngster away from the group. This activity pits you and your mount against the animal’s herding instinct and will test your riding ability to the full. Follow the action with a refreshing swim with your horse. That afternoon tea is followed by yet another new challenge in the form of western games (gymkhana for adults) where your riding skills and competitive edge can once again be pushed to the limits.
-- In the morning enjoy an exhilarating fast ride to one of the furthest points of the property, utilizing literally kilometres of clear sandy tracks. Back at the lodge enjoy a quick swim and a late lunch. Afternoon tea is followed by an outride in the game reserve for one last photo opportunity with game followed by a final sundowner on a high rock overlooking the tranquil Waterberg
landscape.
Optional overnight stays at Camp Davidson
Before or after your stay at Triple B Ranch's lodge, you can add a few nights at the safari tent camp recreation of "Camp Davidson," a relatively new addition to the Triple B property where you can explore the central highlands of the Waterberg from a different viewpoint. In the late 19th century Ted Davidson, one of the first members of the Baber family to settle in the Waterberg, was a young man trading by ox wagon to remote cattle outposts of a young ranching area. A good day of travelling may have been only five miles or so by rugged track, and so an itinerant life in the Waterberg meant a life by the campfire, and you will stay in lovely decked canvas tents nestled
amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy valleys, reliving their pioneer days!
NON-RIDING ACTIVITIES
* Bush walks, including some of the many birding hotspot in the reserve
* Fishing in one of the many dams (Bass and Barbel readily caught)
* Historical farm tour with the great character Charles Baber, includes 24 rivers church and historic family settlers house form 1908
* Cultural tour with Marty Mosima, includes traditional sotho houses, school and farm creche
* Visit to BEADLE; a community integrated craft workshop and shop
* Be amazed by the African night sky with an evening with Night Star Safaris
* Game drives in a Big Five game areas 45 mins drive away
* Elephant backed safaris
* Visit to Waterberg Welfare Society, a local charity that is address the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS
* Join the 24 RIvers Church congregation on Sunday morning for a non-denominational service
* Visit local art galleries
* Private pilates sessions
Beadle Craft Workshop & Shop on Triple B Ranch
Established in 1998, Beadle employs young people from the farm community. Skills’ training in leather and bead work is given in house to an extremely high standard. Items available in the shop include a selection of leather belts and sandals, bags, braided riding chaps, half chaps, beaded dog collars, browbands, keyrings, photo frames and mirrors, a selection of fabric tableware, cushions and jewelry. We can take you over any time or please ask for directions as it is a short 10 min walk away.
Lehalbile cultural tour
Visit the village on the host farm Triple B Ranch. Three charismatic ladies, Marty Mosima, Myrium Moabi and Anna Majadibodu will guide you through the village show you the school and creche and take you to their houses. You can even try a traditional Sotho lunch on arrangement.
Entabeni Game Reserve
This private game reserve offers Big 5 Game Drives in an open Landrover. Excellent chance of seeing lion, rhino buffalo and hopefully elephant and leopard Cost R350 per person. Should you like to do two game drives and stay for lunch at Entabeni the charge will be R750 for the day.
Entabeni Helicopter Ride. Entabeni also offers helicopter flights over some of the most stunning areas of the reserve, flights are priced from R500 (prices subject to change) per person upwards for a 6 minute flight depending on the number of people.
Dinaka private game reserve
Visit for game drives. Ideal for anyone wanting guaranteed good game viewing with an amazing diversity of species and large numbers of animals.
The cost is ~ R250 per person with a minimum charge of R600 for the vehicle.
Guided Bush Walk
For a change of pace and a chance for more in depth information on the flora and fauna in the area, our guides would be happy to escort you on a walk through our game reserve. This is also a chance to view some of the stunning birds this area have to offer.
Pilates
Personal pilates instruction with a BASI-certified instructor available upon request. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Absolute begginers welcome.
Elephant back Safari
This fascinating experience is a Safari on the back of an African Elephant through a big 5 game reserve. Viewing rhino from the back of an elephant is an experience you will not forget. Each person rides with their own guide who explains the Elephants, their training and the bush. Includes a short game drive and a light finger breakfast. Cost ~ R 1050.00 p.p.
Sunday service at St John's 24 Rivers
Those interested are very welcome to join us at the local Church Service (non-denominational) held every Sunday at 9.30am. Dress is very informal, dirty jods and chaps are more than adequate…. Should you want to go to the service we can arrange for an early short ride before. Please let Laura or any of the office staff know if you would like to ride earlier.
Farm tour
You are welcome to join Charles Baber, The Triple B pioneer rancher for 70 years, who will take you on an informative and insightful tour of the Ranch. You will learn about Bonsmara Cattle, the crop history of the farm, and the Baber family legacy. The cost for 4 people is R 100.00 per person, for 3 people it is R 130.00 p.p, for 2 people it is R 160.00 p.p, and for 1 person alone it is R 320.00 p.p.
Waterberg Welfare Society and Vaalwater visit.
Visit the Waterberg Welfare Society in the local town of Vaalwater. This local charity addresess the needs of people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. programmes include, a Wellness clinic, hospice, support groups, youth centre, life skilsls and any more.
You are also welcome to join one of the weekly shopping trips. Vaalwater has all the basic shop - grocery store, chemist, bottle shop and curio shops. Those interested may also enjoy a drive around the local township, or perhaps a visit to one of the other local organizations Horizon likes to be involved with such as the township crèches.
escarpment telekeshi
Telekishi Ramasobane Cultural Village
'Telekishi' is a community tourism project situated on communal land adjacent to Masebe Nature Reserve. Nestled at the base of the north-eastern Waterberg escarpment, the site has access to this pristine and inaccessible landscape with breathtaking views & impressive geo-morphological forms. Features include 1.5 & 3 hr hikes up the escarpment to view rock art, 18th and 19th century settlement sites, Middle and Stone Age tools and an initiation site; R 250 pp includes transport and guided hike.
Night Sky Safaris
Be amazed by the African night sky with an evening with Night Star Safaris, hosted by British physicist Dr. Philip Calcott.
Local Art galleries
We are fortunate to have two resident artists on our doorstep. Liz Hunters ancestors moved here 125 years ago and she resides in one of the old houses nearby. Her work is inspired by the Waterbeg environment and includes cultural scenes.
Clayton Otley, is an Australian painter who lives here for a few months of the year and paints stunning wildlife scenes and portraits in oil.
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Meeting:
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Vaalwater
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Airport:
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Johannesburg
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Transfer:
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Johannesburg Airport
Pick up from the Johannesburg airport is at 10 AM. Arrival back in Johannesburg at the end of the trip is between 4 and 5 PM.
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Level:
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 Moderate
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You must be a confident and competent rider at all paces.
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Participants:
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Min
2
participants
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Max
12
participants
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This holiday is suitable for novice to experienced riders. There is a wide selection of horses to suit all abilities. The pace of rides is varied to suit the rider with plenty of challenging riding for the experienced rider.
There are some 60 horses - Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds and Boerperds, a hardy South African breed. All are well cared for and schooled under the leadership of Shane Dowinton who has been using round pen and natural horsemanship techniques for many years.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. Th. more
Well off the beaten path, the vast Waterberg region consists of mountains and high plateaus; there is a good diversity of game here and the area is malaria-free! The Waterberg's landscape is wild and authentically South African. Wide savannahs with acacias, aloes and succulents are surrounded by rugged mountain ranges. Only a few tarred roads lead through the rural areas. The climate in the Waterberg is subtropical. The rainy season is from November to March, and it is then that most of the many rivers in the Waterberg will rise substantially and so will the heat of the sun; therefore the verdant vegetation will once again return to the landscape, becoming green and lush for the wildlife. The winters, are pleasantly cooler, but incredibly dry. The now barren land becomes a variety of golds, reds, browns, grays and black. It is beautiful in it's own eerie way, and there is less vegetation available for the animals to hide from your safari view which is a bonus! And no bugs!
The hottest season is summer, from November to March. The rainy season extends from late November to February, with short showers in the late afternoon, and an occasional evening thunderstorm. The winter months of June, July and August are warm and dry, but evenings are chilly so it is advisable to bring warm clothing.
We suggest bringing the following:
* Your own well-fitting hard hat - the wearing of hard hats is MANDATORY.
* Short boots and chaps. Long rubber boots are not advised. Handmade full-length chaps
* Lightweight rain coat.
* Sun protection cream factor 20 or higher.
* Camera and battery charger.
* Swimming costume.
* Light weight long sleeved shirts.
* A good book.
The Waterberg is a malaria-free area, but please check with your doctor or travel bureau for the latest advice.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
The adventure lodge is set in front of a picturesque lake within a game reserve of 2,500 acres (hippo, giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, eland), which is itself positioned within the broader Triple 'B' ranch of 12,500 acres.
The
accommodation comprises a lovely old colonial farmhouse with three en
suite rooms as well as three thatched en suite rondavels within the
grounds. The lodge is situated at about 1500m above sea level giving it
wonderful year round temperatures. It lies within the Waterberg which
is considered a non malarial area.
The 15m x 5m swimming pool overlooks the lake where hippo are frequently seen.
All rooms are en suite with either shower or bath or both facilities. Three double rooms are separate from the main lodge; two suites overlook the lake and have a small veranda area, the rondavel is a traditional African dwelling adjacent to the lodge with its own charm.
There is a large living area, dining room and large stoep (or verandah) for guests to enjoy. Three sumptuous meals are served a day with afternoon tea before an afternoon ride. All drinks are complimentary. Special dietary requirements can also be catered for on request.
Optional overnight stays at Camp Davidson
Stay in decked canvas tents nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy valleys. Each tent is appointed as it would have been in Ted’s day with classic items that would have been essential to the traveler accustomed to regular nights in the bush. The A-frame tents have beds, sheets and duvets. Each tent also has an ensuite bathroom area with bucket showers. There are jug and basin hand wash facilities and flushing toilets.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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McClellan saddles and English saddles
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Horses:
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SA Boerperd, Thoroughbreds, Arabs, and Crossbreeds
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Pace:
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You must be a confident and competent rider at all paces.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2
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Max
12
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This holiday is suitable for novice to experienced riders. There is a wide selection of horses to suit all abilities. The pace of rides is varied to suit the rider with plenty of challenging riding for the experienced rider.
There are some 60 horses - Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbreds and Boerperds, a hardy South African breed. All are well cared for and schooled under the leadership of Shane Dowinton who has been using round pen and natural horsemanship techniques for many years.
Passports
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. This cannot include the 'endorsement' page at the back. Passengers who also require a visa must have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for their entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter South Africa without the required pages will be returned to their country of origin.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days for business and tourist purposes, except:
1. nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic who may stay for up to 30 days, and nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia who do require a visa, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (advance notice of overnight stay is required).
Visa Note
(a) Proof of financial means may be required. (b) Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years must hold written consent from their parents when travelling alone. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (d) After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visa fee: £35. UK nationals are exempt from visa fees.
Validity
Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.
Working Days Required
Five to 10 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
Some |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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Triple B Ranch
Tour Code:
IT-SASR05
5 days /
4 nights
~$1,185.00
Dates: Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Johannesburg
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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