Summary
A horse safari with Bhangazi Horse Safaris in the middle of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park is one of the most unique activities to experience in South Africa.
iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we were thrilled to ride horses while experiencing a game drive.
What would it be like to be among the African wildlife instead of being confined within the bars of a traditional safari vehicle?
We were about to find out!
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The town of St. Lucia resides within the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, making it the only private town in the world completely surrounded by a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This area features a stunning beach extending 220 km along the coast, offering warm Indian Ocean waters that are nearly deserted, ensuring you can enjoy a pristine coastline.
St. Lucia: A Town Within a UNESCO World Heritage Site
St. Lucia is an incredible destination, brimming with everything you could desire from a South African vacation, including beaches, wildlife, and adventure. You could easily dedicate your entire trip to exploring and relaxing in this charming town.
The beach served as the perfect setting to get to know our horses and become accustomed to the saddle.
This was also an excellent opportunity to let loose if desired, as our horses were energetic that day.
As less experienced riders, we opted for a steady pace instead of letting them run freely down the beach. With Tori guiding us, we always felt secure.
After a leisurely stretch, we paused to observe the estuary, on the lookout for hippos and crocodiles.
iSimangaliso Wetlands Park houses Africa’s largest estuarine system, a key reason it holds World Heritage Site status!
The day prior, we had kayaked in the estuary, home to 1200 crocodiles and 800 hippos, so we weren’t too disappointed when these majestic creatures decided to stay submerged.
The pleasant breeze provided relief from the heat. Tori ensured her horses stayed hydrated and rested before we moved on to the game ride portion of our safari. These well-cared-for horses enjoyed ample downtime and had the freedom to roam when not on trail rides.
Moreover, Tori believes in an open corral system for her horses, so they are well-acquainted with the local wildlife, which keeps them calm during our outings.
Our Horse Safari Experience
As we entered the reserve, our excitement surged. To our delight, we spotted a family of warthogs nearby who didn’t flee in fright.
Typically skittish, warthogs tend to be scared off by the sound of engines, but on horseback, they seemed unfazed by our presence.
They continued their daily activities as if nothing was unusual.
The beautiful landscape unveiled impalas, waterbucks, and duikers hidden among the tall grass.
However, it wasn’t until we approached a watering hole that the true excitement began.
A herd of zebras encircled us, running in circles and creating a corral around our small group. The energy and power were palpable.
It felt as if the zebras were proudly showcasing themselves to our horses. Tori recounted the time when she first acquired the horse she was riding; it had mingled with zebras for two weeks before returning to the ranch.
Perhaps the zebras remembered the horse, as they were quite friendly and not shy at all. It looked like our horses wanted to join in on the fun!
As we continued our ride, we encountered a herd of wildebeests, who seemed at ease with our presence. Tori mentioned that they often accompany riders on their way back to the stables.
Today, however, they were content to bask in the sun.
Riding among Africa’s wildlife was a breathtaking experience. We had been on other safaris before, but nothing compared to the wonder of being on horseback.
This three-hour beach and reserve safari seamlessly blended relaxation and exhilaration.
The landscape was stunning, Tori was an entertaining host, and experiencing wildlife so closely without the barrier of a vehicle was extraordinary.
Moreover, how often do you get the chance to pick up a hippo bone left out in the open?
The Game Horse Ride
If you find yourself on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, be sure to spend several days in St. Lucia, as there are countless activities to enjoy.
As our kayaking guide noted the day before, the horse safari is among the top activities to try in the region, and we wholeheartedly agree!
We genuinely enjoyed this adventure; time flew by, yet the duration felt just right for our horseback journey.
As our day concluded at the stables adjacent to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Tori drove us back to the beach to retrieve our car. If you find yourself in KwaZulu, consider experiencing a Bhangazi Horse Safari for an unforgettable adventure. St. Lucia is conveniently located just three hours from Durban.
For more information visit their website
- 1 hour beach or game ride – R220 pp ($25 USD)
- 2 hour beach or game ride – R440pp ($50 USD)
- 2.5 hour beach and game combo – R500pp ($56 USD)
