Riding Safari
22 May 2022
The Riding
The Accommodation
Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?
The accommodation was what we expected and it gave a true feel for being on a riding safari. Loved the relaxed and friendly atmosphere amongst guests and staff around the fire side and during meals. Really felt like you belonged there during our stay. Loved the tea in the morning and the water bottles at night - very welcome as it did get cold. The shower was temperamental and often ran cold and whilst I appreciate the water is different - it did smell like there is some rust forming in the tanks.
Particularly enjoyed lunch in the different locations. I could see the team went to huge efforts to set up tables, serve drinks and the lunch time food was particularly good.
The experience on the platform is something to recommend - a real adventure listening to the sounds of the animals whilst looking at the stars. Again everything was beautifully done and very toasty with the water bottles in the beds.
Before Your Holiday
Did you have all of the information you needed to:
How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?
I probably didn't taken enough notice of the clothing - but it did go exceptionally cold and then it was hard to get warm - some extra thick fleeces would have been a good idea.
All other information provided was exactly what we needed.
How could we improve the way we handled your booking and payment?
Cant think of anything. Out of your control - but BA changing the flights from Heathrow to JBurg did cause much stress - guessing you know the problems of getting hold of them.
Do you have any other feedback for us?
Enjoyed every minute - it absolutely true. Felt very happy with the schedule - always busy and lots to do. The Lead Guide clearly went the extra mile - finding lion tracks during the afternoon break - meaning we would go on the jeep rather than ride, drinking cocktails with the lions was truly memorable. The variety in the rides, slow and fast canters, through water, following giraffes and zebra's - it was all very exciting and lots of fun.
Lovely to come back to a wholesome lunch, tea and cakes or evening meal - with great company and atmosphere. Enjoyed right up to the end of the day relaxing and chatting around the camp fire.
Credit to Katie - the whole experience is very well organised and clear to see that all staff are happy in their work and on the same mission to ensure guests truly enjoy their stay.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback and we are so pleased you enjoyed your time at Macatoo.]
Tessa who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Enjoyed every minute | Was lovely to see so many horses and all so happy, living a very natural life with plenty of turn out (with careful protection) and no horses overworked. The Head Groom (Mud) was very knowledgeable about each horse and could discuss them as individuals around their characteristics and way of going. All of the Guide Leads (Chief) equally had a good knowledge of each horse - which is very helpful for the riders. It is clear to see they are very fond of the horses and care about their well being and happiness. Each of the grooms were very polite with big smiles when you came to get on and off the horses. The riding was exceptional - such beautiful country along side a Guide Lead who clearly has great tracking skills and knowledge to find and approach all the animals in the most careful and gentle way, giving the riders the very best experience of viewing whilst also feeling safe.