© The Ant Collection / Riding South Africa
The annual game census horseback safari is the ultimate wild adventure that gets you up close to South Africa’s wildlife like never before, giving you the rare opportunity to be part of and learn first-hand about wildlife conservation in the Waterberg bushveld. If this sounds like something for you, be prepared to gallop across the reserve and, once you stop, to roll up your sleeves because it is an exciting, hands-on experience.
© The Ant Collection / Riding South Africa
The Ant Collection and Riding South Africa conduct a game census safari every year in their reserve during the winter months because it is only safe to dart and move animals outside of breeding season. The census spans roughly a week, with each day (and sometimes each moment) being quite different to the next, so you will be kept on your ‘stirruped toes’ as waiting around may quickly change to an exhilarating thrilling ride to surround the targeted animal.
© The Ant Collection / Riding South Africa
Guests that joined this year’s game census safari in the Waterberg reserve had amazing wildlife conservation encounters with several antelope species – sable, roan, oryx, kudu, eland and wildebeest –and even one of the Big 5, the fearless Cape buffalo. There was one animal that couldn’t be captured though, a giraffe that had an abscess on her buttocks that needed to be treated. Unfortunately, on both tries, she managed to tuck herself into dense vegetation and darting her would have put her at risk. She will be tracked, darted and treated on another day.
© The Ant Collection / Riding South Africa
A census is a key part of wildlife conservation as it ensures the correct proportion of browsers, selective grazers and bulk grazers, which keeps the ecosystem of the Waterberg reserve balanced. If numbers are not managed properly, some parts of the environment will be over-grazed, and this can lead to long-lasting damage to the vegetation. To avoid culling in the reserve, animals are darted and assessed by a wildlife vet, before being relocated to neighbouring game reserves where they assist in maintaining this environment.
© The Ant Collection / Riding South Africa
While game censuses are traditionally carried out by helicopter, as horse-riding specialists, Ants and Riding SA prefer relying on a selection of horses from their sizeable herd. And, after many years of practice, these athletic steeds know what to do and when to do it when it is census time in the reserve. They wait calmly and patiently for the dart gun to fire, before racing off to find the targeted animal after the radio call to the riders.
© The Ant Collection / Riding South Africa
Not only is a helicopter noisy with the potential to disturb wildlife more, but a census by horseback is also considered more accurate because of the height and non-threatening presence of the horse. For those of you that are not confident on horseback, you can still get involved, arriving at the site in a game vehicle. Either way, you will need to be ready to get stuck in wherever you are because it’s generally an all-hands-on-deck activity.
© The Ant Collection / Riding South Africa
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a safari at The Ant Collection without stopping to enjoy the bushveld scenery, tucking into hearty meals after working up an appetite, and ending each day with those all-important sundowners.
If you are looking for something different that takes the safari experience to the next level, the annual game census week is a chance to really immerse yourself in wildlife conservation and environmental management. Get in touch with The Ant Collection to book your spot for this incredible horse safari experience.
