Horseback Riding in South Africa
FROM THE OCEAN TO THE MOUNTAINS |
Two of the most appealing aspects of a horseback riding vacation are being able to gallop on an unspoiled ocean beach and interacting with wild game on horseback. There are few places in the world where either of these is possible and this is the only ride we know where you can get the best of both. The first four days of the ride are on the Wild Coast at the extreme southern tip of Africa where the open ocean extends all the way to Antarctica. Steep cliffs overlook a hundred miles of uninhabited beaches where hard packed sand makes ideal footing for horses. Whales often migrate within sight nearby and rare seabirds make their nests in the rocky cliffs. This part of the coast is ancient tribal land which has changed little for many decades. You will have a chance to visit some of the traditional villages in the interior. There are a few conveniently located, comfortable hotels where riders can stay to enjoy fresh sea food and choice South African wines. And, for those inclined toward a little bit more pampering, there will be time for massage and spa treatments en route.
After four days on the coast, you will make a short flight back to Johannesburg and from there drive to a privately owned, 17,500 acre preserve deep in the Waterberg Mountains where wild game is abundant. Here you can gallop along with giraffe and zebra. The area is home to many kinds of African antelope as well as Cape buffalo, rhino, ostrich and leopard. No camping is involved in this safari and accommodations are very comfortable during the whole trip.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be collected from the East London airport and transferred to Kei Mouth. A light lunch will be served and you will be able to change into your riding clothes at the country club. You need to be in the saddle by 3pm to make the crossing across the Great Kei River on a pontoon! Your African adventure begins with a canter down a deserted beach. This afternoon’s ride through to Trennerys is just long enough to blow the cob webs away, you can breathe in the salt air and feel the pounding hooves on wet sand – welcome to the Wild Coast. |
| Day 2: | After a lazy breakfast, set off for Wavecrest Hotel. The tide dictates your pace and path but along the way you will stop at the wreck of the Jacaranda. Rolling slay paths take you at a steady trot and canter to the mouth of the Kobonqaba river. This afternoon explore the rolling countryside and sandy coves where there is always something new to discover and intriguing paths to follow. |
| Day 3: | Your departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It’s a full day ride either up the beach and back across country through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around. Either way, you take advantage of the hard wet beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating! You will take a picinic and stop at a secluded beach for lunch. |
| Day 4: | This morning, make your way back towards Kei Mouth. Rolling hills, villages, deep river gorges, and sandy paths meander their way back along the coast and get us to Seagulls Hotel for a pub lunch and a much needed cold drink! The last ride along the beach ends at the paddocks in Kei Mouth around 4pm. |
| Day 5: | After a leisurely breakfast, the shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London airport. From Oliver Tambo International airport, Johannesburg, a 3 hour group transfer will take you to the Horizon leg of the safari. The stone and thatch safari lodge overlooks a large lake with resident hippo, and has stunning views of the surrounding plains, and Waterberg escarpment. The lodge is closely situated to the stables and yards and has a small pool for cooling off after a long morning ride. Become acquainted with the horses, take in the wonderful open spaces, and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride will provide the first taste of the incredible variety of game on the reserve. Return to the lodge for sundowner drinks overlooking the lake and a traditional African evening meal. |
| Day 6: | Ride to ‘little Serengeti’, a sweeping plain to encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. Experience that dream canter alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah. Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. That afternoon ride out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. These prehistoric animals are one of the remarkable success stories of the reserve, which holds one of the oldest breeding herds in the country. Encountering these magnificent creatures is a highlight of any safari but riding closely alongside them is a truly unforgettable experience. |
| Day 7: | Ride along the base of the mountain and follow a valley deep into the heart of the Waterberg escarpment. Look out for the colony of endangered cape vultures and some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and yellow spotted rock hyrax. The path follows crystal clear streams and passes several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. Enjoy a picnic at one of the dams, returning to the lodge in time for afternoon tea. Later relax at the lodge or join the guides on an afternoon bush walk. |
| Day 8: | Canter towards the reserve’s western boundary for unending views of the ‘seven sisters’ of the Waterberg escarpment in the background. Long and winding tracks offer the perfect opportunity for fast and exhilarating riding. A game drive in the afternoon offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with Cape buffalo and the magnificent rare sable antelope. Whilst driving back after dark, glimpse nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. That night relax around the fire, enjoy the magical African night sky, and enjoy a variable feast whilst recounting the day’s adventures. |
| Day 9: | In the morning use this last chance to find any species not yet encountered and take one last gallop along the endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch depart at approximately 1 pm. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | East London Airport |
| Length of Ride | 9 days, 8 nights |
| Riding Ability | Advanced Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-8 |
| Riding Per Day | 3-8 hours |
| Pace | walk, trot, canter, gallop |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Anglo-Arabs, Thoroughbred,Thoroughbred Crosses, Boerperds, Cross Breeds |
| Weight Limit | 209 Ibs. |
| 2012 Dates | January 15-23, 22-30; February 12-20, 18-26; March 5-13, September 10-18; October 1-9, October 27-November 4; November 12-20 |
| 2012 Price | $3,435.00
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| Single Supplement | $460 for singles not willing to share or $145 if willing to share and no sharer. |
| Transfers | $265 for road transfers |
| Additional Information | Clients are responsible for booking the internal flight from East London to Johannesburg on day 5.We recommend flight SA462 departing East London at 08:20 and arriving Johannesburg at 09:50
Insurance Required
Additional accommodations and transfers before or after the ride are at your own expense.
Ride price is set, guaranteed, and final at the time the deposit is paid. |
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