Horseback Riding in South Africa
WINELANDS SAFARI |
The Winelands Safari is set within two of South Africa's most beautiful reserves-the Waterberg Mountains and the Cape Winelands. The first four days of riding take place on one of the Waterberg’s most impressive wildlife reserves. The topography of is dramatic and varied, with a towering mountain backdrop to pristine Bushveld, hidden valleys, kilometers of river frontage, sweeping plains and endless vistas Characterized by a huge diversity of species and unusually large herds of plains game, this region provides a truly rewarding wildlife viewing experience. Species to be seen include buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra, wildebeest and a wide array of antelope. However, the most exciting, without doubt, is the highly endangered white rhinoceros.
After breakfast on day five, depart for the cape, and some of the most scenic winelands in the world. Splendid mountains form a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads. Magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and world-renowned wines add to this incredible experience. Combining this setting with the joy of riding great horses and the privilege of unfettered access to some of country’s best known vineyards makes for a magical ride and an unforgettable holiday.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Meet your group at the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 10 AM for a three road transfer to the Waterberg Mountains. Perched above a large, hippo filled lake, the reserve’s only safari lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding plains. On the first afternoon, become acquainted with your horse and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride provides a glimpse of the incredible variety of game species on the reserve. |
| Day 2: | Ride to ‘Little Serengeti’ – a mosaic of open plains and bushveld savannah. Be prepared to encounter the dense herds of zebra, eland and blesbuck for which this beautiful reserve has become renowned. Canter alongside herds of antelope and experience heart racing adrenaline. Many other species can be seen along the way. The afternoon ride sets out to track the majestic white rhino. Encountering these magnificent creatures in the wild is a highlight of any safari, but riding closely alongside them is a truly unforgettable experience. |
| Day 3: | Riding along the base of the mountain and into hidden valleys deep within the folds of the Waterberg escarpment offers an opportunity to encounter 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. A bush picnic at one of the dams allows time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Riders return in time for afternoon tea and an optional bush walk. |
| Day 4: | Fast riding on long and winding tracks will lead to the reserve’s western boundary. An afternoon game drive offers encounters with Cape buffalo and the magnificent sable antelope. The return drive provides glimpses of the reserve’s fascinating nocturnal inhabitants such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. This evening, riders enjoy the magical African night sky while relaxing around a campfire and experiencing traditional bush cuisine. |
| Day 5: | An 8.30 AM transfer departs for O R Tambo for a short two hour flight down to South Africa’s Cape Winelands (clients are responsible for booking the noon flight leaving OR Tambo and arriving in Cape Town at 2:00 pm). Begin this part of the tour at Sante Villa & Wellness Spa in the heart of wine country. A short ride in the afternoon allows riders to become familiar with their new horses and surroundings. This evening, sample traditional Cape cuisine accompanied by a selection of fine wines from the region. |
| Day 6: | The morning ride meanders through the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, arriving at one of the high vantage points mid-morning for a brief drink and snack. The views across the Paarl Valley are breathtaking, and it becomes clear that the area is steeped in a very proud history of viticulture. The ride continues along the mountainside and through the vineyards towards the Anura Wine Estate where a wine and cheese tasting is followed by an à la carte lunch. Afterwards, riders meander back through the vineyards, visiting the Neil Joubert private estate for an exclusive tasting of their award winning wines. |
| Day 7: | Begin the day with a long morning ride through lemon, pear, peach and plum orchards. Journey to the famous Backsberg Wine Estate for another wine tasting. The route home along the western face of the Simonsberg Mountain provides sweeping views towards the Franschoek Valley with the Great Drakenstein Mountains in the distance. After returning to Sante, the remainder of the day can be spent at the villa’s wellness spa or on a drive into the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschoek, or Paarl. This region is world famous not only for its wine, but also for its fine cuisine. This evening, savor both at a nearby restaurant. |
| Day 8: | A choice is provided for further horseback exploration of the area or an excursion to some of the best known destinations in the wider Cape, including Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. The riding option crosses orchards and vineyards to one of the larger holding dams nearby where the exhilaration of swimming with your horse can be experienced. Lunch is at another of the area’s wonderful wine estates, and in the afternoon the cross country course can be tackled or a lesson taken with aqualified international coach. An alternative is to relax around the pool or enjoy a treatment at the spa. |
| Day 9: | Your final ride is to the Glen Carlou Estate for wine tasting and light snacks, then back to the villa for a chance to pack and relax before transferring to the international airport in Cape Town. Those with later flights can enjoy a trip to the V&A Waterfront for some last minute shopping and sightseeing. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Length of Ride | 9 days, 8 nights and 7 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Advanced Strong Intermediate |
| Riding Per Day | 4-7 hours |
| Pace | All paces with some long canters |
| Tack | Liversage trail saddles, Western and Australian stock saddles, to English style GP saddles |
| Horses | Appaloosa, Frisian, Warm blood, Arab, Anglo Arab, Shire and Clydes-dale crosses as well as Nooitgedacht, Boerperd and Basotho Pony crosses |
| Weight Limit | 200 Ibs |
| 2012 Dates | Jan 17-25, Jan 21-29, Jan 26-Feb3, Feb 2-10, Feb 16-24, Feb 22-Mar 1, Mar 29-Apr 6, May 17-25, Jun 27-Jul 5, Sep 14-22, Oct 5-13, Oct 19-27, Oct 31-Nov 9, Nov 16-24, Nov 20-28, Nov 30-Dec 8, Dec 5-13 |
| 2012 Price | $3765.00 |
| Single Supplement | $990 or for Single willing to share $210 |
| Transfers | $170 per person round trip for road transfers. |
| Additional Information | **Itinerary begins at Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and ends at Cape Town International Airport.**
An 8:30 AM road transfer departs for Oliver Tambo for a short two hour flight to Cape Town on day 5. Clients are responsible for booking the SA 327 noon flight arriving in the Cape Town at 2:10 PM.
Insurance Required
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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