Horseback Riding in South Africa
ZULULAND COAST SAFARI |
The Zululand Coast Safari takes place in a UNESCO World Heritage Area, declared so for its amazing mosaic of habitats; pristine beaches with crashing surf, dunes and grasslands, and an immense estuary which support a spectrum of bird species unrivaled anywhere in Africa. The game viewing is excellent year round, and includes white rhino, and the elusive black rhino, the occasional elephant, rare wild dogs, leopard and a wide variety of antelope. This is a superbly run safari serving gourmet meals and using smart, agile and level-headed boerperd horses. Choose from two different safari styles: a high-end, completely luxurious safari, and a less expensive version. Because of the variety of activities available in the area, this is an excellent choice for riders with non-riding companions.
Located on east coast of South Africa, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) was selected as the 1st UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa in 1999 due to the following criteria: biodiversity of five ecosystems, superlative natural phenomena, scenic beauty, flora and fauna, unique ecology, the largest black rhino population in the world, 220 kms of pristine coastline and beaches, 25,000 year old dune complex which are the tallest forested dunes in the world, the only major swamp forest remaining in the southern hemisphere, 3 major lake systems, and a 45,000 year old peat wetland.
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be met at Richards Bay airport -- or if arriving in own vehicle, on the main road of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park at the turn off to camp. The precise location of camps depends on a variety of reasons such as the weather, wind direction, location of wildlife etc. Arrive at camp usually by about midday so after lunch you can be introduced to the horses and head out on a ride to see some of the area and to whet your appetite for longer rides over the next few days. Return to camp for sundowners and hot showers before a sumptuous meal. |
| Day 2: | You are awakened with a tray of fresh coffee or tea and biscuits, ready to rise early for breakfast and a chance to ride out to explore the area and find the game while it is most active.
The morning ride is usually the longer ride of the day and often a faster pace than the afternoon ride; this however is always tailored to suit the group’s interests and preferences.
We return to camp for lunch and perhaps a siesta, then afternoon tea and back into the saddle for the afternoon ride which is about 2 more hours of exploring and adventure. We return for sundowners, hot showers and another delicious meal. |
| Day 3: | Days 3-6 As always, you are awakened with a tray in your tent, a light breakfast, then into the saddle and ride for the morning or a drive further into the heart of the Park to meet the horses who will have been trucked out earlier. Lunch could be a picnic in the bush or back to camp depending on the route. One day while we are having lunch the horses are trucked down to the beach at Cape Vidal where we meet them later for a ride on the spectacular pristine coastline. This is a beautiful long stretch of beach with the warm water of the Indian Ocean rolling in beside us, it gives another perspective of the Park and if lucky we may see dolphins in the surf, or whales traveling by.
A trip to the beach or into the markets in St Lucia to see the local handicrafts, snorkelling over coral reefs, dawn kayaking, night game drives, whale watching and turtle tours in season can also be arranged.
We return to camp each evening for sundowners, showers, warm fire and dinner. |
| Day 7: | Our last day of safari, after a final early morning wake up and then breakfast we go for a short ride, before returning to camp to prepare for departure.
You will be transferred to Richard’s Bay airport in time for flights departing around noon. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Richards Bay |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 5 1/2 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-6 |
| Riding Per Day | 6 hours |
| Pace | moderate, and some fast |
| Tack | McClellan type trekking, and English saddles |
| Horses | Boerperd, some Thoroughbred |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | Year round, flexible schedule. |
| 2008 Price | True Safari: $3,170
Adventure Safari: $1,670
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| Single Supplement | True Safari: $570 Adventure Safari: $270 |
| Transfers | included |
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