South Africa offers all sorts of terrain to explore on horseback. Long sandy beaches, vineyards, sweeping grasslands or mystic mountains are all offered.
You also have the option of going for rides through game parks to experience Africa's breathtaking creatures up close. There are even a few South African horse riding trails tailored for the handicapped or disabled.
KwaZulu Natal
KZN Wildlife offers horse riding opportunities in two different but equally beautiful areas. In the Drakensberg Park in Royal Natal National Park where visitors ride grassy valleys, up long slopes and ridges with wonderful views of the Amphitheatre and the northern section of the Drakensberg mountains.
The other area is in Spioenkop Nature Reserve where visitors can ride among a range of wild animals including white rhino and giraffe, with views that stretch from acacia savannah across water to the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains. The reserve is part of the landscape where the Anglo Boer war was played out.
Limpopo:
The Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo have sweeping grasslands that offer fast riding opportunities, while the mountainous areas can be explored at a slower pace. The Waterberg Area also provides excellent game viewing opportunities on horseback.
There are also a number of companies that offer you the option of spending days out in the wild while. Horizon Horseback Adventures Vaalwater offer outrides through a variety of terrains, wilderness trails, cattle work and team building.
Contact tel: + 27 (0)12 346-3550/1 or fax: + 27 (0)12 346-2499
Western Cape:
The Western Capes gorgeous white sandy beaches provide many an opportunity for fast gallops through the waters, or casual meandering through the dunes on horseback.
Ever wanted to go horse riding on the beach. This dream experience is available just down the road from Monkey Valley Resort. Enjoy breathtaking views of Chapmans Peak from Noordhoek beach. You will pass through wetlands with indigenous bird life, then over the dunes and onto the beach where you will visit the Kakapo Shipwreck.
The Robertson Bar Valley (near Robertson) offers visitors 1, 2 or 4 day horse trails which are guided with a maximum of 10 persons.
Contact Tel: + 27 (0)21 73-4396 or Fax: + 27 (0)21 73-1417.
Bare Hoof Horse Trails offer trail rides just outside Stellenbosch through the vineyards and fynbos to the top of the historical Bottelary hills.
Contact Jeanne-Miriam Kirsten at tel. 0743129591
Eastern Cape
The Amadiba Adventure Project Trail is a horse-riding trek along The Transkei's remote northern coastline. It is run and managed by the local community, so everybody gets a share of the income by providing the necessary equipment and services.
This is an awesome opportunity to explore this beautiful area while giving back to the community, and to discover true African heritage. Contact Wild Coast Community Tourism Initiative at Telephone: +27 43 7222203 or Fax: +27 43 7222219
Zuurberg Horse Trail near Addo about 50 minutes from Port Elizabeth offers 1, 3 and 5 hour trails which are suitable for all riders.
Contact tel: + 27 (0)42 233-0581 or fax: + 27 (0)42 233-1212
Free State:
Near Ficksburg Moolmanshoek rides to suit all levels of equestrian experience. Small children can join on a lead rein. Ride in the Reserve amongst the game. Their guide will customise the ride according to the group experience and ability. Ride duration normally between 1 and 2 hours. More experienced riders can venture further out to the mountains and include more cantering along the plains.
Gauteng
SA Trails offers wonderful 2 3 hour horse trails into the massive Northern Farm Nature Reserve (north of Johannesburg), as well as lessons in the Western style of riding to people of all ages and level of experience.
Contact Debbie at Phone: 082 533 4545; Fax: 0866 228 338. Physical Address is Plot 33, Nietgedacht, Johannesburg North, Fourways.
