South Africa, Free State Province – Private Game Lodge
Our family run private nature reserve lodge is located in the easternmost part of the Free State province, right at the foot of the Witteburg mountains that lead up to Lesotho. The terrain is characterized by impressive mountains and sandstone formations, and vast open landscapes perfect for galloping.
This nature reserve, teeming with diverse wildlife, invites you to explore its plains adorned with herds of eland, waterbuck, springbok, wildebeest, zebra and more. The estate is a paradise for horse lovers, boasting two award-winning studs for South African Boerperd and Arabian Endurance horses, in around 200 hundred horses. The young horses, raised in the wild mountains, exude sure-footed grace, offering thrilling rides through wooded ravines, technical mountain ascents, and exhilarating canters amidst the wildlife.
Explore scenic trails and enjoy long, free canters across the grassy plains. During a seven-night stay —an excursion to discover bushman paintings with a scenic picnic and a climb to the summit of Pyramied Mountain will be included.
In addition to fantastic, exciting, and fun riding, you’ll enjoy exclusive accommodation at this elegant private sandstone lodge. It offers a very personal atmosphere with only 15 rooms. Enjoy evenings by the open fire in the library with a drink in hand, or be captivated by the breathtaking view from the veranda overlooking the vast landscape.
Meals are a highlight, featuring generous breakfasts, tasteful lunches, a picnic during the long ride, and gourmet dinners—all homemade, fresh, and rooted in local cuisine.
If you’re looking for an adventure filled with fun riding among wild animals, combined with mountain climbing and stunning views, and you appreciate beautiful accommodations and luxurious meals—then this is the trip for you!
Once a year, they arrange the Wild Coast Extreme. They take a large horse transport and drives down the bravest and exceptionally well-trained horses to South Africa’s wild west coast for an exciting and challenging endurance ride. You can choose to join the first stage, the northern section, or the next stage, which is the southern section. Or why not take part in the entire adventure!
Stretching from the Mtamvuna River in the north to the Qoloramouth River in the south, the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is a breathtaking and rugged region known for its unspoiled beaches, dramatic cliffs, traditional Xhosa villages, and spotting whales and dophins in the endless oceans. Named for its rough seas, rocky shores, and violent storms, the Wild Coast has a history of shipwrecks dating back to 1552, with survivors' tales of epic journeys and integration with Xhosa ancestry shaping Mpondoland’s history. The region is also a biodiversity hotspot, home to endemic species like the Pondo Palm, found only along two rivers. The landscape boasts waterfalls cascading into the ocean, deep gorges, and grassy plains where the Mpondo people live sustainably. Visiting Mpondoland offers you a chance to explore its natural beauty and engage with its vibrant culture and people.
Accommodation & Food
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Witteberg Mountains, the Sandstone Lodge is the beating heart of the Nature Reserve — a place where timeless elegance meets untamed wilderness. The Sandstone Lodge offers you comfort, charm, and unforgettable views.
The lodge features 16 individually decorated en-suite rooms, thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural beauty and heritage of the region. Original sandstone walls, wooden finishes, and subtle antique touches create a warm, homely atmosphere. Each room offers mountain or garden views and opens onto the reserve’s peace and stillness.
Lodge offers a range of shared spaces to unwind:
- Fresh mountain water pool with mountain views
- Sunroom and honesty bar stocked with drinks and snacks
- Lounge with fireplace, perfect for cool evenings
- Small library and reading nook
- Covered stoep (veranda) with seating to watch the sunrise or stargaze
- Free Wi-Fi around the lodge.
SANDSTONE CLASSIC STANDARD ROOMS: TWIN & QUEEN
There are 6 Sandstone Classic rooms at the lodge, either on the veranda or in the courtyard. Three of these rooms are twin rooms, and the remaining 3 have Queen Beds. They have fireplaces or Queen Ann stoves for winter days. They are all en-suite, although courtyard rooms have both a bath and shower. All beds have electric blankets.
EXECUTIVE SANDSTONE LUXURY: QUEEN + FAMILY
There are 5 Sandstone Luxury rooms at the lodge, of which one is a Luxury Family Suite. These rooms are larger, have sweeping mountain views and cozy fireplaces for the winter. Room 4 has a wonderful balcony and mountain view, Room 8 is the honeymoon suite, and Room 15 is the family suite with a Queen bed and two Twin beds for kids under 12 in the loft. These rooms are all en-suite with both a shower and bath. They have fireplaces for winter days with exception of room 4. All beds have electric blankets.
MOUNTAIN VIEW COZY ROOMS
There are 3 small Mountain View rooms, all on the verandah with breath taking views. These are smaller than the other rooms and only offer a shower. All beds have electric blankets.
Fresh linen, towels, and daily housekeeping is included.
Food
Your stay includes a hearty farm-style breakfast, served in the intimate lodge dining room overlooking the garden. Enjoy seasonal produce, homemade breads, preserves, and eggs fresh from the free-range chickens.
Lunch is either a light lunch on the veranda or a picnic lunch on the full day rides.
Dinner is offering traditional South African cuisine, including lamb from the reserve, locally grown vegetables, and delicious desserts.
The bar and lounge area is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine after a day of adventure
MOUNTAIN VIEW COZY
MOUNTAIN VIEW COZY
CLASSIC STANDARD
CLASSIC STANDARD
SANDSTONE LUXURY
SANDSTONE LUXURY
Program - Free State Safari Ride Stationary
** Please be aware this is a sample itinerary only. The following is a description of possible rides you might do. The order of the riding routes may change depending on the number of guests, your preferences, weather and wildlife. Any changes that are made, will always be with your best interests at heart.
Day 1: Arrival in the afternoon for a light lunch on the veranda at the main lodge. Settling into rooms of your choice (cozy, classic, or luxury rooms charged according to your preference) before enjoying a late afternoon introduction to the stable yard and some of our horses and a horse ride, along with an orientation of the lodge and immediate settings. Three course dinner in the Bamboebos Restaurant.
Day 2: Breakfast on the veranda followed by a morning 4 hour yellow loop trail. A breathtaking ride through the donga forest with some exciting canters up steep trails, following a scenic route up the mountains with beautiful views into Lesotho. As we ride below the peak of Sekonjela’s Hat, the second highest peak in the Witteberg Mountain Range, we discover unbelievable views over the estate and towards the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho. All the young horses are raised in these mountains and can often be seen on the ride. Working your way back to the shower pools where, in the summer months, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pools. Mounting up, the ride back down the valley takes you down steep slopes of sandstone with breathtaking views of the Valley, where you will be amazed at the dexterity of the incredible Boerperd horse, as they negotiate the slopes with ease.
Light lunch on the veranda before another afternoon ride.
Three course Dinner in the Bamboebos Restaurant.
Day 3: Early breakfast before setting off on Picnic lunch ride to discover the Bushmen Paintings. This ride takes you on the middle section of the Endurance blue loop, skirting the ridges behind the lodge. You will explore the overhangs where there are bushman paintings estimated to be over 400 years old. After exploring the first bushmen painting site, you ride over the mountains giving you spectacular views into Lesotho, before descending into the valley where you explore more bushmen paintings with a sacred entrance tunnel into the mountains.
Large herds of red hartebeest, black wildebeest, impala, giraffe and sable antelope can be discovered on the ride. A short ride down into the valley to enjoy a picnic lunch under the willow trees or at the Bass dam where you can relax in the shade as the horses graze nearby. This trail is a slower pace, with some long canters before we climb up the mountain.
After a leisurely picnic lunch, you ride back to the lodge.
Three course dinner at the "Bamboesbos" restaurant
Day 4: Breakfast on the veranda before Holkrans ride departure. Mounting up, the ride takes you along long canter tracks, up to the game fence that leads to the mountain trails that lie in the shadow of Sekonjela’s Hoed. Once in the mountains, you follow narrow trails, passing the rare mountain bamboo that was discovered on the reserve, resulting in the lodge becoming registered as a Natural Heritage Site. You ride on to discover Holkrans, a large cave chamber where a unique water break has resulted in the rocky overhang, looking out over the Sandstone Ledges.
The ride back down finds you riding past the Sugarbush Protea trees. Incredible views looking out over the valley as the sure-footed horses carefully pick their way down the mountain slopes amongst sagewood, red hairy heath, ouhout and a variety of fynbos species. A ride to remember!
Light lunch on the veranda before another afternoon ride.
Three course Dinner in the Bamboebos Restaurant.
Day 5: This morning’s ride takes you along the ridge at the foot of the Pyramids to discover the Adventure Centre at Langesnek, where the adventure center offers abseiling or high ropes for school groups. The ride meanders through the valley behind Langesnek and on to the long open plains of the neighbouring farm, to discover vast herds of wildlife and the numerous “White Blesbok”. Riding through the wetlands to discover magnificent bird life before exploring the tracks alongside a small dam, where countless waterfowls can be observed. Lovely long windy canters back towards the lodge. Lunch back at the lodge before enjoying a eco game drive in the afternoon for a change of pace.
After the sundowner and eco game drive three course Dinner in the Bamboebos Restaurant.
Day 6: Jacobsberg Trail includes amazing game encounters as you canter through the open plain areas before climbing up the steep ridge leading up to Jacobsberg. Incredible views over the reserve before continuing to follow the valley’s edge in the shadow of Virsierskerf to discover the seven pools trail. On a hot summer’s day, the option of a swim in the pools to enjoy the crystal-clear mountain streams is an option before mounting up again to ride back through the plains.
Light lunch on the veranda before another afternoon ride.
Three course dinner in the Bamboebos Restaurant.
Day 7: Pyramid Mountain Trail After enjoying another scrumptious breakfast on the veranda, you head out on an exciting ride up the Pyramid Mountain Trail. Climbing the Pyramid Mountain from the rear coming out between the two pyramids, riders head down over the side of the second pyramid onto the plains, nice canters to the rocky outcrop overlooking the savannah. Game can be discovered amongst the high peaks, grazing contentedly on the steep mountain slopes above you as you ride. Amazing views and lovely rolling canters on the return ride. Enjoy the view of large herds of plains game on the open savanna en route back to the lodge.
Afternoon ride includes sundowners overlooking the plains
Three course dinner in "Bamboesbos" restaurant and in the winters a lovely cosy fire.
Day 8: Its never easy to say goodbye. After a week of camaraderie and adventures, its time for a final morning ride through the plains to bid adieu to this piece of paradise. Enjoy a brunch on the veranda before final goodbyes and departure.
Wild Coast Extreme North Trip
Where rolling grasslands meet the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, the northern Wild Coast remains one of South Africa’s most unspoiled treasures. This is a land of dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and meandering rivers — a place where time slows down and nature takes centre stage. Steeped in Xhosa culture and rich in history, the northern Wild Coast invites travellers to explore its rugged beauty on horseback, or simply in stillness. From the warmth of local hospitality to the thrill of discovering remote waterfalls and coastal trails, this region promises an authentic, soulful adventure — wild, free, and unforgettable.
21–28 May 2026
25 May - 1 June 2027
7 nights & 5 riding days
Travel:
• 21 May 2026, 25 May 2027 arrive at Durban International NO LATER than 12 noon.
• 28 May 2026, 1 June 2027 Departure from uMthata Airport no earlier than 14:00
The first trip the guests will need to find their way to Durban international airport where
we will arrange a transfer to collect them and bring them to Port Edward Estuary Hotel.
The transfer costs will depend on the amount of people that will join the transfer and
will be paid after the trip and is excluded from the price. The guests leaving the 1st trip
will leave from Port St John's Silaka nature reserve and be dropped off at Umtata Airport.
2025 shuttle rates as an indication
Shuttle Durban = R4,950 (split among the number of guests using the shuttle)
Shuttle Umtata and East London pickup/drop-off = R15,900.00)
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1 Overnight at The Estuary Hotel in Port Edward
Meet your team-mates and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! Over dinner in the evening, any last-minute questions will be answered, and the routes discussed.
Day 2 Overnight at Mtentu Campsite
Your first day’s ride from The Estuary to Mtentu will start with approximately 24km
of pristine beaches, allowing plenty of time for you to get accustomed to your horse.
Explore the Reserve with antelope sightings inland and whale and dolphin sightings out to sea. The Mkhabati Falls are a spectacular sight to behold, hidden in a big gorge.
The Mkhambati Nature reserve is 7,720 hectares of pure Wild Coast Wilderness
Day 3 Overnight at Msikaba Pondo Beach
After an early breakfast, today’s ride sets out for Msikaba Pondo Beach camp, a ride
of about 25 kilometers. You will face your first major river crossing, the uMtentu
River, before entering the Mkhambati Nature Reserve, where you will have the
opportunity for some game sighting. The terrain hugs the shoreline through the
Mkambathi Nature Reserve, known for expansive grasslands, indigenous forests and
dramatic river gorges. Highlights of today’s ride include opportunities to see wildlife
like eland and Zebra, waterfalls plunging into the ocean, and Cape Griffon vulture
colonies. Hidden inside indigenous coastal dune forest, we arrive at Msikaba, where we are a stone’s throw from the beach.
Day 4 and 5 Overnight at Mboyti Lodge
Riding from Msikaba River mouth to Mboyti Lodge. Today’s ride will be
approximately 35km. This ride will take us inland into more remote upland country. We will cross the famous Waterfall Bluff and stop to take in one of the few sites in the world where fresh water falls directly into the ocean. With breathtaking ocean views, we ride down onto the coast to discover the Grosenor shipwreck and the incredible Luphatana Rocks, where the open ocean crashes against the continental shelf, creating great plumes of sea spray as we ride. Riding into a hidden valley, we will stop for a picnic lunch at a beautiful waterfall where we can wash off the morning’s sea spray in the crystal-clear water. From here, we will mount up and ride towards the incredible Cathedral Rock, a natural feature just off the shoreline. Our day will end in the beautifully appointed Mbotyi Lodge, which overlooks the mouth of the Mbotyi River. As a second night will be spent at Mbotyi Lodge to rest the horses and with a game drive vehicle to take in the wonderful sights on this incredible reserve, to explore the indigenous
forests, tea plantation and pristine Angels, Fraser and Magwa waterfalls in the area.
Day 6 Overnight at Ntafufu
Mounting up and leaving Mboyti Lodge in the morning, endless stretches of beach entice you to enjoy thrilling canters and having a splash in the waves! Mbotyi to
Ntafufu is approx. 23 km. Incredible climbs, breath taking views, river swims and
endless beach canters are the order of the day! . We will be crossing the
otherwise known uMzintlava River today, an adventure as your horse swims
powerfully through the waters. After a full day in the saddle, arriving at the beautifully appointed Ntafufu tented camp, situated on a remote section of the Transkei Wild Coast, alongside a crystal-clear estuary boasting mangrove swamps, and breath-taking beaches. Here you will enjoy a hearty meal and linger over the evening fire, discussing the day’s adventure!
Day 7 Overnight at Silaka
Today we will face dramatic coastline, climbing hills with precipitous drops into the Indian Ocean that provide ample opportunities for whale watching. Ntafufu to Silaka is approximately 24km. A major escarpment inland makes this part of the Wild Coast one of the most inaccessible and remote From dramatic climbs to spectacular descents to Poenskop Beach, where we will explore Poenskop Cave. Towards the end of the ride, we will cross the mighty otherwise known Mzimvubu River, before passing through the town of St John’s. Our overnight stay will be at Silaka Nature reserve. On the last night of the
North section of the trail, a great evening of camaraderie is sure to be enjoyed by all, as we reminisce about the great adventure, we have all just shared!
Day 8 Departure Silaka
All good things must come to an end! However, you will be leaving with incredible
memories, new friendships forged and a longing to return, for another ride on the
Wild Side!!! Departure after breakfast for the first Wild Coast group departing today, while we await the arrival of our new guests joining the second group. Or you stay on and do the South as well.
Wild Coast Extreme South Trip
Discover the Southern Wild Coast. The southern Wild Coast offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and coastal charm — where golden beaches stretch for miles, rivers wind through lush valleys, and seaside villages welcome you with genuine warmth. Easier to access yet still beautifully unspoiled, this region combines the serenity of nature with the comfort of well-loved destinations. Explore hiking trails that trace the ocean’s edge, paddle across river mouths, or simply relax beneath a sky painted with endless stars.
28 May – 5 June 2026
1 June - 9 June 2027
8 nights & 7 riding days
Travel:
• 28 May 2026, 1 June 2027arrive at uMthata Airport NO LATER than 13:45.
• 5 June 2026, 9 June departure from East London Airport NO EARLIER than 15:00
Guests joining the 2nd trip will be collected at Umtata airport to be brought to Port St
John's Silaka nature reserve. The 2nd trip will end at Seagulls Kei Mouth where the
guests will be transferred to East London airport.
The transfer costs will depend on the amount of people that will join the transfer and
will be paid after the trip and is excluded from the price.
2025 shuttle rates as an indication
Shuttle Durban = R4,950 (split among the number of guests using the shuttle)
Shuttle Umtata and East London pickup/drop-off = R15,900.00)
Preliminary day-by-day Program
Day 1 Arrival – Overnight at Silaka
Meeting up at Silaka Nature reserve on the afternoon, it’s time to meet your fellow riders and trusty steeds that will be carrying you on your epic Wild Coast Adventure! An evening around the dinner table to discuss last-minute plans and ask any questions you might still have.
Day 2 Overnight at Fourie´s Mpanda Beach cottagesrnight at Fourie’s Mpanda Beach Waking to an early breakfast, our ride today takes us from Silaka Nature Reserve
to Fouries Mpanda Beach cottages. The ride from Silaka to Fouries Mpanda Beach
Cottages – Approximately 36 km. Riding through the stunning Silaka Nature
Reserve, you will follow hiking trails down to the beach for your first river crossing
through the Mngazi River, which will either be a wade or a full swim, depending on
the condition of the river. Crossing onto the beach, you will enjoy endless canters along pristine stretches of beach and explore the Dunes before a second river crossing through the Mngazana River. After another short section of beach riding you will head into the lush forests inland before arriving at Fourie’s Mpanda Beach Cottages, where you will spend the night. Tonight’s dinner will be at the famous “The Kraal” backpackers, where gourmet pizzas will be enjoyed around a welcoming fire, and a glass or two of wine, riders will get to discuss the highs of the days ride and plans for tomorrow’s great ride!
Day 3 – Overnight at Hluleka Nature Reserve
Hluleka is known for its seaside solitude, lush coastal forests, wildlife and birding opportunities. Ride from Fourie’s Mpanda Beach Cottages to Hluleka Game Reserve, approximately 20km. Situated above an indigenous forest with panoramic views, minutes from a secluded cove and an unspoilt sandy beach, with opportunities to see Cape Parrots, Narnia Trogon and Knysna Loerie. The wildlife on the reserve includes
Bushbuck, Burchell’s zebra and blue duiker. The ride includes spectacular coastal views with sightings of dolphins and possibly Southern Right Whales, that migrate along this coastline at this time of the year. Beautifully appointed cabins overlooking the reserve and surrounding forest are a welcome site at the end of the day’s ride. Overnight at Fourie’s Mpanda Beach Cottages
Day 4 – Overnight at Ocean View Coffee Bay
Ride from Hluleka Nature Reserve to Ocean View in Coffee Bay approx. 28km. We’ll start our trail alternating between big hills, deep wooded valleys and estuarine beaches. Past Mdumbi backpackers. Breathtaking views always! We will be faced with both the uMtata and uMtakatye river and depending on tidal conditions, we may have to swim through these. Certainly, an exciting day. Riding down into the village of Coffee Bay, our
accommodation is situated right on the beach, where we will dine to the sounds of the ocean.
Day 5 - Overnight at Bulungula Backpackers
Ride from Coffee Bay to Bulungula Lodge approx. 30 kilometers. Today we start off with a slightly more technical section involving a mix of grassy headlands, secluded bays and steep hills, but are soon rewarded when we arrive at the magnificent Hole-in-the-Wall. We may be presented with a swim as we leave this landmark, where after we head to higher ground. Following single track, riding along dramatic coastal cliffs which provide stunning views, we ride down to Baby Hole in The Wall. After the Bulangula River crossing, we arrive at this night’s accommodation, the community-owned Bulungula Lodge, voted one of the top 25 Ultimate Ethical Travel Experiences!
Day 6 - Overnight at The Haven hotel
Ride from Bulungula Lodge to The Haven Hotel approx.25km. Today’s ride opens to gentle rolling hills and beautiful beaches until we get to the Xhora river, where there is likely to be another swim. From here we head down to Breezy Point After long beach canters, we will pass through the unique Dweza Nature Reserve and coastal forest before arriving at The Haven for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7 – Overnight at Kob Inn
Ride from The Haven to Kob Inn Beach Resort Approx 36km. Following a start through beautiful coastal forest, we’ll be crossing the mighty Mbashe river, the second biggest river on the coast and our first swim for the day. The riding is generally easier going, with a mixture of pristine beaches and remote coastal grassland hills. We are likely to have
another swim at the Nqabara River before we arrive at the famous Kob Inn where we’ll overnight. Ride from Kob Inn to Seagulls Beach Hotel Approx 35km. On this ride, we will conquer another early river crossing of the Qora River, to explore diverse ecosystems after making our way through dense jungle. The peace de resistance will be an exhilarating beach gallop combined with grassland hills and lush coastal forest. Following the river crossing at the mouth of the Inxaxo River, we meander through a combination of hills and beaches to end our ride at Seagulls. Our last night is spent at the lovely Seagulls hotel.
Day 8 – Overnight at Seagulls hotel Kei Mouth
On this ride, we will conquer another early river crossing of the Qora River, to explore diverse ecosystems after making our way through dense jungle. The peace de resistance will be an exhilarating beach gallop combined with grassland hills and lush coastal forest. Following the river crossing at the mouth of the Inxaxo River, we meander through a combination of hills and beaches to end our ride at Seagulls. Our last night is spent at the lovely Seagulls hotel.
Day 9 Departure
We will enjoy breakfast together, share last stories. All good things must come to an end! However, you will be leaving with incredible memories, new friendships forged and a longing to return, for another ride on the Wild Side!!!
Horses & Riding
Immerse yourself in equine paradise with over 200 horses on the farmstead. This is a horse lovers’ paradise with two award-winning studs for South African Boerperd and Arabian Endurance horses. The young horses are raised wild on the mountainsides, resulting in characteristic sure-footedness.
The trail horses are mostly native Boerperd and there are more than 60 horses for guests to choose from, so you will certainly find a horse that matches your wishes. On scenic trails you can enjoy long canters on the plains amongst the wildlife; or follow tracks climbing into the mountains and explore wooded ravines. Ride through the herds of young horses and perhaps take an exhilarating turn around the endurance training track.
The well-being of the horses is paramount, carefully curated for quality and meticulous care to enhance their performance in safaris and endurance races. Their dedicated approach to horse care includes the following practices:
- The horses enjoy a year-round existence in a herd, fostering a natural lifestyle alongside other reserve animals like zebra, eland, and oryx. Daily checks by horseback stockmen ensure their welfare
- As an Arabian and Boerperd Stud farm, breeding stock and youngsters reside in the mountains, developing climbing skills that translate into hardy, sure-footed rides after backing. Daily monitoring by horseback stockmen ensures their well-being
- Some of the horses are brought in twice a day for feeding, checking, and grooming by the devoted team.
- Extra care, including rugs and additional food, is provided during winter and for older horses requiring special attention or for those training for endurance races.
- Regular physiotherapy and dental visits occur at least once a year for all the ridden horses. The farrier visits every six weeks to shoe horses, with an emphasis on keeping as many horses barefoot as possible
- Specially designed trail saddles prioritize horse comfort, evenly distributing the rider’s weight and preventing back issues. Regular checks and cleaning maintain tack to the highest standards
- A meticulous record tracks each horse’s workload to ensure they receive adequate rest. Endurance horses follow a structured program to maintain race fitness, guided by the onsite horse trainer who keeps them in optimal condition. The commitment to these practices underscores the dedication to the health and happiness of their equine partners
The going is fabulous on the grassy plains, and there are plenty of long canters to enjoy. The horses settle into a wonderful rhythm and are happy to keep going for as long as their riders ask. The mountain paths afford incredible views of the reserve below. In places the mountain riding can be technical - there are short stretches of sheer rock to cross and steep ascents and descents to negotiate. But these horses are so sure-footed that you can trust them entirely to keep you safe.
The horses are mostly ridden in simple snaffle bridles, although some go in curbs. You ride in comfortable South African trail saddles, which are specially designed for long hours of riding. Breastplates and cruppers are often used when riding the more mountainous routes.
The lodge offers rides to many of their regular guests but only riders of similar ability will be grouped together. It is possible that you might be joined on your rides by guests who are staying just a few days.
Hard hats are mandatory.
Feedback from our travellers
What a wonderful (/fantastic) trip!! Both the accommodation and all the staff were excellent. Our fantastic and knowledgeable guide, Lindy, took us to incredibly beautiful views, across both mountains and plains with many groups of wild animals.
The whole group was happy with their horses. Several people took the opportunity to try different ones since there were so many to choose from.
As someone who enjoys good food and fine wine, I was definitely not disappointed.
I would love to come back here again!
Helena Dubois
Excellent food! The best I’ve had on a riding trip. Very good! Calm at the beginning, then longer gallops and real challenges for those who wanted them! A safety-conscious leader who knew a lot about animals and nature. Reliable horses that responded well to me. I preferred the slightly more spirited horses, but during the mountain climbing it was of course nice to have an experienced, calm horse.
Horse welfare in its true, original sense. Good accommodation, excellent food and wine, very good riding in beautiful nature with wildlife! There was no weak point. Everything was of the highest quality!
Ulla Elisabet Rodestam Örsell
Climate
Summer is from December through to February with day time temperatures ranging from 15 - 32ºC. Rain is possible at this time although it is usually a short down pour in the afternoon and once over, everything comes out cleaner and greener.
During the autumn months of March to May, the trees change to a beautiful colour. Towards the end of May it will get cooler and it is possible to have the first night frost.
June to August is winter. Temperatures drop to zero at night and overnight frosts are common. The skies are blue and the tops of the mountains are covered in snow. Moolmanshoek sees snow every 2 to 3 years and might have 4 to 6 inches lasting a few days. During winter, daytime temperatures can vary from a cold 1ºC to a mild 17ºC.
September to November is spring. It’s a lovely time of year as the rains bring the first green grass and blossom on the trees.
Travel Information
Ability description: Trail Ride Levels 3
Included in the price: 7 nights, riding according to the selected program, full board; 1 sundowner drink per day – choice of local beer/wine or ciders;juice/tea/coffee with meals; one eco drive (7 night stays), local taxes; park entry fees, laundryservice.
Not included: Flights, transfers, other drinks and meals not mentioned above, personal insurance, gifts from the gift shop, gratuities.
Arrival/Departure: Please book arrival flights into Johannnsburg, OR Tambo International Airport to arrive NO LATER than 9:00 am
Please book departure flights out of OR Tambo International Airport NO EARLIER than 20:30
This allows guests to share transfers. If flights are booked well outside of these times, guests will need to book PRIVATE TRANSFERS.
Travel Route: Johannesburg (international flights), 4 hours drive or Bloemfontein (domestic flights), 3 hours drive.
Transfers: Pre-book through HorseXplore. Please note that flights must arrive in JNB before 9:00 AM on the day of arrival and depart no earlier than 8:30 PM on the day of departure.
2026: Price one way: For 1-2 people: ZAR 7000, For 3-6 people: ZAR 8400 for 7-12 people: ZAR 11600. When a luggage trailer is needed with the 7 to 12-seater an extra R550 on R11600.00.
Paid at departure and shared among the people sharing.
The Transfer company is a private company. Guests pay for transfers at the lodge before departure to allow last minute changes (extra guests joining will affect the price). However, guests wanting to tip the shuttle drivers, may do so directly.
Season: Special dates.
Single Room: Can be booked for an additional fee. For prices, click "Book on request" under Dates & Prices.
Currency: ZAR South African Rand
Credit Cards: All debet/credit cards are accepted except for AMEX.
Tips: Optional but appreciated. The industry standard recommend R300 per day.
Wi-Fi: Guest wifi
Electricity jack: 220V, M 3-headed, adapter for 2-headed (european) plugs in the rooms.
Number of Riders: Minimum 4 and maximum 10 riders.
Rider Age Limit: 12 to 17 – must be acomplished riders and accompanied by parents, 18 to ... strong intermediate to advanced riders
Maximum Rider Weight: 95 kg,
Pool: Fresh water pool fed by fresh mountain spring water
Additional Information: Riding helmet is mandatory. But there are a number of hard hats available, however, we recommend that riders bring their own well fitted, safety approved riding helmets.
Please note: you MUST take out travel insurance that covers you for horse riding in remote areas with emergency evacuation if necessary. Proof of this insurance must cover the full period of your stay and must be forwarded to us BEFORE your trip.
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