If you love the clip-clopping of hooves beneath you, we recommend these excellent getaways where you can explore South Africa’s beautiful landscapes on horseback.
MPUMALANGA
Lydenrust Guest Farm & Horse Trails
Situated near Lydenberg, Lydenrust Guest Farm & Horse Trails offers 1 – 2 hour horse trails through the stunning Lowveld landscape. You’ll find a range of self-catering accommodation from luxury cottages to upmarket backpackers that are perfect for family holidays (pets included), group tours, and corporate getaways.
Olifants River Lodge
Olifants River Lodge is a family-friendly 3-star lodge and camp site in a scenic river gorge between Middelburg and eMalahleni (Witbank). Nature lovers can enjoy horse riding, bird watching, fishing, and hiking trails through cycads. That’s aside from the pools, volley ball court, peddle boats, and playground.
KWAZULU-NATAL
Blue Haze Country Lodge
Overlooking gardens and mountains, Blue Haze Country Lodge is an upmarket lodge on the banks of Wagendrift Dam near Estcourt. Horse riding is available for all levels of experience, from kiddies’ pony rides to 1 or 2 hour outrides. Outdoor fundis will also love white water rafting, hikes through the Drakensberg, fishing, and sundowner cruises.
Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is a 4-star luxury lodge in Mkuze where you’ll find magnificent Arabian Horses ready to take you on a thrilling horseback safari through the bush. The malaria-free reserve has no predators, allowing you to enjoy other outdoor activities like bush walks, archery, and air rifle and clay target shooting.
WESTERN CAPE
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Home to an abundance of wildlife, including 4 of the Big 5, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is an exquisite Eden of its own on the Garden Route. Aside from guided game drives, both day and overnight visitors can enjoy horseback safaris, elephant back rides, walking with African lions, and many more exciting activities.
Grand De Dale Country House
The 5-star Grand De Dale Country House on Doolhof Wine Estate, near Wellington, offers the perfect combination of country adventure and splendour. After a day of horse riding, hiking, and mountain biking through the Winelands, guests can enjoy indulgent spa treatments and the most elegant night’s stay.
GAUTENG
Ngiri Safaris
Ngiri Safaris is a 4-star self-catering stay in the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve. If you’re an experienced horse rider, you can venture into the bushveld on horseback to spot the 16 species of game. The guided horse trails last 2 hours and are limited to 2 people at a time.
Stone Meadows Country Estate
Abundant in bird and wildlife, Stone Meadows Country Estate is a relaxing getaway in the sleepy hollow of Buffelsfontein. There are horses to suit every standard of rider, whether you want to learn to ride or enjoy a trek though the countryside. More daring riders will love the bareback swims in the lake.
EASTERN CAPE
BallynaFagh Farm
BallynaFagh Farm is a working horse farm in the Kruisrivier Valley, just 7km from Uitenhage. The B&B is child and pet friendly, offering the perfect farm-style setting for families to enjoy together. Enjoy horse trail rides in the indigenous bushveld or horse riding lessons with qualified instructors on well-schooled ponies and horses.
Sunray Farm
Sunray Farm is a rural Wild Coast getaway where you can experience horse riding holidays, hunting safaris, and fishing safaris. The enchanting views over the Great Kei River and genuine farm-style hospitality make it a great escape from city living.
LIMPOPO
Bospoort Kleinplasie Chalets
Bospoort Kleinplasie Chalets is a great family getaway in the Waterberg where children can enjoy fun farm activities while parents relax under the trees or in the beauty salon. Enjoy horse rides, pony rides, hiking trails, and bird watching.
Monate Game Lodge
The 4-star Monate Game Lodge is an elegant retreat in Modimolle. The game lodge is ideal for anything from family holidays to honeymoons and executive retreats. The horse trails through open plains, past interesting koppies, are extremely popular for beginners and experienced riders alike.
NORTH WEST
Perdehoek Sleepover
Perdehoek Sleepover is a no-frills self-catering accommodation on a horse farm near Lichtenburg. After a day of riding in the fields, guests can enjoy sundowners and cooking marshmallows on the fire.
Salem Farmhouse
Salem Farmhouse is a nostalgic bushveld retreat in the popular Bojanala region. Explore the serene surroundings of this mountainous setting with activities such as horse riding, hiking, and mountain biking trails.
NORTHERN CAPE
Mieliefontein
Mieliefontein is a cosy 4-star guest house near Hanover. Guests can enjoy horse riding, scenic walks, a hippo drive, bird watching, and plenty of photographic opportunities.
Mein Heim Estate
Mein Heim Estate is a self-catering guest farm outside of Kimberley where guests can enjoy horseback rides in the tranquil Karoo setting. Mein Heim also offers game drives and walks to the Bushman Koppie to see Bushmen paintings and engravings.
FREE STATE
Mont Plaisir Guest Farm
The self-catering Mont Plaisir Guest Farm in Fouriesberg boasts incredible mountain views and offers horse riding, hiking, fishing, quad biking, abseiling, and 4×4 trails.
3 Fountains View Lodge
Near the border of Lesotho, only 10km from the small town of Ladybrand, 3 Fountains View Lodge is an affordable, quiet retreat with beautiful views of the Maluti Mountains. The lodge offers horse riding trips and lovely hiking trails.
Which horse riding holiday would you love to take?
Feature image Lydenrust Guest Farm & Horse Trails
