Horseback Riding in South Africa

There are many amazing things that you can do whilst on holiday in South Africa from whale watching, deep sea fishing, bungee jumping to a horse safari holiday or horseback riding trails. There are a number of companies througout South Africa offering a variety of horseback experiences from 1 to 6 hour beach trails to 2-03 day overnight trails. The great thing is you dont need to be an experienced rider to enjoy the delights of these horseback trails.

From trails through the Overberg region in the Western Cape to riding along the beautifully clean beaches of Walker Bay there are endless choices of places to see and experience. The Walker Bay area is also well known for being the annual breeding ground for the Southern Right Whales and from July to December as well as enjoying one of these horse trails you might even get the chance to see the Whales just off the shore. The horse trails typically will take you through rugged mountain terrain, indigenous forest, via national parks, nature reserves and other scenic routes.

If you are thinking of embarking on one of the longer overnight horse trails you will need to consider what to bring and wear. Our advice is to ensure you have a cap or hat, definitely some rain or sun protection as the weather can fluctuate, a sleeping bag and warm jacket, a change of clothing, a torch and some jodphursand gloves although these can often be hired. In the summer it is worth bringing a swimsuit and dont forget some good shoes or boots.

A great place for a beach horse trail is along the Noordhoek Beach situated just below the southern slopes of Chapman's Peak Drive. This trip is normally a 2 hour horse trail across sand dunes and onto the beach with magnificent views and a chance to trot or cantor along the beaches and through the waves.

Another great place to try horseback riding is up on the Wild Coast where you will find superb beaches, lagoons and the chance to come face to face with zebra and giraffe. Dont worry you wont be coming face to face with any dangerous animals.

You have read this article driving in south africa / horse riding / horse riding on the beach / horseback riding / south africa travel with the title horse riding. You can bookmark this page URL http://africathoughts.blogspot.com/2014/01/horseback-riding-in-south-africa.html. Thanks!

Horse Safari Game Ride in South Africa's Eastern Cape

On one of my trips to South Africa we decided to do something a little bit different and went on a Horse Safari Game Ride. Fish River Horse Safaris are based just outside Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. When you arrive you are met by one of the guides who takes you through to get you all kitted out. Rider safety is taken quite seriously here and proper hard riding hats have to be worn. You then gather round to be allocated your horse. This is good chance to meet your fellow riders and to ascertain what level of experience everyone has at riding. Fortunately we are all in pretty much the same boat and there are no expert riders.The guides are very helpful and pick out a suitable horse for you based upon your height and weight and competency. All the horses look extremely well looked after and are very good natured. 

We had chosen to do a Game Ride which lasts approximately 2.5 hours however you can choose to do a mixture of a Beach and Game Ride (its next on my list when I go back). The additional beach ride aspect takes you down through the dunes and onto a secluded beach where you can ride through the glorious sea. We set off on our trip and at the start its all about getting to know your horse and making sure you feel comfortable. The guides, although young, are very helpful and experienced. We head off through the reserve, up and down a few hills before reaching open grassland where we let the horses exercise a bit and soon we are galloping along. Now I am no expert so galloping takes a bit of mastering but if you dont mind the bouncing up and down and are game for a laugh you will really enjoy yourself. We are soon riding through thick valley bushveld an dopen plains and spotting buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buck, impala and duiker. 

The guides help us to spot various animals and ensure we do not disturb them. I had two highlights on my ride. The first was being able to get really close to a group of giraffe who really didnt mind is. Some great photos were taken by our group. It's so nice to be able to experience the complete tranquility as opposed to groups of jeeps or minibuses dashing about. This is a whole new experience. My second highlight was spotting the rhino. Of course we had to be very careful and we maintained a good distance but it was amazing to sit on the horse and watch three rhino in the field ahead. I cant pretend that my bottom wasn't a little tender the following day but it was well worth it and i will be going back to try the beach and game ride next time.

For more information on activites to do during your stay in South Africa visit www.where2stay-southafrica.com 

You have read this article eastern cape / game rides / horse riding / horse safari game ride / South Africa / travel south africa with the title horse riding. You can bookmark this page URL http://africathoughts.blogspot.com/2003/07/horse-safari-game-ride-in-south-africa.html. Thanks!

Tsitsikamma in the Western Cape

Tsitsikamma National Park

Second only to the Kruger National Park is Tsitsikamma National Park. The best time to visit this area is between November and February. The park itself is split into two sections - to the West, you will find De Vasselot which includes the Nature's Valley resort. Here you will find quite a few short walks through forest and across rivers and a wonderful stretch of sandy coastline.

To the East, is Storms River Mouth where the wild Storms River meets the Indian Ocean via a deep gorge. Walking here is very popular with some really lovely hikes across the forest covered cliffs. If you enjoy bird watching then there is an array of birds to be spotted here including the Knysna Lourie which you can spot by its flash of red in its wings. You may even spot a rare African black oystercatcher which has black feathers and red eyes, beak and legs.

The coast here is rocky and reminiscent of parts of Cornwall in England. This area of rainforest is the last remnants of a rainforest that used to cover this coastal area. If you are taking in the Garden Route then this is a must stop along your way. The whole area covers some 80kms of land and also extends 5km out to sea providing essential protection to the fish and mammals found here. One of the most popular trails for hiking in this area is the Otter Hiking Trail. It is so popular that you have to book well in advance (one year sometimes) to take in an amazing 5 day hike across rivers, though forests, and passing waterfalls. If you stop at the restaurant at the Storms River Mouth you can take a short walk to a suspension bridge which provides some amazing views. This area is extremely well catered for in terms of accommodation with something to suit all budgets.

From an accommodation point of view, we highly recommend the Tsitsikamma Lodge - surrounded by mountains and tucked away in the forest, the Tsitsikamma Lodge is a haven of peace where a warm welcome and friendly service, combined with nature, provides a perfect break. Set in beautiful gardens, and built entirely of logs, the Lodge has 32 cosy cabins, each with its own spa-bath, private deck and barbecue area. There’s also a honeymoon suite with a sunken lounge and a crackling wood fire.... Built on stilts, this is a place where romance is literally in the air!

Tsitsikamma is home to a wide variety of activities – bird watching, horse riding, black water tubing, canoeing, etc. Or you might like to follow the river and nature trails or take a picnic in the forest. For the more adventurous, there’s the Tree Top Canopy tour and our very own Strip-Tease River Trail! For a more gentle activity, why not spoil yourself with a great treatment at our Spa or stroll along to the library for a relaxing read, or take a dip in the swimming pool? And when the sparkling air builds up an appetite, our licensed restaurant offers delicious home-cooked meals! Tsitsikamma Lodge is an AA Award Winning Leisure Hotel, which offers unobtrusive and personal service. An ideal place to enjoy time with the family, spend a romantic few days, or just take time out, it also offers superb conferencing facilities for up to 40 delegates. Tsitsikamma Lodge.

http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=85

You have read this article accommodation / adventure / birds / canoeing / garden route / Hiking / horse riding / parks / romantic / South Africa / spa / Travel / walking with the title horse riding. You can bookmark this page URL http://africathoughts.blogspot.com/2002/08/tsitsikamma-in-western-cape.html. Thanks!