DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAIN EXPLORER - SOUTH AFRICA
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Set in the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains, near the border of the mountainous state of Lesotho and on the edge of the artistic town of Clarens, this varied ten day riding holiday is packed with good riding, excursions and activities in the area. You will experience beautiful scenery, plains game such as wildebeest (gnu), bleskok, springbok, impala and zebra wandering around you in the private game reserve you ride in, a boat trip on the Meulspruit Dam, Boer War battle sites, the artistic village of Clarens and Basotho culture. A fun packed program to see the real unspoilt South Africa with riding on excellent horses throughout. Beginners can be accommodated at a slower pace on separate rides while experienced riders can enjoy exhilarating riding over challenging mountainous terrain at all paces. Non riders also have a host of activities to choose from while the riders enjoy riding, such as golfing, quad bike riding, absailing, fly and bass fishing, hiking, shooting.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAIN EXPLORER
Day 1
Guests are met personally at Johannesburg International Airport by the host and guide, Christo who will transfer you to the farm near Clarens. The farm is set against the grand amphitheatre of sandstone hills and rugged mountains, on the way you will travel past the imposing Drakensberg Mountains. Lunch is served upon arrival. The afternoon's ride will be in through the game park you will ride amongst Zebra, Blesbuck, Springbok, Black Wildebeest and Eland. This will get you acquainted with your horse and saddle. You will be offered a bubbly sundowner to celebrate your arrival, the start of an unforgettable experience. A three-course dinner will be served at the lodge upon our return from the ride.
Day 2
After an energising breakfast we set off to explore the plains and bushman paintings in the area. We return to the lodge for lunch and spend an adventurous afternoon either river rafting, quad biking or absailing. A true South African dinner will be enjoyed around the campfire.
Day 3
After a good nights rest in your cosy chalets, we drive by road to Moolmans Hoek in the Witteberg Mountains, just one hour away. This private game reserve with its abundant wildlife has recently been proclaimed a national heritage site. We settle into our rooms where we will spend the night and meet the friendly staff. We mount up on Boerperds and set of to explore the reserve with its plentiful wildlife including ostriches, fallow deer, the rare white blesbuck , the unique black springbok. Lunch will be served and after a short walk, rest or a traditional donkey car ride, we get back into the saddle. We return for drinks, dinner and a well-deserved nights rest.
Day 4
Guests have the choice of an invigorating early morning walk or can sleep in. After breakfast we ride towards the horizon as the mist lifts to reveal the stunning panoramic view of the sunrise. After a visit to the waterfall and rock pools we head back for brunch. At noon we head off for cruising lunch on board The White Mischief, where you can view the game and the White Mountains from the steep gorge of the Meulspruit Dam Return by road. The horses await our return, ready for a game of Horse Ball, South African Style.
Day 5
After an early wake up cup of coffee or tea we ride to the skyline with a magnificent view of The Mountain Kingdom Lesotho and the Maluti Mountains. Back at the lodge we will have brunch and then visit picturesque little town of Clarens with its many art shops, galleries and craft shops for a short shopping spree. We return just in time for afternoon tea and cake under the willows next to the lake. We mount for a thrilling horse round up with exhilarating gallops.
Day 6
After breakfast we take a 2-hour drive to working Rolling M Ranch at the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range. Upon arrival on this lovely old colonial farm, we meet hosts, Mike and Lorna. It is a down-to-earth haven and a genuine KwaZulu Natal farm experience - the ranch is packed with livestock, from dogs and cats to guinea fowl, geese, horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, even duikers and bush pigs! They breed Brahman cattle on the ranch. After lunch we set of on the Appaloosas and Palomino horses, which are breed and trained on the farm. On the ride you will have the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of the region, from the battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War to the ruined kraal of the legendary witch doctor Mathlalo. We view the famous Spionkop battle area. We enjoy a superb dinner and a relaxed and evening.
Day 7
After breakfast we take a ride alongside the mighty Tugela River. After some relaxation we head back to our base and stop at the Basotho Culture Village for a short, but interesting tour of the village. We drive through the famous Golden Gate National Park with its spectacular sandstone formations. We return for a peaceful afternoon with plenty of rest and relaxation.
Day 8
Today we ride out as the sun rises for the day's ride, during which we will reach elevations of 2000+ meters above sea level. A light breakfast will be packed into the saddlebags. The elusive Grey Rhebuck and Mountain Reedbuck can be spotted on this trail and the climax is when you reach the highest point on the 2550 meters above sea level, the 360 degrees view of the Witteberg, Rooiberg, Drakensberg and Maluti Mountains. An afternoon and we decent for lunch nap at the rustic mountain camp. We head back home and take in the open plains, plenty of space for long canters or just take it slow and take in the scenery. This day is sure to tire you out but back at home our attentive staff have prepared chilled ice tea and snacks to refresh you.
Day 9
We spend a relaxed morning and leave for Clarens, at the foot of the Rooiberg Mountain Range. We will then visit galleries displaying famous South African artists work and/or the more popular bars of this artistic town. We have lunch on the deck at the Maluti Mountain Lodge. We ride again in the afternoon as the sun sets in the west. This last evening is sure to hold in many festivities!
Day 10
After breakfast and some heart felt goodbyes, we head back to the airport but stop on the way at Camorhi Game ranch for a drive in vehicle where 4 of the big five can be spotted. As guests leave at the airport, we hope that they, who arrived as strangers, now leave as friends and may return again for another amazing horse riding holiday.
THIS IS FLEXIBLE AND CAN BE TAILORED TO SUIT ANY GROUPS SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
NOTES - DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAIN EXPLORER
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own below are some options.
GETTING TO Johannesburg Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 16 st/220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All horse riding and activities mentioned on the itinerary. Accommodation for 9 nights. Transfers to and from the airport and all road transport during the safari. All meals, beverages and a fair amount of alcoholic beverages and wines.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to and from Johannesburg, South Africa, gratuities, items of personal nature. A single supplement will not be applied if you are willing to share with someone of the same sex.
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