CAPE WINELANDS AND SAFARI - SOUTH AFRICA

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Set within two of South Africa's most beautiful reserves (the Waterberg Biosphere and the Cape Winelands Biosphere), this trip combines four days exhilarating game viewing on horseback in the Waterberg with riding through stunning scenery of the Cape’s winelands along with wine tasting at some of South Africa’s best wine estates. The first four days are spent on one of the Waterberg’s pioneering and most impressive wildlife reserves. The freedom to ride across 25,000 acres of bushveld, characterized by a huge diversity of species and unusually large herds of plains game, make this safari a truly rewarding horseback game viewing experience. The Cape Winelands are amongst the most scenic winelands in the world. Splendid mountains form a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history. With its magnificent natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage and its world-renowned wines, the Winelands region is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer. Combining this setting with the joy of riding great horses and the privilege of unfettered access to some of country’s best known vineyards makes for a magical riding experience.

Trip length 9d/8n Ride price detailed prices price promise 2012 : double pp £2,279/€2,845/$3,669 Departure dates 2012: 10, 14, 19 Jan; 2 Feb; 29 Mar; 17 May; 27 Jun; 9, 13 Aug; 14, 23, 29 Sep; 5, 10, 19, 26 Oct; 5, 16, 20, 30 Nov; 5 Dec Approximate riding time per day 4 - 6 hours Riding ability required Intermediate onwards Group size 2-10 Meeting point (getting there) Johannesburg International Airport, South Africa Transfer 2012: £90 per person rtn (road transfers) JNB-CPT flights from £75 one way Flight guide London - Johannesburg return £500 - £750. Johannesburg - Cape Town from £75 one way. Single supplement detailed prices No supplement if rider is willing to share and a sharer can be found. See notes below.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - CAPE WINELANDS AND SAFARI

Day 1:
After arrival at O R Tambo International in Johannesburg, a three hour group transfer to the Waterberg departs at 10.00AM. Perched above a large, hippo filled lake, the reserve’s sole safari lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding plains. On the first afternoon riders become acquainted with the horses and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride provides the first taste of the incredible variety of game species on the reserve.

Day 2:
The ride to ‘Little Serengeti’ – a mosaic of open plains and bushveld savannah – provides an encounter with the dense herds of
zebra, eland and blesbuck for which this beautiful reserve has become renowned. That dream canter alongside herds of galloping
antelope can be experienced with all its heart stopping adrenaline. Many other species are to be seen along the way. The afternoon ride sets out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. Encountering these magnificent creatures in the wild is a highlight of any safari, but riding closely alongside them is a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 3:
Riding along the base of the mountain and into hidden valleys deep within the folds of the Waterberg escarpment offers an
opportunity to encounter endangered cape vultures and some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and yellow spotted rock hyrax. The path follows crystal clear streams and passes several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. A bush picnic at one of the dams allows the ride to be extended, with riders only returning in time for afternoon tea and an optional bush walk.

Day 4:
Through fast riding on long and winding tracks the reserve’s western boundary can be reached. An afternoon game drive offers encounters with Cape buffalo and the magnificent sable antelope. The return drive provides glimpses of the reserve’s fascinating nocturnal inhabitants such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. That evening riders can enjoy the magical African night sky while relaxing around a campfire and enjoying traditional bush cuisine.

Day 5:
An 8.30 AM transfer departs for O R Tambo for a short two hour flight down to the Cape Winelands (please book the 12 midday flight). Arrival in the Fairest Cape at 2:00 PM brings a short 30min transfer to the luxurious Sante Villa & Wellness Spa in the very heart of wine country. A short ride in the afternoon allows riders to become familiar with their new horses and surroundings, and that evening it is time to sample traditional Cape cuisine accompanied by a selection of fine wines from the region.

Day 6:
The morning ride meanders through the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, arriving at one of the high vantage points mid-morning for a brief drink and snack. The views across the Paarl Valley are breathtaking, and it becomes abundantly clear that the area is steeped in a very proud history of viticulture. The ride continues along the mountainside and through the vineyards towards the Anura Wine Estate where a wine and cheese tasting is followed by an à la carte lunch. Well fortified, riders meander back through the vineyards, visiting the Neil Joubert private estate for an exclusive tasting of their award winning wines.

Day 7:
A long morning ride through lemon, pear, peach and plum orchards heads towards the famous Backsberg Wine Estate for another iconic wine tasting. The route home along the western face of the Simonsberg Mountain provides sweeping views towards the Franschoek Valley with the Great Drakenstein Mountains in the distance. After returning to Sante at 3 PM, the remainder of the day can be spent at the villa’s wellness spa or on a drive into the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschoek or Paarl. This region is world famous not only for its wine, but also for its fine cuisine and that evening both can be savoured at a selected
nearby restaurant.

Day 8:
A choice is provided for further horseback exploration of the area or an excursion to some of the best known destinations in the wider Cape, including Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. The riding option crosses orchards and vineyards to one of the larger holding dams nearby where the exhilaration of swimming with your horse can be experienced. Lunch is at another of the area’s wonderful wine estates, and in the afternoon the cross country course can be tackled or a lesson taken with our qualified international coach. Some iconioc Cape Excusions can also be chosen for a small supplement payable locally: shark diving or a day riding to the beach where you may spot whales. An alternative is to relax around the pool or enjoy a treatment at the spa.

Day 9:
The final ride is to the Glen Carlou Estate for wine tasting and light snacks. Then back to the villa for a chance to pack and relax before transferring to the airport. Those with later flights can enjoy a trip to the V&A Waterfront for some last minute shopping and sightseeing. An amazing horse riding holiday with so much to take in, you'll want to come back for more!

Please note: All itineraries are given for guidance only and may be altered in accordance with prevailing conditions.

NOTES - CAPE WINELANDS AND SAFARI

There is no single supplement on the safari portion for those willing to share. In the Cape Winelands portion a very much reduced supplement is charged if a sharer cannot be found. As always paying the full single supplement guarantees you have a room to yourself.

The weight limit for this ride is 17 st/242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, all riding and other activities mentioned, guides, all meals and drinks (alcoholic or otherwise).
For price details click here

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Transfers from Johannesburg, internal flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, single supplement as above, items of a personal nature.

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	What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.