Explore the spectacular Drakensberg Escarpment with its vast forests, panoramic views and gold rush history. The riding is superb with horses schooled to 3 day event standard and riding at all paces over small logs for experienced riders while slower rides through the dramatic highlands get novice riders to their destination safely.
Revisit some of the country’s most romantic history. Adventurers, swindlers, dreamers and layabouts were lured by the discovery of gold; transport riders blazed their trails and men lived off the land by hunting from horseback. A tradition of campfire stories evolved and immortalized by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s tale of Jock, the dog of the Bushveld. The area is the home of the first National Park, where toughened game rangers living in primitive conditions conserved an area the size of a country teaming with wildlife. The itinerary includes a day in Kruger National Park and with an optional extra day to see the Panorama route. Accommodation is in restored forestry cottages or wilderness camps with superb views, hot showers, real beds and camp fire cooked traditional meals. Relive South Africa’s history on this original and welcoming ride.
Day 1:
Guests are met at O.R. Tambo International Airport, previously known as Johannesburg. The alternative is to fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport via an additional internal flight. Then you are transferred to Kaapsehoop Horse Trails. Guests check in, have a light lunch. Depart on a sunset introduction ride to meet our cross bred trail horses. Dinner around the fire and over night at the host's Guest House.
Day 2: Guests will enjoy an early coffee and rusks, enjoy our unique way of cleaning horses with high pressure air. Depart on a 2 hour ride, arriving back in time for a brunch at the stables. After afternoon tea depart on a sunset ride, returning to a roaring fire to enjoy a traditional SA BBQ. Over night at the host's Guest House.
Day 3: After breakfast guests will have the opportunity to pack their luggage ready for the next 4 nights in the Drakensberg wilderness at our Coetzee Stroom Wilderness Camp. Riders set off on the wilderness trail and visit the historic gold mining town of Kaapsehoop. Enjoy a cup of tea at one of the many restaurants where they may see some wild horses roaming in town. Upon arriving at Coetzee Stroom, settle the horses, guest will enjoy lunch gazing down the amazing valley. Sunset drive to the edge of the cliff, guest will enjoy a sunset drink. Dinner around the fire and over night at Coetzee Stroom.
Day 4: An early start to the day exploring the cliffs of the Drakensberg for a couple of hours on horseback. Return for brunch and enjoy an afternoon nap. After an enjoyable nap and high tea, guest will be taken to visit our ancient sandstone caves, enjoy a traditional SA ‘potjie’ around the fire. Overnight at Coetzee Stroom.
Day 5: After a hearty breakfast guests will depart on a day ride, and hope to ride into the numerous herds of Wild Horses that roam the mountains. After lunch back at the camp, guest can relax and enjoy the quietness and beauty of the high mountain country. Dinner around the fire and overnight at Coetzee Stroom.
Day 6: Safari day! Bright and early guests will depart for the world famous Kruger National Park searching for the Big 5 (Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo and illusive Leopard) Late afternoon return to Coetzee Stroom, dinner and off to bed.
Day 7: Guests will be given the opportunity to have a sleep in, pack their bags. The ride will go via Adams Calendar, here guests have the opportunity to have a fast canter/gallop across the Blue Swallow Reserve grass plains overlooking the Barberton Crater. Upon arriving back at the stables, guests will have the time to enjoy a hot shower and lunch (Vetkoek).
Day 8:
Quick optional ride, guests will be transferred to O.R. Tambo - Johannesburg or KMIA Airport for departure flight.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
Please ask us if you're interested in extending this trip to include a further 4 days riding and water activities in Mozambique which is accesible by direct flights from nearby Mpumalanga airport.
NOTES - GOLD FEVER WILDERNESS HORSE TRAIL
Please note the riding pace is tailored to the ability of the group. There is scope for faster riding on the substantial and well schooled horses, many of which are no strangers to cross country competitions. The schoolmasters take good care of less experienced riders.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All transfers from JNB or Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, accommodation as described, camping equipment, game viewing, entrance fees, all riding, tack, English speaking guide, meals, drinks (Bottled water/soft drinks/ beer and wine with dinner).
For price details click here
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights, internal flights to/from to KMIA, activities not in the itinerary, extra drinks, tips, items of a personal nature.
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Reading List We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
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.
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Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
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Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com http://www.unicorntrails.com
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- Sir Percy Fitzpatrick
– Smithers 
