An all in one itinerary: riding in the mountains, see the Big 5 in the Kruger National Park, South Africa and finally relax with some beach riding in Mozambique! Start in the mountains on horseback, home to famous Panorama Route with sights such as God's Window and the Blyde River Canyon. Near a tiny historic gold mining village set in the middle of vast forests where wild horses roam we ride with a well known horse whisperer of the region, famous for his fantastic team of trail horses. The next 3 days are spent in the Kruger National Park viewing the Big 5 by open safari vehicle. Game drives, night drives and a visit to a local community project who operate the camp you stay in - no riding with dangerous game but all the excitement!
This is followed by a short flight to the beach paradise of Vilaculos, Mozambique for 4 days of cantering along endless white beaches, swimming with the horses and taking in views of glittering blue ocean and the Bazaruto Island Archipelago.
All the riding portions of this horse riding trip have parallel non riding programmes available, so it is a great idea for those travelling with companions not so keen on riding.
London - Johannesburg return not included: from £400 return
Single supplement
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
SAMPLE ITINERARY - KRUGER PARK TO MOZAMBIQUE
Day 1 Tuesday
Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport and transfer either by flight or car to the highlands. Settle in and enjoy a light lunch. Riders meet the horses and depart for an hour’s ride along the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment to get to know the horse they will be riding for the next 3 - 4 days. Dinner and relax.
Day 2 Wednesday
Awaken early to a hearty cooked breakfast.
Riders:
Riders pack their bags for loading into the luggage vehicle which departs for the Ivy Falls wilderness camp. Final preparations on the trail horses precede departure through the state owned forest, Komatiland, established 1926. On the way a stop is made in a quaint historical gold mining village. The day continues onto the blue swallow grass plains where riders will have their first taste of some fast riding. Upon arrival at Ivy Falls wilderness camp, both the horses and their riders get settled in, followed by a hearty lunch. After a short siesta, a late afternoon visit to a historical gold mine behind a magnificent waterfall. Back at the camp, sunset drinks are enjoyed around a warm fire with talk about the day’s happenings. A traditional South African braai (barbecue) ends the day and riders retire to their dome tents.
Non riders:
Enjoy the Panorama Trail by vehicle, meet up with the riders at the camp site for the braai and overnight.
Day 3
Thursday
An early morning cup of tea or coffee gets the day going together with an interactive grooming and feeding session for the horses. Riders then enjoy a camp fire breakfast before saddling-up time for a ride out to “Tafelkop”. Grassland riding, proteas and possible sightings of wild horses in the natural environment overlooking various escarpments, The De Kaap and De Goede Hoop valleys - breath taking scenery.
Riders return to Ivy falls for lunch. Those who wish may enjoy a siesta or just soak in the serenity. Late afternoon riders depart on a sunset ride all along the edge of the escarpment. Here one can see ancient man-made rock formations which aligns with the summer solstice. As the sun retires for the day, the return to Ivy Falls camp is made to a roaring fire where more traditional South African cuisine and camp fire talk await.
Non riders:
After breakfast depart for either an Elephant or Chimpanzee interaction itinerary. non riders are also welcome to hike in the area of the Ivy Falls camp site and meet riders at the sundowners by vehicle.
Day 4
Friday
Riders: Once again the day rises to a coffee and breakfast for both man and beast. Bags are packed, homeward bound back to the base. Lunch is enjoyed upon arrival with a relaxing afternoon to follow. Riders either overnight in an historic gold mining village or back at the forestry cottages. The day is ended once again with dinner and lots of talk.
Non riders: pack thier bags and visit the historical gold mining village the riders rode to on day 2, followed by a realxing afternoon free to explore.
Day 5
Saturday
The day starts early with a game drive to look for more animals on a ten-seater open game viewer. Breakfast is enjoyed in the fresh air at a picnic spot where the sounds of crunching your meal might be accompanied by the sound of animals crunching theirs ! Back to Hippo Hollow to relax, followed by lunch and a late afternoon drive. Dinner back at Hippo Hollow, perhaps with a display by traditional Shangaan dancers that stirs up the beat of Africa.
Day 6
Sunday
Arise at dawn to the sounds of the African bush, perhaps the distant roar of a lion? Or more mundane crickets chirping under the acacia trees. Grab a traditional early hot coffee and a rusk before driving off in the open game viewing vehicle to explore depp into the eastern part of the park. Your game ranger will concentrate on telling you about the smaller animals and birds, perhaps showing you the "Little Five" and telling you about bush lore. The Kruger National Park is home to an impressive number of species: 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians, 49 fish and 336 trees. The afternoon is yours to relax in the serene gardens of Hippo Hollow and enjoy sundowners in the bar before dinner.
Day 7 Tuesday
Sunrise game drive followed by breakfast and with bags packed departure to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and depart on a short flight to Vilanculos in Mozambique.
Arrive in Vilanculos at 1.15pm where you are welcomed by Pat and Mandy who will drive you to your beach front chalet. Settle into your own large thatched chalet with living/dining area, private patio, own kitchen, safe, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and mezzanine bed area. Later enjoy an incredible sunset ride on beach followed by a barbeque to the sounds of the sea and crickets.
Day 8
Wednesday
Today we start with breakfast and beach ride to Samara restaurant further up the coast. Here we enjoy lunch before returning. The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy other activities. Enjoy an evening sunset bar and dinner by poolside overlooking sea.
Day 9
Thursday
After breakfast we visit the local markets of Vilanculos and marvel at the fresh seafood, local vegetables and colourful culture. An opportunity to see local life and purchase some souvenirs.
After lunch we swim with the horses in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, an amazing experience.
Day 10
Friday
An early start as we leave by local dhow for Benguerra Island. We have breakfast on board, the trip takes about 3 hours over glittering blue waters. When we reach this incredible island which is a nature reserve, we find our horses waiting and take a ride to north point along inland palm trees and plains (with a good gallop on the airfield). At North Point we enjoy our picnic lunch before heading back to the mainland by boat/dhow.
Day 11 Saturday
Breakfast and an optional farewell ride. Depart for the airport at noon. Our flight to Johannesburg leaves at 14:15 arriving late afternoon.
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.
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 including flights between Johannesburg and Mozambique in the flight inclusive price, 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).
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Activities not in the itinerary, extra drinks, tips, items of a personal nature, flights from home to the meeting point and back home again. Contact us if you would like us to arrange this for you.
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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