South Africa - Coast to Karoo

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from MB of Falkenberg on 27/11/2024

Karoo to Coast Itinerary (Down ride)

Day 1
Arrival: Arrive at George Airport between 10am-12 noon, and then be transferred (around 2hrs) to Doornkraal. There is time to check in to rooms, and then lunch is held between 12 and 2, during which riders will get their ride briefing. Saddle up after lunch, for an introductory afternoon ride to check horses & tack. Unsaddle, relax and dinner at the main house. Overnight at Doornkraal and neighbouring farms. 10 km riding

Day 2
Doornkraal: After a hearty breakfast, riders can select from a variety of delicious items to pack into their saddle bags before setting off for a scenic ride around the picturesque Doornkraal and De Rust areas. This leisurely circuit takes you through the stunning farm landscape, with a delightful picnic lunch enjoyed en-route amidst the tranquil surroundings. After a day of riding, return to Doornkraal for a sumptuous evening meal at the main house, where you can unwind and share stories of the day's adventure. Spend the night in the comfort of Doornkraal or nearby farms, immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful region. 25 km riding

Day 3
Wild camping in the Kammanassie mountains: After breakfast, riders pack a smaller bag for the camping night, as the balance of the luggage is transported by road to the next farmhouse. Ride out from Doornkraal to the wild camping spot in Kammanassie mountains, via De Rust town for lunch at a local restaurant. Here riders can also become immersed in a small local art gallery, and a shop attached to the restaurant. Upon arrival at the campsite, the back up team have erected the tents, so riders can unsaddle, and relax. There is also a hot shower! Dinner is cooked over the open fire, with the horses close by. Overnight under the stars on stretchers and bedrolls with linen (tents if expecting rain or cold weather and hot water bottles are available should the temperature drop!). 25 km riding

Day 4
Kammanassie Mountains: Provisions are made available to pack up for a saddle bag lunch for the day - a selection of meats, cheeses and vegetables to make an ample lunch. After a hot breakfast made over the open fire, saddle up for a ride across the rugged Kammanassie mountain, home to the elusive Cape Mountain Zebras, which may be spotted if lucky. The trail is steep and challenging, with sections where you may need to/can if you prefer, dismount and walk beside the horses. The days ride ends at Jacobsdal farm, a charming farmhouse with 6 rooms sharing 3 bathrooms. A tranquil, rustic setting offering the perfect spot to relax and unwind after an adventurous day on horseback. 25 km riding

Day 5
Outeniqua Mountains: Ride through a vast, rugged landscape, travelling from Jacobsdal to Louvain Farm Lodge, nestled at the foot of the towering Outeniqua Mountains. Along the way, pause for a scenic picnic lunch, enjoying the open plains and sweeping views that surround you. The journey continues as you approach Louvain, where lush fields await the eager horses, ready to rest after a day of adventure. Overnight in the charming village of Herold, where you'll experience the warmth of a spacious, beautifully appointed farmhouse. Relax in generously sized rooms, each offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making for a restful retreat in this tranquil and picturesque setting. 35 km riding

Day 6
A magical forest: Ride across the majestic Outeniqua Mountains via a forgotten pioneer pass, winding through dense, indigenous forests and along hidden trails. The path leads you through towering trees and lush vegetation, immersing you in the natural beauty of this untouched landscape. As you descend towards Hoekwil on the coastal plain, riders will be surrounded by breathtaking views. Along the way, enjoy a delicious saddlebag lunch, perfect for refuelling during this unforgettable journey. Overnight in Hoekwil. Two rooms will share a bathroom. 30 km riding

Day 7
Beach riding and Game reserve: After breakfast, enjoy a short morning transfer to the picturesque coastal town of Glentana. Once there, saddle up for an unforgettable late morning beach ride, where riders have the opportunity to gallop along the pristine shores, with the sound of the waves crashing. This exhilarating beach ride offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the coastline from horseback.
After lunch, take a short drive to the renowned Botlierskop Game Reserve. Here, the group embarks on an exciting ride through the reserve, where the group will have the chance to see a wide array of wildlife, including abundant plains game, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and more. This immersive horseback safari brings you closer to nature, offering an exhilarating experience as you ride through the reserve, surrounded by incredible wildlife. Overnight at Glentana Beach House. 4-5 hrs riding.

Day 8
Departure: After breakfast, a convenient 20-minute transfer to George Airport, allowing ample time for your departure. Transfers can be tailored to suit your flight schedule, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey to the airport. Whether you're departing early or later in the day, arrangements can be made to accommodate your specific flight times.

Coast to Karoo Itinerary (Up ride)

Day 1
Arrival am by 13:15, then 30 min transfer and 14:00 lunch at the beach house. Check in, lunch, ride briefing, 2 hour afternoon ride at Botlierskop Game Reserve. Unsaddle, relax and dinner. Overnight at Glentana Beach House 5 rooms with 3 bathrooms. 2hr riding

Day2
Early coffee and early 2hr beach ride (Low tide 6:40). Breakfast and transfer to Hoekwil. Ride on the beautiful coastal plain farmland and indigenous forest. Stay over on a dairy farm in Hoekwil. Sharing two rooms per bathroom. 2hr ride

Day 3
Cross the Outeniqua Mountain via indigenous forest and old pioneer pass to Langkloof region, north of the mountain. Saddle bag lunch. Overnight in a farm hotel in Herold. Cottage and stable rooms with lots of bathrooms. 30km

Day 4
Ride across the Kammanassie plain to Jacobsdal. Picnic lunch. Overnight at Kammanassie Farmhouse with 5 rooms and 3 bathrooms. 25km

Day 5
Cross the Kammanassie Mountain (saddle bag lunch) into a secluded valley where we will camp overnight under the stars on stretchers with bed rolls and linen (tents only if it rains). There is a hot shower available! 25km

Day 6
Ride from our camping spot in the Kammanassie mountain to the home farm of the horses, Doornkraal, via the town of De Rust for lunch. Farmhouse dinner. Overnight at Doorkraal and neighbouring farms, in various rooms and cottages with ample bathrooms. 25km riding

Day 7
A final ride on and around Doornkraal and at leisure. Overnight at Doorkraal and neighbouring farms, in various rooms and cottages with ample bathrooms. 25km riding

Day 8
Breakfast and departure/transfer after breakfast and good-byes. Shopping stop in Oudtshoorn en route to George (2 hr transfer plus shopping time).

This ride finishes/starts on the Garden Route, a 200km stretch of road that connects Mossel Bay to Storms River, passing through national parks, forests, lakes and beaches on the coast. This is the ultimate road trip with incredible scenery.

Non riding companions:
It is recommend to rent a vehicle to explore during the day time as its not always possible to travel the same route as the riders. You can however overnight with the group. Please advise if you would like a vehicle and driver arranged for the duration of the trail ride (at own expense).

Read Lisa Ward's fascinating blog about her recent Karoo to Coast Horse Trail.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

We ride Cape Riding Horses, the ancestor of the Boerperd, and a recognized breed in South Africa. They are known for their excellent temperament and sure-footedness. You will be asked to describe your perfect horse, and you should get pretty close with these magnificent well schooled horses!

Level of skill required: Intermediate plus to experienced riders. It it important that you are able to control your horse at all paces in the open and at a fast canter. Pace: 4 – 6 hours in the saddle per day, riding at all paces. It is not a race, and the pace can be described as medium.

There are 2 x Liversage Trail saddles and the rest are English saddles. Some saddle bags are provided (they aren’t huge, but good for bits and bobs and saddle bag lunch for two of the days) for all riders which is handy for water and personal items. You are welcome to bring additional travel bags, as long as you have ways to tie them to your saddle. We do not recommend that you carry a back pack, except if you prefer to carry a small camel back type bladder for water

Riders will be responsible to prepare and unsaddle their own horses, with the assistance of the team where required. The team will look after the feeding and general care of the horses.

Strong intermediate to experienced riders. It it important that you are able to control your horse at all paces in the open. You must be able to mount from the ground as there isnt always a suitable mounting block available, and also be riding fit. You also may be required to dismount and walk beside your horse at some points.

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Very comfortable farm house/farm lodge accommodation with shared bathrooms - there is never a shortage of bathrooms. Towels and linen are provided. You will have access to a kitchen with coffee/tea making facilities at each location. There is a swimming pool available for use on two of the nights, and hot tubs also available at one of the overnight stops.

The group will be camping on one of the nights in a beautiful, remote valley in the mountain. It will be a wild pop-up camp with social time and meals around a fire pit, hot bush shower and a toilet. Stretchers with bedrolls lined with cotton linen, duvets and pillows are provided. Hot water bottles are also available if required. In case of cold or wet weather, tents will be pitched which can accommodate two guests each.

All of the overnight lodges have excellent quality drinking water out of the taps. Bottled water in 5 litre containers will be available for refilling your water bottles at lunch stops.

Local cuisine and farm grown ingredients are incorporated in all the meals. The food and local wines are part of the experience! Please be aware that it is very difficult to cater for everyone’s special dietary needs on a trip like this, and all dietary preferences cannot be catered for. Ingredients can be specified for those with allergies, however if you have a very strict dietary requirement which involves specialized catering, you should bring it along or it will involve an extra cost if it can be accommodated. Please keep in mind that there is limited space in the back up vehicle.

Drinks: Included in the ride is coffee & tea (Ceylon and Rooibos Tea) with rusks at the accommodation spots as well as water and some soft drinks, local beers and wines. 

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.NB:

Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. There are many countries with visa-free travel to SA including UK, EU, USA and Canada. (Follow the link for the latest information)

You must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after your intended date of exit from South Africa has at least 3 blank pages if you need a visa, otherwise 1 blank page is sufficient. Travelling with Children to South Africa:

Adults traveling with minors under the age of 18 need to show the child’s birth certificate which shows the details of both parents. If the child is traveling with one parent, it is also necessary to present a parental consent affidavit signed by the other parent. Since 2019 carrying these supporting documents is no longer compulsory but is advised. CATEGORY SOUTH AFRICAN CHILD - FOREIGN VISA EXEMPT CHILD ACCOMPANIED BY BOTH PARENTS Valid passport Copy of a birth certificate / equivalent document or passport containing the details of the parent or parents of the child CHILD ACCOMPANIED BY ONE PARENT Valid passport Copy of a birth certificate/equivalent document Parental consent letter Copy of the passport / identity document of the absent parent Contact details of the absent parent where applicable- Copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child. Copy of a death certificate of the deceased parent • Valid passport CHILD TRAVELLING WITH PERSON WHO IS NOT HIS / HER BIOLOGICAL PARENT valid passport Copy of a birth certificate/equivalent document Parental consent letter(s) Copy of the passport(s)/ identity document(s) of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) Contact details of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) where applicable- Copy of a death certificate Copy of an adoption order Copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights / legal guardianship in respect of the child.

Valid passport EXEMPTIONS South African children travelling on South African passports may travel to South Africa without birth certificates. Supporting documents are not required where children are in direct transit at an international airport. A child presenting a passport which contains the details of his or her parent or parents is not required to produce a birth certificate/equivalent document.

Travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is prevalent need to present a certificate showing they have been vaccinated. No vaccinations are required for malaria as this is a low malaria risk area. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

In the karoo the summers are warm and mostly clear and the winters are cold, dry, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 40°F to 86°F and is rarely below 33°F or above 94°F.
The best time of year for outdoor activities is summer, from November to April although the riding is good all year round. The cold season is usually from May 26 to September 6, with an average daily high temperature below 68°F.

There is currently a cholera outbreak in South Africa, so ask your doctor in vaccination is appropriate (if you are immune compromised).
The tap water is not safe to drink, we recommend bottled water.

Due to infrastructure problems, there are periodic blackouts called 'load shedding'. This means there is no power for up to 12 hours a day. This could have unforeseen consequences, such as interruption to the cold chain for food and medicines.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Awareness of Malaria risk and bite avoidance is recommended and if travelling to an area of Malaria risk in season we recommend speaking to your doctor about anti-malarial medication

According to the 2018 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic South Africa has the biggest HIV epidemic in the world, with 7.1 million people living with HIV. HIV prevalence is high among the general population at 18.9%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS; avoid contact with bodily fluids and keep any cuts or wounds properly clean and covered.

Health and medical facilities are generally of a good standard and readily available near larger centres. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/ medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in South Africa and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Also be aware that due to infrastructure problems, there is 'load shedding', meaning there is no power for up to 12 hours at a time. This could have unforeseen consequences, such as interruption to the cold chain for food and medicines. In South Africa the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

There is mobile signal for most of the way, but not everywhere. For instance, no mobile signal at Jacobsdal or the camp spot in Vermaaksrivier. Wi-Fi is usually available in the evenings at all the lodges, except for the night that we camp. If using a GoPro please ensure to get the permission from the group to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:

ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS

- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit - wearing of a hat is compulsory at the game reserve)
- Short boots designed for riding and walking (long boots not recommended)
- Riding gloves
- Chaps
- 3 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best
- Long sleeved shirts
- waterproof jacket
- layers are best in case of cold weather
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone

Specific to this ride:
- Anti-malaria precautions
- Torch / head lamp
- basic personal first aid kit
- Wet Wipes
- Buff

Provided by the host:
Insulated water bottle
Saddle bags
All camping equipment

* Please pack conservatively. For those travelling from afar, we suggest that you pack a smaller bag with clothing/necessary items for 2 days, and leave the balance of your luggage in the truck so that everything doesn’t have to be unpacked every day. We will let you know the weather predictions closer to the trail ride’s date which will make packing more efficient. Please make sure that you have no loose items (eg shopping bags) as they could be damaged and possibly lost. Luggage tags will be provided. If you have any luggage that can be stored while on the trip, you are welcome to leave it with us. The back up vehicle will have to travel on very dusty roads, so make sure your luggage is packed to cope with this*

8 days / 7 nights / 7 riding days on set departure dates.

2025: Karoo to Coast (downride): 9 May (FULL); 22 Aug (2 places left); 31 Oct
2025: Coast to Karoo (up-ride): 19 May (FULL); 1 Sept; 10 Nov

• £
• €
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• SEK

• ‘Land Mammals of Southern Africa’ – Smithers;


• ‘Memories of a Game Ranger’ – Harry Wolhunter;


• ‘Birds of Southern Africa’ – Ken Newman


• ‘Cry, The Beloved Country’ – Alan Paton,


• ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ – Fitzpatrick


• ‘A Chain of Voices’ – Andre Brink


• ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ – Nelson Mandela


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

There is a wide variety of wildlife and over 200-bird species that you can see at Botlierskop. The reserve is home to the lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino as well as many other wildlife such as cheetah, rare black impala, zebra, giraffe, hippo and many more.

Access to shops: Keep in mind that the support staff & bakkie will pass through George between Louvain and Oakhurst, so make sure you are stocked up with saddle bag snacks, personal requirements and additional drinks before arriving for the trip. Oakhurst has a great farm shop, and so Doornkraal farm shop is also worth a stop. Any special trips for provisions or medical attention will be for your own account but can be arranged.

South Africa's land area is 1,228,376 km.2 (larger than The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy & Germany combined). It borders Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland & Zimbabwe to the north, and entirely surrounds Lesotho (a total land border of 4,750 km.). It has a coastline of 2,954 km, with few natural harbours. South Africa is an exhilarating, spectacular and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and sense of progress about the place. The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's wildlife. The international dialing code for South Africa is +27 and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The time zone is GMT plus two hours. Always collect your luggage on arrival at any local airport and take it through customs. Most of the South African smaller airports don’t have customs clearance. Even if the airline tells you that your luggage can be checked through, it is not true. At local airports there are a lot of porters who can be of great help if you are in a hurry to find your check in counter or your gate. However they sometimes ask for a lot of money. R 50,00 is more then enough to give them when they have been of great help, if they have only pushed the trolley, R 20,00 should be enough. If you travel by car and police stop you for speeding or something else you might have done wrong, don’t give them any cash money, always ask for a ticket. If they persist, ask to speak to their supervisor. Also the toll gates don’t take international credit cards. South Africa has a high rate of crime including carjacking and robberies. Be cautious when visiting popular tourist attractions and destinations and in and around transport hubs, including airports. The risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is generally low