South Africa - Moolmanshoek Ride and Safari

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This is a suggested programme for the 7 night itinerary. The actual programme will depend on the number of nights booked and may vary.

Day 1
Arrival in the afternoon to a light lunch on the veranda of the main lodge. Settling into rooms of your choice (cozy, classic or luxury rooms charged according to your preference) before enjoying a late afternoon introduction to the stable yard and some of our horses, along with an orientation of the lodge and immediate settings. Drinks and welcome snacks on the veranda with dinner in the restaurant.

Day 2
Breakfast on the veranda followed by a morning 4 hour 'yellow loop' trail, through the fairy forest and a climb on to the ridge behind Sekonjela’s Hoed, following a long canter track to the view point overlooking the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho.  The ride back into the shadow of Sekonjela’s Hoed stops off at the Shower Pools, a unique waterfall hidden in a cave on the side of the rocky outcrop. Here riders brave enough can enjoy a refreshing shower under the waterfall of spring water. Mounting up, the ride back down the valley takes riders down steep slopes of sandstone with breathtaking views of the Moolmanshoek Valley. Riders will be amazed at the dexterity of the incredible Boerperd, as they negotiate the slopes with ease. Light lunch on the veranda before afternoon ride. Afternoon ride includes sundowners overlooking the plains

Day 3
Early breakfast before setting off on a picnic lunch ride to discover the Bushmen paintings. This ride takes us on the middle section of the Endurance blue loop, skirting the ridges behind the lodge. Explore the overhangs where there are bushman paintings estimated to be over 400 years old. After exploring the first bushmen painting site, ride over the mountains that offer spectacular views into Lesotho, before descending into the valley to explore more bushmen paintings with a sacred entrance tunnel into the mountains. Large herds of red hartebeest, black wildebeest, impala, giraffe and sable antelope can be seen on the ride.  Take a short ride down into the valley to enjoy a picnic lunch under the willows to relax in the shade as the horses graze nearby.  This trail is a slower pace, with some long canters before climbing up the mountain. After a leisurely lunch,  ride back to the lodge. Dinner at the "Bamboesbos" restaurant

Day 4
Breakfast on the veranda before heading off for the Holkrans ride. No visit to Moolmanshoek Horse trails is complete without a visit to Holkrans! Start with a breathtaking ride through the donga forest with some exciting canters up steep trails while following a scenic route up the mountains with beautiful views into Lesotho. As we summit Sekonjela’s Hoed, the second highest peak in the Witteberg Mountain Range, take in the breathtaking views from the summit back to Moolmanshoek over Lesotho. All the young horses are raised in these mountains and can often be seen while on the ride.  Ride back to the shower pools where, in the summer months, riders enjoy a refreshing dip in the pools before indulging in a delicious picnic lunch while warming up on the sandstone rocks.  Mounting up, follow narrow trails, passing the rare mountain bamboo that was discovered on the reserve, which has resulted in it becoming registered as a Natural Heritage Site.  Ride on to the Holkrans, a large cave chamber created by a unique water break that resulted in the rocky overhang, looking out over the Sandstone Ledges. 
This unique cave offers an overnight experience for the adventurous, where, in the company of friends both old and new, riders can keep warm around an open fire in the same way the cave dwellers of old did. Sleep on comfortable stretcher beds and fall asleep to the sounds of nature as the fire casts its glow on the beautiful sandstone overhang, while the horses graze contentedly a short distance away. The winter months are incredibly cold, therefore overnight stays are restricted to the summer months in fair weather.  This overnight experience is subject to availability due to conditions that need to be met.

Day 5
For guests that have chosen the overnight experience, wake to the smell of delicious coffee brewing over the open fire and join the fellow riders for a scrumptious breakfast cooked over the coals. The ride back down is past the Sugarbush Protea trees. Take in the incredible views looking out over the valley while ther sure-footed horses carefully pick their way down the mountain slopes amongst sagewood, red hairy heath, ouhout and a variety of fynbos species.  It is a ride to remember!
For riders that have not overnighted in the cave, this morning’s ride takes leads along the ridge at the foot of the Pyramids to discover the Adventure Centre at Langesnek, where there is the opportunity to book abseiling, or high ropes for those adventurous enough, or to continue the ride through the valley behind Langesnek and on to the long open plains of the neighbouring farm to view vast herds of wildlife and the numerous “White Blesbok”.  Riding through the wetlands, rich with magnificent bird life before exploring the tracks along side a small dam, where countless waterfowl can be observed.  Lovely long windy canters back towards the lodge. Lunch back at the lodge before enjoying a game drive in the afternoon for a change of pace.

Day 6
Jacobsberg Trail: This trail includes amazing game encounters as riders canter through the open plain areas before a climb up the steep ridge leading up to Jacobsberg.  Incredible views over the reserve before continuing to follow the valley’s edge in the shadow of Virsierskerf to ride the seven pools trail.  The option of a swim in the ctystal streams and pools is always there on hot days, and a fun option before mounting up again to ride back through the plains.

Day 7
After breakfast on the veranda,  head out on an exciting ride up the Pyramid Mountain Trail.  Climbing the Pyramid Mountain from the rear coming out between the two pyramids, riders head down over the side of the second pyramid onto the plains. There are nice canters to the rocky outcrop overlooking the savannah.  Game can be seen amongst the high peaks, grazing contentedly on the steep mountain slopes above the riders. Take in the rolling views while enjoying rolling canters on the return ride. The afternoon at leisure, or a short late afternoon game viewing ride on the plains.

Day 8
Its never easy to say goodbye, particularly at Moolmanshoek.  After a week of camaraderie and adventures, its time for a final ride through the plains to bid adieu to this piece of paradise.  Enjoy a brunch on the veranda before final goodbyes and departure.

Non-rider and other activities:
Other activities can be paid for on site: game drives, mountain biking, fishing, birding, plus the adventure centre next door offers high ropes, abseiling and zip lining, all following strict safety procedures.

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.

The horses used for the safaries are mostly hardy Boerperds and also home bred Arabian including ex-endurance horses. All are responsive to ride with nice paces. The bits are mostly snaffles, with the occasional curb bit. Comfortable South African Trail saddles are used with seat savers, which are made for long hours in the saddle and on the steeper routes, breastplates and cruppers are used.

Helmets are mandatory. A variety of sizes are available, but we recommend bringing your own.

Riders of similar ability will be matched together and other riders staying at the lodge may join your group. We recommend riders of intermediate ability onwards will enjoy this holiday the most. Beginners can be accommodated safely and will not be placed with experienced riders unless they booked together and wish to ride together.

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

The accommodation is of good hotel standard and there are three options: 

The Executive suites have queen sized beds, a private bathroom and bathtub, underfloor heating, seating area, desk and sitting area, sofa, private entrance and a view of the mountains or gardens. 

The Classic lodge rooms are en-suite, with showers, king sized or twinned bedrooms and most have fireplaces or stoves.

The Mountain View rooms have 2 single beds and have an outdoor verandah facing the mountains and are ideal for guests with children. 

The rooms have towels, a hair dryer, an electric blanket plus tea and coffee making facilities. There is also a billiard room, library, honesty bar, and a sun room with far reaching views of the reserve and the mountains.

The holiday includes full board: Lunches of salads, toasted sandwiches, wraps, quiche, burgers etc whilst evening meals in the restaurant comprise three courses to a very high standard. Local wine, beer, cider, soft drinks, tea, coffee and sping water are included. Tap water is safe to drink and the reserve bottles water from their spring. 

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

Average temperatures in Ficksburg vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is temperate. The hottest months are January, December, and then February. The warmest time of year is generally mid December where highs are regularly around 29.9°C with temperatures rarely dropping below 13.4°C at night.

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.

The lodge has electricity and WiFi but South Africa is experiencing load shedding at the moment, so the connectivity in the rooms is intermittent. The office has solar power and so WiFi is available at all times outside the office.
Rechargeable and small solar power packs can be useful. Mobile phone coverage is intermittent but possible at certain spots.

Khaki, green and bush colours; please avoid wearing white as this scares wildlife, or black as it tends to attract insects.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot) (cycling shorts for men)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Lightweight Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (must be able to use for walking)
- Jumper
- Warm jacket (May-August)
- Shorts
- Long sleeved shirts
- T-shirts
- Comfortable clothes for relaxing
- Sarong
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses with string
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Torch
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Binoculars

7d / 6n / 5 days riding or as wanted with a 3 night minimum.

2025: 13 Jan; 4, 25 Feb; 11 Mar; 15 Apr; 13 May; 15 Jun; 16 Jul; 18 Aug; 1, 16 Sept; 7, 21 Oct; 4, 18 Nov; 8, 29 Dev

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• ‘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

A wide variety of wild animals roam the plains and mountain slopes of the reserve, including many species of antelope. Some favourites include black wildebeest, red hartebeest, springbuck, zebra, eland, and sable, to name a few. Guests also have the opportunity to spot some of the reserve’s other residents, like the black-backed jackal, caracal, porcupine, mongoose, and meerkat.

More than 230 bird species have been recorded in the reserve, with confirmed sightings of the black eagle, jackal buzzard, bald ibis, grey heron, and eagle owl. There are also many farm dams and large marshy areas in the reserve, attracting a wide variety of aquatic birds.

For non riders, there are game drives, endless hikes, an adventure centre close by offers high ropes, abseiling and zip lining, all following strict safety procedures.

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