This horseback riding vacation is on a private game reserve situated high up in the rolling hills, far above the sugar cane fields, near to the St Lucia Wetlands Reserve. The exclusive 5-star lodge has sweeping views in all directions. There are only 8 magnificent rooms; spacious and beautifully appointed with quality interiors and large private balconies. The food is truly gourmet, and the view from the restaurant is magnificent. The stables are a few kilometres downhill from the reserve and have approximately 21 Arab and cross horses. All levels of horseback rider from beginners to advanced will find a lovely match here. The owner breeds Arab horses and all are in prime condition.
Plentiful plains game, including the elusive Nyala antelope, giraffe, zebras, kudu, waterbuck, gnu, impala, warthogs etc, are all present on the reserve and guests may even be lucky and spot the elusive leopard. None of the species present are considered dangerous so it is possible to walk freely along the many self-guided trails on the reserve, although a bush guide is also on site and is highly recommended. When on horseback, riders will marvel at how close they can get to the game. After riding, take a dip in the glorious swimming pool. Several excursions are possible - please see itinerary for more details.
Read a personal ride review of this ride.
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 JB of Sale on 06/10/2024
Tailor-made Programmes:
Choose how long to stay and which activities to do each day. Guests can pick two activities each day including horse riding, game drives, guided bush walks, archery, target shooting with air rifles, and clay target/rifle shooting (additional cost might apply). Horse riding for children under 10 is by prior arrangement only, babysitting services are available on-site.
Out-rides include cantering along sandy paths that criss-cross the stunning reserve stopping only to watch zebra grazing, or giraffe browsing the treetops. Back to the lodge for a dip in the pool or an afternoon activity after lunch. Some rides will take place in the early morning to avoid the heat before returning for a sumptuous breakfast on the veranda.
Horseback Safaris:
This is a spectacular way to view game, and the Reserve welcomes both beginner and advanced riders. This unique experience combines the pleasure of riding with the thrill of an African safari. Delight in an adventure experiencing African wildlife, scenery and culture at close quarters. Horse and rider become one with the environment – sharing the same sights, scents, sounds and excitement of the African wilderness. No horse lover coming to South Africa should miss this opportunity!
This Private Game Reserve specializes in riding holidays for families, groups and individuals. Each trail ride offers incredible game viewing from the meandering plains, or the challenging hilly ascents. There is nothing more exciting than riding into a herd of impala, giraffe, wildebeest and warthogs, and getting close to them, before they trot off. A professional guide will lead riders through unspoilt wilderness areas, while introducing the African fauna & flora and sharing the exhilaration of a Horseback safari.
Riding schedules are tailored to the requirements of each group, starting from a beginner’s lesson of half an hour, to a daily ride of up to five hours, breaking for a bush breakfast or picnic. Great emphasis is placed on the care of the horses, which are Pure Arabians and Cross-breeds with the indigenous South African “Boerperd”.
There is a BIG 5 Reserve nearby, and a visit can be arranged directly with the hosts (please note this might have to be an overnight visit, please enquire for more details).
Guided Activities
Game Drives:
Accompanied by an experienced game ranger, guests traverse the vast 2,500 hectare reserve in an open safari vehicle. The knowledgeable guide will explain the fascinating life cycles of insects, plants and trees and the behaviour patterns of mammals, big and small, giving guests a chance to experience, first hand, the magic of the African bush. The reserve is abundantly stocked with game including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, a multitude of antelope, warthog and monkeys, and as it can be explored all day there isn't the need for an early wake-up call . Stop at a scenic spot throughout the Reserve on the game drives for the ever-popular Sundowners and picnics.
Bush Walks:
Rejuvenate the spirit on long walks through unspoilt bush. Walks range from stalking trips with camera and binoculars, to a comfortable stroll to a shaded picnic spot and a specially prepared bush meal. Walking the numerous bush trails is the best way to work up a healthy appetite! There is nothing quite like being on foot in the bush. Somehow the senses are heightened and one can see, hear and smell things that would normally be missed in a vehicle. Walking is also the best way to appreciate the magical little creatures of the bush – the way termites build their colonies, how dung beetles work, or the finer points of the toothbrush tree. There are no predators or dangerous animals on the Reserve, so guests can feel quite safe exploring their own little corner of paradise.
Birding:
For bird lovers, there is nothing more inspiring than waking up to the call of hornbills or the flurry of weaver birds. To date, over 200 resident species have been counted along with many occasional visitors and seasonal migrants. From soaring eagles overhead to the vivid sunbirds flitting through the shrubs, the area offers birdwatchers constant excitement.
Botanical Walks:
Take a tour through the Landscaped indigenous garden and learn to identify some of the indigenous trees & plants found in the area, while finding out about their fascinating health benefits.
Shooting Sports -
Archery:
Enjoy a Sherwood Forest experience and unleash your inner Robin Hood! Test your aiming abilities and learn to shoot an arrow using a Recurve bow at a target between 10 and 40m away! Children will be supplied with a simple bow if they also wish to participate. Historically, archery has been used for hunting by many cultures for centuries, and is still popular, but thankfully strictly regulated and legislated. Target archery is hugely popular throughout the world.
Air Rifle Target Shooting:
Learn a new skill and test your aiming abilities by shooting a drop down target between 10 and 40m away. Shots are fired from a standing position only. Air rifles are easy to fire, and riflery is fun and rewarding (especially when you get it right!)
Excursions -(upon request, additional charges apply)
Jozini Dam – Boat Cruise & Tiger Fishing: Jozini Dam is situated in a beautiful part of northern KZN on the western side of the Lebombo mountain range in an area characterized by bushveld, wildlife and subtropical weather. The Jozini Dam, covering an area of 16 000 hectares, is surrounded by private and provincial game reserves which have healthy populations of animals and birds. Jozini is now a protected breeding area for a host of water birds, mammals and fish such as the Tiger Fish. The Pongolapoort gorge is magnificent and worth a visit by boat to explore the inlets and cliffs.
There are 27 species of fish in the Jozini Dam, the most prevalent being the tiger fish, Tilapia (kurper), barbel, yellowfish and carp. The Jozini Dam is at the most southern range of the African Tiger Fish, and with so much space, food and warm water, the tiger fish populations have grown to the point where Jozini is now one of the most popular fishing destinations in South Africa, with catches of tiger fish comparable to places like the Okavango Delta and the Zambezi River, just so much closer by and very easy to get to with any vehicle.
TRANSFERS:
From Johannesburg International Airport (O R Tambo Airport) - Pakimisa ZAR 6,300.00 (1-4 pax). Transfer time is approx. 5.5 hours.
Durban - Pakamisa ZAR 5,500.00. (1-4 pax). Transfer time is approx. 4 hours.
Transfer prices can vary due to fuel cost fluctuations.
Single Supplements
Paying the supplement guarantees a room to yourself. In the months of May, June and July the reserve is less busy and riders can often have a single room at no extra charge. At other times again no supplement will be charged if the reserve is not busy but this is most unlikely.
Children
- Children under the age of 10 will usually be able to ride with prior arrangement, please enquire.
- Under 4 years free of charge, sharing parents room
- 4 to 12 years - applicable child rate, sharing parents room. Children over 12 sharing with parents will be charged 3rd person rate, or the full adult rate if in a separate room.
Why not spoil yourself with a few days on a tropical beach after your safari? We recommend one of our Mozambiquan Beach Extensions as an ideal way to round off this safari.
Non-rider and other activities:
GAME DRIVE - Accompanied by an experienced game ranger, guests may traverse the entire reserve in an open safari vehicle. Your guide will explain the often-fascinating life cycles of everything from insects, plants and trees to the behaviour patterns of the mammals and birds, giving you a chance to experience at first hand the magic of the African wild.
GUIDED WALKS - Rejuvenate your spirit on long walks through the unspoiled bushveld. The numerous Bush walks are the best way to work up an appetite, these range from stalking trips with camera and binoculars to a comfortable stroll to a shaded picnic spot, where you will be surprised by a creative prepared Bush meal. Since none of the larger and more dangerous mammals roam the Private Game Reserve and access is restricted, you can look out for your own little corner of paradise.
BIRDWATCHING - More than 200 species have been recorded in the Zululand Game Reserve with many more occasional visitors and seasonal migrants. From soaring eagles overhead to the vivid sunbirds flitting through the shrubs, the area offers birdwatchers constant excitement.
BOTANICAL SEMINARS - With its wealth of plant life, Zululand can offer study tours and on-site botanical lectures conduct ed by local experts.
GOLF – The reserve can arrange transport to the small but challenging nine-hole golf course in Pongola, a 40-minute drive from Zululand. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome on this well-maintained course.
SIGHT SEEING TOURS - SOME OF THE MANY OPTIONS :
Cultural tours to the nearby centers of the proud and colourful history of the Zulu people, including conducted tours of the famous battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars.
St. Lucia World Heritage Site - wildlife observation and boat cruise through this vast coastal wetland.
Visits to local traditional Zulu villages, Zulu dancing and traditional Zulu arts and crafts.
There is a BIG 5 Reserve nearby, a visit can be arranged directly with the hosts (please note this might have to be an overnight visit, please enquire for more details).
FISHING - Expeditions to the nearby Jozini Dam (approximately one hour's drive) can be arranged for anglers seeking the legendary, hard-fighting Tiger fish and other freshwater species. The Jozini Dam, one of the largest in the region, is in a beautiful setting and an abundance of wildlife visits its shores. Our team will drive you there and back and organise everything you need for a memorable day's fishing.
SHOOTING - Zululand Paradise boasts its own shooting range in a fascinating mountain location (far removed from the hotel itself to avoid noise disturbance). Here a modern clay target FITASC-parcours as well as two target ranges (50 m and 100 m) are available for a thorough training session or, occasionally, for an exiting competition for "The Zululand Cup". Guns may be rented on-site and an experienced instructor is on hand to help throughout the shoots. The end of a shooting session can be celebrated in the cosy clubhouse at the range where all can enjoy barbecues and happy hours.
CULINARY SPECIALITIES - The national dishes and drinks of specific countries are featured in turn.
SMALL-TALK AT THE POOLSIDE - The Rock Pool, sundecks and pool bar await your visit.
IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE - In winter weather, no better place than the roaring log fires in the magnificent Trophy Hall in the Main House.
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE - End your day under the brilliant star-lit African sky, surrounded by the incomparable symphony of wilderness' night music.
SPA TREATMENTS - Spa treatments are available at a local spa, which overlooks the breathtaking Pongola River. You can choose from of a variety of professional treatments while enjoying the wildlife and nature. Please enquire for a treatment and price list.
Please not that activities detailed in your itinerary are included in the cost; other activities mentioned above are available for an extra cost on-site.
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.
Horse lovers will be impressed by the Zululand Arabian Stud. The Arabian horses were originally born and bred in Andalusia, Spain, by Isabella von Stepski who is renowned internationally as an Arabian expert. Isabella transported her entire stud from Spain to this special corner of Africa where these noble horses are thriving well. The first generation of the African-born Arabians are already galloping across the endless pastures.
All horses are worked under saddle and the proud breeder is only too happy to arrange riding excursions with the entire herd for guests with equestrian interest. The horses are ridden in English tack and are trained English way, all with snaffle mouths. They are well-schooled and responsive, yet calm. Sizes are from 14.3hh – 16hh with some Boerperd crosses, a South-African breed of sure footed bush horse.
An elegant but comfortable lounge and veranda at the Zululand Stables invite riders and their friends to enjoy pre-ride drinks and snacks as well as a delicious dinner in a very special setting at the end of a day in the saddle.
• Any age or level of experience can be accommodated.
• Itineraries are flexible according to your abilities and requirements.
• Children accepted - riding for children under 10 years only by prior arrangement.
• The minimum age for the Safari Week is 12 years
Weight limit: 187 pounds (85 kg) Unfortunately can not accommodate any heavier than this at this time.
Hard hats can be borrowed.
The weight limit for this ride is 187 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
All buildings are of an almost palatial style and decorated to a very high standard with original art works and quality materials. There is a main lodge with reception lobby, large and well stocked library, living room with a huge fire place, lovely views and large veranda with cane furniture. There is a dining lodge with lobby, a large indoor dining area, fire place and large veranda with wonderful views.
There are 6 accommodation suites. Each has an entrance lobby, large bathroom with double basin, shower, bath tub, toilet and bidet. All finished to a very high standard. The bedroom area is slightly raised with king-size or twin beds. Up to two extra beds can be added to the rooms. Down a few steps is a sitting area with sofas, a well stocked mini-bar, coffee and tea making facilities, fresh biscuits and cakes, fresh fruit and double doors onto a private balcony with views over the bushveld. There is cane furniture on balcony.
A full size swimming pool and sun loungers are available for relaxtion and to take in the stunning views.
The elegant El Prado restaurant with its reputation for pleasing the most fastidious gourmet strives for perfection in hospitality, entertainment and fine dining. This is five star dining. From a sumptuous full breakfast up to a light lunch with salads, quiches, home baked breads, afternoon tea and sundowners, romantic alfresco four course dining on the covered veranda, gala dinner with concert entertainment on occasion all in a stylish but comfortable atmosphere. The cuisine, as well as the wines and liquors from the cellar, are of the highest international standards.
Or a perfect day can be rounded off around a crackling campfire under the stars enjoying the natural nocturne of the African night. There is Wifi in all the rooms and main building.
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
The best time to visit South Africa is from April to October generally when the days are sunny and warm (25 Celsius). Evening temperatures however drop sharply. This is also the best time for game viewing as animals gather around watering holes and the bush is dry and sparse. Temperatures begin to climb mid to late September. The rainy season begins in November, peaks in January and ends in March/April. Summer months are September to April. October, November and February are the hottest months, with temperatures varying from 12 degrees C to 38 degrees C at midday. The rains usually start November, with the occasional thunder shower. December to February are the wettest months. Winter is May to the end of August with no rain. Evening and early mornings are cold. Temperature varies from 8 degrees C to 24 degrees C at midday.
In the hottest months, the rides will be early in the morning or a shorter afternoon ride.
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.
They do not have mosquito nets in the rooms, but do offer repellent in the room. They are a very low risk area for malaria.
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.
It is recommended you bring plenty of film and batteries with you, however there will be some supplies available but they may not be exactly what you need. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.
Khaki, green and bush colours – avoid white which scares the animals, and black attracts insects.
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (one can be provided)
- Broad brimmed hat which stays firmly on your head- hard hats can be borrowed
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- 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 (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Jumper or Jersey
- Warm Jacket (May – August)
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Long sleeved shirts
- Lightweight rainwear
- Raincoat (seasonal)
- Informal wear for evenings
- Rubber flip flops
- Bumbag
- Sarong
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Lipbalm with sunscreen
- Sunglasses with string
- Antihistamine cream/pills
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Plastic bags for wet clothing
- Mobile phone
- 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 (recommended)
- Copy of your passport
- Torch
This ride is available all year round and can be booked for any length of stay.
2025: Year round, any day arrival or departure. Tailor-made trips
Paying the supplement guarantees a room to yourself. In the months of May, June and July the reserve is less busy and riders can often have a single room at no extra charge.
On the reserve guests can expect to see leopard, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, warthog, bushpig, kudu, nyala, impala, bushbuck, common reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, grey and red duiker, steenbuck, klipspringer, baboon as well as many smaller mammals, predators and reptiles. The bird life, too, is prolific and varied.
South Africa is a really diverse country. Zululand is situated not far from the Indian Ocean (50 km as the crow flies), about 30 km south west of the little town Pongola. Please have a look at the map below. This corner of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, the mountainous region at the border to the Kingdom of Swaziland, is scarcely populated and is counted amongst the most scenic regions of South Africa. The close proximity of the coast results in a moderate and temperate climate. Because there are no centers of industry or high density population, there is neither pollution nor social or political conflict.
A babysitting service is available.
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