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HORSE RIDING
Whether you simply want to go for a gallop on the white sandy beaches of Cape Town, or spend a week riding across savannah plains cantering alongside giraffe or getting up close and personal with rhino and even leopard . Africa has all to offer the avid horserider. Being a passion of ours at African Pathfinder, we offer expert advice on which horse-riding holiday or excursion would be best suited to you depending on your interest and experience. We have a selection of horse-riding options for the novice, right through to the most experienced. In all cases we will ensure you have a safe and memorable ride!
Some top horse-riding holiday ideas:
Horseback Safaris, South Africa
There are several operators in South Africa that offer horseback safaris, from the hourly trail rides through game reserves and wildlife parks, to those that specialise in more exhilarating safaris lasting several days. There is no better way to view wildlife more intimately than on the back of a horse! The wildlife seem not to see the rider as a threat, but rather treat the horse as another animal and therefore you are often able to get quite close to the likes of giraffe, buffalo, antelope and even rhino!
Probably the most exhilerating ride you will encounter
Superb, well-trained horses
Trail-rider or English tack used
More suited for experienced riders
Wild Coast Horse Trails
The Wild Coast is a beautiful stretch of South Africa.s coastline, located just north of East London in the Eastern Cape. The region is unspoilt, rugged and relatively unpopulated. The stretch of coast comprises some 280kms of cliff faces, perfect beaches and rich tidal estuaries. There are two operators in the region, both offering fabulous riding along the coast from hourly to 6 or 7 night trails. Horses are often home-bred and include breeds like Fresians, Nooitgedachts and the local Boerperd.
Beautiful, unspoilt coastline
Wonderful horses, personally trained by the owner of the operations
Great for working holidays, riding camps and general riding holidays
Suited to medium . experienced riders of all ages
Winelands Horse Trails
Located in the Cape Winelands, mere minutes from the centre of Cape Town, the winelands horse trails are a must for any avid rider! Trails lead you through lush vineyards, up hills with spectacular views, across the winelands and through Fynbos paths. Some operators also offer wine-tasting trails where you not only enjoy the horse-ride, but also sample some of the country's best wines. not too many drinks though as we don't want you falling out of the saddle!
Beautiful scenery
Hourly rides to overnight trails offered
Wine-tasting riding tours
Suited to all levels and ages
Cattle Ranching
Unleash the cityslicker in you and come muster cattle in Africa! "Rough-it" a bit with early morning starts, riding all day and moving cattle across wide-open plains in the Waterberg region. Learn to lasso, to whistle like a true cattleman and work in a team with the other musters. The horses are brilliantly trained and will be your sure-footed, expert guide during your week.s experience.
Exciting riding In the saddle most of the day - need to be riding fit!
Suited for experienced riders
Fabulous horses
Okavango Delta Horse Safaris
The Okavango Delta is one of the most enigmatic river systems in Africa. Riding through the maze of papyrus lined waterways, meadows and woodlands rich in birdlife and game is a truly memorable experience. On horseback you can venture further into the delta and get closer to the wildlife than you can on foot. Cantering alongside the elegant motion of a giraffe is an experience you will never forget and the only sound you will hear is the fish eagle.s haunting cry, the splash of a disappearing crocodile and the drumming of hooves underneath you.
Great way to experience the Okavango Delta
Magnificent game viewing and birdlife
Well trained, sure footed horses
Suited for experienced riders only
Malaria risk area
Namibian Desert Horse Trails
Namibia is a vast country with contrasting scenery from big sand dunes, expansive desert scenes, the haunting Fish River Canyon to the dramatic Skeleton coast. Enjoy this fabulous, unique country on horseback. Whether it's on a simple day tour or the more adventurous week's excursions. If you're lucky you may even see the wild Namib horses who roam freely in the south-western region.
Dramatic scenery
Short trails to all day riding over long distances
Wildlife safaris
Suited more for medium - experienced riders
Beach Rides
When staying along the coast in South Africa, there are often operators in the area who offer beach-rides. These are normally available to all levels of riders and the horses are suited even for children. In Cape Town for example, going for an early morning or late afternoon gallop along Noordhoek, is a great activity to include in your stay in the beautiful city. Often the horses are willing to swim in the shallow waters too - super on a hot summer.s day!
Long stretches of beach to enjoy fast gallops or easy walks
Suited to all levels of riders
Suitable for children
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