Untouched white sand as far as the eye can see, hilly, mountainous terrain and an incredibly rich flora and fauna – that's what awaits you on this ride. The starting point of the tour is only about 2 hours from Cape Town. Immerse yourself in the Walker Bay area and discover the famous proteas and different types of fynbos. Like most things at the southernmost point of Africa, the beaches here are also worth a visit. The coastal region offers an enticing ion of bays and deserted beaches. Bird lovers will also be in their element! In the southern Overberg on the Western Cape, nature still reigns supreme! Everything is very natural, with hardly any changes made by human hands – immerse yourself in the traditional, authentic South African world of this beautiful region!

From July to December, with a little luck, you may have the chance to see smooth-hided whales in the wild. It is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of these impressive, magnificent animals as you gallop along the coast – often only 100 metres away!
You will ride sure-footed, forward-going horses and enjoy longer rides along the coast and through mountainous terrain.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the farm in the afternoon. You can be picked up from Cape Town Airport. Once you arrive at the farm, you will receive an introduction and discuss the tour itinerary. Afterwards, you can get to know your fellow riders over dinner.

Day 2: Farm – Windheuwel Farm (3-4 hours)
Today you will go on your first short ride to get to know your horses and try them out. You will ride past the diverse vegetation of the Cape and see mountains covered with fynbos. You will ride along the Kraaibosch dam and through the Blumental – a wide valley with different types of fynbos and native forests. Be enchanted by this authentic, unspoilt region, which is rarely seen in this form anymore. UNESCO supports a project for sustainability and the protection of the vegetation in the Cape region. You will end your ride nearby and enjoy a leisurely dinner. You will spend the evening in good company before falling into bed exhausted.

Day 3: Windheuwel – Stanford River Lodge (5-6 hours)
In the morning, you will cross the G bos Fynbus National Reserve, which is known for its botanical highlights. Before reaching De Kelders, a beautiful coastal village with numerous natural caves, you ride west through the bushland near the coast. At De Kelders, the coast is a little rougher, with sandstone cliffs where the sea breaks. You will cross huge, fantastic, almost surreal sand dunes (Grys Dunes) until you finally reach the beach. You will now ride through the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Walker Bay comprises an endless stretch of unspoilt sandy beach and dunes that merge into green hills. The beaches are among the most beautiful in South Africa. Enjoy long gallops here and listen to the spray and the waves of the sea as you gallop across the sandy beach on your horse. In this region, between June and December, there is a high chance of seeing one of the many southern right whales from the smooth whale family. They often come quite close to the coast – just a few metres away, they swim and play with their young in the water. Admire these gentle giants as they break through the water, play, splash and slap their tails on the water in a playful leap. All this just a short distance away! Halfway to Hermanus, ride inland until you reach the peaceful little village of Stanford. You will spend the night at the Stanford River Lodge. Here you will have time to swim and go canoeing on the river.

Day 4: Beach ride to the lagoon mouth (4 hours)
Today you will set off on a shorter round trip. You will follow the river to the lagoon. As you ride along the riverbank, you can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Birdwatchers will be in their element here – there is plenty to see! Even if you are not very familiar with bird species, there is one animal you are sure to spot: in this area, it is not uncommon to see some of the flamingos that live here. After your morning ride, you will return to the Stanford River Lodge for a convivial lunch. In the afternoon, you can take the opportunity to participate in a wine tasting at Springfontein Farm. You can also spend the afternoon relaxing on the water and canoeing out onto the river to enjoy the sunset to the fullest.

Day 5: Stanford River Lodge – Witkrans Farm (6 hours)
Today you can look forward to a longer day of riding, covering a distance of approximately 35 km. You will ride along the river through the fynbos-covered dunes to the beach. Today you will have many opportunities for longer gallops on the beach. On the way back, dunes await you and you will climb a ridge before you see the beautiful flower valley in front of you and reach yesterday's farm.

Day 6: Witkrans Farm back to the farm via the Pearly Beach Reserve (6 hours)
A wonderful last day of riding awaits you today – enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains, brisk gallops on the beach, small pools of water created by the tides and the return journey through the interior back to the farm. In the evening, you can relax and recover from your long day of riding. You will sit together for dinner and no doubt have plenty to talk about before the last night of your trip begins.

Day 7:
After breakfast, you will set off for Cape Town. From there, you can either begin your journey home or continue your trip. It is also possible to book additional nights on the farm.

The programme is subject to change at any time due to weather conditions.

Accomodation
You will spend the first and last night on the farm. Along the way, you will be accommodated in family-run lodges, guesthouses and guesthouses.
The farm is situated in the nature reserve and fynbos reserve in the Uilkraal valley between Stanford and Campe Agulhas in the pristine southern Overberg. The reserve is a sanctuary for hundreds of rare, endemic fynbos plants.
Internet is available on the farm and in some of the accommodation.

Saddle & Tack: English saddles and comfortable South African trail saddles.

Experience: From approx. 5 years riding experience, confidence in all gaits and trail experience, also in a faster canter on the beach, rider weight max. 95kg.

Horses: Boerperde and crosses with Arabians, thoroughbreds and warmbloods, well-trained, sure-footed and well-mannered.