Wildlife and Winelands

Set within two of South Africa's most beautiful biosphere reserves (the Waterberg Biosphere and the Cape Winelands Biosphere), this trip combines four days exhilarating game viewing on horseback with riding through stunning scenery of the Cape’s winelands along with wine tasting at some of South Africa’s best wine estates.

Horizon Horseback Classic Safari - Horizon Horseback hosts the first four days on one of the Waterberg’s pioneering and most impressive wildlife reserves. The freedom to ride across 25,000 acres of bushveld, characterized by a huge diversity of species and unusually large herds of plains game, make this safari a truly rewarding horseback game viewing experience.
The topography of the reserve is dramatic and varied, with a towering mountain backdrop to pristine bushveld, hidden valleys, kilometres of river frontage, sweeping plains and endless vistas. Species to be seen include
buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra, wildebeest and a wide array of antelope, including the impressive sable antelope. However, the most exciting, without doubt, is the highly endangered white rhinoceros. If you have never encountered a rhino on horseback before, do it before it is too late!

Cape Winelands Riding - The Cape Winelands are amongst the most scenic winelands in the world. Splendid mountains form a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history.
With its magnificent natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage and its world-renowned wines, the Winelands region is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer. Combining this setting with the joy of riding great horses and the privilege of unfettered access to some of
country’s best known vineyards makes for a magical riding experience.

Adding the decadence of multiple wine tastings, fine cuisine and luxurious spa treatments leads to truly unforgettable holiday.

WILDLIFE & WINELANDS SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1: After arrival at O R Tambo International in Johannesburg, a three hour group transfer to the Waterberg departs at 10.00 AM. Perched above a large, hippo filled lake, the reserve’s sole safari lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding plains. On the first afternoon riders become acquainted with the horses and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride provides the first taste of the incredible variety of game species on the reserve.

DAY 2: The ride to ‘Little Serengeti’ – a mosaic of open plains and bushveld savannah – provides an encounter with the dense herds of zebra, eland and blesbuck for which this beautiful reserve has become renowned. That dream canter alongside herds of galloping antelope can be experienced with all its heart stopping adrenaline. Many other species are to be seen along the way. The afternoon ride sets out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. Encountering these magnificent creatures in the wild is a highlight of any safari, but riding closely alongside them is a truly unforgettable experience.

DAY 3: Riding along the base of the mountain and into hidden valleys deep within the folds of the Waterberg escarpment offers an opportunity to encounter endangered cape vultures and some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and yellow spotted rock hyrax. The path follows crystal clear streams and passes several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. A bush picnic at one of the dams allows the ride to be extended, with riders only returning in time for afternoon tea and an optional bush walk.

DAY 4: Through fast riding on long and winding tracks the reserve’s western boundary can be reached. An afternoon game drive offers encounters with Cape buffalo and the magnificent sable antelope. The return drive provides glimpses of the reserve’s fascinating nocturnal inhabitants such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. That evening riders can enjoy the magical African night sky while relaxing around a campfire and enjoying traditional bush cuisine.

Day 5: An 8.30 AM transfer departs for O R Tambo for a short two hour flight down to the Cape Winelands. Arrival in the Fairest Cape at 2:00 PM brings a short 30min transfer to the luxurious Sante Villa & Wellness Spa in the very heart of wine country. A short ride in the afternoon allows riders to become familiar with their new horses and surroundings, and that evening it is time to sample traditional Cape cuisine accompanied by a selection of fine wines from the region.

Day 6: The morning ride meanders through the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, arriving at one of the high vantage points mid-morning for a brief drink and snack. The views across the Paarl Valley are breathtaking, and it becomes abundantly clear that the area is steeped in a very proud history of viticulture. The ride continues along the mountainside and through the vineyards towards the Anura Wine Estate where a wine and cheese tasting is followed by an à la carte lunch. Well fortified, riders meander back through the vineyards, visiting the Neil Joubert private estate for an exclusive tasting of their award-winning wines.

Day 7: A long morning ride through lemon, pear, peach and plum orchards heads towards the famous Backsberg Wine Estate for another iconic wine tasting. The route home along the western face of the Simonsberg Mountain provides sweeping views towards the Franschoek Valley with the Great Drakenstein Mountains in the distance. After returning to Sante at 3 PM, the remainder of the day can be spent at the villa’s wellness spa or on a drive into the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschoek or Paarl. This region is world famous not only for its wine, but also for its fine cuisine and that evening both can be savoured at a selected nearby restaurant.

Day 8: A choice is provided for further horseback exploration of the area or an excursion to some of the best known destinations in the wider Cape, including Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. The riding option crosses orchards and vineyards to one of the larger holding dams nearby where the exhilaration of swimming with your horse can be experienced. Lunch is at another of the area’s wonderful wine estates, and in the afternoon the cross country course can be tackled or a lesson taken with our qualified international coach. An alternative is to relax around the pool or enjoy a treatment at the spa.

Day 9: The final ride is to the Glen Carlou Estate for wine tasting and light snacks. Then back to the villa for a chance to pack and relax before transferring to the airport. Those with later flights can enjoy a trip to the V&A Waterfront for some last minute shopping and sightseeing.

Call us on +44 (0)1225 424413 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.