This itinerary is based on the currently available trails, hotels, sightseeing tours, transportation, and local flights. This schedule may change, and we will provide the best possible alternatives. Weather and other circumstances might necessitate changes to the program. In such cases, we will find the best solution to ensure your vacation meets your expectations.
Day 0 Friday
Today, you only need to leave for the airport in the late afternoon or evening for the overnight flight to Johannesburg.
Day 1 Saturday
You arrive in Johannesburg in the morning and will be picked up and taken to your hotel. Check-in, relax, take a dip in the pool, and have lunch at the hotel.
After lunch, you will be picked up for a guided tour. Johannesburg, also known as Jo'burg or Jozi, offers a wide range of tourist activities. In consultation with the guide, the group can choose from: the Apartheid Museum, Nelson Mandela Square, Maboneng Precinct, Montecasino, Nelson Mandela Houghton House, Hillbrow Tower, Constitution Hill, Nelson Mandela Bridge, the Central Business District, FNB Stadium (Soccer City), Diepkloof Park, etc.
Alternatively, you can opt for a visit to Soweto, a township just outside Johannesburg, historically significant for its role in the fight against apartheid. Visitors can explore iconic places like the Hector Pieterson Museum and Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela once lived.
Additionally, there is the Mining District; Johannesburg was built on gold mines, and a tour of one of the former mine sites, such as the Gold Reef City theme park, provides insight into the city's gold mining history.
Lastly, if time permits, Lion Park allows you to see lions and other wildlife up close.
Overnight: An authentic luxurious hotel in Johannesburg
Day 2 Sunday
Today is the big day and the start of the “Big 5 Horse Safari”*.
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the Waterberg Biosphere World Heritage Site, about 3 hours north. The team will welcome you with a drink and lunch.
After lunch, there will be a briefing*, and the horses** will be assigned to the riders*** and saddled for the first ride.
The guide:
“
In this area, there are many buffaloes and giraffes. At the end of the ride, the team will treat you to traditional songs and drinks at a lookout post.
”
Upon arrival at the camp, a three-course meal will follow. The in-house cooking team serves delicious meals with fresh vegetables, meat, and fruit, along with wine and other drinks.
Overnight: Fly Camp in canvas tents equipped with all amenities such as hot water bottles, bathrobes, white linens, towels, and chocolates at bedtime. You will have a bush bathroom with running water.
During the camping nights, there is no electricity to charge devices. This area is malaria-free.
* Example program
The described horseback riding program will be adjusted as necessary based on current (weather) conditions and animal movements. The pace depends on the circumstances and is determined by the guide. The organizer reserves the right to use alternative lodges in the reserve if the mentioned ones are fully booked. If this occurs, guests will stay in a lodge of the same standard or higher.
** The horses
During your safari, you will ride experienced horses accustomed to the bush and wildlife. They are crossbreeds of Boerperd horses (a South African breed of riding- and sporthorses). The horses are ridden in the English riding style, and comfortable saddles are used. There are saddle bags for water bottles and small items like your camera and sunscreen. The team takes care of the horses and saddles them.
*** The riders
This trip is suitable for advanced and very advanced riders. You must be proficient in walk, trot, and canter and be able to control your horse in open terrain. Since you will be riding in an area with wild animals, you must be able to ride away quickly if necessary. For safety reasons, you will not ride close to lions and elephants on horseback. On the game drives with the jeep, you can get close to these animals.
Day 3 Monday
The guide:
“
This morning, you will wake up to the sounds of nature coming to life and depart on horseback to the Entabeni Reserve. Along the way, you will stop for a plentiful brunch. You will then continue the ride, ending in the Wildside glamping tent camp, a permanent tent camp on the lower escarpment in the middle of the Big 5 reserve. You will arrive in time for a game drive by jeep to spot wildlife. Keep your camera ready to capture lions and elephants up close!
”
Overnight: Wildside tent camp (a permanent tent camp with canvas rooms and in-tent bathrooms. There is also a pool for you to use).
Day 4 Tuesday
The guide:
“
After the morning jeep game drive and breakfast, the horses will be waiting for you for your ride through the Big 5 area. You will ride to the upper plateau on a path made by women in 1994, the steepest man-made road in South Africa. For this reason, you will need to walk a portion, leading your horse. Let us know in advance if you need a vehicle to take you along the 600-meter road, which has a 40-degree incline at the steepest points. Along the way, there will be a delightful lunch by a natural rock pool where you can swim. Bring your swimwear in your saddlebag just in case.
You will arrive at the upper part of the reserve and be surprised by the open plains and completely different landscape. Rhinos are abundant here. The views over the plains are spectacular, and you can expect an abundance of wildlife right at your "doorstep." Enjoy the sunset with a gin and tonic by a crackling fire. After showering, a three-course dinner by candlelight will follow.
”
Overnight: Fly camp on the top of the mountain with star-gazing tents or dome tents depending on the weather.
Day 5 Wednesday
The guide:
“
Depart before sunrise. Tea, coffee, and snacks will be in the saddle bags. Ride to the highest point only accessible by horse. It is truly spectacular to watch the sunrise from there.
After breakfast at the camp, ride past large herds of zebras, wildebeests, elands, and giraffes. Cross a lake to the 5-star accommodation with hippos where we will stay for the night. You will arrive in time for lunch.
”
Here you can enjoy a well-deserved bath or shower. Massages are available, a treat after a few days in the saddle. There is also an option for an afternoon ride or game drive.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional South African “braai” at the lodge.
Overnight: The beautiful 5-star Kingfisher Lodge located on a lake with hippos.
Day 6 Thursday
The guide:
“
After an early morning jeep safari, have breakfast at the lodge. Then, mount your horse for the descent to the lower part of the reserve, a ride of about five hours. You will ride through another Big 5 area. The sandy paths are perfect for a good gallop to the gates of Entabeni.
”
From there, you will be taken to the stunning five-star Hanglip resort where you can relax by the pool or go on another jeep game drive.
Drinks and a farewell dinner follow.
Overnight: Hanglip 5-star Lodge, pure luxury, a class apart.
Day 7 Friday
The guide:
"
After breakfast, a team member will pick you up for the last morning ride. Enjoy extended and fast gallops on the beautiful sandy paths.
”
After the ride, freshen up, lunch and transfer to the airport.
At the airport, you take the 18.40 flight to Cape Town, arriving around 20:55 PM, where you will be picked up and taken to the hotel at the V&A Waterfront, a bustling hub full of shops, restaurants, and attractions, with a stunning view of the harbor and Table Mountain.
Given the late hour, you will go straight to dinner.
Overnight: An authentic luxurious hotel in Capetown at the V&A Waterfront
Day 8 Saturday
After breakfast, you can opt for a quiet morning by the pool or shopping at the V&A Waterfront. The active can visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years.
In the afternoon, take a guided panoramic city tour of Cape Town, including a visit to Table Mountain (take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the city and surrounding coastline or hike to the top for a more adventurous experience). Return to the hotel for a dip in the pool or a bath/shower.
In the evening, you will be picked up for a “Cape Town by Night tour,” including the famous Long Street and the culinary scene of Cape Town with its variety of restaurants. You will dine at an African cuisine restaurant offering a “drumming experience”.
Overnight: same hotel at the V&A Waterfront
Day 9: Sunday
As you leave Cape Town, you pass the vast township of Khayelitsha, which was established during apartheid as a residential area for black South Africans who were displaced from other parts of the city.
You then continue to Stellenbosch, one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in South Africa, known for its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and an abundance of fascinating sights. Upon arrival, you'll experience the charming atmosphere of the town during a guided walk and also visit the famous Stellenbosch University campus.
After lunch, you drive through the stunning vineyards. Stellenbosch is a paradise for wine lovers, with over 200 vineyards. You enjoy the beautiful nature and impressive wine estates. This tour brings you to the starting point of your next horse riding adventure, the "Cape Winelands Overnight Horse Trail," beginning with the "2 Hour Sunset Outride." As the sun sets, you gaze upon the majestic Simonsberg and follow the trail through lemon orchards, vineyards, and along a lake.
Overnight: on the farm itself, where you can enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and energy of a working farm.
Day 10: Monday
After a simple breakfast, you depart on a full-day ride, heading into the foothills of the Simonsberg with plenty of opportunities to gallop. You stop at a renowned wine estate where you will lunch.
After the ride, a van will take you to Franschhoek, a charming village with a rich history and numerous attractions.
Check-in and after a refreshing shower, a short city walk takes you to the restaurant. The village is known for its excellent culinary scene.
Overnight: An authentic luxurious hotel in Franschhoek
Day 11: Tuesday
In the morning, there is an opportunity for a guided walk in Franschhoek. For history enthusiasts, Franschhoek is a fascinating destination. The village has a rich colonial history, dating back to the 17th century when it was founded by French Huguenots. You can visit historical sites such as the Huguenot Monument and the Huguenot Museum, where you can learn about the French influences on the region.
Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel or explore the many cozy shops.
After lunch, you depart on a tour that takes you to several renowned wine estates with extensive tasting opportunities. You arrive at an impressive and luxurious wine estate where you "happily" will spend the night.
Overnight: An authentic luxurious wine estate in Stellenbosch area
Day 12: Wednesday
After all the wine from the night before, you can sleep in and depart after lunch for Stanford, located at the foot of the Kleinrivier Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa, a charming village with a thriving arts and crafts community.
Here begins your third horse riding experience, the "Overberg Beach Overnight Horse Trail," starting with the Fynbos Outride, a ride through the unspoiled beauty of the region, galloping through vineyards and lush forests with unique flora and fauna.
After the ride you enjoy a local dinner and the farm life.
Overnight: The guest farm in Stanford, nestled in a quiet valley overlooking the majestic mountains of the Overberg and the Kleinrivier valley.
Day 13: Thursday
Today, you will ride all day on the beach in Gansbaai along the pristine white sands of the Walker Bay Conservancy, known as the world's prime area for whale watching. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch.
After arrival and a drink, you will head to Hermanus, a picturesque town where you can see humpback whales from the shore from June to December.
Check-in and enjoy a superb diner in a luxurious setting.
Overnight: An authentic luxurious hotel in Hermanus
Day 14: Friday
You immediately depart by van for a scenic journey along the breathtaking coastline of the Western Cape of South Africa and visit:
You will finally arrive in Noordhoek and relax on the beautiful beach with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A splendid farewell dinner will be organized.
Overnight: An authentic luxurious hotel in Noordhoek
Day 15: Saturday
Today you can sleep in, have a late breakfast, and relax at the hotel or on the beach.
After checking out and lunch, you head towards Cape Town with numerous scenic stops along the way, finally dropping you off at the airport in time for the evening flight to the EU, arriving home on Sunday morning.
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