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SOUTH AFRICA : WILDLIFE AND WINELANDS SAFARI - 2 DIFFERENT WAYS TO TASTE AFRICA...

ITINERARY

Day 1

After arrival at Johannesburg International airport, 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 forJohannesburg airport 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 hotel 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 the hotel 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, have lunch and relax before transferring to the airport at 2 pm. Those with later flights can enjoy a trip to the V&A Waterfront for some last minute shopping and sightseeing.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Extend your trip and visit the Kruger National Game Reserve, Cape Town or Victoria Falls.
You can also combine this safari with one of our other ride : in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, etc...
Contact us for further details...

We can also suggest you to extend your stay with :   - A Victoria Fall's trip   - A visit of Cape Town   Please contact us for any other project.

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses First 4 days: The horses are a selection of Arab, part Arab, Anglo Arab, Boerperd, Percheron crosses. They stand between 1m44 and 1m63. Our horses are relaxed, easy to ride, fit and forward going. Last 4 days: 18 selected horses in the riding group from different crosses. The horses are mostly kept in herds and large grass paddocks. Only competing horses are kept in stables. . Tack First 4 days: We use mainly customised McClellan saddles, which give a comfortable and secure western type ride. English and Australian stock saddles are also available. Last 4 days: Tack is mostly trail saddles and some English GP saddles. Bridles are standard with noseband.  Mostly snaffle bits.

Recommended riding level This safari is suitable for experienced riders only. You must be comfortable at all paces. More than it, the riding can be fast and is about 5 to 6 hours long, and you need to have a good stamina to ride long canters with the group. The riding hat is compulsory. Maximum weight : 110 kg Minimum age : 17 years old if accompanied by a responsible adult.

YOUR GUIDES

2 professional guides will accompany you. They are very experience guides, and know perfectly the animal behaviour. They will be able to give you many informations about the African wildlife.

In the Cap winelands part, you'll be guide by Louis or Coleen, both professional riders, leaving in this area for many years.

ACCOMMODATION

Accomodation Guest accommodation for 4 first nights is in twin-bedded, luxury tatch lodges, with en-suite bathrooms. The Lodges are situated high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake below and have spectacular views across the plains. This is a prime spot to relax whilst observing the activities of passing wildlife, or the occasional antics of the hippo in the water below. As rides are taken during the cooler hours of the day, when the game is more active, there is plenty of time to relax and cool off in the plunge pool. The 4 last nights will by spent in a luxury villa, flanked by the majestic Simonsberg mountain range, in the heart of the winelands in 'the Fairest Cape'. With its breathtaking position on a 160 hectare working wine estate in the picturesque Paarl/Franschhoek Valley just 30 minutes from Cape Town International airport, this hotel is dedicated to a health and wellness lifestyle. The rooms are stylish and luxurious, with marble finishes, and deluxe en-suite bathrooms.

DATES AND RATES

- Single room supplement: from 160 € to 995 € depending to availabilities. Please contact us.

Flights to Johannesburg

Please contact us to check the best available rates from your country.

- the trail as described with 4 nights in luxury ensuite tatched room (base 2 person sharing), and 4 nights in luxury villa close to Cape Town, in full board basis,
- the transfers from and to Johannesburg airport, and the transfers from and to Cape Town airport at scheduled times,
- all drinks and wine tasting,
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval.

- flights to Johannesburg and then to Cape Town. Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.
- organization of any discover tour of Africa (Cape Town, Zulus area, Sun City, Victoria Falls..),
- optional activities (extra game drives, or spa, massages),
- any other service,
- tips (8 to 10 € per day for the team),
- insurance : repatriation aid or multiple-risk (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurance company. More information.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Please, contact Jennifer for any enquiry !

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS

Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
A treatment against Malaria is also recommended. Please contact a doctor before departure.