7 Day Kaapsehoop Wild Horse Trails (VT-7KHS)

The mountainous edges of South Africa's highlands are the most romantic places in the country. This is where gold was first discovered in the country, leading to a vast influx of adventurers, swindlers, dreamers and lay abouts. This is where transport riders first blazed their trails, creating a culture of campfire stories and men who hunted from horseback while living off the land. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick immortalized the life of the transport rider with the story of Jock, the dog of the Bushveld. It is here that the first vast national game reserve was established: the first game rangers were toughened men who fought off lions with pen-knives, lived in primitive conditions and patrolled an area the size of Belgium to protect their animals.

What the gold-miners, the transport riders and the game rangers had in common was that they lived on horseback - and now you have the chance to see the country of dreams just as they did.

Day 1:

Meet our representative at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Form here you are transferred to where you will introduced to your horse and your guide. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2:

Depart after breakfast through the Hobbit-like countryside of Kaapsehoop, which is an old gold-mining town. Go through the Blue Swallow Reserve (the Blue Swallow is the most endangered bird in South Africa). Gallop with the wild herds of the Kaapsehoop Mountains. These wild horses, descended from the original horses brought by the gold-miners, have roamed the valleys for more than 100 years. Lunch is enjoyed at the bush camp, followed by an afternoon walk to view the old mines and the magnificent waterfalls high above the Barberton valley. Dinner is served next to a log fire under the stars before a comfortable night's rest in your tent.

Day 3:

Breakfast for man and horse, then set off on a full day ride along the escarpment of the magnificent Drakensberg and through some of the largest pine and eucalyptus plantations in the world, viewing wild horses against the fantastic panorama of the Barberton Valley - an area synonymous with the romance of the gold rush and rumored to have the oldest rock formations in the world. The Hazy Mountains to the east show the beginning of the famous Kruger National Park. Enjoy a picnic while on the lookout for the rare and reclusive Black Leopard. Small game is also spotted frequently. Return to the stables for dinner and overnight.

Day 4:
After an early breakfast, we head back to where you can enjoy a warm shower and lunch. Repack your things and depart for the Kruger National Park in an open game drive vehicle. The Kruger is South Africa's most famous game reserve and we will be sure to spot some of the Big Five (leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo) as well as many other smaller animals and birds. At sunset we arrive at the hotel. Dinner & Overnight.

Day 5:
The day starts early with a game drive to look for more animals on a ten-seater open game viewer. Breakfast is enjoyed in the fresh air at a picnic spot where the sounds of crunching your meal might be accompanied by the sound of animals crunching theirs! Back to the hotel to relax, followed by lunch and a late afternoon drive.

Day 6:
By now you are ready to explore some of the hidden wonders of the bush, and look for the less obvious attractions. Your game ranger today will concentrate on the smaller animals and birds, perhaps showing you the "Little Five" and telling you about bush lore. The afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel.

Day 7:
We return you to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport after a short morning game drive so that you can bid goodbye to the bush and to the friends you have made on this week-long adventure.

Accommodation:
Shared accommodation.

What to Bring:
Riding - and safari clothing. Prepare for both hot and cold conditions. Pack a sleeping bag, footwear, sandals, swimming gear, hat for riding (we recommend a crusher) and a sunhat; sun block and cream, camera, torch, malaria prophylaxis.

Language:
English and Afrikaans.

Minimum:
2 adults (unless other people booked for your requested dates).

Riding Weights:
Maximum 95 kg

Ability:
Riders must be experienced riders who can walk/trot and be comfortable in a strong canter.

Dietary requirements:
Clients are to advise any special dietary requirements.

Flights:
International and Local - Not included in the tariff.

Horses:
Crossbred Horses are used that will be allocated according to the rider's ability; the animals are our pride and joy and are our most valuable asset.

Saddles:
English and trail saddles are used.

Safari vehicle:
A ten seater open air game viewer which is fully weather proof, complete with high back.