A deluxe Riding Tour ending with a Big 5 Game drive

Transfer and Other Options:

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday morning. From the airport we drive across the Cape Peninsula over the breathtaking Chapman's Peak Drive to the gracious LAVENHOF homestead, situated in the De Goede Hoop Estate - Noordhoek, where you will be welcomed by a champagne buffet lunch. In the afternoon we will ride former race-horses along the magnificent, wide and empty Noodhoek beach, followed by a dinner at a restaurant with views over the South Atlantic. 
Day 2 (Monday): We depart from Cape Town early in the morning for a scenic drive along the spectacular False Bay coastline and onto Kleinmond where at mid morning we start the ride along the pristine beach between the ocean of the South Coast and the Kleinmond Lagoon Nature reserve as well as the Botrivier “Vlei” (estuary). Here we can canter to our heart’s content. During the course of the day we are likely to see a herd of wild horses as well as flocks of flamingos and pelicans in the lagoon and sometimes fish eagles and seals. Lunch is served in a seaside restaurant. After the afternoon ride, we drive through the famous sea side town Hemanus, the whale watching capital of the world, to Farm 215 for the night.
Day 3 (Tuesday): We start the ride from the farm, first over a hill through Cape Mountain “fynbos” (indigenous shrub land) then through some dunes down to Walker Bay beach, where we have a picknic lunch served by the support team. After a ride back to the vehicle we drive eastwards, the latter part of which is on lonely dirt roads, past some big ostrich farms, to the remote 36000 ha De Hoop Nature reserve. This region, situated adjacent to the most Southern point of Africa, is favoured by European storks during the S.A. summer, when large flocks can be viewed on the fields. We stay for the night in the luxurious cottages of the reserve. 
Day 4 (Wednesday): Starting our horse-safari from the 250-year old farmstead of the reserve we first ride alongside the De Hoop Vlei among different species of antelope grazing in the lowland “fynbos” such as the bontebok, (endemic to this area), springbock, and the largest antelope of all- the eland,. Cape mountain zebras, baboons, wild ostriches, as well as different water-birds, to name but a few of the many different species in the reserve, can be seen at close range. We continue our ride over huge, bright, white, sand dunes (up to 85 meters in height), for which this national park is famous, down to a beach at the Indian Ocean. This totally uninhabited, coastal stretch has, during the mating season from end May to end November, the highest concentration of whales sighted anywhere in the world. These can be viewed up close from the high vantage point of the saddle! After some 8 kms riding along the shore we meet up with the support team at the far end of the beach for a picknic lunch. Afterwards we ride on different tracks back through the coastal “fynbos” to the old farmstead, viewing game all the way. In the late afternoon we drive to Swellendam where we stay in the fine Cape Dutch guest house.
Day 5 (Thursday): Today we ride with the same horses from yesterday along the Langeberge mountains through the Marloth Nature Reserve with a saddlebag lunch along the way. In the late afternoon we drive to the Zoutpan Struishuis Guest Farm www.zoutpan.com , a working ostrich farm, where we stay for the night. An evening braai (a S.A. barbeque) is prepared on an open fire and we spend the evening chatting with the farmer and his family.
Day 6 (Friday): We have a breakfast with boerewors (S.A. sausage) before we leave on the day’s ride on Arab horses, which the farmer’s sons breed for export to the Middle East for endurance riding. Our ride is through areas of indigenous flora where reeds are harvested for roof thatching and on sandy tracks through bush land. There are plenty of opportunities for long canters on these horses, which will keep going all day. A picnic lunch is served in the bush before we finish the trail back at the farm. Before we leave, we go on a tour of the ostrich farm seeing the entire cycle from breeding pair to the incubator and the chicks. Less than an hour’s drive through the Gracia’s Pass, we arrive at the Fontein Horse Farm, a picturesque game farm on 4500 hectars, located in the semi dessert, the so called Klein Karoo, which is a horse riding Mecca. We have a sundowner ride through the arid, Arizona-like terrain on their Boereperd horses. This S.A. breed of horse is ideally suited for the terrain of this region. Dinner tonight is a Potjie (S.A. stew) served in the dining room followed by chocolate and port, served on the porch, whilst taking in the starry night. 
Day 7 (Saturday): An early start for our final ride of 4 hours this morning. We ride through undulating scrub land, dried up river beds and the unspoiled vegetation of this remote and quiet corner of the Cape, stopping for a picnic breakfast in the veld(indigenous field) en route. We will finish at the stable for lunch before driving for 1 ½ hour to the upmarket, big five, Wildlife Reserve of Sanbona www.sanbona.com situated in a 54,000 hectare private reserve in the most remote part of the Small Karoo, at the foot of the Warm waterberg. Here we stay for the last night in the luxurious Tilney Manor Hunting Lodge. On arrival we will have the thrill of our first big five game drive in an open Land cruiser, followed by a sumptuous dinner. 
Day 8 (Sunday): The next morning, after breakfast, we have our second game drive, returning to Tilney Manor in time for a substantial lunch. Afterwards we drive for 2 ½ hours, via the spectacular Du Toits Kloof, back to Cape Town or to the airport, (where you can have a shower in the airport building).

The entire 8 days trip covers approximately 1200 km driving through beautiful countryside and approximately 200 km on 8 different rides, using 6 different stables. Riders will always have the choice to retire after lunch, making their way back with the support vehicle, while their horse is ridden back by one of the grooms.

• Comfortable riding-tested hat with chinstrap and a brim for shade. (Hard hats are optional and if they are in dark colours they can become uncomfortably hot to wear in summer.)
• A small camera or small binoculars, which fits into a pocket should be considered.
• From early October to mid-April: sunglasses and sun lotion with high protection factor. From April to end September: a warm sweater, some winter socks and gloves.
• For riders wearing contact lenses, optical sunglasses are highly recommended on beach-rides, as to prevent flying sand from irritating the eyes.

Accommodation for this trip is in 6 totally different, carefully selected, up-market locations. You will be accommodated in stylish guest-houses or farm-houses, some of which are build on ecological concepts, for example the Buchu Bush Camp at the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Tourism in step with nature is our aim, with us you will experience not only the well-known South African hospitality but also the variety of their culinary culture and their outstanding wines. We are confident you will return with unforgettable memories, experiences and impressions from this trail.

Day 1: Lavenhof homestead, situated in the De Goede Hoop Estate - Noordhoek. Set in five acres of landscaped garden within a private security estate, this prestigious property creates an ambience of timeless elegance, perfection fine features include marble fireplace, wood panelled library and art gallery, spacious living accommodation, lounges, formal dining room, study and wine cellar. Large pool and pool house.



Day 2: Farm 215 - The guesthouse of farm 215 is an intimate operation. The total of only six guest-units in combination with various in- and out-door spaces guarantee ample personal space and privacy. The guest-units have king-size or twin-beds in a king frame. A set of goose down filled duvets and cotton blankets cater for all surprises of the Western Cape weather. Two continental and four standard-size goose-down filled pillows per king size bed cater for all desired sleeping positions. Linen is 100% cotton-percale. All units of the guesthouse have a deck, balcony or terrace and a bathroom en-suite with bath and separate shower as well as a fireplace or a woodstove. Soap, shampoo, body-wash and lotions are made from ingredients of fynbos-plants, the dominant vegetation-type in the Overberg and the Western Cape. There is wireless internet connection in every unit and there is a computer in the lounge which is available for guest-use.

Day 3: De Hoop Nature reserve in the luxurious cottages of the reserve. Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop - sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse antelope and the Potberg Mountains. These cottages have all been upgraded with new kitchen, revamped bedrooms and bathrooms and equipped with fresh linen and towels. These well-appointed cottages are a stylish and affordable location in the hub of the reserve. There is a newly surfaced tennis court, a swimming pool and there is also a boules courtyard.

Day 4: Swellendam where we stay in the fine Cape Dutch guest house. On the banks of the Koornlands river, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains;in the historical town of Swellendam, nestled between oak trees, Aan de Oever Guesthouse welcomes you. As the Accommodation Award winner in 2004, we offer exquisite accommodation for you, in 7 elegantly furnished en-suite bedrooms (including our honeymoon suite), each with its own private entrance. Aan de Oever (Dutch for "next to the river") is a guesthouse in the Cape Dutch style, which finishes off beautifully in this well-known 3rd oldest town in South Africa, named Swellendam. If you want a picture perfect setting for a holiday, a honeymoon, or a base from which to travel, we offer you an unforgettable stay. Enjoy a beautiful view over the river and mountains. Rooms are equipped with all modern amenities. TV with selected channels, dvd players, air conditioning, electric blankets, tea and coffee facilities and an honesty bar, are available in all the rooms to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Free Wi-fi is available in the main house. 



Day 5: Zoutpan Struishuis Guest Farm, a working ostrich farm. At Zoutpan Struishuis Guest Farm you will experience the warm Afrikaner hospitality of Engela and Bertie Horn in their stylishly decorated Cape Dutch apartment units. There is a swimming pool, bar and lounge area and outdoor entertainment area with barbecue facilities. WiFi is available.



Day 6: Fontein Horse Farm, a picturesque game farm on 4500 hectars, located in the semi dessert, the so called Klein Karoo. The luxurious accommodation presents itself in the form of a warm, cosy farm style and includes seven en-suite bedrooms and various lounge and entertainment areas. The style is elegant, but lived in. Guests can indulge in the remoteness and peacefulness of the surrounding environment. This old world charm is emphasized by local cuisine and fresh products from the area.



Day 7: Wildlife Reserve of Sanbona situated in a 54,000 hectare private reserve in the most remote part of the Small Karoo, at the foot of the Warm waterberg. Here we stay for the last night in the luxurious Tilney Manor Hunting Lodge. Tilney Manor has six luxuriously appointed rooms. This exclusivity ensures that guests can experience personal service and world-class cuisine in an atmosphere of privacy and tranquillity. Comfortable lounges with fireplaces for winter nights, private verandas, romantic freestanding baths and carefully sheltered outdoor showers are just a few of the pleasure that guest can enjoy. More modern comforts include air-conditioning, satellite television, private bars and tea and coffee making facilities. The fully equipped Spa offers guest the opportunity to recover for the rigors of the outside world and restore their sense of inner harmony. This is the perfect environment for rediscovering creativity and regenerating energy. Cape Georgian décor draws on the natural colours of the surrounding stone and vegetation, with subtle touches of San culture influencing the design throughout the guest rooms and conference facility. 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. This cannot include the 'endorsement' page at the back. Passengers who also require a visa must have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for their entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter South Africa without the required pages will be returned to their country of origin.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days for business and tourist purposes, except:
1. nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic who may stay for up to 30 days, and nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia who do require a visa, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (advance notice of overnight stay is required).
Visa Note
(a) Proof of financial means may be required. (b) Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years must hold written consent from their parents when travelling alone. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (d) After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visa fee: £35. UK nationals are exempt from visa fees.
Validity
Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.
Working Days Required
Five to 10 days.