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Horseback riding vacations in
South Africa
South Africa is located (not surprisingly) on the southern tip of Africa. Often overshadowed by political controversy over the years, South Africa is actually one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Africa. From Johannesburg and the “Highveld” to the unending beaches of the west coast, and the unerring beauty of the Cape, South Africa is a land full of richness and treasure. Safari and big game trips are at their best in South Africa, with an infrastructure (and amazing game reserves) to support the tourist numbers. Hidden Trails offer four memorable South African horseback vacations and equestrian safaris, each promising unique wildlife encounters and scenic adventures.

Horse Riding in South Africa
South Africa is the powerhouse of Africa, and is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. Wholly-enclosed by South Africa, and situated in its eastern central plain, is the independent kingdom of Lesotho. South Africa is a treasure chest of unforgettable scenery, from lofty mountains to sun-baked deserts and dramatic coastlines washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Its game viewing on horseback equals the best in Africa, and where else can you find both penguins and elephants?
In the Waterberg region, Hidden Trails has two spectacular horse riding holidays to choose from. The Waterberg Safari Lodge is based at a private game reserve, with overnights in a beautiful colonial homestead. Horse riding around the reserve can be mixed with mountain biking, target shooting and guided walks.
Our final trips are on the breathtaking beaches of South Africa on the “Wild Coast”. This wild stretch of coastline is between East London and Port Edward, and offers exquisite coastal horseback riding, along unending beaches and past towering cliff faces. These are the absolute very best of coastal riding in Southern Africa.

Waterberg Region
The Waterberg area in the north-western part of South Africa is rich in minerals like iron, coal, tin, platinum, zinc, titanium and vanadium and crops like tobacco, groundnuts, maize, grain sorghum, sunflower seeds, wheat, cotton, citrus fruit and rice are grown here.
But this is also one of the country's premier wildlife areas and hosts the Lapalala Game Reserve and the Mabula Game Reserve. The Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is one of the last truly wild places in the country and was created as a sanctuary for rare and endangered animals. At Mabula Game Reserve, visitors can see the big five and many more African animals.
The wildlife reserves are of diverse topography and vegetation ranging from wide-open plains to beautiful mountainous areas, enabling to naturally sustain the widest variety of game possible. They boast over 40 species of game including the rare sable antelope, nyala, oryx, eland, giraffe, buffalo, white rhino and well over 300 species of resident and migrant birds. In addition to game drives, the reserves offer a safe and secluded environment to allow guests of all ages to enjoy guided bush walks, horse rides, cycling and game drives.

The Western Cape
Every year more and more visitors flock from all over the world, to this once unknown region with unrivaled geographical diversity. The Western Cape's 'West Coast' has beautiful unspoiled beaches, magnificent mountain ranges, and the most spectacular wild flowers which bloom in the spring. The West Coast area of the Cape consists of three main areas, West Coast, Swartland & Sandveld and Olifants River Valley.
The fertile green valleys of Cape Town's winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. Towns and villages have many historic homesteads and monuments, and every so often fruit orchards are to be seen, whose produce may be found in all corners of the world. It is the Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall area of the south-western Cape that produces some of the best wines in the country. The rich, fertile soils along the Breede River and especially the areas of Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, have become world famous for their whites, reds, sherries, ports and brandies.
The Breede River Valley is the largest fruit and wine producing valley in the Western Cape and is South Africa's leading racehorse breeding area. The area stretches from Gouda in the west and McGregor in the south, to Montagu in the east and the Tankwa-Karoo National Park in the north. This semiarid area, part of the Little Karoo, offers magnificent scenery and is known for its indigenous fynbos and proteas. The clear mountain streams are in stark contrast with their rugged surrounds and the wildlife in the reserves offer visitors a chance to get a taste of the real African bush.

Wild Coast
This unspoiled tropical paradise takes visitors back to a better time when simple, authentic things mattered like a beautiful sunrise or a walk on a pristine, deserted beach.
Blessed with sea, sun and plenty of things to see and do, the Wild Coast offers a lifestyle that allows one to forget about the rest of the universe. Here on the East Coast of South Africa where waterfalls tumble into the sea, visitors can slow down and breathe to the heartbeat of Africa. A horseback vacation or horse safari along the Transkei Wild Coast is exhilarating and exciting; One Sweeping bay after another, rolling hillsides, river crossings and warm lagoons ensure adventure filled days of fabulous horseback riding. You will be enthralled by the wonderful combination of endless beaches and unrestricted cross country horse riding!
Explore more Southern Africa Horse Riding Holidays
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Holidays on horseback in South Africa
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
 Click on the 'watch video' icon

to view a video clip,
Triple B Ranch in Waterberg South Africa
One of the oldest farmsteads in the Waterberg mountains of South Africa, Triple B Ranch was settled by the pioneering Baber family over 100 years ago!The horse and cattle ranch continues to operate as a working farm, a property filled with the local wildlife and essential oil, offering 20,000 acres of horseback riding country to guests from far and wide.
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Trip Details
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South Africa
Travel restrictions On November 11th 2020, President Ramaphosa announced that the Government of South Africa is opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative COVID-19 certificate.
The South African Government announced on June 22nd 2022, that the remaining COVID-19 regulations have been repealed. Travelers entering South Africa are no longer required to produce vaccination certificates or recent negative PCR tests.
Measures taken by the government On June 22nd 2022, the Government of South Africa announced that the remaining COVID-19 regulations have been repealed.
COVID-19 health and safety protocols must continue to be followed at all times, including observance of guidelines for social distancing of 2 meters, sanitation and hygiene, and use of appropriate personal protective equipment, like cloth face masks, as determined by the South African National Department of Health.
Testing PCR testing is no longer widely or readily available. The tests are currently being rationed for those who are very sick, with most testing facilities requiring a doctor’s reference. With the rationing of tests being implemented by the government, it is difficult to estimate how long tests for travel will remain available. PCR test results are generally available within 72 hours. However, there are some reports of test results taking longer than 72 hours, and some testing laboratories only guarantee results within 3-5 days. You should check with the facility or laboratory for specific information on how long on average it takes to receive results. Most testing facilities will return test results electronically by email and text message.
Hospitals will generally only conduct COVID-19 tests for incoming patients in possession of a doctor’s letter. The U.S. Embassy does not recommend any specific testing facilities, but is aware of several providers, including: Ampath Laboratories, NextPathology Biosciences, Lancet Laboratories, Dis-Chem Pharmacy, PathCare, Epicenter, Biosmart Laboratories, Travel Doctor, and some urgent care / day clinics likeIntercare. Several testing sites offer a drive-through option, while others have private appointments.
Travelers must pay for their COVID-19 test. Average cost for a COVID-19 PCR test is $50-60 USD (R850.00). Some private testing enterprises may charge up to $80-100 USD.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country COVID-19 National Crisis Helpline: 0861 322 322
Source: US Embassy in South Africa https://za.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ Published on June 22nd 2022 (checked on February 8th 2023)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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