A History of Horses
Horses are deeply rooted in South Africa's heritage and history, which have led to an exceptional equestrian culture from Johannesburg to Cape Town. What better way to explore this amazing country than from the saddle? The options are limitless, and the views are incredible.
Dream Destination
From high mountain peaks to white sand beaches, lush green farmland to dry desert, wild bush to sprawling metropolises, cosmopolitan culture to abundant wildlife, South Africa offers astounding diversity. No two areas of the country are the same, although the friendliness of its people, their laid-back lifestyle, and delicious cuisine are consistent throughout. Each region encompasses its own unique culture, landscape, and highlights, and will capture your heart.
Cape Town
A visit to South Africa wouldn't be complete without a visit to the "Mother City." Sip wine while riding from vineyard to vineyard in the winelands, and gallop on the the longest beach on the Cape Peninsula. Take in the sweeping views from atop Table Mountain, enjoy exquisite seafood, and take in the sunset on white sand beaches.
Kruger National Park
South Africa's oldest, and one of its largest game reserves, Kruger is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. There is nothing more thrilling and beautiful than riding alongside these majestic animals, abundant in their natural habitat, surrounded by sweeping views of the African bush.
Johannesburg
This diverse metropolis offers ample opportunities to follow in Nelson Mandela's footsteps as you explore the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Soweto Township, all offering a glimpse into the country's tumultuous history. Centuries of British influence are evident still , with a thriving equestrian community and weekends full of foxhunts and polo.
Winelands
South Africa's wines are world-renowned, and the Winelands are a spectacular setting for riding. Enjoy a variety of vintages, paired with cheeses, charcuterie, or chocolate, while riding from scenic winery to picturesque vineyard. Just an hour from Cape Town, this is a great weekend trip to relax after your with other riding adventures.
Adventures in the Saddle
With a thriving equestrian community and culture, South Africa offers a wide variety of riding activities, all easily within reach of one another. From jumping to dressage, trail riding to natural horsemanship, there is something here for everyone.
Safari
Riding alongside zebras, giraffe, rhinos, elephants, wildebeest, antelope, hippos, and many more is any equestrian's dream. This unforgettable adventure is the primary reason most riders come to Africa, and though it is the main attraction, it is certainly not the only one.
Beaches
Crashing waves and pounding hoofbeats on the sand are the stuff dreams are made of, and South Africa has miles of breathtaking coastline to choose from. From Noordhoek Beach in Cape Town to the often empty beaches of the Garden Route to the rugged Wild Coast, no two are alike.
Foxhunting
There is no better way to discover South Africa's horse country than by riding cross-country to the music of hounds in the misty morning. Foxhunt with the Cape Hunt near the Mother City, or with the Rand Hunt Club, based in Kyalami, the heart of South Africa's horse country.
Polo
South Africa's lush, green landscape is quite condusive to polo, and there are clubs scattered throughout the country, from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Kyalami to Kruger, the Winelands to the Garden Route.
Trips
Equescapes puts together unique and exceptional group trips, ranging from 8-21 days. Each trip is geared towards a certain discipline or type of riding. Choose from our available trips or work with us to create a custom itinerary of your own, to travel solo or with your family or friends.
Foxhunt & Safari
When to Travel: January - March
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Price: starting at $2,565 per person sharing
Combinations: combine this trip with a visit to Cape Town and/or the Winelands to get a taste for all the highlights of South Africa!
Join the Rand Hunt Club in Kyalami, just outside Johannesburg, for a fabulous weekend of foxhunting, followed by five spectacular days on a horseback wildlife safari! Kyalami boasts the highest horses per capita of any region in the world. Dotted with equestrian estates, stud farms, and show stables, there is never a dull moment in this equestrian paradise! Our safari takes place on a beautiful private reserve where we ride with non-dangerous game, and riders can choose from additional activities such as swimming with horses, camping, playing polocrosse, and cross-country jumping. This trip caters to all levels, and is a great option for families with children who ride!
Wine Dine Ride
When to Travel: January - April
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Price: starting at $2,850 per person sharing
Combinations: visiting Cape Town is a must, so combine this trip with any safari option, whether riding or non-riding, in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, or Zimbabwe!
No trip to South Africa would be complete without a visit to the Mother City and her majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, and vibrant vineyards. Take in sweeping views from atop Table Mountain, dine on exquisite seafood on the waterfront, relax on white sand beaches, and enjoy vibrant nightlife. Crashing waves and pounding hoofbeats on the sand are the stuff dreams are made of, and South Africa offers miles of breathtaking coastline. South Africa's wines are world-renowned, and the Winelands are a spectacular setting for riding from scenic winery to picturesque vineyard.
Foxhunt in the Winelands
When to Travel: May or September
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Price: starting at $2,950 per person sharing
Combinations: winter in Africa offers the best game-viewing, so this is a great time of year to combine this trip with a safari, in or out of the saddle!
Visit the Mother City and discover her cosmopolitan culture, exquisite cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and featured attractions. Breath in fresh mountain air while taking in sweeping views of spectacular coastline from atop Table Mountain, tour the Cape Peninsula and visit the thriving penguin colony at Boulders Beach, shop and dine at the V&A Waterfront, and learn about Cape Town’s long and enthralling history. Complete your tour of this marvelous city with a long gallop on Noordhoek Beach. Then, travel to the Cape Winelands, where we will spend three days riding among the vibrant vineyards, wine tasting and getting to know our hunt mounts before joining the Cape Hunt for a foxhunt (drag hunt) among the picturesque vines on our last day.
Cheetahs & Chukkers
Enjoy South Africa’s finest polo clubs and experience the thrill of a wildlife safari on horseback, where you can also try your hand at polo-crosse. Revel in the culture, cuisine, and shopping Johannesburg has to offer. This exquisite trip takes you to the heart of South Africa’s thriving and scenic horse country.
March - April
This trip is a private/custom trip only, so contact us to book yours!
Create your own trip
Travel solo, with a partner, family, or a group of friends. Get in touch to start planning!
