African Horse Company Baardskeerdersbos Horse Riding

Day 1: Farm215 to Baviaansfontyn- (Bodhi Khaya) | 3-4 hours
This is a relatively short day which traverses the fynbos mountains of the area. Riding includes mountain top canters and following flower pickers tracks through valley and dale bringing us to the oasis of Bodhi khaya.

Day2: Bodhi Khaya to Stanford River Lodge | 5 hours
Riding is mainly through dune systems , lots of trotting and long canters bring us to Stanford river Lodge, lying on the banks of The Klein river. Here , you can swim in the river or take a canoe for a paddle

Day3: Stanford to Farm215 |7 hours
Ride through the Walker Nature Reserve to the unspoilt white beaches of the Walker Bay whale sanctuary. This is arguably the best land based area in the world to watch Southern Right whales (whale watching capital of the world from June to December – whales and their calves often come within metres of the coastline). Admire these magnificent creatures and their ‘aquabatic’ displays, splashing, crashing and blowing, breaching, lobtailing, spyhopping and sailing close to shore.

Enjoy the long, sandy beaches and experience the thrill of beach riding. Just before De Kelders the coastline gets rougher with rocky beaches and limestone cliffs which flatten out onto sandy stretches of die Plaat.

Before we reach De Kelders (Gansbaai - a fishing village) we will head east through the coastal shrubland and traverse the vast magical almost surreal sand drifts (Grys Dunes) of die Plaat. The mysterious landscape will give way to mountain fynbos when we hit the slopes of the coastal hills towards Grootbos and the Flower Valley.

We will pass through Grootbos Fynbos Nature Reserve, famous as a botanical hot-spot and for the award winning lodge. We peak at god’s window and descend into Flower Valley, a large valley filled with fynbos and indigenous forests and a Unesco supported project for sustainable fynbos harvesting and education.

Highlights
Vast stretches of pristine nature, untouched by man
Ever changing landscapes of the Cape Floral Kingdom
Long beach canters and rides through white dunes
Riding over fynbos covered mountains, through vineyards and farms lands
Swimming with your horse in a dam
Whales in Walker Bay (July – December)
Walker Bay Nature Reserve and other (private) reserves of the Walker Bay Conservancy
Traversing some of the old wagon routes
A swim in the ocean at the end of a long day’s ride

Criteria:
Riders must be confident and comfortable at trot and canter. Physically fit and prepared for long hours in the saddle under an African sun. Trail has two half days for relaxation and body rejuvenation.
Travel medical insurance and sun protection are a must
Hard hats are provided for. Half chaps are available but it is suggested you bring your own
Riders should not be carrying any recent injuries or other debilitations.

Location - Arrive Farm215

When - All year round.

Weather - Weather dependent service

Bring - It is important to ride in the equipment and clothing you are used to and not try new items on a multi-day trail.
Short Boot with a rubber sole is preferable to smooth leather sole of equestrian riding boot.
Set of Half Chaps
Rain jacket/Windbreaker.
Sun hat, Swimming Costume
Spare sets of clothes for riding and relaxing. Remember trail is vehicle supported, so there is space for some luxuries
Camera, torch and any other electronic equipment you may require

No Spectators allowed, only paying guest allowed on trail.