African Horse Company Baardskeerdersbos Horse Riding

Day 1: Arrival at Farm215 early afternoon

Day 2: Farm215 to Baviaansfontyn- (Bodhi Khaya) | 3-4 hours
A shortish day through the fynbos mountains along the Kraaibosch dam, through lower valleya large valley filled with fynbos and indigenous forests and a Unesco supported project for sustainable fynbos harvesting and education.

Day3: Baviaansfontyn Meander.Overnight on Bodhi khaya | 2-3 hours
This ride is a circular route around Baviaansfontyn. Includes walking along mountain streams, passing by and through Milkwood and Afro-montane forest on the way to climbing God’s Window Dyer for breathtaking views of the ocean. Ride can be done morning or afternoon.

Rest of the day is spent lounging, reading and eating in the wonderful valley of Bodhi Khaya. Or treat yourself to a massage or Shiatsu. Here there is no mobile phone reception and the stillness is all encompassing.

Day 4: Baviaansfontyn to Stanford River Lodge | 5 hours
We will pass through Grootbos Fynbos Nature Reserve, famous as a botanical hot-spot. Before we reach De Kelders (Gansbaai - a fishing village) we will head west 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 the beach.
We ride through the Walker Bay 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 gallops. Halfway to Hermanus, we turn into the D3wns and head for the Kleinriver and the oasis of Stanford. We sleep at Stanford River Lodge with time to swim and canoe in the river.

Day 5: Beach ride to lagoon mouth | 3-4 hours
A day of some leisure. Fast half day ride coming back to laze on the rivers edge , eat and replenish

Day 6: Stanford River lodge to Farm215 | 6-7 hours
This is the long day. A full 35km takes us back along the beach , through dunes and over 2 mountain ranges.

Arrive back at Farm215.

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.