African Horse Company Stanford Horse Riding

Starting from the Grootbos Nature Reserve, which has an award-winning lodge and is famous as a botanical hot-spot, the trail runs west through the coastal shrubland and traverses the vast magical, almost surreal, sand drifts (Grys Dune) of die Plaat.

Ride along perfect white beaches of the Walker Bay Conservancy and whale sanctuary which is arguably the best land-based area in the world to watch whales (whale watching capital of the world from June to December – whales and their calves often come within meters of the coastline). Admire these magnificent creatures and their "aquabatic" displays, splashing, crashing and blowing, breaching, lobtailing, spy-hopping and sailing close to shore.

Enjoy the sandy beaches and experience the thrill of beach canters. Just before De Kelders the coastline gets rougher with rocky beaches and limestone cliffs which flatten out onto sandy stretches of die Plaat. The coastal landscape will give way to mountain fynbos when we hit the slopes of the coastal hills to return to Grootbos.

Directions
From Hermanus,

Take R43 to Stanford/Gansbaai. Drive 13km past Stanford , Grootbos sign will indicate left turn.. Take left , follow road 600m to the Grootbos Entrance on your left. Drive past main entrance and onto dirt road. 600m from start of dirt, there is an African Horse Company signed turnoff into the paddock field.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO TOILET FACILITIES AT THIS SITE

We suggest stopping off at the Ou meul bakery in Stanfordfor facilities


From Gansbaai:

Take R43 towards Hermanus. After +/- 6km, there is a right turn to Grootbos. Take right and follow road 600m to top of hill and Grootbos Entrance on your left.
Drive past main entrance and onto dirt road. 600m from start of dirt, there is an African Horse Company signed turnoff into the paddock field

PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO TOILET FACILITIES AT THIS SITE

Location - Grootbos Nature Reserve

When - All year round

Weather - Weather dependent Service

Wear - Usual riding outfit and equipment. It is important to ride in the equipment and clothing you are used to..

Bring - Sun cream
Camera

No spectators allowed. Only paying guest allowed on Trail