Marvellous Africa by horseXperiences™

Marvellous Africa - horseXperiences™ GO EQUESTRIAN

Meander across lush green fields, overlooking the forest and mountains in the distance, amongst farm animals and local wildlife.

Travel on horseback to exceptional wine tastings and lunch in the Plettenberg Bay Winelands.

Section

RIDING HOLIDAY
7 days | 6 nights

ALL YEAR ROUND

HALF BOARD

CHILD FRIENDLY

Overview

Explore the beautiful natural surrounds at the foot of the Tsitsikamma Mountains on horseback.

Ride through fynbos, vineyards, indigenous forest and farmland to surrounding attractions including wine farms, animal sanctuaries and the magnificent Kurland Estate. Trot or canter over beautiful emerald fields with views over the surrounding forest and mountains in the distance.

Each day you will try a different eXperience.

The choice is yours: laze around the pool on balmy sunny days, have a massage on the treatment deck (or in your suite), read a book; or you can travel a little further. Your hosts will take care of the planning and bookings with you. Not only are there over 50 charted walks in and around the area, but you can walk or take a horse ride from the lodge through the indigenous forest to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary or The Birds of Eden or The Elephant Sanctuary. Visit the wild cats at Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre or Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, and if you like the more slithery things pay a visit to the Snake and Crocodile sanctuary. Not to mention a little further up the road from the Lodge is the HIGHEST bungy in the world and the Treetops Canopy tours.

Your daily trail is unique and includes a fabulous picnic with breath-taking scenarios and scenic activities like a visit to the Elephants, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, or ride to the wine estates to eXperience the delicious food and wines on offer. The wine tasting activities at the surrounding fabulous wine estates are a once in a lifetime eXperience.
During your trails you may have a chance to get close to baboons, monkeys and indigenous birds.

Just 18km east of the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay along the renowned holiday destination of the Garden Route is this very special Country Lodge, set on the edge of indigenous forest with breath-taking views of the surrounding valleys and Tsitsikamma Mountains.
Overlooking the Matjies River Gorge, this congenial hub is where it all happens. The Boma deck is a place for breakfast in the sunshine, festive occasions and relaxing at day's end, where guests relax on comfy chairs, a fire crackling nearby, and their favourite sundowner at hand.
There are various quiet areas to escape to - with a book, your travel buddy, or just your thoughts. For those sporting ‘can’t-miss’ events the far lounge has a TV, and there is a lovely play space for junior guests.
The Boma deck area leads down to the cool blue waters of the swimming pool where you may find others lazing about on sun loungers.

Kick off your shoes, order an icy drink from the bar and relax.

Accommodation

The sixteen suites are all situated in the gardens surrounding the main house. Decorated in earthy colours, with hand crafted artefacts scattered throughout, all feature king size beds (or twin if you prefer), a well stocked mini bar and a hi-fi. Sit out on your private wooden deck listening to the sounds of a garden humming with life, enveloped in the warmth of the African sun.

There are three double storey suites suitable for families with children aged 12 or under sharing with their parents. Children are accommodated downstairs on a double sleeper couch and an ottoman, slightly shorter than a single bed. The Lodge organizes baby-sitting, special turn downs each evening with a glass of fresh milk, a Gingerbread man, children’s stories and a whole box of toys and other interesting things. And has buckets and spades and body boards for those lazy family days at the beach. There is a communal TV in the Far Lounge, but none in the rooms and no fireplaces in the double storey suites!

Meals

This very special Country Lodge is well known for its delectable food. A splendid buffet array awaits with all the little special treats and of course a bit of bubbly to begin the day. There's a seriously scrumptious variety in the hot breakfast section too. On crisp clear mornings, farmhouse breakfasts are served on the boma deck overlooking the forest and mountains, or near the huge fireplace when it’s cooler.

As the day ends and the full splendor of the African stars shine down on the deck, dinners start - out at the boma - in a festive atmosphere. After serving tasty little treats to whet the appetite, your hosts invite you in to wine and dine in the main house, where you can try a 3 course dinner each evening.

Itinerary

You will have 5 riding days with the first and last day reserved for you and your arrival and departure.
Every day you will ride a different route and eXperience a different activitie(s) included with your programme.

Day 1
Meander across lush green fields, overlooking the forest and mountains in the distance, amongst farm animals and local wildlife. You might get close to Baboons, Monkeys and indigenous birds, with an option of a trot or canter over beautiful emerald fields with views over the surrounding forest and mountains in the distance.
2 hours riding

Day 2
Enjoy the Crags Wine Route on horseback. Explore the beautiful vineyards, Fynbos and forest whilst tasting local wines and accompanying delectable fare at a choice of five wine estates in this area : Bramon Wine Estate (open every day), Redford Lane Wines (open Tuesday – Sunday), Lodestone (open Tuesday – Sunday), Kay & Monty (open Tuesday – Sunday) and Newstead Wines (open Tuesday to Saturday).
3 hours riding | 1 wine estate visit
2x wine tastings
1x set tappas lunch platter

Day 3
A beautiful ride through fields, tea plantations, vineyards and forest, with views over the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the magnificent Kurland Polo Estate. Picnic under the Oak Trees or in front of the fire on chilly days.
4 hours riding

Day 4
An action filled day amidst the magnificent Crags at the foot of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, riding on horse back between fun filled activities. Choose up to two of the following activities plus a lunch venue and tailor make your own route on horseback.
4 hours riding
1x set tappas lunch platter at Bramon Wine Estate
1x glass of wine
1hr guided tour of Monkeyland
1hr guided tour of Birds of Eden or 1hr Brush Down Elephant eXperience

Day 5
Enjoy the Crags Wine Route on horseback. Explore the beautiful vineyards, Fynbos and forest whilst tasting local wines and accompanying delectable fare at a choice of five wine estates in this area : Bramon Wine Estate (open every day), Redford Lane Wines (open Tuesday – Sunday), Lodestone (open Tuesday – Sunday), Kay & Monty (open Tuesday – Sunday) and Newstead Wines (open Tuesday to Saturday).
5 hours riding | 2 wine estate visits
2x wine tastings
1x olive, olive oil and bread tasting
1x honeybush ice tea tasting
1x cellar tour
1x set tappas lunch platter

Additional information

Nearest Airport Port Elizabeth | Airport Gateway PLZ
Transfers NOT available. We recommend renting a car at the airport - 2 hours driving to the lodge.

Lunch is available at the Lodge or while riding and is paid separately. Picnic lunch on 3rd riding day included.

All level of riders are welcome, and all ages are welcome | Maximum weight of 120kg applies.
Children are classified as riders and often require additional guides, therefore the full rate will apply to them.

Extra activities not included.