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Here, in sunny South Africa we’re lucky enough to have beautiful summers, so it’s natural for us to want to be out and about, exploring the many attractions we have and cooling off at the beach.
Horseback riding has become a popular way of exploring our beaches while at the same time giving riders a chance to learn about and bond with these magnificent creatures.
Horseback riding in itself is a very rewarding and fun activity, combine that with one of our breath-taking beaches and you’re set to have a really memorable experience.
Here are a few beach horse-riding trails that are definitely worth a visit:
Overberg - African Horse Company
Explore the Overberg with the African Horse Company. Starting at the Hermanus estuary before continuing along Walker Bay towards Gaansbaai, this trail is located along the beautiful ‘Whale Coast.’
Only 180 km from Cape Town, this area is the mating and breeding grounds for the Southern Right Whale, and occasionally riders are lucky enough to see whales breaching while on the trail. During this ride you will also see the Klipgat Cave in the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, which has some of the oldest remains of modern man in South Africa and the world.
All trails are tailor-made to suit the personal requirements of all the riders. This beach trail is 3-hours long and costs R500 per person. The horses used are South African cross breeds: Boerperd, Arab, Saddler and Friesian crosses.
All the horses are stress free and are not stabled but rather roam freely over the 800 hectares of farm at the base station.
For more info go to www.africanhorses.com
Kenton-on-Sea - Beachcomber Horse Trails
Found in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and based in Kenton-on-Sea, you will find Beachcomber Horse Trails, which was started in November 1999. This area of the Eastern Cape boasts spectacular landscapes and the beautiful beaches are secluded and untouched.
All beach rides are safe and exciting and cater to the needs of all riders, whether experienced or not. Children from age 7 are welcome. Riders are accompanied by a skilled and friendly guide and riding hats, half chaps and refreshments are provided for each ride.
The trail starts on the beach near Bushman’s Village, where there is lots to discover and explore. You will come across a cross on top of one of the headlands, which was erected by Bartholomew Diaz in 1488.
A light picnic lunch can be enjoyed on the trail depending on the length of the beach ride you have chosen.
For more info go to www.beachcomberhorsetrails.co.za
Cape Town - Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding
Enjoy a beautiful ride along Noordhoek beach with Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding. The horses here are extremely friendly and superbly trained and all trails are led by experienced and skilled guides.
Riders between the ages of 12 and 65 are welcome to enjoy the 2-hour beach trail, which costs R450 per person. Riding experience is not essential.
Magnificent views such as the famous Kakapo Shipwreck, the Kommetjie lighthouse, Chapman’s Peak, Sentinel Hill and Silvermine Nature Reserve can be seen from Noordhoek beach and further up the mountain.
For more info go to www.sleepyhollowhorseriding.co.za.
South Coast - Ocean Trails
Ocean Trails is situated on the Hibiscus South Coast and offers beautiful beach rides along Marina Beach in Southbroom, which is only 15 minutes away from Margate.
Marina beach is a beautiful, sandy, blue flag beach and is bordered by the Impanyati Nature Reserve. (Blue flag beaches are considered to be safe, clean and environmentally friendly.)
Riders of all levels of experience are welcome. There is a selection of 16 happy and healthy horses to choose from for the trail.
For more info go to www.oceantrails.co.za.
Durban - Horseback Beach Adventures
Horseback Beach Adventures was established in 1995 and is located in the Durban South area. All rides are guided and tailor-made to suit the needs of all riders. All riding levels are welcome.
Horseback Beach Adventures are very strict on safety and kindness towards animals and are recognized by the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA). Every effort is made to ensure that all their horses are fit, happy and healthy.
The 12 km beach trail is between 2 and 3 hours long and costs R290 per person – this is a ‘non-stop’ beach ride. Riders also have the option of a ‘snack and swim’ beach ride which allows some time for a stop along the way to enjoy a light lunch and a refreshing swim. This trail is between 3 and 4 hour long and costs R390 per person.
For more info go to www.horsebeachrides.co.za.
Paternoster - Drikus Horse Trail
Enjoy the beauty of the West Coast on horseback with Drikus Horse Trails. Here you have the option of using your own horse or choosing from one of the many beautiful horses offered by Drikus Horse Trails, which is only 90 minutes away from Cape Town.
Riders of all levels of experience are welcome to enjoy this trail. Beach rides available include daily beach rides and sunset rides at R200 per person, per hour. Sundowners and picnic baskets can be arranged.
This scenic area has an abundance of natural vegetation as well as spectacular bird life. Common sightings include Kingfishers, Grey herons and Vervet monkeys. Occasionally riders are lucky enough to see African fish eagles, Blue duiker and crowned cranes.
For more info go to www.drikus.co.za.
