High mountains, sandstone cliffs and rolling plains provide a scenic and often dramatic backdrop to this Northern Drakensberg multi-day horse trail. Days in the saddle will see you traversing mountain ridges, forging crisp streams and galloping along wide open plains. Overnighting in the comfort of mountain lodges, you get to play cowboy by day... but get to sleep in a real bed by night.
Guests wishing to include a cultural element in their ride can alter their route to visit a Sangoma and ride through the local Zulu village where one gets a feel for contemporary rural Zulu life. Every route includes a lunch stop at a cave where San rock is seen.
The sure-footed horses have been bred in the area so whilst the terrain may seem technical, you are on experienced foot. This overnight trail in stunning mountain surrounds is a pioneer adventure suited to both novice and experienced riders.
TRAIL - AT A GLANCE
| Trip Duration | Standard Package: 3 Days/ 2 Nights * More or less days can be offered on request |
| Daily Distances | Day 1: 6.5 - 7hr ride time Day 2: 7 - 7.5hr ride time Day 3: 3-4hr ride time |
| Trail Grading | |
| Physical Fitness | Moderate fitness required but horse-riding experience not absolutely neccessary |
| Technicality | The trail covers some very technical riding, but the sure-footed horses take care of that department, so experience is not a requirement. |
| Trail Terrain | The trail covers some very exciting riding, with steep descents into river valleys and climbs up ridges with stunning views. Steep terrain is punctuated by wide open plains conducive to excellent gallops for the more experienced rider. |
| Accommodation | 1 Night at a Tented Bush Camp in Northern Drak Valley 1 Night in a Log Cabin in the Northern Drak Valley |
| Logistic Support | This is a fully-catered trail, sleeping in comfortable lodges with bedding provided – you need only bring your clothes. It is fully Guided from start to finish. |
Tour Highlights | Galloping over a ridge of wild grasses with the magnificent Amphitheatre as a backdrop; climbing almost sheer mountainsides on sure-footed mountain horses, and watching the light change over the mountains at the end of a full day in the saddle. |
| Other Activities | Birding, Flyfishing, Hiking |
| Fauna & Flora | Drakensberg Montane Grassland, Yellowood forests and Protea stands. Baboons, Eland, Mountain Reedbuck, Grey Rhebok & endemic birds such as the Drakensberg Rockjumper & Siskin. |
| Climate | Summer (Nov -May) is wet and warm, with most rain during Oct -Mar. Daily temps can climb to 25 - 30 deg C & rain falls mainly as afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (June to Oct) consists of mainly dry, sunny, clear, crisp days with daytime temps avg 15-20 deg C & night-time temps dropping below zero. Snow and ice is more common, but only remains for any length of time on the highest ground. |
| Seasonality & Best Time Year | All year round. In Summer it is wise to make the most of the mornings, and presume afternoons will be wet. Whilst days are shorter in winter because the weather is more stable, the whole day can usually be used for riding. Spring & summer are the best months for wild flowers. Availability: Preferred to be outside of peak holiday & long weekends |
| Group Size | Minimum of 2 persons - maximum of 8 persons |
| Price / PP | Price dependent on group size & tour, but for the 3 Day/ 2 night tour you can consider the following indicative pricing: 2-5 persons or less : R4000/pp 6-8 persons: R3800/pp |
| Price Includes |
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The sure-footed mountain horses will take you up and down
The source of the Tugela plunges over the Escarpment in 5 massive
The Amphitheatre at sunrise - a sheer wall of rock some 5kms in 
There are numerous rivers to ford on this multi-day horse trail. 
The horses are a mixed bunch of mountaineers. They have a strong 
Sung Mountain Camp - your first overnight stay on the trail. 
