uMgeni River Valley
Horse Safaris
Welcome
Location
We offer a unique overnight adventure through a valley carved into the earth by the unrelenting and ancient uMgeni river.
Ride with us into this wilderness framed by deep gorges, streams, waterfalls and the uMgeni river. This is a +35km engaging ride on well schooled horses that is for experienced riders.
Our movement across the land ranges from a steady walk to as fast as a canter or gallop. There are often encounters with snakes (such as the African Rock Python), crocodiles and giraffe, so riders need be capable of reacting cool and calmly.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend in the bush.
Our rides are based in the Fountainhill Estate conservation area which is a 25 minute drive from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Meet the Team
Tess
Founder and guide.
Growing up on a farm in the valley, Tess has a deep passion for the area and has been exploring the uMgeni bushveld on horseback her whole life.
UMgeni RV Horse Safaris was inspired by her father's stories of riding horses in the army, along the border of Angola. For two years he lived in the wild with horses, covering over 60km a day and sleeping under the stars.
After university Tess worked in Italy and Kenya in both the showjumping and polo industries before returning home to train her own horses and start uMgeni Horse Safaris.
Motho
Groom and assistant guide.
Mothonyana Mofokeng has a deep love and respect for horses. He grew up in Lesotho riding his father's horses and being responsible for their welfare.
After coming to South Africa and working as a sugarcane cutter for almost ten years he found his dream job working with Tess as a groom and horse safari assistant guide.
Mothonyana is an excellent horseman and knows each horse intimately.
