The 5-Day Epic
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5 epic days following a river on horseback
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2 reserves and surrounding farmland
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4 unique cottages
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1 thrilling river crossing
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Itinerary
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Food
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Alcohol
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Riding
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Accommodation
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Horses and Tack
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Lifts from the Airports
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Insurance and Safety
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Luggage
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Experience Required
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Tacking up and Horse Care
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Day.
This is a day for everyone flying or driving in from far away to make their way to the reserve. We hope to have everyone arrive by the afternoon so that we can go on a "practice ride" where we check every riders tack, stirrup length and make sure they are paired with the right horse and ready for the trip.
Followed by sundowners overlooking the gorge and an evening braai.
Estimated total riding time: 2 hours.
Day 2
Morning: We will spend the morning riding to a waterfall where we will stop to eat and relax. This is a slow ride with a few technical sections into an absolutely beautiful gorge. Evidence of hunter-gathers living in caves in this space 30 000 years ago has been found by archeologists in this area. It is a truly unique and almost spiritual experience. We tie the horse to high-lines while relaxing and enjoying lunch.
Afternoon: We make our way through forest and grasslands before arriving at the uMgeni river. From there we follow the river for about an hour before arriving at the river crossing. Riders will then dismount and paddle to the cottage on the other side of the river where they will spend the night. The horses will go through a gate and trucked to the other side of the river and start with us the following morning. This is the longest and most technical day. We will spend the evening braai-ing and relaxing on the edge of the river.
Estimated total riding time: 4 - 5 hours.
Day 3
Morning: We will ride through a wild, bushveld cattle farm and into Cumberland Nature Reserve, where we will arrive at our overnight accommodation and rest before our afternoon ride.
Afternoon (optional): Walk to the waterfall and look our point (40 - 50 min walk).
Estimated total riding time: 3 hours.
Day 4
Morning: We will ride through the entire nature reserve and through a gate at the far end, from there we will ride through farmland - still with a view of the river, before arriving at Sugar Farm House. A stunning old house with a gorgeous view of the valley.
Afternoon: We will ride through more bushveld to then alongside paths right next to the river.
Evening: Gorgeous sundowner spot overlooking the valley.
Estimated total riding time: 4 - 5 hours.
Day 5
Departure day. There will be an optional and most likely sentimental ride with the horses in the morning.
The rest of the day will be spent lifting back people to our starting point or to the airport.
Estimated total riding time: 2 hours.
Food
Our menu is a mix of Italian and typical South African-style cooking. We will be cooking over the fire most nights, accompanied by fresh, homegrown vegetables and salads. Food will be delicious, wholesome, and healthy so that riders feel light and energetic throughout the journey. We will make sure that you don’t go hungry! Between meals, there will be plenty of snacks available in the saddlebags. We are also happy to accommodate any dietary requirements.
Alcohol
Please notify us on your Rider Information forms about what you like to drink in the evenings, and we will make sure to stock up!
Riding
We will be riding across varying landscapes: cantering through grasslands, wandering through wooded forests, and carefully navigating winding, steep rocky pathways into gorges. We will walk about 70% of the distance, with about 30% cantering or trotting. Ride time will average 4-5 hours per day (2 in the morning and 2-3 in the evening).
Accommodation
Our accommodation varies from restored farm cottages to old farmhouses. They are cosy, comfortable, and offer a fantastic view!
If you are a solo traveller, it is likely that you will be able to have your own room on nights 1, 3 and 4, but this is not possible on the second night rooms are shared between two people.
Our second night's accommodation footage is in the process of being filmed.
Day 1
For our first night we will be at Fountain Hill Estate, a historic farming estate transformed into guest accommodation. Nestled on the border between wilderness, conservation area, and agricultural sugarcane fields, our location features a pool, stables, and a charming dining room—an ideal retreat for your getaway.
Day 2
On our second night, immerse yourself in the rustic charm of a an old farm cottage perched right on the banks of the uMgeni River. This authentic African farm cottage, rich in character, is tucked away on a bushveld and cattle farm. In the evening we will sit around a fire right on the banks of the river. This is a very rustic, authentic and unique overnight stay.
Day 3
Our third evening will be enjoyed at the remarkable Cumberland Nature Reserve, in a quaint cottage transformed from a farming shed. Positioned right at the cliff's edge, this beautiful retreat overlooks the scenic uMgeni valley and river.
Day 4
Our final night will be at a sugarcane farm located right on the edge of the uMgeni River. This large, traditional four-bedroom house includes an upstairs veranda that overlooks the farm and valley.
Horses and Tack
Our horses are a mix of Thoroughbred and hardy crossbreeds ranging from 14.3 - 16hh. They are all used to wild game, fit, and experienced on the trail.
We ride in lightweight general-purpose English-style saddles, usually with softer bits like a snaffle. Our horses are trained in a mixture of English, Western, and natural horsemanship. We typically ride with a loose rein unless at a faster pace.
Lifts from the Airport
We do offer transfers from Durban and Pietermaritzburg airports. Please check our Dates and Rates page for pricing.
Insurance and Safety
International riders do require medical travel insurance.
South African riders will need to send us a copy of their Identification Document.
Our guides are trained in first aid, and we carry a first aid kit on all rides.
Luggage
Your luggage will be transported in the support vehicle.
Experience Required
Participants need to be fit and experienced riders. Please refer to our FAQs for more information.
Tacking Up
We will have one groom per three horses, responsible for taking care of and preparing your horse each day.
What types of animals are you likely to see?
Prepare to encounter an array of wildlife including giraffes, eland, kudu, nyala, ostriches, zebras, blesbok, wildebeest, and impala. Additionally, sightings of the African rock python, crocodiles, jackals, and a rich variety of bird species are quite common.
The section of the valley we ride through is free from large predators.
Where can I put my stuff during the ride?
There will be saddle bags available for your water bottle, jacket, sunscreen etc.