FAQ's
Do I need to be an experienced rider?
Yes.
What do we mean by an "experienced rider"?
Our safaris are designed exclusively for competent riders. For the safety of our horses and the enjoyment of every guest, we only welcome intermediate and advanced riders.
To help you know where you fit, here’s how we define the different levels:
Not Suitable for Our Rides:
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Beginner – Learning the basics: walk, stop, steer, and rising trot. Balance and control are still developing.
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Novice – Comfortable at walk and trot, and canter, but only in a controlled environment. Not yet fully secure or confident in open country or for long hours in the saddle.
Welcome on Our Rides:
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Intermediate – Secure, well-balanced, and in control at all paces (walk, trot, canter, gallop). Comfortable riding for several hours and confident in open country and varied terrain.
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Advanced – Experienced and very well balanced, with soft hands and an independent seat. Fit enough for long hours in the saddle, comfortable with spirited horses, and able to manage fast, sustained canters and unexpected situations.
Do you have a weight limit?
Yes. We have a strict weight limit of 85kg. Unfortunately, as we would love to accommodate everyone, our horses are not big enough to comfortably carry more weight than this on our long journeys and through rough terrain.
Do you do day rides or half day rides?
No.
Do you have a minimum or maximum age limit?
We don't have an age limit, as long as you are fit and capable.
What equipment do I need to bring?
We will send a full list before your adventure, but there is no special equipment beyond normal riding clothes that you feel comfortable in. Please note: we do not supply riding helmets. P
What type of horses do you have?
We have a range of hardy crossbreeds ranging between 14.3hh - 15.2hh (Boerperds, Friesian, Appaloosa, Basotho, Quarter horse and Arab crosses). They are all comfortable out on the trail and in a wilderness environment. They are kept fit by schooling, outrides and our exercise track. They sleep out but are attended to daily. We have an off-season in the summer when it is extremely hot. The horses get yearly vaccinations and spend time relaxing and just being horses in large spaces and herds.
I am travelling from far, can I stay over before or after the day of the ride?
Yes. There are hotel and guesthouse options in the local village where we can pick you up from. Contact us for more info.
What types of game will you see?
You are likely to see giraffes, eland, kudu, nyala, ostrich, zebra, blesbok, wildebeest, jackal, water monitor, warthog, baboon, monkeys and impala. It is also possible to see the African rock python, and crocodiles and many, many bird species. We have no large predators in this area of the uMgeni valley.
Do you do private safaris?
Yes with groups of 4 or more. Please email us for more info!
What are your options for airport transfers?
We can organise shuttles from Durban (King Shaka International Airport - 80 min drive) or Pietermaritzburg (Oribi Airport - 30 min drive), please see our Dates and Rates page for pricing.
What type of saddles do you use?
Most of our horses are in a mix of lightweight trail saddles (Franco C, Trail Rider, Liversage). There will be a saddle bag on each horse to put your rain jacket and water.