The Northern Horse

RIDES AVAILABLE AT THE NORTHERN HORSE

One-Hour Trail Ride

Two grooms take groups of up to ten riders on trails around the Montusi Estate. Trails vary from gentle plains to steeper valley trails to suit all levels of confidence.

Price: R130 per person.

Phansi-Phezulu Trail

Two grooms take groups of up to ten riders on a 2 hour trail that starts by descending into a verdant river valley where the trail meanders with the bubbling Putrill Stream past a cave, which boasts a waterfall in the wetter months. We also pass a rock face where rock rabbits make their home. The trail then climbs the Montusi Ridge where panoramic views of both the High and Little ‘Berg are breathtaking. Experienced groups will enjoy several good canters and a phenomenal gallop, as well as some technical riding. Beginner groups will enjoy the views at a slower pace, confident in the horses’ sure-footed competence.

Price: R220 per person.

Half or Full Day Rides

The more adventurous rider may enjoy a longer equine experience to see bushman paintings or to visit a Sangoma (Traditional Zulu Healer).

The Zulu Cultural Trail provides interesting insights into the lives of Rural South Africans by taking guests through beautiful scenery into a modern Zulu village to visit a practicing Sangoma.

Those more interested in the Historical facets of our beautiful country will enjoy the Bushman Trail which meanders is way over ridge and plain to a cave once used by the Bushmen, evidenced by the paintings on the cave walls. In summer months a waterfall sprinkles its way over the cave roof, which adds to the amazing views from the cave.

These two trails can be combined to make a day long adventure.

Price: R440 per person for half day (+- 4 hrs), includes trail drinks

R660 per person for full day (+- 7 hrs), includes trail drinks and packed lunch.

Sundowner Ride

The sundowner ride leaves about 2 hours before sunset and follows a meandering trail with spectacular views through quiet valleys and restful plains to a beauty-spot in the veldt where a table has been set up with drinks of your choice and a gourmet snack platter consisting of a delicious variety of finger foods, from biltong to home-made samoosas and spring rolls. The atmosphere is peaceful and romantic and the light at this time of day is magical. Guests watch the sun setting behind the mountains of the Little Berg, while the Amphitheatre grows ever moodier. The ride home in the twilight is short and easy.

Price: R400 per person, includes snacks and drinks of choice

Overnight Trails

We offer a 1, 2 or 3 night trail. The ride starts at 9:30 on Day 1 and we usually spend about 6 hours in the saddle each day. We do break for lunch at a beauty-spot along the way where sensitive bottoms enjoy a well deserved reprieve with a swim in a river or dam. The trails wind their way over the vast plains of the Little Berg, and up steep ridges where breathtaking views abound. Visits to the Zulu Sangoma or Bushman Cave can be incorporated. Guests are accommodated in very comfortable, mountain accommodation with flushing toilets, running water and proper beds (with linen)! All food and drinks are provided.

These outings are designed around each booking so that the individual needs and interests of the rider are catered for. We pride ourselves on being flexible to each individual guest.

Overnight Trails are usually not available over a Friday or Saturday night, due to the lodges’ 2-night-stay policy over weekends.

Prices include horses, 2 guides, accommodation, food, drinks and luggage transfers – From R1500 per person per night.

(Group / Low-season discounts available upon request)

Full Moon Trails

On three special nights a month, weather permitting, we take a Full Moon Trail. This ride leaves at 7pm and lasts about 2 hours. The mountain slopes and plains put on a whole new nighttime face, where silver light casts eerie shadows and the quiet feels almost sacred. The connection to one’s steed is heightened as the rider must trust the horse’s superior eyesight to navigate safely along the trail. We stop at a river side for something hot to drink before returning to the stables at +-10pm.

Contact us for dates.

Price: R300 per person, includes hot drink and marsh-mellows/cookies