Horseback safari through KwaZulu-Natal

The best time to travel to KwaZulu-Natal is between March and October. Most of the rain falls between October and April, especially in the summer months of December through February, when the heavy tropical thunderstorms arrive. Then the temperatures rise over 30°C with a generally high level of humidity.

Welcome to Durban. Our partner agency awaits you with a warm welcome at the airport. They will give you your travel documents and rental car, and then it’s off to your first accommodation!

In the Zulu language, the city is called eThekwini and translates to “The place where the earth and the ocean meet.” As you drive into the city, you can already see the inviting beaches and the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Exotic spices fill the city’s air, and Oriental influences interweave in the surroundings as far as the eye can see. It’s almost as if you’ve landed in Delhi! Temples, mosques, and churches line the colorful streets. The smell of the authentic food already has you craving tonight’s dinner. In Durban, there are a plethora of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Durban Airport - La Lucia Hotel: approx. 15 minutes / approx. 20 km

Overnight with breakfast in La Lucia, South Africa

Horseback safaris are an unforgettable experience for everyone who wants to combine their passion for horses with their love for nature. As you gallop through nature, observe the wild animals and soak in the exciting atmosphere of the vast African wilderness on horseback. Keep your eyes peeled for impalas (medium-sized antelopes), wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and an array of bird species that soar high above. With a little luck, you might even be able to chase a warthog! After an eventful day, return to your lodge for a well-deserved sundowner on the beautiful terrace.

One of the most beautiful riding areas in southern Africa is around the Drakensberg Mountains, your next destination! As you trot along the varied terrain, notice the pine and eucalyptus forests, mysterious caves, stunning waterfalls, and fragrant wildflowers. This hilly region is the perfect place for unforgettable rides.

You might even be able to sport wild horses during your journey! The Drakensberg area stretches from the Kruger National Park to the Garden Route. The highest peaks, however, span a smaller space between Sentinel and Rhino Peak.

La Lucia - Drakensberg: approx. 3.5 hours / approx. 292 km

Three nights with half board and activities in Dranksberg, South Africa

You guessed it! Your day begins with another exciting horseback safari. Today you will embark on an idyllic ride from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Pakamisa Game Reserve.

The reserve offers safari rides for all horseback riding levels. The programs adapt to your individual needs, and they even offer lessons for beginners! They breed thoroughbred Arabs crossed with South African Boerperds (South African warmblood). The safaris mainly use English saddles and hiking saddles and always ride with a group of six people.

Drakensberg - Pakamisa Private Game Reserve: approx. 4.5 hours / approx. 373 km

Three nights with full board and activities at Pakamisa Game Reserve, South Africa

When you arrive at your next lodge, the surroundings will already impress you. The diverse vegetation and abundant animal life make this a highlight of your roundtrip. In addition to the Big Five (rhinos, elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards), you will also have the chance to see giraffes, impalas, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, hyenas, and much more! The gentle rolling landscapes offer excellent bridle paths and endless views of the typical African savannah. Horseback ride along the shores of Lake St. Lucia, where the mighty crocodiles relax in the sun. Enjoy views of the vast horizon and ride through the sandy forest landscapes (only found here). The safaris are suitable for horseback riders of all levels. An experienced guide and rider are at your side at all times.

Pakamisa Game Reserve - Hluhluwe: approx. 1.5 hours / approx. 130 km

Two nights with half board in Hluhluwe, South Africa

Today you will drive back to the beach! Depending on your mood, you can go to Durban or enjoy the last day by the sea in La Lucia.

Hluhluwe - La Lucia: approx. 3 hours / approx. 258 km

One night with breakfast in Durban, South Africa

Sadly, it’s time to depart from your magnificent adventure. Drive to the Durban Airport and drop off your rental car. If you would like to extend your stay or change one of the accommodations, our team is happy to help! Contact us today.

itravel - for that moment.

La Luxe****, La Lucia, South Africa (2 nights)

The beautiful hotel is not far from La Lucia beach; therefore, it’s the perfect location for relaxing days under the sun. The modern rooms have a balcony, WiFi, flat-screen TV, and other amenities needed for your stay. The outdoor pool invites you to relax.

uShaka Marine World is about twenty minutes away.

Montusi Mountain Lodge****, Drakensberg, South Africa (3 nights)

Each room comes equipped with a TV, fireplace, tea/coffee making equipment, a bathroom with a tub and shower, and other amenities. Other hotel facilities include a tennis court, a communal and games room, free WiFi, and a pool.

Pakamisa Game Reserve****, Pakamisa Game Reserve, South Africa (3 nights)

The lodge resides in the Pakamisa Game Reserve’s beautiful mountains. Relish breathtaking views of the Pongola Valley and the mighty mountains. The colonial-style lodge has eight elegant rooms, each with an African animal's motto, and they all come equipped with amenities. Guests also have access to the lodge’s terrace, lounge bar, and library.

Hluhluwe River Lodge****, Hluhluwe, South Africa (2 nights)

The lodge offers impeccable views of False Bay and the Hluhluwe River. The chalets have thatched roofs and offer modern and comfortably furnished interiors with mosquito nets and air conditioning. Relax on the terrace, or head to the garden and take a dip in the pool. There’s a lounge, pub, and a restaurant that serves African delicacies in the main building.

Including

• 10 nights in the mentioned accommodations or similar, including meals according to the program:
  • 2 nights at La Luxe with breakfast in a Deluxe Suite, La Lucia, South Africa
  • 3 nights at Montusi Mountain Lodge with half board and activities (fly fishing, hiking, tennis, 3x riding excursions) in a Garden Suite, Drakensberg, South Africa
  • 3 nights at Pakamisa Game Reserve with full board and activities (2 activities per day - horseback riding, game drive, guided bush walks, archery) in a Safari Suite, Pakamisa Game Reserve, South Africa
  • 2 nights at the Hluhluwe River Lodge with half board in a Chalet, Hluhluwe, South Africa
• 11 rental days of vehicle category K (Toyota RAV 4 or similar) including 1x additional driver, premium accident insurance (CDW), local surcharge, premium theft insurance (TLW), tourism levy, unlimited kilometers, personal accident insurance (PAI), general liability insurance (General Public Liability Insurance), administration fee in the event of an accident/theft, VAT 14%, liability insurance (Third Party Insurance), tire, hubcaps, rims, water, windshield, sandblasting and underbody damage, automatic, airbags, radio/CD, Servo, air conditioning, 4 seats. Pick-up & drop-off at Durban Airport.
• Detailed travel documents including directions
• Small donation for a rhino poaching project in the Eastern Cape

Excluding

• International flights

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Visits, admissions, excursions (the program listed is a suggestion)

• Visa fees

• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips

• Additional costs for the rental car (will be charged directly to the credit card): 3,700 R fuel deposit, 90 R contract fee, 385 R navigation system

Services & Notes

Pakamisa Game Reserve: The minimum age for children is ten years old unless otherwise agreed in advance. The maximum bodyweight is 90 kilograms, and the body height should not exceed 1.90 meters.