Horse-riding trails in Southern Africa are as diverse as the terrain. Rides range from an hour or two on the outskirts of cities to multi-day treks in the wilderness and whether you enjoy a brisk canter along a beach, an amble through vineyards, a fast ride across sweeping grasslands or a meander through magnificent mountain scenery Hidden Vintage can cater for your needs.  However for the true riding enthusiast there can be no bigger thrill than an authentic horseback safari among Africa’s big game.

Horseback safaris are a very natural way to watch game, being so quiet and peaceful that unless surprised, the game often hardly bothers to move as you pass.  Your elevated position, high above the pepper ticks and other nasty critters, gives you a distinct viewing advantage, the sounds of the bush do not compete with the groan of a diesel engine and you are not restricted to roads or demarcated paths but have the freedom to follow the game trail where ever it may lead.  However in my opinion the biggest attraction of a horseback safari is that the metal and glass barriers that usually separate you from the surrounding nature have been removed, allowing you become part of the very wilderness that surrounds you.

Whether your thrill is galloping through the African plains among a mixed herd of game, quietly tracking a pride of lion in the saddle or cantering through the shallow flood plains of the Okavango delta, an African horseback safari is sure to count among one of your greatest eco-experiences.

Hidden Vintage presently offers 3 very different horseback safari experiences: 

Bhangazi Horse Safaris in KwaZulu-Natal where wildlife can be viewed against an impressively unique diversity of landscapes.
South African Horseback Safaris where 7 day trails in the big game Songimvelo reserve end in a traditional Swazi village.
African Horseback Safaris in Botswana’s Okavango Delta – probably the ultimate in horseback safaris.

Contact info@hiddenvintage.com for a tailor made itinerary or for more information on our horseback safaris.

In February this year one of our favourite Winelands hotels, La Couronne, was seriously damaged by fire, which put it out of action for the following 7 months.  However from the fire new life was born, and earlier this month the renamed Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards opened its doors.  Situated on a working wine farm just above the quaint village of Franschhoek, Mont Rochelle still boasts unrivalled views of the mountains behind and the vineyards and valley below.  However with only 16 individually decorated rooms and 6 sumptuous and very spacious suites, the total number of rooms has been reduced, while the quality of each room has been improved.  The whole hotel has undergone a massive refurbishment and is looking fresh and inviting.

Following in the Franschhoek tradition a special emphasis has been placed on food and a second restaurant has been added.  Whether eating in the elegant Mange Tout restaurant or the more relaxed Mont Rochelle restaurant next to the winery, panoramic views surround you.  The food in La Couronne was already of a high standard but, after only a few weeks with his new team, the new chef at Mont Rochelle has brought it to a whole new level.  Expect even greater things to come. 

As well as sumptuous accommodation, spectacular views, fine food and an ideal location to explore the region’s excellent vineyards, Mont Rochelle also offers wine tasting and cellar tours in its own winery, wine tasting trails on horseback, mountain and vineyard hiking trails and massages from Mont Rochelle’s resident masseuse.  As if this wasn’t enough Hidden Vintage are also offering 3 nights in Mont Rochelle for the price of 2!

3 Nights for the Price of 2 at Mont Rochelle
3 Nights B&B from R5,250 (€ 540) for 2 people sharing.
Valid until 30 April ’07

The coming months are peak holiday season for much of South Africa and so special offer itineraries are few and far between.  However we have featured a selection of great value sample itineraries on our specials page and for rock bottom prices keep in mind a last minute visit to Botswana or Namibia or our Sizzling Specials.

The Wilds of Botswana 
December to March, the ‘secret season’ in Botswana, is characterised by dramatic skies and afternoon thunderstorms.   The fresh greens of the new plant life mingle with an abundance of colourful migrant birds and wild flowers to make it the ideal time of year for photography.  Many antelopes calve during this time and the animals, birds, frogs and insects combine to produce an impressive cacophony of sound. 

Enjoy an 8 day combination of the Victoria Falls, game viewing in the wild Kwando concession and a visit to the Okavango Delta for only US$2,625 / person sharing

 
Namibia on a Shoe String
We have tweaked this budget itinerary slightly but essentially it offers the same great value as last year’s circuit:  13 days car hire, a safari in Etosha, rugged Damaraland and the famous, ochre-red dunes of Sossusvlei.  Namibia truly is a country to feed your soul and enliven your senses. Spectacular scenery, wildlife and exceptional value for money have made this one of our most popular itineraries.

R8,260 / person sharing (+/- € 880)       

More Sizzling Specials…
From complementary massage treatments to 3 nights for the price of 2, make the most of our selection of individual special offers or create your own special holiday itinerary.

 Note:  Euro prices subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

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