Nowhere in South Africa is spring more spectacular than in the Cape provinces as thousands of flowering plants cover the fynbos, national parks are filled by game and Southern Right Whales return to the coast for the mating season. From the beaches of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, to the wheat and winelands and secluded stretches of the Western Cape Mountains, experience South Africa’s pristine and breathtaking scenery on the back of a willing horse. Equine Adventures’ 4 or 8-day Cape Rides offer a unique perspective on the region’s stunning landscapes of unforgettable variety. Tours depart Cape Town 5th August and 5th and 26th October 2008. (Other dates available).
The entire route covers approximately 180km on eight different rides, using four different stables, allowing riders to choose from English Thoroughbreds to American Saddlebreds and South African Boerperds. Guests are accommodated in high standard inns, guest-farms and camps along the way - experiencing the well-known South African hospitality, excellent culinary culture and outstanding wines! On arrival in Cape Town travellers are transferred across the Cape Peninsula, over breathtaking Chapman's Peak Drive, to the gracious Lavenhof homestead, situated in Noordhoek. Next day, travellers visit a racing stable, ride along wide and empty Noodhoek beach on one of the race-horses, then finish the day with a meal overlooking the South Atlantic. On to Kleinmond Lagoon Nature Reserve, and a new horse for rides passing flocks of flamingos and pelicans, before spending two nights in the Cape Dutch home of a nearby wine estate owner. Next up, follow an ancient ox-wagon trail through mountain fynbos (indigenous shrub land) and climb the Groenlandberge (700m). After breakfast, cross Overberg’s rolling hills to the remote 36,000-hectare De Hoop Nature reserve. Here, ride over huge white sand dunes – up to 85m high - then continue through herds of antelope and Cape Mountain Zebra, together with Baboon, Ostrich and later, numerous water-birds, before heading down to the Indian Ocean for possible whale sightings. Continue by vehicle to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, at the foot of the Warmwaterberg, home to the Big Five, before spending a last night at the luxurious Tilney Manor lodge. Here, enjoy a game drive before returning to Cape Town where the tour concludes.
The holiday costs £1,715 p/p (8-day) (land only) including transfers, guest-house, farm-house and luxury camp accommodation, all meals and soft drinks, entrance fees, all riding and guided activities. A shorter 4-day itinerary is available costing £855 p/p.
Explore one of Africa’s newest riding destinations – Kafue National Park, similar in size to Wales and host to an impressive combination of large herds of big game, diversity of landscape and wildlife. Zambia’s ONLY horse riding safari operation opens in Kafue NP for the first time in March 2009, and first on the scene is Equine Adventures who offer an 8-day Kafue Horse Safari departing Lusaka 10th March 2009. 
Equine Adventures has late availability on a 10-day horse riding safari in the Mashatu Game Reserve, one of Botswana’s wildest and most beautiful regions. Tour departs Botswana 23rd November 2008.
Ok, so the summer is nearly over - before it began, some may say - and the nights are drawing in... Don't feel cheated - grab your passport, pack up your chaps and head off to where spring has sprung! Equine Adventures still have availability on South African riding holidays that will refuel the soul! 
Explore the Mara on horseback, canter over open plains dotted with wildebeest, alongside galloping Zebra, enjoy night game drives and encounter Elephant, Buffalo and Lion - experience East Africa through the eyes of Siruai guides on well schooled and bush-wise horses. Equine Adventures’ 9-day Siruai Safari next departs London 24th June and 7th, 18th, 29th July 2008. (Other dates are available).
