Wild uMgeni River Valley Horse Safari

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Upscale

Weight limit

Group size

2-7 tourists,
over 16 y.o.

Saddle up for an unforgettable horseback safari through the wild beauty of the uMgeni River Valley — where rolling farmland meets deep gorges, waterfalls, and golden savanna.

Over five days, you’ll ride across breathtaking landscapes, stay in comfortable farmhouses and riverside cottages, and share sundowners with your horse grazing quietly below.

This intimate, small-group safari combines adventure and comfort, featuring hand-picked South African crossbreeds, delicious locally sourced meals, and evenings around the fire. From gentle canters through the bushveld to the dramatic summit ride over the Kranz, every day offers a new view of this extraordinary wilderness.

This experience is designed for confident, competent riders who want a balance of freedom, connection, and natural beauty — all in an ethical, sustainable way.

Tess M. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English

My name is Tess, and I grew up on a farm in South Africa, set amongst two nature reserves, a river, and surrounding farmland, with horses and wildlife very much part of daily life. After studying, travelling while working with horses, I founded the company in 2023. Since then, we’ve gradually grown both our herd and our routes, allowing us to offer longer, more immersive journeys. We now run a 5 and 7-day ride that traverses the landscape I grew up exploring — a hidden and exceptionally beautiful part of the country. Building this safari has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and it’s a privilege to share this special corner of South Africa with riders from around the world.

View Tess `s tours

Tour highlights

Waterfall Escape

Ride into a hidden gorge to picnic beside a cascading waterfall.

River and Wildlife

Follow the uMgeni River, spotting giraffes, zebra, and kudu.

Fireside Comfort

Relax in cozy lodges with food that has the rich flavours of KwaZulu-Natal.

Route details

Arrive by lunchtime for a warm welcome and relaxed lunch before your first short practice ride. You’ll meet your horse, check tack, and take a gentle ride through farmland and open country. Evening sundowners by the fire complete your first taste of the valley.

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour provider's comments

Our safaris are designed exclusively for competent riders.

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.

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.

Accommodation

Comfort

Upscale

Camp Site

2 nights

Guest House

2 nights

Our accommodation varies from small cottages to large historic farmhouses. They are cosy, comfortable and offer a fantastic view!

Our prices are based on shared accommodation. If you would like to guarantee your own private room for the duration of the trip, a single supplement (non-sharing rate) will apply.

If you do not select the single supplement, you may still end up with a private room depending on the group dynamics (for example, when friends or couples share). However, this cannot be guaranteed in advance.

We will be at Fountain Hill Estate, a historic German farming estate transformed into guest accommodation. Nestled on the border between wilderness, conservation area, and agricultural sugarcane fields, our location features a pool, stables, and a charming dining room. This is a truly unique and exclusive stay.