Comfort
There are three accommodation options.
Basic: Recently converted stables on the farm provide comfortable double or twin accommodation on-site. The rooms have ensuite shower rooms and a patio with fantastic views of the mountains. Breakfast is taken in your room and there are no communal seating areas, but you can put the chairs from your room on the patio.
Standard: A local guesthouse within a few minutes drive of the stables offers comfortable twin and double en-suite rooms, with the usual guesthouse facilities.
Luxury: A spa lodge on a neighbouring estate offers very comfortable en-suite rooms, plus the option for spa treatments (at extra cost) and the use of a swimming pool.
WiFi available. Laundry available at a nominal fee.
Meals
Meals are a highlight! Lunches are usually taken at wine estates and wine tastings are often included. Evening meals are in a selection of high class restaurants in the area - there are always three courses on offer with wine included. Restaurants are selected each day according to the wishes of the group and include local specialities such as springbok or fresh fish/seafood, classics such as steak or even quality Italian or Thai.
Climate
Cape Town has a long summer from November to March, a season with 11 or more hours of sunshine every day. The average summer temperature is 24.3 degrees Centigrade, with January and February temperatures averaging 26 degrees Centigrade. February is the driest as well as the hottest month of the year. Strong winds occur during November and early December. Temperatures may rise above 30 degrees in these months (for part of the day).
Spring (September/October) and autumn (April/May) are beautiful seasons in the Cape when nature is at its showiest!
Cape Town’s winters (June to August) can be stormy and wet. June is the wettest month of the year and light snow can fall on the higher Cape mountains. The average winter temperature is between 7 and 20 degrees Centigrade however it’s not uncommon to enjoy a beautiful week of sunshine in winter.
Guide and local team
Your hosts Louis and Ellen will usually be on hand to ensure you have a great holiday, but he may not always guide you when riding. There will always be two guides - a lead guide and a back-up, sometimes Louis and/or Ellen or Kate and other seasonal guides. All guides are experienced and passionate about what they do.
Tips
Tips are not expected but would be gratefully received if you wish to leave them. You can give your tips to your guide who will distribute them amongst the whole team. We would recommend c. £5-£10 per guest per day.
Packing list
Head
- Hard hats are compulsory and we recommend you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - all year round, but particularly during the winter months (May - September) when there can be rain or thunderstorms
- Casual clothes for the evening
- You may wish to take something slightly smarter for some of the restaurants but this is not expected
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged (and because they can be very hot!)
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for when not riding
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Nightwear
Our Recommendations
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
