Magical Horse Trails and Beach Rides

Author: Yvonne Craig

Experience beauty of the Eastern Cape coast from horse back with the gentle rhythm of your mount from Papiesfontein (Jeffreys Bay)  bearing you along a winding, 13 km circular trail. Then feel at one with nature as you gallop along a magnificent stretch of white beach with the wind flying through your hair.

Experienced guides provide instruction on control and management of your horse before leaving the yard. You saddle up and start the trail which winds through indigenous coastal vegetation. Bird life abounds and francolins scuttle away before you with loud protestation, while other feathered friends serenade you along the way. There is always the possibility of chancing upon a bushbuck, duiker, or some other form of wildlife.

The jeep track you follow leads to the Gamtoos River, winding its lazy way through farmlands and over rolling sand dunes down to the mouth and the beach. You can spend unlimited time in the saddle -  just as well as time ceases to exist as you soak up the beauty of this pristine area.  Looking east, massive dunes march along shimmering into the distance, forming a sharp contrast with the greens and blues of the sea.

Once you reach the beach the choice is yours,  whether  to  splash  along  gently, admiring the seascape and hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare African Black Oystercatcher, or to have the thrill of a breathtaking gallop along a 6 km stretch of isolated beach. Cantering along on the edge of the water and splashing through the waves is also highly recommended. Then it's back to the stable.

Non-riders are also warmly welcomed. There are thousands of acres of open ground for walking and 6km of seafront. 

The farm Papiesfontein is situated 10 km outside Jeffreys Bay, just half an hour's drive to the west of Port Elizabeth on the seaward side of the R102.

Departure times:

May to August: 09h30 and 15h00

September to April: 09h00 and 15h30.

Bookings are essential.

Tel.082 574 9396.