Price
2026 & 2027
7-Nights
Mountain View
Sharing £2,260 per person
Single occupancy £2,530
Sandstone Classic
Sharing £2,330 per person
Single occupancy £2,600
Sandstone Luxury
Sharing £2,400 per person
Single occupancy £2,675
Dates & Prices
SOUTH AFRICA
Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Overview
Tucked away in South Africa’s Eastern Free State, Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve is a hidden gem nestled within the sweeping embrace of the Witteberg Mountains. This 3,300-hectare natural haven is more than just a backdrop for riding—it’s a place where horse lovers, nature seekers, and adventurers alike find a deeper connection to land, wildlife, and history.
The reserve is set in a horseshoe-shaped valley, framed by dramatic sandstone ridges and vast, open plains that invite endless exploration. Moolmanshoek is a registered Natural Heritage Site, home to a rare mountain bamboo species, ancient rock formations, and remarkable biodiversity. From red hartebeest and black wildebeest to giraffe, zebra, and the striking white blesbok, this area teems with wildlife, offering incredible sightings throughout your rides.
Horse riding here is both exhilarating and soulful. You’ll spend your days cantering across golden plains, winding through indigenous forests, and climbing rugged mountain trails on exceptionally well-schooled South African Boerperd horses—famed for their agility, temperament, and sure-footedness. Many of the horses are born and raised in these very mountains, making them the perfect companions for such varied and challenging terrain.
Over the course of the week, riders of confident intermediate ability and above will explore a rich variety of trails, from gentle valley paths to high mountain ridges with panoramic views into the neighbouring kingdom of Lesotho. Whether you’re discovering ancient Bushman rock art tucked beneath sandstone overhangs or pausing for sundowners overlooking vast game-filled plains, each ride offers unforgettable moments of connection with nature and horse alike.
Your hosts, the Nel family, bring warmth and authenticity to every aspect of the experience. Passionate about horses, conservation, and sharing the beauty of their homeland, they offer personal insight into the land’s history and its natural rhythms. Moolmanshoek has been in the Nel family since 1994, and their stewardship has transformed the reserve into a sanctuary for both wildlife and those seeking peaceful adventure.
Expect a blend of thrilling rides and tranquil moments—picnic lunches under willows, refreshing swims in mountain pools, and fireside dinners in the reserve’s charming Bamboesbos Restaurant. While the riding is the heart of the experience, the stories, landscapes, and connections you’ll find here are what make it truly unforgettable.
Location
Moolmanshoek, South Africa
Airport
Johannesburg, South Africa
Duration
7 nights
When to go
All Year
Riding level
All levels
Weight
95 kg / 15 stone / 209 lbs
Group size
8 max
Accommodation
Lodge
Included
Full board accommodation with a buffet-style full English breakfast, light lunches and three-course dinners; up to five hours of riding per day; one picnic lunch ride with a gourmet picnic and drink; one eco game drive with a sundowner drink; one sundowner ride with a cheese platter and sundowner drink; wine, beer, cider and juices from the selected safari drinks list (all other alcoholic drinks outside the safari drinks list will be charged separately to your room); tea, coffee and rusks in your room; and one complimentary laundry service
Extras
Single supplement applies if unable to share.
Non riders welcome, please contact us for discounted rates.
Excluded
Flights, transfers, extra drinks, extra activities and tips.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
A 4.5 to 5 hour transfer from Johannesburg airport, approximately £315 each way (up to 2 people).
Transfers from Bloemfontein airport (3 hours), approximately £165 per vehicle each way.
Transfers are payable locally and shared between all those travelling. Transfer prices are subject to change.
Departure dates
2026
18 - 25 June
4 - 11 August & 18 - 25 August
1 - 08 Septemer & 14 - 21 September
6 - 13 October & 20 - 27 October
3 - 10 November & 14 - 22 November
1 - 8 December & 15 - 22 December
2027
12 - 19 January
9 - 16 February
23 February - 2 March
9 - 16 March
30 March - 6 April
4 - 11 May
13 - 20 July
17 - 24 August
28 September - 5 October
19 - 26 October
2 - 9 November
16 - 23 November
30 November - 7 December
14 - 21 December
Riding & Itinerary
7-Night Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in the afternoon to a light lunch on the veranda of the main lodge. Settling into rooms of your choice (cosy, classic, or luxury rooms charged according to your preference) before enjoying a late afternoon introduction to the stable yard and some of our horses, along with an orientation of the lodge and immediate settings. Dinner in the Bamboebos Restaurant.
Day 2
Breakfast on the veranda followed by a morning 4-hour yellow loop trail. A breathtaking ride through the donga forest with some exciting canters up steep trails, following a scenic route up the mountains with beautiful views into Lesotho. As we summit Sekonjela’s Hat, the second highest peak in the Witteberg Mountain Range we discover unbelievable views from the summit back to Moolmanshoek over Lesotho. All our young horses are raised in these mountains and can often be seen on our ride. Working our way back to the shower pools where, in the summer months, we enjoy a refreshing dip in the pools. Mounting up, the ride back down the valley takes you down steep slopes of sandstone with breathtaking views of the Moolmanshoek Valley, where you will be amazed at the dexterity of our incredible Boerperd, as they negotiate the slopes with ease. Light lunch on the veranda before afternoon ride Afternoon ride includes sundowners overlooking the plains. Dinner in “Bamboesbos” restaurant around a cosy fire.
Day 3
Early breakfast before setting off on Picnic lunch ride to discover the Bushmen Paintings. This ride takes us on the middle section of the Endurance blue loop, skirting the ridges behind the lodge. We will explore the overhangs where we find bushman paintings estimated to be over 400 years old. After exploring the first bushmen painting site, we ride over the mountains giving us spectacular views into Lesotho, before descending into the valley where we explore more bushmen paintings with a sacred entrance tunnel into the mountains. Large herds of red hartebeest, black wildebeest, impala, giraffe and sable antelope can be discovered on the ride. A short ride down into the valley to enjoy a picnic lunch under the willows, where we can relax in the shade as our horses graze nearby. This trail is a slower pace, with some long canters before we climb up the mountain.After our leisurely lunch, we ride back to the lodge. Three course dinner at the “Bamboesbos” restaurant.
Day 4
Breakfast on the veranda before Holkrans ride departure. No visit to Moolmanshoek Horse trails is complete without a visit to Holkrans! Mounting up, our ride takes us along long canter tracks, up to the game fence that leads to the mountain trails that lie in the shadow of Sekonjela’s Hoed. Once in the mountains, we follow narrow trails, passing the rare mountain bamboo that was discovered on the reserve, resulting in Moolmanshoek becoming registered as a Natural Heritage Site. We ride on to discover Holkrans, a large cave chamber where a unique water break has resulted in the rocky overhang, looking out over the Sandstone Ledges. The ride back down finds you riding past our Sugarbush Protea trees. Incredible views looking out over the valley as our sure-footed horses carefully pick their way down the mountain slopes amongst sagewood, red hairy heath, ouhout and a variety of fynbos species. A ride to remember!
Day 5
This morning’s ride takes us along the ridge at the foot of the Pyramids to discover the Adventure Centre at Langesnek, where the adventure center offers abseiling or high ropes for school groups. The ride meanders through the valley behind Langesnek and on to the long open plains of the neighbouring farm, to discover vast herds of wildlife and the numerous “White Blesbok”. Riding through the wetlands to discover magnificent bird life before exploring the tracks alongside a small dam, where countless waterfowl can be observed. Lovely long windy canters back towards the lodge. Lunch back at the lodge before enjoying a game drive in the afternoon for a change of pace.
Day 6
Jacobsberg Trail – this trail includes amazing game encounters as we canter through the open plain areas before a climb up the steep ridge leading up to Jacobsberg. Incredible views over the reserve before continuing to follow the valley’s edge in the shadow of Virsierskerf to discover the seven pools trail. On a hot summer’s day, the option of a swim in the pools to enjoy the crystal clear mountain streams is an option before mounting up again to ride back through the plains.
Day 7
After enjoying another scrumptious breakfast on the veranda, we head out on an exciting ride up the Pyramid Mountain Trail. Climbing the Pyramid Mountain from the rear coming out between the two pyramids, riders head down over the side of the second pyramid onto the plains, nice canters to the rocky outcrop overlooking the savannah. Game can be discovered amongst the high peaks, grazing contentedly on the steep mountain slopes above you as you ride. Amazing views and lovely rolling canters on the return ride. Enjoy the view of large herds of plains game on the open savanna en route back to the lodge. Afternoon at your leisure or a short late afternoon game viewing ride on the plains.
Day 8
It’s never easy to say goodbye, particularly at Moolmanshoek. After a week of camaraderie and adventures, it’s time for a final ride through the plains to bid adieu to this piece of paradise. Enjoy a brunch on the veranda before final goodbyes and departure.
Horses
Boerperds
Riding level
All levels
Type of riding
Scenic trail rides, 4-6 hours per day
Tack
English style with South African McClellan saddles and some English saddles
Weight limit
95 kg / 15 stone / 209 lbs
Group size
8 max
Accommodation & Meals
At Moolmanshoek, your stay is defined by comfort, charm, and a genuine sense of place. Accommodation is offered in a range of cosy, classic, and luxury rooms, allowing you to tailor your stay to your preferences. Each room is tastefully decorated in a style that reflects the natural beauty and heritage of the region, with thoughtful touches and warm hospitality creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The lodge is designed to make the most of its spectacular setting, with sweeping views over the reserve and peaceful verandas perfect for unwinding between rides.
Food at Moolmanshoek is hearty, home-style, and deeply satisfying—designed to nourish and delight after long days in the saddle. Meals reflect South Africa’s rich culinary heritage, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and comforting flavours.
Breakfasts are typically enjoyed on the veranda, with the sun rising over the Witteberg Mountains. Guests are treated to a generous spread that may include farm eggs cooked to order, homemade breads, locally made preserves, seasonal fruit, muesli, and yoghurts, alongside a selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee.
Lunches are light yet fulfilling, often served back at the lodge after a morning ride, or packed as a picnic for longer trail days. Think crusty rolls filled with cured meats or roasted vegetables, fresh salads with a South African twist, and fruit or sweet treats to follow. On warmer days, picnic lunches under the willows near a mountain stream add a touch of serenity to the midday break.
Dinners are a highlight, served by candlelight in the atmospheric Bamboesbos Restaurant. Expect traditional dishes with a gourmet edge—slow-cooked lamb shanks, tender venison fillets, creamy chicken pies, or grilled trout from nearby streams. These are accompanied by seasonal vegetables, roasted root crops, and classic South African sides like pap, sous, and sweet butternut. Starters might include homemade soup, baked camembert, or carpaccio, and desserts range from malva pudding with custard to rich chocolate tart or poached pears in red wine.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully prepared, and dietary requirements are happily catered for with advance notice. Local wines and a small selection of beers are available to complement your meals, often enjoyed beside a warm fire or during sundowners on the plains.
Accommodation
Lodge
Single Supplement
Possible to have a single room, extra fees apply
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
All soft drinks and a limited alcohol included
The Destination
Secluded in the majestic Witteberg Mountains of the Eastern Free State of South Africa, Moolmanshoek’s legacy spans centuries, from its early beginnings to the thriving conservation area it is today.
As a Natural Heritage Site, the Moolmanshoek landscape consists of endless green pastures and mountain streams cascading down rock faces, forming natural plunge pools. Wildlife thrives in this area, providing guests with opportunities to spot eland, black wildebeest, springbok, ostrich, zebra, warthog, porcupine, jackal, caracal, serval and more.
For nature lovers, Moolmanshoek offers stunning views from Visierskerf, Sekonjella’s Hoed, or the Pyramid mountains.
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