Jour 1: Underberg
ITALY / DURBAN / UNDERBERG (-/-/D)
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The largest mountain range in South Africa, the Drakensberg – literally translated as "Mountains of Dragons" – includes the highest peaks in the region, reaching 3,482 meters at Thabana Ntlenyana, in Lesotho. The name alone hints at a magical place, steeped in legend and mysticism. It’s no surprise that J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration from these mountains when imagining the Misty Mountains in “The Lord of the Rings.”
We’ll cross the border between South Africa and Lesotho on horseback, passports in hand, and enter the stunning Sehlabathebe National Park.
Little-visited yet breathtaking, this UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 stretches across a remote, rugged, and evocative landscape. Rolling grasslands, wildflower meadows, and complete silence create a sense of true isolation. Home to many bird species, a few antelopes, and small settlements of local tribes. The park is explored on horseback, crossing the dramatic Sani Top Pass.
Be prepared for sudden weather changes and intense summer storms, often followed by dense and potentially dangerous fog.
If the Garden of Eden ever existed, it must have looked like this – a pristine land of infinite horizons that will leave you breathless.
Arrival at Durban airport and transfer (with rental car or private transfer upon request) to the southern Drakensberg area, about 3 hours’ drive, near the town of Underberg. The accommodation is on a farm located in a UNESCO-protected area. Upon arrival, the farm owner will welcome you with a cocktail on the veranda overlooking the pastures. Dinner and overnight stay at the farm, which offers two en-suite bedrooms or independent cottages located a few minutes away.
Jour 2:
UNDERBERG (B/L/D)
After breakfast, horses will be assigned based on riding ability – South African horses, Friesians, and crossbreeds are available. We’ll ride into the surrounding forest. Return to the equestrian center for lunch. Free afternoon to explore or relax. Dinner and overnight at the farm.
Jour 3:
UNDERBERG / SEHLABATHEBE NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)
Early breakfast and departure by vehicle and van to Bushman’s Nek Pass (1,500 m), where we’ll leave South Africa and continue into Lesotho on horseback.
The scenery is breathtaking – endless streams, vast green plains, rolling hills, and stunning rock formations.
After a challenging rocky section (where we’ll need to lead the horses by hand), we reach an altitude of 2,500 meters. We’ll stop for a picnic for both riders and horses before descending to the lodge. Along the way, we’ll encounter waterfalls – and if the weather allows, a refreshing swim!
Arrival in the early afternoon at Sehlabathebe Heritage Lodge, snacks and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Jour 4:
SEHLABATHEBE NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we’ll mount up and ride to Ha Semanyane Village, where we’ll get a glimpse into the working life of a Basotho village.
We’ll have a refreshment stop at a shebeen (local pub) before returning to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, a vehicle will take us to visit a series of stunning gorges with breathtaking rock formations.
Dinner and overnight at Sehlabathebe Heritage Lodge.
Jour 5:
SEHLABATHEBE NATIONAL PARK / UNDERBERG (B/L/D)
Early breakfast and departure on horseback to ride back toward Bushman’s Nek Pass.
On the way, we’ll visit some spectacular caves before re-entering South Africa, where we’ll load the horses and return to the farm.
Snacks and free afternoon to relax before a farewell dinner and overnight stay at the farm.
Jour 6:
UNDERBERG / DURBAN / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast, check-out, and transfer to Durban airport (private transfer on request).
Note: The above program is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions beyond our control. Mountain climates can be unpredictable.
Key: (B/L/D)
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
Trip Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Difficulty: °°°° (Expert level)
Accommodation: Farm and Lodge
Equipment: Comfortable trekking saddles with saddlebags
Horses: Mixed-breed horses, mostly from Australian and Namibian lines. A wide range of horses available to match rider experience and needs.
Riding Time: About 4 hours per day. In Lesotho’s mountain areas, riders must be experienced and capable of managing challenging terrain and water crossings. Some sections require walking beside the horse and good physical fitness. In some grassland areas, faster paces are possible.
What to Bring: Layered riding clothing, waterproof jacket, warm outer layer for the high-altitude park in Lesotho. Small backpack or large waist pack for water bottle and daily essentials. Riding helmet, insect repellent, sunscreen, headlamp.
Maximum Weight: 90 kg
Type: Semi-itinerant horseback riding tour with overnight stays in farm and lodge accommodations.
Accommodation Details:
3 nights on a farm about 15 minutes from Underberg, surrounded by greenery with beautiful views of the peaks. Guests have access to 2 en-suite rooms with a lounge and fireplace, as well as a newly built cottage adjacent to the main house.
2 nights at Sehlabathebe Heritage Lodge, in the heart of Lesotho. Simple but clean rooms with shared bathrooms. Electricity is available only for a few hours a day via generator, and hot water is not always guaranteed.
Departure Dates:
Available on request year-round with a minimum of 2 participants departing from Italy.
Start any day of the week.
Group Size: Min 2 – Max 6 participants
