Karusa Horse Trek
This is an exceptional Horse Trek into an ever changing landscape of ethereal splendour.
Itinerary
Trek Length: 5 Nights / 4 Days
Trek Cost: R10790.00 (All inclusive)
(Terms & Conditions apply)
Riding time per day: 4 to 6 hours
Riding ability required: Must be fit and confident
Group size: 2 – 8 Riders
No alcoholic beverages included only soft drinks, tea/coffee and bottled water.
Day 1:
Arrival before 16h00 Soeterus Guest Lodge
17h00 Meet your Ranger Guides & Briefing – Dining room Soeterus
18h30 Traditional Karoo Dinner
Day 2:
08h00 Breakfast
09h00 Transfer to Saint Helena Farm (4minute drive)
Meet and try your mounts for the trek.
Saddle up, check your gear. We ride out at app 10h00
The ride takes us through the historic part of Calitzdorp past the world renowned Boplaas Winery from where we head directly into the “Swartberg” mountain range following a dirt road that runs parallel with the Nels River past the Calitzdorp dam. We stop for lunch and refreshments at De Oude Poskantoor in Groenfontein, a little coffee shop and gallery between the mountains. Here you will meet some of the locals and Peter Bailey from Peter Bailey Wine Estate will take orders with regards to wine and Port for dinner.
After lunch we head further into the mountains past Living Waters, home to the historic Donkey Trail. This road take us past irrigation water canals that was built by slaves in the early 1800’s and working farms nestled in the valleys towards Groenfontein Guest farm where dinner, a warm bath and a soft bed awaits.
Day 3:
After breakfast we saddle up and head for Redstone Hills. This road takes us past working farms and we will encounter cattle and game. Along the route we will stop to water our horses from the Nels River with crystal clear mountain water. At “Kruisrivier” we will stop for a light lunch at Roger Young’s Workshop and photo gallery.
Now we head for Red Stone Hills where we will spend the evening.
The rock formations suddenly begin to change as we ride into more open country. Red Stone Hills with its unique red rock formations has featured in many gloss travel magazines across the globe.
Day 4:
After an early breakfast we leave the mountains behind and head out over the great semi desert Gamka plain towards the Hot water wells in the north where we will overnight. On route we will be met by our support vehicle and have lunch. This is also our longest ride. After dinner we will spend some quality time around a fire. Weather permit, we will do some star gazing as nowhere in the world the skies are clearer. It is said by the Khoisan, the first inhabitants of the Gamka plains that the hot water from deep underneath had some medicinal values.
Day 5:
After breakfast we head back towards Saint Helena Farm. This last leg will take you past working Ostridge farms towards the Gamka River. Just before Saint Helena Farm we will ride up Helena Hill from where you will have a birds eye view over the town and the trek route. We will cross the river at Saint Helena Farm and ride up to the livery area. Saying farewell to your mount is the worst part of this wonderful bucket list experience.
From Saint Helena Farm you will be transferred to Soeterus where we will have a light lunch not to spoil the “Traditional Ostridge Braai” (dinner) hosted by Jamesly. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be at leisure.
Day: 6
Depart after breakfast
