Giddy-up on a Getaway in Kaapsehoop, Mpumalanga

Take to the hillside by horseback on a tailored trail of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Experienced equestrians can add adrenalin to a relaxing outride and giddy up overland, sleeping overnight under a starry African sky. Riders gallop baggage and worry free as all luggage is transported to and from base camp by vehicle.

The Wilderness Trail kicks in its heel in a town called Kaapsehoop, 25 km from Nelspruit, 1.5 km above sea level. A 3 day equine eco-adventure begins by introducing rider to horse and then introducing the partnership to the ridges of the rocky range before dusk. Sunrise sets off a racy ride from the Kaapsehoop Horse Trail livery through the Berlin Plantation into a reserve. This Blue Swallow Reserve is the haven to 14 breeding pairs of the Southern Hemisphere's most endangered bird species.

A wholesome lunch fills horse and human explorers' bellies for a dreamy siesta. Sights and sounds of a rushing waterfall give way to a gold mine past is glory but full of fascination at Ivy League Falls. Sunset accompanies riders to a crackling camp fire where sundowners and a traditional South African braai (barbecue) welcomes the wanders to a tented retreat. The unmistakable rich smell of coffee brewing fireside gets riders out of their cosy covers at dawn for a camp flamed breakfast.

Riders groom, pet and feed their steed and set out to 'Tafelkop' (Table head) plateau in the audience of Proteas with the promise of a guest appearance by the wild horses that roam these woodlands sans reign. De Kaap and De Goede Hoop valleys seep with breathtaking scenery and serenity all soaked up from the saddle. Explore Summer solstice aligned man-made rock formations of the ancients, 'Adam's Calender' said to be 75 000 years old. This final riveting grassland ride is finished off with grazing and bush camp cuisine.