Woodbury Horse Trails

Amakhala Horse Trails has been renamed Woodbury Horse Trails

In 2024, the landmark Bushman’s River underpass was opened, facilitating greater movement of wildlife across Amakhala Game Reserve. As a result, the area previously used for trail rides is now inhabited by potentially dangerous wildlife, including elephants and lions.

Trail rides now take place on the working cattle farms of Beacon Hill and Brentwood, owned by the Gush family, who also operate the Woodbury safari properties. These historic farms coexist with livestock and are home to wildlife such as giraffe, Cape mountain zebra, red hartebeest, warthog, mountain reedbuck and impala. Horse riding offers a unique and beautiful way to connect with this environment and experience nature from a fresh perspective.

Trail rides are approximately 3 hours long. Weight limits, riding ability and availability are subject to T&C's.

DURATION:  2 to 3 hours
TIME:  Flexible 
RATE:  R2,100 per person 
NUMBER OF PEOPLE:  Min 1 | Max 6
SKILL LEVEL:  Intermediate to experienced riders are welcome
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:  Please bring appropriate clothing including long pants and suitable shoes. A riding helmet will be provided.

How to book: Guests can inquire about availability directly at the lodge where they are staying. The lodge will assist by making the booking on behalf of the guest.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

  • Trail rides are exclusively available to guests booked and staying at Amakhala Game Reserve. They are not open to the general public.
  • All bookings must be made directly through the lodge and are subject to availability.
  • Caters to small groups of up to 6 intermediate to experienced riders.
  • Experienced younger riders (ages 10–15) may join if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Horseback safaris last approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  • The pace of the ride is adjusted to suit the group’s level of experience.
  • Includes ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • Rest stops are provided to allow horses to recover and guests to enjoy refreshments and snacks in a scenic environment.
  • Bookings require at least 24 hours' notice.

Horse Trails

FROM: Kerim Hilmi (Guest Blogger) regarding his Amakhala Horse Trails experience:

"During a recent visit to Amakhala Game Reserve, Amakhala Horse Trails provided an experience with a unique perspective by combining game viewing, nature trailing, local history and horse riding in an area dedicated to a variety of conservation breeding projects, free from large predators.
The sense of space and freedom that went hand in hand with the most remarkable game viewing opportunities made the whole experience memorable and unique. Riding through thickets typical of the Eastern Cape vegetation, our guides pointed out the indigenous trees and shrubs and explained their uses in the local culture, while sharing stories passed down through generations. They also drew our attention to the multitude of fascinating small animals, such as dung beetles, butterflies and tortoises.
The views were spectacular, and the game was undisturbed by our presence, giving us very privileged sightings. We enjoyed multiple viewings of game such as wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra, springbok, impala and eland, as well as an unforgettable time spent in the midst of a tower (group) of giraffe.
It was quite the most remarkable game viewing experience. It highlighted the uniqueness of viewing game on horseback and the unparalleled levels of access it offers. "