Moolmanshoek

7 nights from €2600

In the Moolmanshoek Valley, you are surrounded by the majestic Witteberg Mountains. The sandstone lodge offers various accommodation options to suit the needs of every traveler. Feel the magic and peace this place has to offer!

South Africa, Eastern Free State
Set arrivals
7 nights
5 hours of riding per day
OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Group size: 8 max

On this 8-day journey you will dive deep into the natural landscape of Moolmanshoek Valley. On daily rides you will have the chance to see a variety of small game and experience the surefooted Boerperd in the Mountains.

A tranquil place featuring endless green pastures and mountain streams that cascade down rocky cliffs, forming natural plunge pools of bubbling water.
The herds of wildlife roaming the plains include black wildebeest, springbok, blesbok, oryx, eland, gemsbok, red hartebeest, waterbuck, lechwe, impala, fallow deer, ostriches, duiker, steenbok, zebra, warthogs, porcupines, black-backed and silver-backed jackals, caracal, serval, meerkats, and ground squirrels, to name but a few.

The reserve has been designated a natural heritage site due to the indigenous bamboo that grows in the area. Take in the views from Virsierskerf (2,407 m) or Sekonjella’s Hoed while hiking or on horseback, riding sure-footed mounts. Explore the reserve through a variety of activities, including horse riding, hiking, game drives, fishing, mountain biking, and birdwatching. Moolmanshoek is situated between Clarens and Ficksburg in the eastern Free State.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time. The itinerary always depends on the weather and ground conditions. It is a flexible schedule that can be adjusted at any time according to the group’s wishes and riding ability.

Day 1

Arrival

Arrive in the afternoon for a light lunch on the main lodge veranda. Settle into your room before receiving an introduction and orientation regarding the lodge and its immediate surroundings in the late afternoon. Please note that there is no riding on the day of arrival; instead, enjoy drinks and welcome snacks on the stable veranda.
Dinner in the restaurant.

Day 2

Breakfast on the veranda, followed by a four-hour morning ride through the “Fairytale Forest” and an ascent to the ridge behind Sekonjelas Head. From here, you can view the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho. On the ride back to the shelter of Sekonjelas Head, there is a stop at a unique waterfall hidden in a cave on the side of the rock face; here, brave riders can enjoy a refreshing shower under the spring-fed cascade. The ride returns to the valley via steep sandstone slopes offering breathtaking views, where you will marvel at the agility of the incredible Boerperd horses.
Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch before heading out for the afternoon ride, which includes sundowners.
Dinner in the restaurant beside a cozy fire.

Day 3

After breakfast, today’s ride takes you high up to rock overhangs where you will find Bushman paintings estimated to be over 400 years old.
Large herds of wildebeest, impala, giraffe, and sable antelope can be spotted along the way. The route descends briefly into the valley for a picnic beneath the willows, allowing time to relax in the shade while the horses graze nearby. This trail follows a more leisurely pace but includes a few long canters up the mountain. After a leisurely picnic, you ride back to the lodge, where dinner awaits you in the restaurant.

Day 4

Breakfast on the veranda and getting ready for the ride to Holkrans.
No visit to Moolmanshoek Lodge is complete without visiting this fascinating cave! A breathtaking ride through the Donga forest, featuring some exciting gallops along steep paths that follow a scenic route up the mountains, offering beautiful views of Lesotho. There is a picnic stop at a watering hole where, during the summer months, you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Afterward, you ascend to discover Holkrans—a large cave chamber where a unique waterfall cascades over a rocky overhang.

Day 5

Fortified by a hearty breakfast, the morning ride sets off from the lodge.
Along the way, you ride past Sugarbush Protea trees. You’ll enjoy incredible views across the valley as the sure-footed horses carefully carry you down the mountainsides, navigating through sage wood, red heath, *ouhout*, and a variety of fynbos species. An unforgettable ride! You return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, there is a Jeep drive through the reserve, where the senior owner shares the history and origins of the lodge.

Day 6

This ride typically offers amazing wildlife encounters as you gallop across the open plains. On hot summer days, there is an opportunity to swim in natural pools and enjoy the crystal-clear mountain streams before remounting for the ride back across the plains.

Day 7

After another delicious breakfast on the veranda, you embark on an exciting ride up the Pyramid Mountain Trail. Look forward to lovely gallops leading to rocky outcrops that offer views of the savanna. You might spot wildlife grazing contentedly on the steep mountain slopes above you amidst the towering peaks. Enjoy stunning vistas and wonderful stretches for galloping on the way back.
The afternoon is yours to relax or to go for another ride across the plains.

Day 8

Departure

Early morning coffee or tea with pastries at the stables, followed by a final ride through the reserve before your departure.
Upon your return, enjoy brunch on the stable veranda before saying your final goodbyes and departing.

Getting there

Several international airlines fly daily from Germany and Europe to Johannesburg, South Africa. A transfer is organized from there. Please note that if you wish to use the group transfer, flights must land in Johannesburg before 9:00 a.m. on the day of arrival and depart no earlier than 8:30 p.m. on the day of departure.

Dates

07 – 14/07/2026; 28/07 – 04/08/2026; 18 – 25/08/2026; 29/08 – 05/09/2026; 08 – 15/09/2026; 06 – 13/10/2026; 20 – 27/10/2026; 03 – 10/11/2026; 14 – 21/11/2026; 01 – 08/12/2026; 15 – 22/12/2026

12 – 19/01/2027; 09 – 16/02/2027; 23/02 – 02/03/2027; 09 – 16/03/2027; 30/03 – 06/04/2027; 04 – 11/05/2027; 13 – 20/07/2027; 20 – 27/08/2027; 01 – 08/10/2027; 19 – 26/10/2027; 02 – 09/11.2027; 16 – 23/11/2027; 30/11 – 07/12/2027; 14 – 21/12/2027

PRICES

INCLUDED

Overnight stay in a double room; All meals, Selected drinks from the “Safari Menu”; Tea and coffee; Up to 5 hours of riding per day; One picnic ride; One sundowner ride incl. cheese platter and drinks

NOT INCLUDED

Special drinks and additional activities, Airport Transfers, International flights, Insurance, Laundry and Tips.

Please note that you have to bear the bank charges incurred for transfers from abroad

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

from €325.00 per person

NEAREST AIRPORT

Johannesburg.

TRANSFERS

Transfer to/from Johannesburg:
1–2 persons: ZAR 7,000
3–6 persons: ZAR 8,400
7–12 persons: ZAR 11,600

Payable on-site upon departure. Please note that flights must arrive at JNB before 09:00 on the day of arrival and depart no earlier than 20:30 on the day of departure. Subject to short-notice changes by the transfer company.

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The accommodation

The main building, constructed of sandstone, houses 14 cozy, individually furnished rooms, all featuring a private bathroom and a small stove. There is a natural pool (not heated). There are three room categories:

Mountain View Cozy

basic twin rooms with spectacular views.

These rooms contain two single beds and an ensuite bathroom with shower. These are best suited to solo travellers or two friends travelling together.

Sandstone Classic

comfortable double and rooms with a little extra space.

These rooms come with two single or one queen size bed. They are located in the original sandstone building and are furnished with underfloor heating for your comfort. The ensuite bathroom is furnished with a shower.

Sandstone Luxury

spacious double or family rooms.

These rooms are furnished with a queen size bed, additional seating and carpet flooring. Enjoy views of the pastures while having a coffee on the veranda. The ensuite bathrooms are fitted with showers and luxurious bathtubs.

The hotel also features a billiard room, a small self-service bar, and a conservatory offering wonderful views of the mountains. The communal area is available for all guests to use.

Dining
A hearty breakfast is enjoyed on the spacious veranda of the farmhouse or, in colder weather, in the large lounge—all with a magnificent view of Mount Visierskerf. The buffet offers a wide selection, ranging from freshly baked muffins to sausages. Lunch typically consists of lighter fare, such as salads and sandwiches. Dinner features a three-course meal or a country-style braai (barbecue). The chef is passionate about the food and caters to any special dietary requirements. The restaurant is fully licensed; a corkage fee applies if guests bring their own beverages.