South Africa - Moolmanshoek
Moolmanshoek is situated in the shadow of the Witteberg mountains, in the Eastern Free State near the border with Lesotho. This game reserve and conservation area is home to an impressive variety of wildlife.
Out on the plains, there are herds of springbok, wildebeest, blesbok, zebra, eland, oryx, lechwe, red hartebeest, waterbuck and sable. The area is also home to species such as ostrich, warthog, porcupine, jackal and caracal.
Moolmanshoek is a horse lovers’ paradise with two award-winning studs for South African Boerperd and Arabian Endurance horses.
The young horses are raised wild on the mountainsides, resulting in characteristic sure-footedness. The trail horses are mostly native Boerperd and also include some retired endurance horses. Depending on their competition schedule, and your ability, you might get the chance to ride one of the endurance horses in training.
On scenic trails you can enjoy long canters on the plains amongst the wildlife; or follow tracks climbing into the mountains and explore wooded ravines. Ride through the herds of young horses and perhaps take an exhilarating turn around the endurance training track.
To make the most of the riding at Moolmanshoek you should be a fit and competent rider, confident at all paces.
You will head out on a morning ride, returning to the lodge for lunch, and ride out again in the afternoon.
One day you may ride to a part of the reserve where bushman paintings can be found, or set off on a scenic ride to the summit of Sekonjela’s Hat. Another day, ride to Holkran's, a large cave chamber where a unique water break has resulted in a rocky overhang. Later, ride back to the lodge does past Sugarbush Protea trees, with incredible views looking out over the valley.
The going is fabulous on the grassy plains, and there are plenty of long canters to enjoy. The horses settle into a wonderful rhythm and are happy to keep going for as long as their riders ask. The mountain paths afford incredible views of the reserve below. In places the mountain riding can be technical - there are short stretches of sheer rock to cross and steep ascents and descents to negotiate. But these horses are so sure-footed that you can trust them entirely to keep you safe.
The horses are mostly ridden in simple snaffle bridles, although some go in curbs. You ride in comfortable South African trail saddles, which are specially designed for long hours of riding. Breastplates and cruppers are often used when riding the more mountainous routes.
The lodge offers rides to many of their regular guests but only riders of similar ability will be grouped together. It is possible that you might be joined on your rides by guests who are staying just a few days.
Hard hats are mandatory.
The lodge and guest bedrooms were built in the 1990's from existing farm buildings.
There are six luxury rooms and six classic rooms. The luxury rooms are generally more spacious or have a better view, and all have both a shower and bathtub. Some of the classic rooms have a shower and some have a shower and a bath. They are nicely furnished, but don’t tend to have such nice views as the luxury rooms. The luxury rooms all have double beds, whilst three classic rooms are twins and three are doubles.
There is a billiard room, honesty bar, library and an upstairs terrace which has a beautiful view of the reserve and mountains.
So that you can experience all that Moolmanshoek has to offer, we recommend stays of 7 nights.
There are scheduled riding weeks as follows:
2025
18-25 Nov, 16-23 Dec.
2026
20-27 Jan, 10-17 Feb, 24 Feb-3 Mar, 10-17 Mar, 23-30 Mar, 28 Apr-5 May, 12-19 May, 18-25 Jun, 4-11 Aug, 18-25 Aug, 29 Aug-5 Sep, 6-13 Oct, 20-27 Oct, 3-10 Nov, 14-21 Nov, 1-8 Dec, 15-22 Dec.
Shorter stays and additional dates may be possible for groups of 3 or more. Please email rides@inthesaddle.com for details and we will get back to you, or
Select your preferred arrival date:
| 1 March 2025 - 28 February 2026 | Classic Room | Luxury Room |
| Per person sharing (7 nights) | £1,811.63 | £1,874.92 |
| Single person (7 nights) | £1,996.26 | £2,075.38 |
| 1 March 2026 - 28 February 2027 | Classic Room | Luxury Room |
| Per person sharing (7 nights) | £2,256.73 | £2,328.50 |
| Single person (7 nights) | £2,520.48 | £2,592.25 |
INCLUDES Accommodation; riding; full board; beer, cider, house wine, soft drinks, tea or coffee with meals; one game drive (7 night stays); use of hiking trails; local taxes; park entry fees; laundry.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Payable for those in a single room.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Airport transfers; spirits or fine wines; items from the mini-bar; gratuities; other activities such as 4 wheel drive trails; adventure activities such as abseiling and high ropes; telephone charges; baby-sitting.
NEAREST AIRPORTS Johannesburg (international flights) or Bloemfontein (domestic flights).
TRANSFERS Transfers from Johannesburg airport cost R6,600 /(c. £296.05) per vehicle each way (up to 2 people); R7,000 /(c. £314.00) for 2026. Transfers from Bloemfontein airport cost R3,250 (c. £145.78) per vehicle each way (up to 2 people); price tbc for 2026. Transfers are payable locally and shared between all those travelling. Transfer prices are subject to change.
Moolmanshoek is a drive of approximately four hours from Johannesburg International Airport. Bloemfontein airport is around two and a half hours' drive.
We can arrange airport transfers for you. These are payable locally and the cost is shared between all those travelling. If you wish to share transfers from/to Moolmanshoek then you are recommended to book flights arriving into Johannesburg before 09:30 and departing from Johannesburg after 20:30.
Arriving at the lodge in the early afternoon should allow time for an introductory ride. On your last day there is usually time for a final ride in the morning and transfers normally depart after lunch. You may need to vacate your room after breakfast so it can be made ready for arriving guests.
In the Ficksburg district of the Eastern Free State 35 km from the Lesotho border. About 4 hours' drive south from Johannesburg.
Summer is from December through to February with day time temperatures ranging from 15 - 32ºC. Rain is possible at this time although it is usually a short down pour in the afternoon and once over, everything comes out cleaner and greener.
During the autumn months of March to May, the trees change to a beautiful colour. Towards the end of May it will get cooler and it is possible to have the first night frost.
June to August is winter. Temperatures drop to zero at night and overnight frosts are common. The skies are blue and the tops of the mountains are covered in snow. Moolmanshoek sees snow every 2 to 3 years and might have 4 to 6 inches lasting a few days. During winter, daytime temperatures can vary from a cold 1ºC to a mild 17ºC.
September to November is spring. It’s a lovely time of year as the rains bring the first green grass and blossom on the trees.
These are some of the best horses I’ve ever ridden on holiday. Extremely rideable and responsive, and while very sure-footed, it was fun to have them looking at things. Nothing dull. Fabulous canters, tack very comfortable. Perfect combination of horses/riding, breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and deluxe accommodations.
Amy ,Lyons
Overall rating: 5/5
