KwaZulu-Natal Midlands horse trails

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Horse riding at Zulu Waters Game Reserve

© Zulu Waters Game Reserve

The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is home to some of South Africa’s most passionate horse handlers. Many of the country’s most famous horse racing stud farms can be found in this area, and there are numerous estates that offer horse riding as an activity.

Nottingham Road is a town synonymous with horse riding in South Africa, having produced many top horses and riders across various equestrian disciplines over the years. Here you’ll find a number of riding schools, as well as estates where riders of all experience levels can go on rides. Kleinbosch Estate is just one of the establishments to consider.

History buffs can explore the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields region on horseback and follow in the hoof prints of soldiers who fought here. Numerous wars between the Zulus, the Boers and the British were waged in this area, which has remained largely undeveloped and unspoiled.

While visiting the battlefields, you may wish to take some time to experience one of the traditional horse races held in farm fields on certain weekends.  

Inversanda farm in the Dargle area, close to Midmar Dam, has a selection of horses for guests to choose from, as well as stabling for those who wish to bring their horses on holiday with them.

Zulu Waters Game Reserve near Estcourt offers horse riding tours of the reserve to guests as part of the package. Wildlife that riders may get close to during their rides includes buffalo, rhino, wildebeest, zebra and a variety of antelope.

If you’d like to experience the Midlands region’s impressive forestry, Karkloof Horse Adventures offers three-hour rides through pine plantations, with scenery that includes six waterfalls. Zebra and antelope are some of the wildlife you will encounter on this adventure.

For more information about horse riding in this part of South Africa, contact the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority.