INTRODUCTION

Join us for a truly unique experience as we traverse across the big sky country of the Karoo on horseback.

Here, you will learn about the area’s rich history, it’s animals and the people that inhabit it.

We invite you to meet our local ranchers, experience the mountains & absorb the silence of this vast and ancient landscape.

The below information serves to prepare you for your visit to KAROO RANCHING & answer any questions you might have about the event.

LOCATION

KAROO RANCHING is based near the town of Graaff–Reinet in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.

Simply type KAROO RANCHING – Elandskloof Ranch into Google Maps –it should take you directly there.

WELCOME TO RANCH LIFE
– THURSDAY

  • 12 pm – Arrive at the Ranch & Unpack
  • 1 pm – Lunch in the Gardens
  • 2 pm – Event Briefing
  • 2.30 pm – You Meet Your Horse & Get Fitted Out at the Tack Room
  • 3 pm – Afternoon Ride Out ( +/- 2 hour ride)
  • 5 pm – Feed & Water Your Horse
  • 6 pm – Drinks on the Ranch House Verandah
  • 7 pm – Traditional Karoo Dinner

INTO THE MOUNTAINS – FRIDAY 

  • 6.30 am – Wake Up
  • 7 am – Coffee & Rusks on the Verandah
  • 7.30 am – Saddle Up & Head Out to the Mountains (+/- 4 hour ride)
  • 10 am – Breakfast in the Mountains
  • 12 pm – Return to the Ranch
  • 1pm – Lunch in the Ranch Gardens
  • 2 pm – Free Time
  • 3 pm – Afternoon Ride Out (+/- 2 hour ride)
  • 5 pm – Sundowners in the River Bed
  • 6 pm – Feed & Water Horses
  • 7pm – Traditional Karoo Dinner

WIDE OPEN SPACES -SATURDAY

  • 6.30 am – Wake Up
  • 7 am – Coffee & Rusks on the Verandah
  • 7.30 am – Saddle Up & Head Out to the Mountains (+/- 4 hour ride)
  • 10 am – Breakfast in the Wide Open Spaces
  • 12 pm – Return to the Ranch for Lunch
  • 2 pm – Free Time
  • 3 pm – Afternoon Ride Out (+/- 2 hour ride)
  • 5 pm – Sundowners at The Look Out Point
  • 6 pm – Releasing Your Horse into the Mountains
  • 7pm – Traditional Karoo Dinner
  • 8 pm – Viewing of Event Photography

DAY OFF – SUNDAY

  • 8 am – Relax and Sleep In
  • 8.30 am – Ranch Breakfast
  • 9.30 am – Pack Up & Say Good byes
  • 10 am – Drive or Fly Home

* Kindly note: No horse riding is offered on Sundays

TERRAIN

The views at the top of the mountains are breath taking, however, it takes a significant amount of effort from both horse & rider to get there.

The routes that are off- the- beaten track are mostly rocky & mountainous, making the pace slower, but certainly more beautiful & worthwhile.

You will be required to assist your horse by dismounting in difficult places & walking part of the way with him, thus a reasonable fitness level is expected from riders.

HORSES

Our team of ranch horses are all carefully selected on temperament & ability to manage the mountainous terrain.

All of our horses are unshod, as they have all grown up in the area & their feet are well adjusted to the tough terrain. 

The horses enjoy their life on the ranch & enjoy having a sense of purpose, whether it be taking guests around or rounding up cattle. 

We pride ourselves in a well adjusted herd.

We strive to make every guest’s ride as memorable as possible, by pairing riders with horses that will compliment them in both experience and personality.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 

This event is best suited to moderately experienced riders, who are able to comfortably catch, groom, saddle & ride their own horse.

This event is sadly not suited to complete novice riders.

The KAROO RANCHING team retains the right to ask any guest to refrain from further riding should their riding abilities be a danger to themselves or other guests.

TACKING UP 

As a rider, you will be shown how to catch your particular horse in the paddocks & bring him to the tack room.

You will then be shown how to saddle your horse up with one of our western saddles & bridles.

Your guide will double check your tack before you go out.

Upon return, you will be required to unsaddle our horse, save your tack in the designated area & lead your horse back to his paddock.

You may also be required to help with the feeding of the horses.

HORSE SAFETY

All guests are required to sign public liability forms upon arrival.

All guests are offered riding helmets, or encouraged to bring their own.

However, should they wish not to ride with a helmet & ride with a wide brimmed hat instead, they would be welcome to do so, however, they will be asked to sign a further public liability form.

While all possible forms of precaution are taken by the KAROO RANCHING team to ensure guest safety, we expect riding guests to act responsibly while handling the horses & take the safety of their fellow guests into consideration while at KAROO RANCHING.

 

PACE

Our events are not geared to those who want to race around everywhere.

Our mountainous terrain simply does not allow for it.

The pace dictated by Mother Nature often encourages guests to ride in silence, ponder upon the mountains & take time to reconnect with their soul.

There are places, however, along the routes where guests are able to open their horses up to a gallop or a canter. The horses enjoy this part of the ride too.

We strive to make every guest’s ride as memorable as possible, however, the safety & well- being of our guests & horses will always take precedence over the enjoyment of one or two guests.

DRESS CODE

For practical stock handling & photographic purposes a strict dress code is adhered to.

There is a small shop on the ranch that stocks various items.

It is however, advised that you bring your gear that is well worn in.

PERMITTED

  • Jeans
  • Leather Shoes/Boots
  • Denim Shirts (Women)
  • Navy Shirts (Men)
  • Wide Brimmed Hats
  • Neutral Scarves
  • Neutral Jackets/Coats
  • Leather Accessories

NOT PERMITTED

  • No check/ plaid shirts
  • Caps/Beanies
  • Sneakers/Takkies
  • Loud Brands
  • Bright Colours
  • Plastic Accessories
  • Plastic Water Bottles

WHAT TO BRING

  • Riding Hat
  • Rancher hat
  • Sunscreen
  • 6 – 8 x Re-hydration sachets
  • 2 -3 x pairs of comfortable jeans
  • 2 -3 x neutral collared shirts
  • 1 x neutral coloured coat
  • 1 x pair of leather boots

  • Comfortable Clothes

  • Slippers

  • Book

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

During our events a professional photographer is tasked with photographing the event.

This imagery is then given to guests as a gift, as a fond reminder of their time spent at KAROO RANCHING.

Guests are invited to embrace the experience, the dress code suggested and be fully present without needing to snap away on their cell phones.

For this reason, we kindly request that no cell phones are used outside of the ranch accommodation.

Wi-Fi access is only available in the ranch accommodation too.

GENERAL INFO

  • Events take place in the Graaff– Reinet district, Eastern Cape, South Africa
  • Location pins are provided upon booking confirmation
  • Suitable for moderately experienced riders
  • 90kg weight limit for riders
  • Minimum age of 21 years
  • Average fitness levels are required of riders
  • For practical purposes a dress code is adhered to
  • Signing of public liability forms are compulsory
  • Bookings: info@karooranching.co.za

RANCH RIDES 2026

The following KAROO RANCHING Ranch Rides will take place in 2026:

  • 16 -19 April 2026 – (2 x spots available)
  • 30 April – 3 May 2026 – (3 x spots available)
  • 21 – 24 May 2026 – (6 x spots available)
  • 10 – 13 Sept 2026 – (5 x spots available)

** If you would like us to add you to the WAITING LIST, in case of a cancellation, please email us at info@karooranching.co.za to do so.

2026 RATES

NON- SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS

  • First Time Ranchers – $2 200 USD per person
  • Returning Ranchers – $2 100 USD per person

SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS

  • First Time Ranchers – R21 500 ZAR per person
  • Returning Ranchers – R19 500 ZAR per person
  • Duration – 3 nights & 4 days
  • Includes all food, ranch accommodation, ranching activities & professional photography
  • Excludes transport to/from ranch & alcohol
  • Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol or ask us to arrange it for them
  • 50% deposit is required to secure a booking

DEPOSIT & CANCELLATION POLICY

DEPOSIT POLICY

  • A 50% deposit is payable within 48 hours of making the reservation to guarantee or confirm the reservation.
  • If the 50% deposit is not received by KAROO RANCHING, the reservation will be cancelled.
  • The balance is payable 30 days prior to arrival.
  • If the reservation is made less than 30 days prior to arrival, 100% payment is payable within 48 hours of making the reservation to guarantee or confirm the reservation.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Due to the highly specialised & exclusive nature of our offering:

  • 20% cancellation fee is applicable on all cancellations.
  • 50% cancellation fee is payable if reservation is cancelled less than 60 days prior to arrival.
  • 100% cancellation fee is payable if reservation is cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival.
  • Refunds: No refunds are allowed for late arrivals or early departures
  • All other costs incurred are payable on the last day of the guest stay.

BOOKINGS

info@karooranching.co.za

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