African Horse Company - Stanford

Experience the Overberg on Horseback

African Horse Company offers an authentic South African horse riding experience in the unspoiled Overberg region. Based in Stanford, approximately 150km from Cape Town, this owner-managed outfit provides everything from short mountain outrides to multi-day beach and fynbos trails.

Unique Horse Trails

The company specializes in horseback adventures that showcase the magnificent diversity of the region's landscapes:

• Mountain Rides: 1-2 hour trails through indigenous fynbos with spectacular views
• Beach Experiences: 3.5-hour or full-day rides along pristine Walker Bay beaches
• Multi-Day Trails: 3-8 day adventures traversing beaches, mountains, and nature reserves

Their signature "Southernmost Tip Trail" takes riders to Cape Agulhas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet - a powerful experience few tourists get to enjoy from horseback.

Local Landscape & Wildlife

Riders traverse some of South Africa's most biodiverse terrain including:

• Walker Bay Nature Reserve's pristine beaches
• Limestone fynbos of the Agulhas Plain (home to over 2,500 indigenous plant species)
• Magical sand dune systems at Grys Dunes and Die Plaat
• Klein River with opportunities for bird watching including flamingos

During whale season (June to December), the coastal trails offer excellent opportunities to see Southern Right whales from horseback - a truly unique vantage point that can't be matched by land-based whale watching in Hermanus.

Local Tips

For the best experience, early morning rides offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing. Beginners find the horses well-trained and responsive, while advanced riders appreciate opportunities for beach gallops and mountain canters.

The farm-to-farm overnight trails include stays at authentic local accommodations and meals prepared by community members from nearby Elim, offering genuine Overberg hospitality and traditional "potjiekos" (South African stew cooked in a cast-iron pot over open fire).

Riders frequently mention how the company strikes the perfect balance - offering thrilling rides for experienced equestrians while ensuring safety for novices. The guides' knowledge of local flora, fauna and history adds valuable context to the journey.

The company's ethos centers on bringing horses back into modern society as working partners and friends, maintaining respect for the horse's capabilities and instinctive nature as plains animals.