Papiesfontein Beach Horse Trails
Papiesfontein Beach Horse Trails
Papiesfontein Beach Horse Trails
4.3
About
Just 10 km outside Jeffreys Bay and 70 km from Port Elizabeth, between the Gamtoos and Kabeljous rivers, lies the farm Papiesfontein. Here, on this special piece of land, the unique combination of bush, river and beach come together to offer you an unforgettable ride. Experienced guides escort riders twice daily along the 13km circular route. The trail takes about two hours to complete, leading through beautiful fynbos coastal vegetation, towards the Gamtoos river with breathtaking views from the dunes and finally returning along a 6 km stretch of deserted beach. Here on this isolated beach, riders can canter their mounts in the shallows or have an exhilarating gallop on the sand.The trail provides magnificent views of the area and affords ample opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, tortoises, bushbuck, plant and marine life. Imagine whale watching from horseback!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.3
134 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
35
Average
12
Poor
4
Terrible
6
Julie M
King's Lynn, UK55 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
Being 2 novice riders, we were looking forward with some anticaption to go riding over the dunes and onto the beach. We were looked after and given a suitable horse. We had an amazing time. The dunes and beach were fabulous. The horses and riders had a ball. It took us longer to get back as we were slower, one of the riders from the stables stayed with us all the time.
Written 28 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen
Cobham, UK7 contributions
Dec 2019
A magical day for myself , daughter and niece. (19 & 24)
We loved every minute. We said we were intermediate and our horses were perfect. My niece has lots of experience but because she hadn't ridden for a long time decided to be cautious and go with the flow.
It was a very hot day but there was a good sea breeze even during the dry first section and dunes. I took water in a backpack but never needed it. Make sure you are well hydrated before you leave. My gallop would've been more comfortable without the backpack. If you want to take water, I suggest a running belt, but no one else carried water.
The scenery is magnificent and it is amazing how strong the horses are to get up the steep dune. Nice to read other people's descriptions of the trail. The highlight was galloping along the shoreline and my horse (Trutie) ran in the water and to feel the spray was fantastic. Great adrenaline rush :)
We loved every minute. We said we were intermediate and our horses were perfect. My niece has lots of experience but because she hadn't ridden for a long time decided to be cautious and go with the flow.
It was a very hot day but there was a good sea breeze even during the dry first section and dunes. I took water in a backpack but never needed it. Make sure you are well hydrated before you leave. My gallop would've been more comfortable without the backpack. If you want to take water, I suggest a running belt, but no one else carried water.
The scenery is magnificent and it is amazing how strong the horses are to get up the steep dune. Nice to read other people's descriptions of the trail. The highlight was galloping along the shoreline and my horse (Trutie) ran in the water and to feel the spray was fantastic. Great adrenaline rush :)
Written 29 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor6971
Norwich93 contributions
Jan 2023
We had a great horse ride along some trails and down onto the amazing beach. The scenery was incredible and the horses very easy to manage even for me as a novice rider. The lady we met on arrival was lovely and spent quite a bit of time giving us information and getting us ready for the ride.
This is a great location and highly recommeded but I would ask before hand about how many people are booked and who will be guiding you
I have only givenr 4 stars as unfortunately our guide wasn't the best. For two hours he led the way but at no point engaged with us at all. The lady that sent us on our way had made it very clear on several occasions that if we wanted to change pace we had to tell him, and we soon realised why she was so specific. We appreciate that it is a working farm and stable and we were the only pair on the ride, hence I am mentioning it but not overly critical. I would have mentioned it at the time but when we arrived back there wasn't anyone about.
This is a great location and highly recommeded but I would ask before hand about how many people are booked and who will be guiding you
I have only givenr 4 stars as unfortunately our guide wasn't the best. For two hours he led the way but at no point engaged with us at all. The lady that sent us on our way had made it very clear on several occasions that if we wanted to change pace we had to tell him, and we soon realised why she was so specific. We appreciate that it is a working farm and stable and we were the only pair on the ride, hence I am mentioning it but not overly critical. I would have mentioned it at the time but when we arrived back there wasn't anyone about.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
holidayobsessed
UK330 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
This ride was simply an accident waiting to happen! All of the riders were beginners apart from me (I've ridden for 50 years and am very experienced) and I can't believe there wasn't a serious incident. One of the escorts rode a black horse and spent most of his time galloping around sideways and showing off. He wasn't a competent rider, just great at staying on. 2 hours on a beach, up and down very deep, steep sand dunes and lots of uncontrolled trotting on a vast beach on horses that just did what they wanted isn't safe for beginners. As beginners they were oblivious to what could happen at any minute and the only reason no-one fell off was the saddles were very deep western style with a hoop they could hang on to. Within 10 minutes of setting off most of the horses spooked and charged around and one horse a child was on that was far too big for her ended up on its knees. I know horses are unpredictable but I've ridden all around the world and never seen such disregard for safety. All the people I spoke to didn't enjoy it. From my point of view I was annoyed as I had to ride with those beginners, worried about them and had to advise them. I like to experience riding when I go away but really wish I hadnt gone. I think the only reason they are still in business is a continuous stream of oblivious tourists.
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul
South Africa1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Friends
Beautiful surroundings and nice ride. Our only issue was after phoning in the morning and confirming the ride is two hours long, it was actually only one hour.
Our girls are experienced riders and apparently they completed the route in half the time and thus they were told they were finished.
We thought they could ride on the beach for the remaining time but they were escorted back to base because they “finished the route” and couldn’t ride the remaining hour we thought they had available.
It was then clarified to us it’s not about time, it’s about completing the route.
Would’ve been nice to know that beforehand as we expected a two hour slot as stipulated when booking.
Our girls are experienced riders and apparently they completed the route in half the time and thus they were told they were finished.
We thought they could ride on the beach for the remaining time but they were escorted back to base because they “finished the route” and couldn’t ride the remaining hour we thought they had available.
It was then clarified to us it’s not about time, it’s about completing the route.
Would’ve been nice to know that beforehand as we expected a two hour slot as stipulated when booking.
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosslyn T
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
This was definitely an awesome experience. The horses and scenes were extraordinary! Our guides were super friendly and helpful to capture some pictures for us. Other than that, we as a beginner couple to horse riding would suggest that a more thorough briefing should have been given before the riding commenced. We were a little startled as instructions were only given to us while the horses were busy trotting. We feel beginners should be placed separately from the more experienced riders.
Written 9 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mireille J
4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
If you want to gallop on the beach, to feel the wind on your face, then Papiesfontein Beach Horse Rides is perfect for you. It is great fun, no matter if you‘re an advanced rider or a beginner. You can ask to take it slow, to trot, canter or even to gallop very fast on the beach. The horses are happy to go on the trek and this is always a very good sign.
Written 12 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassingWonders Travel Guide
Germany80 contributions
Oct 2021
One in a live time experience. I always dreamed of going on a horse back ride on the beach. The landscape was perfect for realizing this dream. The time spend on the horse was great and the riding speed was also amazing. A great mix of slower and faster parts. The horses were super lovely and the guides took great care of us.
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyronne Sacks
Johannesburg, South Africa161 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
What an awesome adventure, not for the faint hearted but most certainly one not to be missed..
Start off through the bushes then onto an open private beach and in the ocean, what an adventure..
You get to ride at a good pace & the instructor is very good at teaching you what to do & when.
Well worth it, great value!
Look forward to doing this again.
Start off through the bushes then onto an open private beach and in the ocean, what an adventure..
You get to ride at a good pace & the instructor is very good at teaching you what to do & when.
Well worth it, great value!
Look forward to doing this again.
Written 28 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AggyJane
Crystal Lake, IL11 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
The guide was foul mouthed and left our group alone to take her friend back to the ranch! One of our group had trouble while she was gone and my daughter and I had to get off our horses and lead the other horse back! Poor service!
Written 18 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Today has beach horse ride in sunset?
Written 9 October 2016
You may be able to book a sunrise beach/sea horse ride, but unfortunately the sun sets over the land due to Jeffrey's bay unique setting. The horse rides are approximately R300 pp and is suitable for novice riders as well, please just notify the owners of this so they can appoint a handler to go with you.Enjoy
Written 13 October 2016
Papiesfontein Beach Horse Trails
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
At the moment it is R350 per person, but different rates apply during peak seasons.
Written 26 May 2016
Hi, I am a complete novice at riding, is this a suitable activity for me?
Written 13 November 2015
Yes it is - but be prepared to trot canter and gallop through the surf you will get wet you need a good level of fitness
Written 2 June 2019
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