Buffalo Gorge - Horse Riding and Trails near Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

By Buffalo Gorge is ons erg oor Afrikaans, so stuur enige navrae in Afrikaans of Engels.

Just a short drive from Pretoria, you will find an adventurer’s haven in the scenic ‘Avontuur’ valley called Buffalo Gorge. An ideal place where Eco- 4×4, Quads safaris, horse riding (novices are welcome), pony rides, abseiling, bird watching, hiking trails, mountain biking, nature walks and rock climbing will let any adventurer’s heart jump with joy.

Situated on a farm only 36km from Middelburg, near Loskopdam, in the beautiful natural wilderness. With our busy city lives and rushing technology there are times when one needs to escape the rat race and the sophistication of modern life. At Buffalo Gorge you can experience the best quality, life changing get-away with scenic views such as small spring waterfalls, rock formations and wetlands, all of which is ideal for recreation and environmental education.

As far as facilities are concerned, this one star rated rustic bush camp consists of a 16 man tent, four spacious 6 man tents and 14 four man dome tents (we supply mattresses). We also have 20 private campsites for own caravans and tents.

Horse Trails

*Adventurous out ride to donga (fresh fountain water) through river ± 2 hours.

*Specifically designed mountain trails (rider and horse friendly and safe)
– Trappiesberg feel the horse power to 15m abseiling site, ± 2 hours.
– Scenic ‘Avontuur’ Valley to 50m abseiling site, 3 hours


*Moonlight rides
50-80 km outride on neighboring farms (Presidents Award)


Even more…
– Riding school year end functions
– Weekend safaris
– Pony Camps
– Basic horse riding skills Taming of horses
– Grooming and bathing of horses Basic care of horse riding equipment
– Basic veterinary care Fun “boeresport” with horses
– Art of teaching a horse to lie down


Extra activities for Pony Camp
Hiking, Abseiling 15 & 50m, Archery, Swimming, Nature (bird watching & tree identification), Campfire (sing-a-long & concerts), Games (table tennis, tug-o-war, fingerboard, darts & volley ball)

2 HOUR FUN HORSE TRAILS(Beginners, hikers & children)
There are approximately 10 well trained geldings available on each trip. The horses know the road very well. The owner matches the personalities of the horses and the riders – experience beforehand. A “consent letter” is signed but precautions are taken to make the journey safe.  Inexperienced riders are placed in the middle of the group to keep a close eye on them.

The trail takes two hours with a rest at the turn-around point.  Drinking spring water and playing in the Donga.  For the inexperienced rider, the exercise can be harsh on the body, but with practice it can be enjoyable.

This trail is set in beautiful scenery. The journey consists of short distances (300m) walking – usually near stones; trotting (150m) where the road is well known to the horses and leader, and canter.  This can be easier than trotting for the inexperienced rider.  The last 500m back home is usually a fast canter. At a certain point trot the horses fast through a ditch (donga) from one side, into the ditch (donga) and out again.

Children, especially enjoy this trail and will be eager to go again.