STOF & STERRE
4 days, 3 nights adventure in the Klein Karoo riding exceptional Cape Riding Horses, bred and raised on Doornkraal.
Discover the Klein Karoo from the saddle on a unique adventure ride with Doornkraal’s Cape Horses near De Rust. This exclusive riding weekend takes you along new routes from the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, across sweeping farmland and open veld.
Expect genuine Klein Karoo charm, delicious local cuisine and drinks, and seamless hospitality from start to finish.
2026 Trail Dates
Fri 27 - Mon 30 March 2026
Thu 16- Sun 19 Apr 2026
Fri 14 - Mon 16 Aug 2026
Thu 17 - Sun 20 Sep 2026
Rough Itinerary
Stof & Sterre (roughly translated to Dust and Stars) is an overnight adventure trail spanning 4 days, where overnight places of rest for each ride throughout the year are always different.
A Typical Day
Help yourself to coffee & tea with rusks when you wake up. Help feed and water the horses (if you want, otherwise the guides will attend to it), groom your horse, have breakfast and join the ride briefing.
Pack (if we are off to a new lodge), saddle up and leave. Lunch somewhere en route, with more riding in the afternoon to reach our overnight spot.
Unsaddle and tend to the horses (water and feed), settle in, possibly go for a walk, have a sunset drink, maybe use the hot tub and rest. Dinner and dreamtime.
What to Expect
- Sleep in a tent on a stretcher, with a mattress fitted with a duvet
- About 6 hours in the saddle per day with lunch breaks
- Sleep in at least 2 different beds during the trail
- Guides with stories about the area you're passing through
Special Touches
- Food and drink is a very important part of the trip
- Horses sleep close by, in a paddock or tied to a line
- Mobile hot tub often taken to overnight locations
- It's an adventure - always!
Our Horses
Riders will be paired with one of our Cape Riding Horses. They are living Africana and their ancestors are that of the famous South African breed; the Boerperd.
Their story is very special as they are part of South Africa’s history dating back to colonial times. They are known for their excellent temperament, surefootedness, hardiness, willingness and adaptability.
They are smaller than the usual sport horse, but are able to carry a big person over rough terrains, so don’t be fooled by their size.
Important Information
The Riding & Pace
The ride is intended for intermediate riders and up. The pace is according to terrain, but it’s a good mix of walk, trot and canter. We don’t really gallop, but there can be a short, strong canter on occasion. You must be able to mount and dismount on your own.
Group Size
Maximum 12 guests, but it depends on which camp/lodge we use for the specific dates. We need a minimum of 6 riders to do a ride, and we cap it at 10 guest saddles.
Weight & Age
We have a 90kg maximum weight limit for this ride. Riders younger than 14 should be accompanied by an adult. Exceptions can be discussed.
Fitness Level
If you are an intermediate plus rider but haven’t ridden for a while, you would be able to do this ride, as long as you are above average fit. Remember: the fitter you are, the easier a ride would be for you.
Tack
We have a variety of saddles available, English type and trail type. You are welcome to bring your own saddle. All saddles will have a saddle bag fitted.
Menu & Catering
Meals can be a simple saddle bag lunch, a three course picnic or a traditional Klein Karoo feast. Our menu is always designed around seasonal produce and what we harvest daily.
Accommodation
This can vary from rustic farm house stays to fly camp accommodation kitted with a stretcher, bedroll and linen. It’s always comfortable, irrespective of we rest for the night.
Weather
It is an adventure ride. In case of rain, pack your rain suit in your saddle bag. The ride will continue irrespective of the weather. Stocked hip flasks are a necessary precaution!
Transfers & Parking
Safe parking available. Transfers from airport can be arranged.
Mobile Signal
Available most of the way. WiFi not always at overnight spots.
Non-Riders Welcome
Partners and friends are welcome to join, given they bring they own vehicle to explore the area. Rate for non riders on request.
Rates & Booking
SHARING
R18,000
per rider
SINGLE ROOM
R20,000
per rider
What's Included
- A horse with all equipment
- 3 nights accommodation
- All meals from lunch day 1 to brunch day 4
- Transport of luggage between stops
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water
- Limited local house wines
Exclusions: Transfers, insurance, additional beverages, medical attention, personal items, tips to staff.
Payment Terms
• 30% deposit on booking
• 70% balance 30 days before trip
• Deposit due within 7 days of booking
Cancellation Policy
• 14 days or less: forfeit 100%
• 21 days before: forfeit 50%
• 31 days before: forfeit 25% of deposit
Get in Touch
We welcome you to a slack packing type ride to remember. An adventure with horses, scenic trails, lodging and catering like you haven’t experienced before.
