Thornview Ranch Horse Trails & Safaris

A background sketch of Thornview Ranch's horse trails and safaris

It's all about horses, open spaces and a forgotten lifestyle

Thornview Ranch offers you horse trails and safaris such as you have always dreamed about.

Ride out over endless grass plains, headed for that tree-shaded knoll in the distance, with only your well-schooled horse, riding companions and the plains game for company. Or amble along in the shade of the huge willow trees alongside the chuckling Mooi River in the late afternoon. If you are feeling more adventurous, our 3-day trails and 5-day safaris; both with mobile tent camps or secluded rondavel accommodation; run on almost 25 000ha of wide open Highveld plains and thorntree covered hills — typical of much of the South African landscape — may be more to your liking.

Whichever trail or riding option you select, you will always be assured of our legendary hospitality, well mannered and forward going horses, and of course, a truly great horse adventure.

Historically interesting ranchThornview Ranch is — historically speaking — a very interesting destination

Thornview Ranch is an historically interesting working livestock ranch near Potchefstroom in the malaria-free North West province of South Africa. It sprawls over grass plains before gently sloping down to the tranquil and historic Mooi River where it flows from the Boskop Dam. The ranch is the site of two extremely strong springs from which the original town of Potchefstroom - originally situated some 5km from the farm before its relocation to the current site about 25km further south west - drew its water. The remains of the water furrow dug by hand by the Voortrekkers (early European settlers) can still be seen.

In addition to our very popular horse trails, we also offer a variety of non-riding farm-based activities like mountain biking, birdwatching, riverside picnic baskets and walking trails where you can experience true South African farm life or merely soak up the tranquility of the outdoors.

For the keen equestrian, a selection of very popular horse trails as well as multi-day overnight safaris with mobile tented camps and rondavel accommodation are certain to capture your attention. No matter your reason for spending time with us, Thornview Ranch is sure to appeal to all who love the outdoors. Select your overnight accommodation from either self catering chalets or camping with full ablution facilities.

Within easy reach of major centres

An easy 100-minute drive on tar from Johannesburg or Pretoria, Thornview Ranch offers horse riding of the memorable kind. The historically rewarding town of Potchefstroom is only 25km from the farm and offers all the facilities and attractions of a large modern town: museums, movies, restaurants, doctors and hospitals. In addition, the Vredefort Dome World Heritage site is only an hour away. We provide transfers to and from the above major centres as well as the Johannesburg International Airport for guests who require this service.

Come and experience true South African farm hospitality, good horses, friendly hosts, traditional South African cooking on the overnight safaris, silence and tranquility, a wide horizon, clear skies and fresh air.

We hope to see you here soon!

Johan Steyn

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