- Polo School
- Hiking Trails
- Accommodation
- Activities
- Work to Play
- Farm Projects
- Community
- Contact Us
Franshoek Polo School offers the unique opportunity to receive polo lessons in an incredible site tucked away in the Witteberg Mountains of the Eastern Free State of South Africa. Locals lovingly refer to this as “The Valley.”
Fresh air, mountain spring water, exhilarating exercise, magnificent sunsets and the occasional Franshoek party, all contribute to the overall experience of your polo holiday. We tailor the polo holiday to suit your needs, providing as much or as little as you desire.
Give yourself a break from the busy mainstream and allow yourself to return to nature in our quiet mountainous retreat. We'll make sure you get the polo lessons you are after, while you let your curiosity do the rest. Walking trails on the farm, bass fishing dams, swimming pools, a cave and waterfalls provide a natural setting beckoning to be explored. Don't miss the chance to go horse riding to the "Top of the World" to chance a view of our zebras and likely catch a stunning sunset too. The Franshoek team delights in providing just the right mix of exertion, fun and rest for a fulfilling polo holidaybreak.
The Kututsa 2 Day Hiking Trail crosses several farms in the Witterberg Conservancy. The trail lies in a sandstone mountainous gorge in the western side of the Witterberg Mountain range and has views of the Maluti Mountains in sight. This area is renowned as one of the most picturesque in the Eastern Highlands.
The trail is designed to emphasize the diversity of flora (even the Cape Holly is found here) and the geological formations of the Eastern Free State. Game that may be seen are Zebra Fallow Deer, Duiker, Steenbuck, Grey Rhebok, Mountain Reedbuck and Warthogs. A good selection of bird-life is found, with black eagles nesting in the area. The only spotting and tagging of a Bush Black-cap in the Free State was recorded at Kututsa.
The Stables: Self-Catering Cottage
On Franshoek, horses are not kept in stables, but people may be. Aptly named because a small block of old stables have been converted into stunning accommodation. The building sits on the rock ledge overlooking the polo field with a great view of The Valley. It is a superb place to sit with a drink in hand and watch the sun set.
If taking a day off from your polo tuition, you have many options of how to spend your time. The game farm Thaba Thabo, located next door to Franshoek, offers the chance to view some of the many species of buck native to Southern Africa. One can also choose to feed the rhinos here.
Ficksburg is located on the border of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. It is possible to do a day trip into Lesotho to visit the Oxbow Lodge, AfriSki or Katse Dam. Some guests venture a bit further for an overnight trip to Semongkong Lodge, called The Place of Smoke because of the giant waterfall.
The Franshoek Polo School's Work to Play Program allows guests to earn their own polo at a low cost, in return for contributing morning work towards the farm and various eco-ventures.
Guests on the program stay at the Sugar Shack. The Shack is a cozy bunk house with a small kitchen, bathroom, dining room and outdoor braai area. The program works on a six-week rotation with maximum groups of 4 people for every six-week block.
Franshoek is a working farm with a variety of livestock and other commercial ventures. All farming projects are rooted in the philosophy of organic farming, read more...
View Polo School in a larger map
Tel/fax: +2751 933 3938
Mobile: +2772 403 9454
Email: tracey@poloschool.co.za
Postal Address: Po Box 603, Ficksburg, South Africa, 9370
GPS coordinates: (-28.702822024007446, 28.0281400680542)
