Afghanistan
Argentina
Australia
Botswana
Brazil
Chile
Dubai
England
India
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Kenya
Mexico
Namibia
New Zealand
Scotland
South Africa
Spain
Tanzania
Zambia
Private Lodges, Islands,
Beach Resorts
Our other sites:
Tiger Paw India Adventures
South Africa
A True Polo Safari
FRANSHOEK MOUNTAIN LODGE & POLO SCHOOL
IJ’s Polosafari features the best of South Africa for the polo player.
FRANSHOEK:
Situated at the head of a scenic valley in the Witteberge foothills to the Maluti mountains, the Franshoek Mountain Lodge and Polo School is a superb getaway for horseriding, hiking, rock climbing, trout fishing and abseiling, game drives and cave visits to a "Sangoma". Graded two-star Guest house. Outrides, hiking, rock climbing, trout fishing, abseiling, game drives, cave visits, bushmen paintings, golf driving, bird watching, winter skiing in Lesotho are various activities.
The Kututsa Hiking trail in Franshoek has a unique attraction. In addition to scenic beauty and a lovely two-day hiking trail, it is the only South African lodge to have a private polo field and boast its own polo club.
The Kututsa Hiking trail in Franshoek has a unique attraction. In addition to scenic beauty and a lovely two-day hiking trail, it is the only South African lodge to have a private polo field and boast its own polo club.The lodge can accommodate 22 people in 11 double rooms and also has one self-catering unit. The rooms all front out of a lovely sandstone farmhouse which features a thatch bar and restaurant.
Franshoek is an "activity" destination and
most of its visitors, be they residents or even locals who come to play Polo or hike and climb in the mountains are people who lead an active life style, alternatively relax by the pool. The restaurant and bar are also a meeting place for both residents and locals who use it as their local "pub". The Franshoek atmosphere is at all time relaxed and convivial.
Franshoek is about 3 hours from Johannesburg bordering Lesotho (i.e. south of Johannesburg). The lodge for guests operates on a dinner bed and breakfast basis. If guests want lunch etc they pay extra. Lodge is rates as 2 star accommodation.
Guests usually do stick and ball for 3/4 hour in the morning, have some coaching and then play practice chukkas in the afternoon, they can go on additional out rides during the day as well as other activities are available at an extra cost. Hiking over the Kututsa trail, major tournaments Franshoek is truly unique, being the only South African Polo Club and School situated on a 1,000 Ha (2,500 acre) private resort in the magnificent Witteberge Mountains of the eastern Free State.
The Franshoek Polo Club has its own school which operates all year round. Whilst the Polo Club and School focuses primarily on the beginner, it also hosts overseas players to whom a stable of 30 ponies are available. The magnificent setting of the Polo field must truly rank it as one of the most scenic in South Africa. It was started by a group of keen polo players under the leadership of the lodge owner, Christian Findlay, when the Ficksburg Polo Club field near the town was expropriated by the town for urban expansion. In its five years of existence the club has re-ignited an awareness of the game of polo in the Ficksburg area and indeed in the whole Free State. It is heartening to see this rebirth taking place in an area whose team were the national champions in 1964.
Features of the club
-
Season from March to end of September (but play takes place all year round)
-
Two major tournaments per year (dates vary/please enquire)
-
Visiting players are welcome and horses are provided
-
Schooled Polo ponies available for purchase
-
Polo tuition and clinics for adults and children are held year round / enquire as to dates
-
20 resident members
-
Resident professional
-
Accommodation for 25 people at the Franshoek Polo Lodge
-
Hiking over the Kututsa trail on the property
-
One of the highest clubs in the world at 5,600 feet
-
Boarded Field
-
Hiking over the Kututsa trail, major tournaments
Combine with a Hunting Safari...
Aside from some great polo opportunities for beginners and rated players, our South Africa Polo Safari features close encounters with nature and big game - making this holiday a true adventure for you!
Kurland - Another exciting South African polo destination!
For more information on this exciting polo destination, please Contact Us.