Whale watching from horseback in South Africa

Riders will now be able to get closer to spotting whales than ever before, away from the crowds and where you can't even get to by vehicle, thanks to a new holiday from The Riding Company.

Visit Hermanus, the most famous area in the world for whale watching and see Bryde's Whales, Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, and the Southern Right Whale, at close quarters. Not only is the large population of whales and sharks unparalleled elsewhere, but the locations are so accessible, that you are virtually guaranteed to witness lots of different species.

Gallop across one of the world's most stunning beach rides, part of a Unesco protected nature reserve, spread over a week. Holidays are available throughout the year with great beaches, as well as fauna and flora viewing. The whale watching season runs from September through to October, but many whales can still be seen in November.

Catch the start of the whale spotting season, with a trip this Autumn. You'll get no jet lag, as South Africa is in the same timezone as Europe, the exchange rate is currently in our favour - where the pound can buy lots of South African rands and, well, there are no mating whales to be spotted by the cliffs of Dover.

The week long trip starts with an overnight stay in Capetown before heading off for five days riding. You kick off with an exhilarating 22km ride along the beach, where you will encounter a variety of bird life including the endangered Black Eyed Oystercatcher, tiny Strandloper, gulls and even hunting Falcons. Seals sunning themselves on the rocks are a regular sight.

Overnight at De Kelders is where the whales come into the cove and spend hours playing with their calves. From here you will see the whales breaching, lobtailing and slapping and explore the unusual caves at De Kelders. Refresh here after the day's ride in a freshwater spring appearing on the beach - one of only two places in the world where this phenomenon occurs. The next day the trail winds through the dune fynbos up into the hills for spectacular views of the coastline. This area hosts a rich biodiversity of fauna and flora. It is home to the famous Flower Valley which exports exotic native plants ('fynbos') to all parts of the world.

The Riding Company can also arrange for you to go on a horse drawn tour of historic Cape Town, visit Table mountain by cable car and witness the amazing views or shark viewing and shark cage diving at Gansbaai.

For seven nights at a guest house and bush camp, a full itinerary and full board costs £1450 per person.

There are still some places available at the end of October and early November – which is when the whales come in to mate with the cows and there is plenty of action. It is also when the flowers are in full bloom in the famous flower valley.

For more information, log on to Theridingcompany.com.