Wild Coast Beach Trail

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & BEACH RIDE

On arrival at East London Airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, the base of Wild Coast Horse Trails. A light lunch is served, and then you will change into your riding clothes and be taken to the beach paddock. The afternoon is a short introductory ride around the local area. It will allow you to blow away those travelling cobwebs and get to know your horse for the week. A relaxed, friendly evening meal and a good night’s sleep await you back at the guesthouse. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

DAY 2:FULL DAY RIDE WITH WATERFALL PICNIC

Your horse riding adventure starts now! After a light breakfast, it’s back up to the paddocks. A short ride down to the Kei River and then a crossing by ferry to ride over rocky headlands and long stretches of beach. The guides will take you to hidden waterfalls for a picnic lunch and a swim if you choose! Then it’s to Seagulls Hotel and its friendly guest house beach vibe. Here, you can stretch your legs on the beach or unwind with a beer by the pool before enjoying a great dinner and time with your riding group. The unhurried itinerary will give you plenty of time to explore the hotel. Overnight at Seagulls Hotel

DAY 3: RIDE TO MAPEZZA BAY

You will awake to the sound of the sea and the solitude of being somewhere on the edge of Africa. Now it’s time to move on with a distance of 40km to be covered. Heading from the hotel, you will continue up the coast, traversing rolling hills and sandy beaches and passing through rural settlements. You cross several inland river drifts, and then the ride veers back to the sea for a breakfast or lunchtime picnic on the beach. Tides permitting, the rest of the day is a breath-taking ride on long, endless beaches, which means faster riding and the thrill of a good horse in a great location. Another traditional beach hotel, Mazeppa Bay, is your next stop. Exploring the secluded beach will lead you to a suspension bridge onto one of the only islands along the coast. A pleasant evening soaking up the relaxed atmosphere allows riders to unwind after a challenging day in the saddle. Overnight at Mazeppa Bay Hotel.

DAY 4: DOWN THE GORGE TO KOB INN

The next leg of your adventure is “The Gorge”. This route takes you through a beautiful river ravine and over some tricky terrain. Once through the rocky river bed, the ride heads back to the sea through valleys and along winding cattle tracks before reaching your next destination – Kob Inn. You arrive just in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to relax and soak up the laid-back hospitality of another coastal treasure. With a pub on the rocks overlooking the wild seas and sheltered private beaches on either side, this is an exquisite location to kick back and truly embrace ‘Africa time’. Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel.

DAY 5: FULL DAY RIDE

You should be fresh and ready for a full day in the saddle today. The tides dictate the day’s schedule, taking you about 20 km up the coast along sheltered beaches into hidden coves and beautiful lagoons. Your guide will select a suitable spot for you to enjoy a picnic and a swim in a lagoon before returning to Kob Inn for an evening of delicious dining and maybe a few cocktails! Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel.

DAY 6: RIDE TO WAVECREST

It’s time to head back down the coast again. Once more, the timing of the day’s riding will depend on the tides as you cross rivers, climb hills and speed along beaches on your way to Wavecrest Hotel. After a good +/- 30km ride, in the afternoon, you can indulge in some pampering at the Wavecrest spa; maybe explore the rare mangrove forests by boat or canoe. More South African coastal hospitality awaits you as you relax and allow yourself to be spoilt by the Wavecrest team. Overnight at Wavecrest Hotel.

DAY 7: BACK TO KEI MOUTH

From Wavecrest, if the tide is right, the ride back to Kei Mouth will be fast-paced and along the beach. After dropping your horse off at the beach base for a well-earned rest, you will have a late lunch at the country club. Alternatively, after an inland start, we will stop for lunch en route and hit the beaches at low tide for some fast canters in the afternoon before arriving back in Kei Mouth. Your last night of trail is spent, once again, at the home and guest lodge of Julie-Anne & Clint, where they will treat you to a typical South African Braai, finishing off a week of unforgettable riding with the warm hospitality that the Wild Coast is known for. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

Depending on your departure time, you could squeeze in one more ride before the shuttle picks you up to transfer you back to the airport.

Day 1: ARRIVAL

On arrival at East London Airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, the base of Wild Coast Horse Trails. A light lunch is served, then you will change into your riding clothes and be taken up to the stables. The afternoon is a short introductory ride down to the beach to get acquainted with our horse and the tack.  Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge

Day 2: MORGAN BAY CLIFF RIDE

After breakfast, head out to the neighbouring town of Morgan Bay. Here you’ll ride through the village and to the cliffs. These rolling green hills offer incredible views, and at certain times of the year, you’ll even be able to see dolphins and whales playing in the surf. Enjoy lunch at Yellowwoods and a relaxing afternoon. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge

Day 3: WATERFALLS RIDE

You’ll ride along the beach this morning and then load the horses on the ferry to cross the Kei River. Ride inland, following the trails until you enter the forest clearing. Tie the horses to the trees to graze as you head to the little waterfall to enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim. Overnight at Seagulls Hotel

Day 4: QOLORA RIVER

You’ll have a day to explore the area, riding to The Gates, one of the famous landmarks in the area. Then, back down to the beaches around the Qolora River Mout. Overnight at Seagulls Hotel

Day 5: RIDE TO WAVECREST

This morning, ride to Wavecrest Hotel & Spa. The beach north of the hotel offers a long sandy track, perfect for an extended leisurely canter or faster gallop. In the afternoon, enjoy a river cruise, paddle, swim or treat yourself to a massage. Overnight Wavecrest Hotel

Day 6: MORNING RIDE & AFTERNOON AT LEISURE

Today is taken at a leisurely pace. Head out for a morning ride and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying the activities offered by the hotel. Overnight Wavecrest Hotel

Day 7: KEI MOUTH

Today, you head back to the starting point, either taking the inland or coastal route, depending on the tides. Enjoy a last braai with your hosts and an evening chatting about your adventures. Overnight Kei Mouth Guest Lodge

Day 8: DEPARTURE

Depending on your departure time, you could squeeze in one more ride before the shuttle picks you up to transfer you back to the airport.

Day 1: ARRIVAL & INTRODUCTORY RIDE
On arrival at East London airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth and the beach base of Wild Coast Horse Trails and their equestrian colleagues. A light snack will be served at the Kei Mouth Guest House, and you will change into your riding clothes. Your horse riding adventure starts now! The afternoon ride is about an hour and is there to assess your riding and ensure you have been matched to the right horse. The trail takes you down to the river mouth and you’ll have the chance for a first canter along the beautiful beaches. Overnight and dinner at Kei Mouth Guest House

Day 2: RIDE TO WAVECREST
Today, you’ll start your overnight beach adventure! It is a full day of riding along the coast and inland trails, and the scenery is simply stunning. There is a good chance of spotting dolphins racing us in the surf as we canter along the many beaches. Lunch is a picnic and a chance to soak up the sun and sea before heading to the hotel in the afternoon. Overnight and dinner at Wavecrest Hotel

Day 3: BEACH RIDE & AFTERNOON EXPLORING
The departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It is a fantastic 3-hour ride up the beach and back inland through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around, depending on the tides. Either way, you get to ride on the beach at low tide, and the gallops are exhilarating. You’ll generally be back at the hotel in time for lunch. Alternatively, you might pack a picnic lunch if the weather and tides are favourable. In the afternoon, there is a choice of activities. You can head up the river and explore the stunning mangrove estuary of the Nxaxo River by canoe or boat, hike or just relax in the Jacuzzi! Overnight and dinner at Wavecrest Hotel

Day 4: BACK TO KEI MOUTH
Today, you’ll start the journey back to Kei Mouth. You’ll ride inland this morning, crossing the river high up and away from the tide’s influence. The cattle paths and roads offer great canters as you wind your way back to the beach. Then, head towards Kei Mouth and the pontoon crossing before dropping the horses off at the paddocks. Enjoy a late lunch before heading back to the guest house. Overnight and dinner at Kei Mouth Guest House

Day 5: DEPARTURE
On your last morning, if time allows, you’ll explore the cliffs and village of Morgan Bay and have one last canter down the beach. You can shower and change before being transferred back to the airport.

MEALS
A continental type breakfast is served every morning and includes cereal, fruit, preserves, toast, tea/coffee. Depending on the hotel, you might get an additional cooked breakfast.  Lunch is a picnic lunch of sandwiches or wraps eaten out on the trail, or pub lunch with toasted sandwhiches, hamburgers or similar dishes. Dinner is a typically South African fare, including seafood, stews, pies, etc all served with seasonal vegetables and/or salad.

DRINKS

Coffee, Tea and Juice is served with breakfast and included. For picnic lunches, a juice will be packed in. Water is always available and your water bottles will be filled by the team. Dinks & refreshments bought at the local bars & restaurants are not included in any of the rates and you can pay this locally by credit card or cash.