Horse ride across vast stretches of unspoiled coastline and pristine empty beaches
This showcases South Africa’s stunning coastline and its wonderfully varied terrain. Saddle up, and enjoy a week of trail riding along the pristine beaches of the Wild Coast.
Experience the freedom of coastal riding and fulfill every horse rider’s dream; cantering down vast empty beaches, with the sun on your face and the sea breeze in your hair. Explore the rugged, un-spoilt natural beauty of the Wild Coast. Rolling hills, deep gorges, and cliff tops that plunge into the ocean ensure that this is not just a beach ride; it is an adventure on the edge of Africa! An area easily accessible and malaria-free, the Wild Coast offers some truly ‘wild’ riding experiences. All rides are led by experienced guides who follow the tides for exciting but safe riding, including exhilirating gallop and river crossings.
Taking you over rocky headlands, through rolling hills of the former homeland of the Transkei, and along vast tracts of empty golden beaches – it is the ultimate horse riding holiday. As you meander through sleepy tribal villages, the greetings from the local Xhosa people are warm and friendly. Their villages seem all but forgotten in this rural African wilderness and you feel like you are transported back in time.
QUICK FACTS
Wild Coast, South Africa | |
East London Airport | |
Open All Year | |
4 / 7 nights | |
Group Size: Max. 8 | |
Minimum of 2 | |
Intermediate, Intermediate Plus, Advanced Riders |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Thrilling and challenging riding along the rugged, remote and wild coastline of South Africa
- Get an insight into South Africa’s wilder and more remote side and explore its spectacular coastline
- For advanced riders, endurance fit horses make the pace fast and exciting
- Discover the beauty of rural South Africa and the friendly Xhosa People
THE DESTINATION
The Wild Coast is one of South Africa’s most remote stretches of shoreline. Stretching from East London in the Eastern Cape all the way north to Port Edward and the southern border of KwaZulu-Natal, the region boasts some of the most beautiful and dramatic coastal scenery in the world. It is a place of steep green hills, rugged rockfaces, plunging cliffs; a land of untouched pristine white-beaches, forests, untamable waves – and numerous shipwrecks.
DATES & RATES
Trails are scheduled throughout the year to coincide with the new or full moon, ensuring that we get maximum low tides on the beaches and safe river crossings. Please enquire for exact dates. Enquire for group bookings and other exciting opportunities riding along the Wild Coast. 7 night trails are usually scheduled for once a month, many beach trails are available most weeks, Monday to Friday.
Wild Coast Horse Trail – Intermediate Plus and Advanced Riders
7 Nights From: ZAR 48950 // GBP £2446* per person sharing
Mini Beach Horse Trail – Novice and above
4 Nights From: ZAR 19800 // GBP £990* per person sharing
There is no supplement for a single person if others are booked on the ride. Single rooms are subject to availability.
*price may fluctuate slightly due to changes in the exchange rate
Includes
- All accommodation
- All meals at the hotels or local restaurants
- All riding activities on well trained and responsive horses
- Expert Guiding
- All entry fees
Excludes
- Refreshments bought at local restaurants & hotels
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Non-riding excursions and activities
- Transfers to and from East London
- International flights to Johannesburg Airport
- Local flights to East London Airport
- Comprehensive Travel & Medical Insurance
YOUR 8-DAY ITINERARY
** Please note that this is a sample itinerary which could change due to weather conditions. Any chances to the itinerary will always be made with your best interests at heart. Trails are scheduled throughout the year to coincide with the new or full moon, ensuring that we get maximum low tides on the beaches and safe river crossings.
This itinerary is the 7 night Wild Coast Trail Ride – our most popular ride
Day 1
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 beach paddock.
The afternoon is a short introductory ride around the local area. It will give you the opportunity to blow away those travelling cobwebs and get to know your horse for the week. A relaxed, friendly evening meal awaits you back at the guesthouse along with a good night’s sleep. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge
Day 2
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 Trennerys or Seagulls Hotel (both quaint, authentic hotels that give guests a real taste of traditional South African holidaying). 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. Our unhurried itinerary will give you plenty of time to explore the hotel. Overnight at Trennerys or Seagulls Hotel
Day 3
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 out from the hotel you will continue up the coast, traversing rolling hills and sandy beaches and pass through rural settlements. You cross a number of inland river drifts, 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 mean 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 spent soaking up the relaxed atmosphere gives riders the opportunity to unwind after a challenging day in the saddle. Overnight at Mazeppa Bay Hotel
Day 4
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 theopportunity to relax and soak up the laidback 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 in which to kick back and truly embrace ‘Africa time’. Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel
Day 5
Today you should be fresh and ready for a full day in the saddle. The tides dictate the day’s schedule which will take you about 20kms 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 heading back to Kob Inn for an evening of delicious dining and maybe a few cocktails! Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel
Day 6
It’s time to head back down the coast again. Once more, the timing of the day’s riding will be dependent 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 choose to indulge in a little pampering at the Wavecrest spa; maybe explore the rare mangrove forests by either 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
From Wavecrest, if the tide is right, the ride back to Kei Mouth will be fastpaced 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
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.
THE ACCOMMODATION
The hotels are comfortable, old fashioned, family sea side resorts, that are made for sandy feet, sun kissed skin, wind blown hair and they welcome us horse riders with informal relaxed Wild Coast hospitality.
Trennerys Hotel – has an old fashioned feel and is a favourite South African holiday resort.
Mazeppa Bay Hotel – thatched building, palm fringed beaches, and a island make this a unique stop over.
Kob Inn – is located on rocks at the edge of the sea! This is a lovely hotel where you spend 2 nights of your Wild Coast Adventure.
Wavecrest Hotel – stunningly situated, the thatched rondavels make this a cosy retreat.
Kei Mouth Guest Lodge– comfortable accommodation in the heart of the sea side village of Kei Mouth
QUICK FACTS
Wild Coast, South Africa | |
East London Airport | |
Open All Year | |
4 / 7 nights | |
Group Size: Max. 8 | |
Minimum of 2 | |
Intermediate Plus, Advanced Riders |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Thrilling and challenging riding along the rugged, remote and wild coastline of South Africa
- Get an insight into South Africa’s wilder and more remote side and explore its spectacular coastline
- For advanced riders, endurance fit horses make the pace fast and exciting
- Discover the beauty of rural South Africa and the friendly Xhosa People
SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS
Beginner | |
Novice | |
Intermediate | |
Intermediate Plus | |
Advanced |
DATES & RATES
Trails are scheduled throughout the year to coincide with the new or full moon, ensuring that we get maximum low tides on the beaches and safe river crossings. Please enquire for exact dates. Enquire for group bookings and other exciting opportunities riding along the Wild Coast. 7 night trails are usually scheduled for once a month, many beach trails are available most weeks, Monday to Friday.
Wild Coast Horse Trail – Intermediate Plus and Advanced Riders
7 Nights From: ZAR 48950 // GBP £2446* per person sharing
Mini Beach Horse Trail – Novice and above
4 Nights From: ZAR 19800 // GBP £990* per person sharing
There is no supplement for a single person if others are booked on the ride. Single rooms are subject to availability.
*price may fluctuate slightly due to changes in the exchange rate
Includes
- All accommodation
- All meals at the hotels or local restaurants
- All riding activities on well trained and responsive horses
- Expert Guiding
- All entry fees
Excludes
- Refreshments bought at local restaurants & hotels
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Non-riding excursions and activities
- Transfers to and from East London
- International flights to Johannesburg Airport
- Local flights to East London Airport
- Comprehensive Travel & Medical Insurance
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
”African Horse Safaris helped me book my three week riding adventure on the wild coast, South Africa. Only knowing that I wanted to go riding somewhere in Africa, African Horse safaris helped me with coming up with several tempting riding holiday options that suited me and what I wanted to do on a holiday. I'm so happy with my decision to travel and I am so pleased with all help I got when booking. I got quick responses to all my millions of questions throughout the booking process and I ended up having a fantastic holiday. Would book any riding holiday with them again. Thanks so much for organising such wonderful trip and I have now memories to last a lifetime!
Maria NordvallWild Coast, South Africa
TOUR GALLERY
How we care for our horses
Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. Our horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:
- All horses live out and are looked after in a holistic way.
- The inter-connection between horses and people is an integral part of our beliefs and we live by this equine philosophy.
- After a 7 night Wild Coast Horse Trail horses get a week to 10 days off.
- The horses are rotated as needed depending on the fitness schedules, trails, and individual needs.
Please let us know if you have any more questions around this.