WILDLIFE AND WAVES – BOTSWANA’S TULI TRAIL & SOUTH AFRICA’S WILD COAST
Why choose just one incredible horse-riding adventure, when you can have two completely different experiences? Offering a unique combination of natural wilderness and deserted beaches, Africa is one of the best destinations for adventure travellers.
Nothing quite beats a bush and beach horse riding holiday. The bush offers endless savanna plains, and the chance to see some of Africa’s incredible wildlife on horseback. Africa’s coastline offers pristine beaches, endless waves and the chance to put your feet up and relax. However, we all know most equestrian enthusiasts would rather spend their time galloping across white sand beaches than lying on them! As a result, we’ve created the perfect equestrian escape which perfectly combines riding with wildlife giants in the Tuli area of Botswana, to racing across the deserted beaches of the Wild Coast in South Africa.
Fly out from Johannesburg to East London, where you’ll be met by one of the locals for your 45-minute drive to Kei Mouth. Leave civilisation behind and travel back in time to ride through sleepy villages, rural African farmlands, and endless deserted beaches. With no wildlife likely to appear unexpectedly around the corner you can throw caution to the wind and fly across the sands. Explore the rugged, un-spoilt natural beauty of the Wild Coast on horseback. 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!
This is an exhilarating ride, riding over rocky headlands, through rolling hills and galloping across vast tracts of empty golden beaches with no one else in sight, apart from a few longhorn cows. Cross the mighty Kei River on a pontoon with your horse and find new and exciting beaches to explore. This area is so remote, it feels like you’ve been transported back in time and you’ll spend your 4-night trail in two charming coastal guesthouses.
Returning to Johannesburg, spend the night at one of the local airport hotels before a light air charter flight into Botswana. Start your wildlife adventure in the “Land of Giants” in the Tuli Block. This is an area of great bio-diversity, incredible views, ancient civilizations and dramatic rock formations, bordered by the great Limpopo River. This exciting 7-night trail ride takes you through some truly wild landscapes largely untouched by man. Home to a variety of wildlife species, you can expect to encounter elephants, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and even lion on horseback. The riding varies from informative walks through the bush to fast canters winding along the ancient elephant paths.
To be able to have the best chance of seeing wildlife, the day begins just before dawn with a quick breakfast before tacking up and heading out as the sun turns the veld golden. Riding between 3 very different camps offers you the chance to cover over 100 kilometres during your week’s adventure. Five or six hours in the saddle has you arriving at the next camp in the early afternoon with time to relax before an evening walk, game drive or epic sundowner drink overlooking the dramatic landscape. Fall asleep to the sound of Africa, listening to the call of the jackals and the flutter of owls above you. After the adventure of a lifetime, it is likely to be a teary farewell to Africa, but you’ll soon be back for another taste of freedom only found in Africa!
QUICK FACTS
The Tuli Block, Botswana & The Wild Coast, South Africa | |
OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) | |
Open All Year | |
From 12 – 15 Nights | |
Group Size: Max. 8 | |
Intermediate Plus and Above |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience two incredibly different areas of Africa on one extended horse riding holiday
- Enjoy the unparalleled thrill of seeing wildlife from horseback, including encounters with giraffe, elephant, and a variety of plains game
- Sleep in luxury tented camps, treehouse nests, open-air camps, and quaint seaside guesthouses, all while experiencing warm African hospitality.
- Indulge in the true joy or riding in Africa – the feeling of freedom of riding through vast open country without boundaries
- Throw caution to the wind as you gallop across the windswept beaches of the Wild Coast
THE DESTINATION
The Wild Coast – One of South Africa’s most remote stretches of shoreline. This shipwreck-strewn coastline rivals any in the country in terms of beauty and wilderness, stretching over 350km from just east of East London to Port Edward. It is a place of steep green hills, rugged rockfaces, plunging cliffs; a land of untouched pristine white-beaches, forests, untameable waves, and deep history. The 200 kilometer coastline is virtually inaccessible to all but those prepared to hike it, or venture forth on horseback, making it the ultimate escape for the adventure traveller.
The Tuli Block – In south-eastern Botswana, hugging the Limpopo River lies a rugged landscape unlike anywhere else in the region. The Tuli Block, or ‘Land of Giants’ as it is often known, is located between Zimbabwe to the north and east, and South Africa to the south. The Limpopo today does not always have year-round surface water, but large pools attract incredible wildlife including herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe. Beyond the deep shade of the riverine woodlands, the dramatic sandstone “kopjes” stretches far from the river into the plains beyond. With its numerous prominences and viewpoints affording spectacular vistas, it is a region quite unique in Botswana – there is absolutely nothing like it anywhere else in the country and it entirely alters the nature and the ‘feel’ of the game-viewing experience.
DATES & RATES
Available all year round as this combines two of our most popular rides. The Tuli Horse Safari departs every Saturday and some Mondays, and the Wild Coast 4-night ride departs most Mondays. Please enquire about the exact dates and availability – this ride can be done with the Wild Coast at the beginning or end of the trip – offering great flexibility.
2023 RATES
Low Season: January & December 2023
12 Nights: From GBP £3415 per person sharing + transfers, flights & overnight in Johannesburg
Mid Season: February & March 2023
12 Nights: From GBP £3870 per person sharing + transfers, flights & overnight in Johannesburg
High Season: April, May, June, July, August, September, October & November 2022
12 Nights: From GBP £4402 per person sharing + transfers, flights & overnight in Johannesburg
INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 4 nights accommodation on the Wild Coast
- 7 nights accommodation in the Tuli Block
- All meals (excluding Johannesburg)
- All drinks on the Tuli Trail and water on the Wild Coast
- All riding on incredible safari horses
- Experienced guides
- All activities listed in the itinerary
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- International Flights
- Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
- £680 return light air transfer by air from Johannesburg to Limpopo Valley Airstrip
- $70 Conservation Levy paid upon arrival in Botswana which goes towards anti-poaching and protecting the reserve
- Transfer from OR Tambo to your hotel in Johannesburg (if applicable)
- Overnight stay in Johannesburg and meals (Approx. £100)
- Drinks at local pubs and restaurants on the Wild Coast
- Return flights between Johannesburg and East London (Approx. £100)
- Return road transfer between East London and Kei Mouth (Approx. £60 – 160 depending on the number of people)
- Additional Game Drives / Excursions
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
YOUR ITINERARY
** This itinerary is subject to change – it is an example and not an exact timetable.
You can do this ride starting or ending on the Wild Coast – this offers great flexibility.
Day 1: Johannesburg to Wild Coast
The adventure begins! Board your 2-hour flight from Johannesburg East London Airport. You’ll be met at the airport for your road transfer to Kei Mouth. Driving through the old Transkei, it’s like travelling back in time to a simpler era. Settle into the charming guesthouse and change back into your riding clothes before enjoying a light lunch. Head to the stables to meet your new steed and set out on a trail to get to know each other. 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: Kei River to Trennerys / Wavecrest
After a light breakfast, it is back up to the paddocks and another day in the saddle. After a short ride down to the Kei River, you’ll load your horse onto the ferry and cross the river. Ride over the rocky headlands and then throw caution to the wind as you gallop over the long stretches of endless beach. Your guide will show you the secret waterfalls and hidden valleys where you will have a picnic lunch with the horses tethered nearby. Then it’s off to Trennerys or Wavecrest Hotel, both quaint, authentic hotels that give guests a real taste of traditional South African holiday life. Here you can stretch your legs on the beach or unwind with a beer by the pool before enjoying a great dinner.
Day 3: Explore the Wild Coast
You will awake to the sound of the sea, and the solitude of being somewhere on the edge of Africa. The timing of the day’s riding will be dependent on the tides as you cross rivers, climb hills, and speed along beaches. Enjoy a thrilling 4 hours in the saddle heading inland or along the deserted coastline. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to relax, hike, swim or take on some of the Wild Coast’s other adventure activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming or kayaking.
Day 4: Trennerys / Wavecrest to Kei Mouth
Today is a full day’s ride, exploring further inland and stopping for a pub lunch en-route. Then hit the beaches at low tide for some exhilarating canters in the afternoon before arriving back in Kei Mouth. Your last night of trail is spent, once again, at Kei Mouth Lodge, where you will be treated with a typical South African Braai; finishing off a week of unforgettable riding with the warm hospitality that the Wild Coast is known for.
Day 5: Wild Coast to Johannesburg
Depending on your flight time, you will have a lazy breakfast and a last gallop across Morgan Bay or ride up to see the cliffs. Saying goodbye to the Wild Coast, you will be driven back to East London Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Arriving in the evening, we recommend staying in one of the hotels near the airport and most of them have complimentary shuttles.
Day 6: Arrival in the Tuli
Make your way back to Johannesburg Airport, where you’ll meet your fellow adventurers and driver at the International Arrivals terminal. Hop into a small bus for the short road transfer to Lanseria Airport. Then the true adventure begins with a short, scenic flight to Limpopo Valley Airfield. Here you will be met by your friendly guide and taken to the stables. Enjoying an alfresco lunch in the shade of the trees – you will feel like you’ve entered a horse lovers’ paradise!
After lunch, head down to the stables to be introduced to your new four-legged adventure companion. You’ll have time to get acquainted and see that you are comfortable with your horse and the tack before embarking on your first ride out to Two Mashatus Camp. This will be your first opportunity to experience the beauty of the Mashatu Game Reserve and view the wildlife on horseback. As you ride along the trails created by the animals, you’ll feel truly immersed in Africa. Cold drinks and warm showers await you at camp. As evening falls at Two Mashatu Camp, relax in the cool of the thatched lounge and dining areas, before enjoying a three-course dinner, listening to the sounds of the African bush.
Day 7: Ride from Two Mashatus to Tree Camp
You’ll be woken up around sunrise with a soft knock and tea or coffee which is brought to your tent. After breakfast, it’s time to mount and depart from the dense woodland that hugs the Limpopo River, and head towards the rocky hills and wide-open plains. Your guide will tell you about animals you may encounter including giraffe, zebra, antelope, and huge herd of elephants. As the terrain changes and the pace quickens, enjoy the adrenaline rush of riding through this wilderness.
You’ll arrive at Tree Camp in time for a delicious lunch. Treehouses are not just for kids, this hideout, overlooking the Majale river, gives you the chance to watch wildlife from above. In the afternoon, enjoy an afternoon ride, or bushwalk to explore the area along the West of the Matabole River returning to Tree Camp for sundowners. Spend the night tucked up in your treehouse, listening to the sounds of jackals calling in the distance and the night owls flying overhead.
Day 8: Ride from Tree Camp to Kgotla
Watch the sunrise from above the trees then saddle up for another day of adventure. Your horse safari passes through the center of the reserve to the ancient rock formations synonymous. On the trail, you’ll see giant Baobab trees scattered across the landscape. Ancient elephant trails make for wonderful tracks for long canters through the open bushveld and often zebra or giraffe might join the herd. Whilst riding alongside the banks of the Motloutse River, you’ll come across the old Leadwood ‘Kgotla’ (or enclosure used for the traditional law court of a Botswana village). This open-air enclosure forms the perfect, secure camp for a night spent under the stars.
In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a game drive vehicle in search of the area’s resident lions, hyenas, and elusive leopards. Celebrate your day’s adventure with sundowners at the ancient “Amphitheatre” rocks with some of the best views of Africa. Back at the Kgotla, dinner is cooked on the large open fire and you’ll enjoy an evening enjoying incredible food and endless conversations. The night is spent with a ceiling of stars and Africa’s night-time melody to sing you to sleep; a rare experience which is just about as far away from city life and the modern world as anyone can imagine.
Day 9: Ride from Kgotla to Tree Camp
Another dawn beckons as you enjoy coffee and fresh bread baked on the coals of last night’s fire. Ride through the famed sandstone formations and learn about Southern Africa’s oldest civilizations. The incredible landscape is ancient and timeless and combined with marvelous wildlife sightings, it makes for an incredible riding experience. This afternoon, hop in a game drive vehicle for a short drive to the Mmamagwa Hills where you’ll have a short climb to the top. Here, you’ll be rewarded with the most awe-inspiring sundowners with views that stretch all the way to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Day 10: Ride from Tree Camp to Two Mashatus
Following a light and early breakfast, set out on horseback through the Mopane bush in search of elephants. Home to the largest herd of wild free-roaming elephants on private land in Africa, it is almost assured that there will be great viewing of these incredible creatures! Ride through Elephant Valley along ancient trails stamped into the soil by centuries of migrating elephants. Head north towards the upper reaches of the Majale River whose banks are crowned with enormous baobab trees. After an exhilarating ride through this timeless countryside, enjoy a relaxing lunch back at Tree Camp. This afternoon the group has a choice of an afternoon ride, guided bush walk, or an exciting game drive in search of big cats.
Day 11: Two Mashatus
Today’s riding promises some of the best game viewing from horseback as you explore the Pitsane River Valley. The elephants have dug drinking holes in the course of the riverbed, attracting thirsty herds of game. Here your guide will tell you about the history of this area, including the skirmishes during the Boer War and the stagecoaches that took explorers of old from South Africa and into Botswana. After an exciting morning’s ride, you’ll get back to Two Mashatu Camp in time for lunch and a refreshing swim in the pool. You’ll have a guided bush walk to one of the nearby koppies for sundowner drinks before falling asleep in your tent.
Day 12: Two Mashatus
Set off through scenic plains between the Majale and Pitsane rivers, with abundant game and spectacular views into the Limpopo River Valley. Explore the old fort and then ride down to the cooler wetland area for a splashy canter in the Summer months. The wetland areas attract a vast number of animals and birds that you might not have ticked off your safari checklist yet. There is time to relax in camp with a book or swim, before either a slower afternoon ride or bushwalk. Spend your last night in Botswana around the campfire chatting to your forever friends that you’ve made in the bush before falling asleep in your tent.
Day 13: Departure
The last ride in the Limpopo Valley is a great opportunity to take one last picture of elephants and enjoy a long and winding canter through the scattered Mustard bush with your guides. Arriving back at the stables and reception mid-morning, there is plenty of time for a hot shower and a tasty brunch, before saying a sad farewell to your safari companions, newfound friends, and incredible horses. You’ll have a last glimpse of the bush from the air as you fly back to Lanseria Airport, followed by a short drive back to OR Tambo International Airport. Then it’s time to wave farewell to Africa as you board your flight back home (or further afield!) Book your departure flight after 20h00 to avoid missing your flight if there are any delays.
THE ACCOMMODATION
THE WILD COAST
Kei Mouth – Kei Mouth Guest Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of the seaside village. The Lodge is situated in a tranquil street, just off the main road, central to most amenities, and within walking distance to the pubs, restaurants, the beach, the Kei River, and the stables.
Wavecrest Hotel – Situated on a pristine, mangrove-lined estuary, surrounded by magnificent dune forests and endless expanses of beach, this offers a scenic and cozy retreat. Tucked away on the Wild Coast, it holds a lot of history and offers comfortable seaside accommodation and warm hospitality.
Trennerys Hotel – This has always been a favourite South African Family holiday resort. The hotel still maintains its old-world charm and its unique South African hospitality. Trennerys is surrounded by green and lush, tropical vegetation and hills that go on for miles and miles before flowing into the ocean.
THE TULI
Two Mashatus Camp – This beautiful camp is built in the shade of two hundred-year-old Mashatu trees. The camp is made up of two traditionally built Lala palm rondavels, which make up the dining and lounge areas. Guests are accommodated in a series of A-frame walk-in tents which are built on teak platforms. Each spacious tent has an en-suite bathroom with flushing toilet and hot showers. Between rides, relax on the private deck, have a swim in the pool, or enjoy a book in the lounge area.
Tree Camp – This is a very unique camp and fulfils any childhood dream of sleeping up in a private treehouse. Nestled in the bough of a giant Mashatu tree and two ancient Leadwood trees, the deck is 4 meters off the ground. There open-air sleeping pods with comfy beds set out in a semi-circle around the main dining and living area. This camp has shared (but wonderfully private and secluded) outdoor showers and separate toilet facilities.
The Kgotla – This is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River. The boma is an open-air enclosure made up of leadwood logs standing upright and creating a unique sanctuary. Guests sleep on beds around a large log fire which blazes at the centre. Fall asleep with a canopy of stars above you.
QUICK FACTS
The Tuli Block, Botswana & The Wild Coast, South Africa | |
OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) | |
Open All Year | |
From 12 – 15 nights | |
Group Size: Max. 8 | |
Intermediate Plus and Above |
SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS
Beginner | |
Novice | |
Intermediate | |
Intermediate Plus | |
Advanced |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience two incredibly different areas of Africa on one extended horse riding holiday
- Enjoy the unparalleled thrill of seeing wildlife from horseback, including encounters with giraffe, elephant, and a variety of plains game
- Sleep in luxury tented camps, treehouse nests, open-air camps, and quaint seaside guesthouses, all while experiencing warm African hospitality.
- Indulge in the true joy or riding in Africa – the feeling of freedom of riding through vast open country without boundaries
- Throw caution to the wind as you gallop across the windswept beaches of the Wild Coast
DATES & RATES
Available all year round as this combines two of our most popular rides. The Tuli Horse Safari departs every Saturday and some Mondays, and the Wild Coast 4-night ride departs most Mondays. Please enquire about the exact dates and availability – this ride can be done with the Wild Coast at the beginning or end of the trip – offering great flexibility.
2023 RATES
Low Season: January & December 2023
12 Nights: From GBP £3415 per person sharing + transfers, flights & overnight in Johannesburg
Mid Season: February & March 2023
12 Nights: From GBP £3870 per person sharing + transfers, flights & overnight in Johannesburg
High Season: April, May, June, July, August, September, October & November 2022
12 Nights: From GBP £4402 per person sharing + transfers, flights & overnight in Johannesburg
INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 4 nights accommodation on the Wild Coast
- 7 nights accommodation in the Tuli Block
- All meals (excluding Johannesburg)
- All drinks on the Tuli Trail and water on the Wild Coast
- All riding on incredible safari horses
- Experienced guides
- All activities listed in the itinerary
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- International Flights
- Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
- £680 return light air transfer by air from Johannesburg to Limpopo Valley Airstrip
- $70 Conservation Levy paid upon arrival in Botswana which goes towards anti-poaching and protecting the reserve
- Transfer from OR Tambo to your hotel in Johannesburg (if applicable)
- Overnight stay in Johannesburg and meals (Approx. £100)
- Drinks at local pubs and restaurants on the Wild Coast
- Return flights between Johannesburg and East London (Approx. £100)
- Return road transfer between East London and Kei Mouth (Approx. £60 – 160 depending on the number of people)
- Additional Game Drives / Excursions
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
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:
- Our horses live out year-round in a herd environment, allowing them to live as naturally as possible. In the Tuli, the horses sleep in stables, but go out during the day into huge paddocks where they get to interact with their equestrian friends.
- They are bought in twice a day to be feed, checked, groomed and temperatures taken by devoted guides.
- The farrier comes every 6 weeks to check the horses which are barefoot (As many horses as possible are barefoot).
- The saddles are specially designed for trails which means they are comfortable for the horse, distributing the rider’s weight evenly, preventing any back issues. The tack is checked and cleaned regularly to ensure it is kept to the best possible standards.
- A careful record is kept of how much work each horse does to ensure they have rest days and are not overworked.
Please let us know if you have any more questions around this.