Wild Coast Horseback Adventures & Safaris

6 Night 7 Days Wild Coast Horse Trail

The most glorious horseback beach riding holiday in the world!

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Meander from surf so savannah, exploring hidden coves and beaches,

whilst experiencing the essence of rural Africa on horse back.

This is one of those rare riding holidays that has it all.

From beach riding and African rural village life to Wild life viewing on nearby game farms.

Page updated 21/02/10

Ride along deserted beaches and across rolling countryside.

We explore the countryside, on some days; we meander along the deserted beaches, cantering into sleepy coastal villages for a great pub lunch.

On others, we explore the rolling hills and savanna grasslands that are the home to a kaleidoscope of gaily painted rondavels that form the heart of the Transkei landscape.

Long stretches of deserted beach beg for a gallop along their pristine sands.

If you and your horse need to cool off, you can go for a swim in the sea or lagoon.

Once you reach the Great Kei River, a pontoon will transport you and your horse into rural Africa where sleepy tribal villages await you. As you ride through undulating hills, comfortable hotels are nestled in coves along the coast, providing perfect stop off points for the horse and rider.

You will experience for yourself a rainbow of people and a community working together through tourism.

Our trail networks throughout our community ensuring that you encounter our wonderfully diverse South African culture.

The Wild Coast is the best kept secret in South Africa

Your professional trail operators, Clint and Julie-Anne Gower, will receive you with true South African hospitality, having lived their whole lives in this area they ensure that you get the most from your adventure into the malaria-free Eastern Cape Province.

The guides are expert and our staff will pamper you.

The riding is plentiful and varied the beaches pristine and the food is delicious.

The horses are friendly, easy to ride and lively to command.

You will ride a horse that you wish you could take home with you!

You will be enthralled by the unique combination of cross country riding and the exploration of our beautiful coastline.

Day 1

We advise riders to try and plan to arrive in East London on SA flight 471 @ 11.30. It is approximately 1 hours drive to Kei Mouth from the airport. After settling you into your room, we make our way to the horse paddocks at the beach, situated a short drive away. After an introduction, we will take the horses out for the afternoon, and explore the village and river front of Kei Mouth. The first evening we will join you for drinks and dinner, before a good nights rest after you long journey.

Day 2

After a light breakfast we are ready to go to the horses at about 9.30 am and go to the paddocks to start trail. We head across the Kei River and enjoy some great beach riding and get to Trennery’s in time for lunch. The horses are given a few hours off and you get to laze around the swimming pool, walk, play tennis or head for the beach. During the afternoon, we take the horses across country and explore some unusual river formations at “The Gates”. We finish with a sunset canter down the mile long beach.

Day 3

This morning we ride to the nearby local community development project and discover some Xhosa traditions and customs. We then meander through the tribal villages and ride onto the Nongqawases Pools and waterfalls, and hear about legends of the Xhosa people. After lunch, we ride to the wreck of the Jacaranda. Depending on the tide the riding is energetic and exciting as we canter the beaches and rolling country side.

Day 4

Heading north, we pass the Jacaranda and turn inland across country and through rural villages to cross the Kobonqaba River. The horses set a steady pace at trot and canter as we head towards Wavecrest in time for lunch. This afternoon is free time. You can take a boat trip up the river and explore the Mangrove swamps, hike, fish, or just kick back and relax in the Jacuzzi! Guests are invited to spoil themselves at the spa, enjoy a massage, manicure, pedicure, Sauna, and Steam room. If the sea is right, Conrad will take you out in his ski boat to see the Dolphins. Drinks on the deck at sunset as we sit and watch the great Crested Cranes come in to roost, end a perfect day.

Day 5

The low tide dictates our riding path today. We either circle inland towards the remote settlement of Cebe, exploring huge sand dune forests before finding a perfect picnic spot for lunch (or breakfast!) and head back towards Wavecrest along the endless beaches. Or we do the ride the other way around – this gives us the best beach riding at low tide and a safe river crossing.

Day 6

Today we start our journey back home. This time we cross the Kobonqaba river at the river mouth. This crossing is a comfortable wade through at low tide, and our departure time will depend on this. We ride back past Trennery’s and call in a Seagulls Beach Hotel for a great pub lunch. We then head towards Kei Mouth and the pontoon crossing before dropping the horses off at the paddocks around 4 o’clock. If you are staying at Sunray, we will have a traditional family South Africa Braai!

Day 7

Our riders on the 6 night package say good bye after an early morning ride across the Cliff Tops at Morgan Bay. Brunch will be served before you leave. The shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London at 13h00

You may like to extend your African Adventure.

We can extend our standard 6 night trail for riders wanting a longer adventure.

Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Extra night can be added on at the end of the trail.

Your holiday can be extended to include a game viewing safari at a nearby private game reserve.

Accommodation in luxury safari tents, view elephant (and participate in an interactive afternoon with the elephants), rhino, lion, giraffe, zebra, and many other game species. All meals & drinks, game drives, horse back game viewing (on reserve horses; typical trekking ponies!) included. Transfers from the coastal resorts and back to the Airport included

Cast-a-way Trails

We offer a longer & shorter trails along the coast.

These are custom made trails of 1 to 14 nights and is scheduled on request.

Surf & Turf Safari

The Surf and Turf riding adventure combines four days riding on the glorious Wild Coast of South Africa with four days game viewing from horseback at Dinaka with Horizon Horseback Adventures. Ride on some of South Africa’s most spectacular beaches on responsive, well-loved horses and also experience the magic of riding with game in a stunning wilderness area.

Starting in Kei Mouth, this trail is about experiencing Africa like you have never seen it before. We explore local legend sites and rural villages, interacting with the Xhosa people along the way; before experiencing the untouched beauty of the Wild Coast coastal environment. The beach canters are endless!!