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The Wild Coast
The Transkei Wild
Coast, Eastern Cape, South
Africa.
A magical combination
of rural Africa,
rolling hills, jagged
cliff and wild un-spoilt beaches
Join us for a
lifestyle experience.
The "Wild Coast" is the rugged,
remote, fairly unpopulated stretch of South African coastline between East London and Port Edward.
This stretch of some 280 km of cliff faces, perfect beaches and rich tidal estuaries is
situated between the Mtamvuna River in the north, and
the Great Kei River in the south.
Inland, to the west, lie the Stormberg and Drakensberg mountain ranges, which reach on altitude of
2400 meters, descending to the Indian Ocean in the east.
At the Wild Coast the sun shines day after day, month after month, on
this beautiful and extensive tract of undulating pastoral country studded
with whitewashed, thatched rondavel huts.
Since Portuguese
mariners first pioneered the sea route around the Cape to India, this notorious
coast has claimed countless ships such as the Governor, Waratah
and Oceania. The prospect of finding sunken gold and
diamonds has lured treasure hunters to the Wild Coast over the
generations. Although coins, trinkets and fragments of porcelain from
sunken hulks are still occasionally washed up along the shore, it is of
course the natural wonder of the Wild Coast that attracts the
majority of visitors to the many resorts scattered along the coastline.
The rural people live
a life richly colored by tribal tradition and beliefs. Brightly colored
examples of the beadwork, together with traditional pottery and basketwork
can be bought from roadside vendors and at some trading posts. The whole
region, once known as the Transkei homeland, is the
home of a major section of the Xhosa-speaking southern Nguni tribes and of
course the birth place of the great Nelson Mandela.
It is also called the
Border. For much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it was the
region of conflict between the British colonists, moving ever eastwards,
and the southward moving Xhosa peoples. A simmering
border conflict of nine major wars were fought along the Great Kei
river.
Climate
The Indian Ocean
creates a sub-tropical land of flora and fauna from different climates all
flourishing side by side like nowhere else in Southern Africa
The climate along the coast is nearly always warm to hot, with humidity
levels rising form December to March. The climate is temperate with warm
summers and mild winters. Soft gently falling rain occurs during the
summer months (November to March) although it can be wet it is never cold.
The winters are
perfect.
The average minimum
temp rarely goes below 10 'C and the days are around 25'C
.
The best time to
visit, fish and ride is from the end of March through to August.
During
October and November the weather is generally good but can be unpredictable
as this is when we have our spring rains!.
Fauna & Flora
The flora rejoices in a vast array of indigenous coastal forest,
prehistoric Cycads, tree orchids, Kiepersol, Sneezewood and Yellowwood. Lush vegetation with
plentiful water, forest and fruit trees provides a beautiful environment
for over 250 species of birds. Inland, coastal and sea birds rub shoulders
and compete for sky space. Above it all, the regal Fish Eagle can be heard
to shriek his haunting cry
Sunray Farm & Guest Lodge
Sunray Farm is situated 22 km from the
villages of Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay. It is ideally situated to use as a base
to explore the area, and have a wonder country holiday. The farm looks out across the Kei River Valley, into the Transkei and the distant sea.
Wild Coast Hunting and Fishing Safaris
This is a unique opportunity to walk and
stalk the Kei River Valley bush veld, and do
some deep sea fishing in-between!
Wild Coast Horse Trails
The horses are kept
at the main homestead Sunray Farm which forms part of Torstone Sport Horse Stud,
and we also have satellite paddocks in Kei Mouth from which we run our
trail rides and the start of our overnight trails. This is a unique horse
back holiday along the Transkei coast, and
guarantees hours and hours of fabulous horse riding.
About
Clint & Julie-Anne Gower
We wanted to live our dream, and that is what we have done.
Each day to us is a journey and an experience of the dream that we have
created for ourselves and now share this dream with others”
Clint
Clint has a Bsc.Agriculture. Together
with Julie-Anne, they own a cattle ranch with approx. 200 head of cattle,
which is run along holistic principles. Clint is an active conservationist
and his knowledge of the African bush is immense. He is also a deep-sea
fisherman and a professional hunter, setting examples of ethical
sustainable hunting, always considering the ecological effect of what is
hunted. Even when fishing he says “we encourage our children and visitors
to tag and release and only remove what can be eaten or that which is an
exceptional trophy”. This attitude to nature, his qualifications and his
knowledge of the bush and animals makes him an appreciated advisor and
guest on local farms and reserves.
Julie-Anne
Julie-Anne was born into the hospitality trade; her parents
were hoteliers and she spent most school holidays at the hotels that
are used on trail along the Wild Coast. She has ridden
horses since she was a small child, competed in showing, novice dressage
and show jumping and is now a highly competitive endurance rider. She has
over 4000 competitive endurance kilometers under her saddle. Has ridden
Fauresmith National 200km endurance ride 4 times, Hofmeyer 100 miler twice,
and crewed for national team members on several occasions. Julie-Anne has
represented the Eastern Cape Endurance Riding Team 3 times at the National
Championships. She made short list for the National Endurance Riding Team
in 2003. Her experience, organizational talent and knowledge about and love
for horses and nature make her the perfect trail mistress and hostess.
How they came to be here.
Together with her parents, Julie-Anne learnt the hotel trade
while at the family owned Eagles Ridge Country Hotel in Stutterheim. They
were there for 8 years (1990 - 1998) Julie-Anne did horse trails up into
the forests and mountains on her string of mountain ponies. She also had a
small riding school going during this period.
It was here in Stutterheim that Clint and Julie-Anne met. Clint
was running the family cattle farms "Woodridge" &
"Torstone". The farm was situated in the foot hill of the
Amathole mountains under Dohne Peak, here Clint ran
cattle and sheep and managed the farm for his Mother.
When they married, in 1995, they settled at Woodridge Farm and
consequently Torstone Sport Horse Stud was born. Clint’s love of hunting
and fishing and Julie-Anne's passion for her horses’ cumulated in their
deciding to go it alone, and in April 1999 they moved to Sunray Farm.
The past 18 years have been spent intensively building their
knowledge and experience in the hospitality trade. Clint has built a
regular clientele base of fishermen who return each season to fish deep
sea, and his hunting clients return time and again during the hunting
season. Clint’s reputation as an ethical hunter and expert marksman is
renowned. He is regularly asked to be the professional Hunter at many
safari and local hunting operations. The horse stud has produced some
outstanding stock, some of which is used on trail. The years of trailing in
the mountains and forests and producing horses professionally has paid
dividend as now Julie-Anne can claim to be a seasoned horsewoman &
trail guide. Clint and Julie-Anne have two sons Branden and Ashley.
Accommodation on Horse Trail ~Sunray Farm ~ Farm House
Hospitality~ Trennery’s Hotel & Wavecrest Hotel ~ The Cock Inn & Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
 Sunray Lodge
The guest room in the main farm
house is spacious and beautifully decorated with its own private bathroom.
It has two single beds. Tea and
Coffee making facilities are provided.
The Loft
We have started renovating the
original farm house! (it had been store rooms for years) Phase one is
complete and is able to sleep up to 6 people - 2 in a private bedroom and 4
upstairs in a loft!! (The Loft is primarily for our guest on the “Working
Riding Holiday”) There is a shower and toilet and a small kitchenette. There is also a sitting room with big
picture window and doors that will open onto a patio with stunning views of
the country side and Kei River Valley rolling
into the sea.
Phase two will follow shortly when we
do the renovations to the rest of the original house. We have envisioned 3
luxury bedroom suites that overlook the stunning views of the Kei River Valley and the
distant sea. We also plan to have a
communal lappa for eating, relaxing and entertaining.
Click for more info
Mitford Lodge
Set on the very edge of the ocean looking onto the magnificent
cliffs of Morgan Bay, The Mitford is
comfortable decorated in a eclectic Afro/Euro
style.
Click for more info
Morgan Bay Hotel
This hotel has been owned and run by the same family for the
past 50 years. Beautifully appointed rooms over look the sea, their table
is excellent and the pub entertaining and cozy.
Click for more info
Trennery’s Hotel
The rooms are comfortable and the hotel has a decidedly
“colonial” feel. The food is old fashioned “Table de Holt” and on Saturday
night you will experience the traditional Wild Coast seafood buffet. The
hotel is set amongst lush indigenous gardens with its own swimming pool,
bar and recreational facilities.
Click for more info
Seagulls Beach Hotel
A laid back beach hotel, the
accommodation is bright and comfortable, and the bar can be very
festive! We stay at Seagulls
occasionally on our weekend specials, and have our pub lunch here on the
way back from Wavecrest.
Click for more info
Wavecrest Hotel
Stunningly situated on the banks of the Nxaxo River estuary. The sand
dune forests, beaches, mangrove trees and ecology of the area is breathtaking.
The rooms are all en suit and overlook the
river, beach and sea. They have
recently been re decorated and have a comfortable “African” feel to
them. The meals are very good. The hotel is owner run and the staff is
very attentive and friendly.
SPA TREATMENTS
The newly created “spa” is a welcome indulgence, and riders are
able to be pampered with a massage, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
Click for more info
The Cock Inn
Slightly inland the Cock Inn Guest house is where resplendent
luxury envelops you. Tammy, the owner of this private guesthouse, will
spoil you with her personal charm and attentiveness. Each en suit bedroom
is individually decorated to a special theme and your every need pampered
to. You will wine and dine surrounded by antiques and family air
looms that have been collected and past down the generations. This
sumptuous home is the perfect end to your adventure in African.
Click for more
info
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. The seclude
bush camp is luxurious, the safari tents are tucked away in the trees and
you become part of African the bush. View elephant, 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
Click for
more info
More information on Morgan Bay and Kei
Mouth>>>>
Booking Terms and Conditions
Booking form
Emailed booking forms are regarded as properly signed.
Group booking
One person is responsible for the correspondence and collection and payment
of any out standing trail fees. Each person in the group is required
to complete the riders’ details and sign an indemnity form.
Payment
If the full price of your confirmed holiday has not been paid
30 days before the departure date Wild Coast Horse
Trails/ Sunray Farm/Sunray Lodge can treat your booking as
cancelled in which case the deposit is forfeited.
A non refundable
booking deposit is payable within 7 days to confirm your holiday.
Cancellation by
client
Restitution before departure: 90
days before departure 60%; 60 days before departure 40%; 30 days before
departure 0%.
Seasonal booking
variations
Prices quoted for holiday arrangements assume
a minimum of two clients. If the minimum is not reached 6 weeks before the
commencement of the holiday, we reserve the
right to offer you any of the following alternatives:
1.
Postponement of the holiday to a date suited by
both parties.
2.
Continuation with the original date, converting the ride to a private ride
on payment of a single supplement.
If you change your
booking
Should you wish to make any changes to your holiday after it has been
confirmed, you are required to advise us by phone or email .We will try to
accommodate your wishes as best as we can, but can not guarantee this.
The cost of your holiday
Wild Coast Horse Trails/ Sunray Farm/Sunray
Lodge reserves the right to increase or decrease the prices previously
quoted for holiday arrangements before
a booking is confirmed. External factors beyond our control may affect the
holiday costs such as accommodation tariff
increases, taxes (e.g. VAT), exchange rate fluctuations etc.
Insurance
Riding horses, hunting and fishing always represents an amount of risk.
Therefore for your own benefit and ours we have made participation in our
adventure rides subject to you taking out a suitable travel insurance
covering you for medical expenses, injury, evacuation and liability for the
entire duration of your trip. When booking you confirm that such insurance
will be in place. Please make sure that no exclusion clauses limit
protection for the type of activities included in your holiday.
Liability
Whilst riding or in the vicinity of horses in the care of the operator or
guide of your trip you must comply with the instructions of that person.
You accept that the aforementioned operator or guide is entitled to require
you to dismount or to refuse to allow you to ride if for any reason they
consider that you may endanger the safety or welfare of any person or
horses. If so required you have no claim and will not be entitled to any
compensation or refund.
You understand and
accept that you will be required to sign our standard “liability waiver” on
arrival.
Domicile executandi
All possible disputes arising from our terms and conditions are subject to South African Law and any hearing
of cases will take place in a South African Court of Law.
PACKING LIST
Suitable gear for the great African outdoors:
·
Jodhpurs or riding pants.
·
Riding chaps or long boots
·
Own hard hat.
·
Shorts for walking and hiking.
·
Walking shoes or boots to ride
in.
·
Slip slops or sandals.
·
A couple of light long sleeved
shirts with collars to protect you from the sun while riding.
·
T shirts and tops.
·
Light long trousers. Jeans will
do.
·
Smart outfit to change for
dinner at the hotels.
Also bring :
·
Warm clothing 1 X jersey
(jumper/fleece).to ride in and a nice one for the evenings!
·
A good warm rain proof coat.
·
Light weight rain jacket/wind
breaker that will be tied to your saddle.
·
Sun hat (that stays on) and sun
block.
·
Swimming costume and swimming
towel.
·
A torch (Flashlight) each.
·
A camera, film and binoculars.
(battery charger) & adaptor!
·
Reading material
·
Other items of a personal
nature.
For the Horses – a special treat if you have space in your
suitcase! 1 bag of Mr. Johnson's Equiglo Treats. A delicious herby snack for horses and ponies
BOOKING NOTES
 Prices quoted exclude
flights to and from South Africa, internal flight to
East London (SA)
There are no ATM
machines in our area; cash must be drawn in East London before coming to our
remote village. You will generally
only need money for curios, drinks at the bar and gratuities.
Unless otherwise
stated includes road transfers from the airport to and from the wild coast
resorts.
Unless otherwise
stated includes all meals, accommodation, horse riding and equipment, the
service of a experienced guide, and a back up vehicle to transfer your
luggage from point to point,
Drinks and alcoholic
beverages are to be paid separately; we do however provide water bottles
for the saddle bags.
Our clients do not
lift a finger. Unless of course they choose to; we provide a full service
to our riders.
Beginner and novice
riders can be catered for by prior arrangement and on separate
dates unless booking as a single group. We welcome family groups.
The riding is paced
according to the rider’s abilities. Generally walking along cattle paths
and cliff tops, long trots and canters on sandy tracks, with fast canters
and an occasional gallop along the beaches.
We generally ride 2
to 3 hours in the morning and again 1 ½ to 2 hours in the afternoon,
depending on the weather, sea tides and what the riders can manage. Sometimes it is a little shorter, and sometimes
a little longer.
Our horses are
relaxed, easy to ride, fit and forward going, Most have snaffle mouths; we
ride in Liversage trail & endurance saddles.
The horses are a
selection of Boerperd, Part Arab, Anglo Arab, TB, Percheron crosses. They
stand between 14.2 hh and 16 hh. The
average being 15.2 hh
Riders over 95 kg can
be accommodated, however we reserve the right to charge a supplement
(R2000.00 per horse per trail.) and the riders will be required to
alternate their riding between two horses while on longer trails. This is
charged at the guide’s discretion and is judged on rider fitness and riding
experience. This is payable in cash, at our discretion on first day of
trail. Please be advised that riders, who are boarder line heavy weights, are
to have the cash with them. This
supplement is non-commissionable.
We normally have 2 to
6 riders per trail which may include riders who are with us on our working
riding holiday.
Groups can be
accommodated on private trails Minimum 4 riders maximum 12 riders.(Riding clubs, family groups and friends) A private
trail supplement is payable if there are less than 4 riders.
Should a rider not
want to share accommodation with another rider, or we have no other rider
for them to share with; a 10 % single supplement will apply.
Should there be only 1
rider on trail a 10 % single supplement will apply.
Please note that
there is a surcharge on standard rates if the trail falls into Peak &
high Season. Please read our availability
page to check dates and which rates are applicable. Price will be confirmed when booking.
All trails must be
paid in full before the client arrives.
Payment must be made
in South African Rands and will be invoiced to you in
ZAR
All confirmed
bookings with deposits received will be honored at the quoted rate.
Wild Coast Horse
Trails reserves the right to increase or decrease the prices
previously quoted for holiday arrangements before
a booking is confirmed. External factors beyond our control may affect the
holiday costs such as accommodation tariff
increases, taxes (e.g. VAT), exchange rate fluctuations etc.
We will endeavor to
keep to the ride itinerary as stated, but factors beyond our control
(especially the weather!) could mean that we have to make alternative
accommodation arrangements, or change the ride plan on any given day. What ever happens, you our client will
still get a great riding holiday!
SAFETY REGULATIONS
We prefer that all
persons, when mounted wear protective head gear.
We recommend that you
bring your own protective riding hats; we have a selection available if you
do not have one.
We also recommend
that riders wear long riding boots or short boots with half chaps to
prevent chaffing on the legs.
In the interest of
general safety, the guide’s decision in any given situation is final as the
well being of the horses and
riders is paramount.
Wild Coast Horse
Trails
Sunray Farm, Kei Mouth Road, Komga, P.O. Box 43
Haga Haga, 5272
Telephone/fax 043-8311087
email julie-anne@sunrayfarm.co.ca
Recreational Activity Release and
Indemnity Agreement
This RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT is
voluntarily and knowingly entered into by the persons as signed hereunder. hereinafter PARTICIPANT and Wild Coast Horse
Trails cc, trading as Wild Coast Horse
Trails and Working Riding Holiday, its owners, guides,
employees, agents, volunteers, officers, and directors hereinafter
collectively referred to as PROVIDER. This document is a full release and
indemnity agreement whereby PARTICIPANT is releasing and indemnifying
PROVIDER from various inherent risks, known and unknown involving various
recreational activities including, but not limited to, horses and
horse-type activities and further releasing PROVIDER from PROVIDER'S
negligence, if any, and, further releasing PROVIDER from any results of the
inherent risks and PROVIDER'S negligence, such results including, but not
limited to, property damage, bodily and personal injury, illness,
paralysis, or death. PARTICIPANT will be engaged in activities involving
horses and other potentially dangerous recreational Activities. PARTICIPANT
is informed and understands:
1) That there are significant risks and dangers involved with
horses and horseback riding and that horses are powerful and potentially
dangerous animals;
2) That a horse may, at any time, without warning, and for no
reason, jump up, forward, backward, or sideways;
3) That a horse may become uncontrollable, run wildly, buck,
bite, kick, rear up, or step on feet or other body parts without warning;
4) Horses become tired, stressed, cantankerous, and their
behavior is unpredictable;
5) A horse may trip, stumble, and/or fall down when being led,
ridden, or otherwise attended to;
6) That weather, terrain, other animals, and/or people and
other PARTICIPANTS may adversely affect a horse's behavior;
7) That these risks, and others, are inherent with horse and
other activities which risks may not be anticipated, controlled, or
eliminated by PROVIDER and, further, PROVIDER has no duty to do so;
8) That these risks and activities in general can cause
property damage, bodily and personal injuries, illnesses, paralysis, and
death to you or members of your family;
9) That PROVIDER and/or other people and PARTICIPANTS may, on
occasion, be NEGLIGENT (NEGLIGENT meaning, generally, a failure to exercise
ordinary or reasonable care) in their duties and responsibilities to
PARTICIPANT and this NEGLIGENCE can cause property damage, bodily and
personal injuries, illness, paralysis, and death to you or members of your
family;
10) That the horseback riding activities and other activities
will be in wilderness, and otherwise remote areas and that bodily and
personal injury, illnesses, paralysis, and other injuries may occur to you
where you are a considerable distance from doctors, hospitals, and any type
of medical help or assistance. PROVIDER strongly recommends the use of a
riding helmet which may minimize the risks of head and other injuries. For
and in consideration of the monies paid, agreements contained in this
document, and your participation in PROVIDER'S program, PARTICIPANT does
hereby completely release, acquit, and forever release and discharge,
PROVIDER, their successors, personal representatives, and assigns of and
from any and all actions, claims, demands, obligations, causes of action,
damages, costs, loss of services, expenses, attorneys' fees, and
compensation of any kind or nature whatsoever on account of or in any way
growing out of, or which in the future may result from, property damage,
bodily and personal injuries, illnesses, paralysis, and death to you or
members of your family as a result of participation in PROVIDER'S program
or in conjunction with recreational activities or PROVIDER'S NEGLIGENCE.
This RELEASE includes, but is not limited to, all claims or causes of action
whether based on a tort, contract, or any other theory of recovery, which
the PARTICIPANT now has or which may
hereafter accrue or may otherwise be acquired on account of or may
in anyway grow out of any recreational activities including, but not limited
to, any and all claims for emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of
companionship, loss of income, bodily or personal injury to PARTICIPANT, or
members of PARTICIPANT'S family, or any wrongful death claim or
punitive damage or any other claim of
PARTICIPANT'S representatives or heirs which have resulted or may result
from the recreational activities, acts, omissions, or NEGLIGENCE of
PROVIDER. PARTICIPANT further stipulates and agrees in further
consideration, to fully indemnify and hold forever harmless PROVIDER
against loss from any and all claims, demands, or actions which may
hereinafter or at any time be made or brought against PROVIDER by any
person or entity who has made, or agreed to make payments on PROVIDER'S behalf for any medical expenses
or any other obligations incurred by PARTICIPANT as a result of property
damage, bodily and personal injury, illness, paralysis, and/or death to
PARTICIPANT or any members of PARTICIPANT'S family arising out of
PROVIDER'S activities. PARTICIPANT further agrees and stipulates to
indemnify and hold forever harmless PROVIDER against loss from any and all
further claims, demands, or actions which may hereinafter or at any time be
made or brought against PROVIDER by any person or entity who claims to have
been damaged, or who asserts a claim as a result of property damage, bodily
and personal injury, illness, paralysis, and/or death to PARTICIPANT
arising out of PROVIDER'S activities. PARTICIPANT further stipulates and
agrees to fully indemnify and hold forever harmless PROVIDER from any
action, claim, demand, obligation, cause of action, damages, costs, loss of
services, expenses, and compensation of any kind or nature whatsoever on
account of or in any way growing out of, or which in the future may result
from property damage, bodily and personal injury, illness, paralysis,
and/or death to any person, including minors and incompetents, over whom
and for whom PARTICIPANT has
custody, control, and/or other legal responsibilities. PARTICIPANT
acknowledges and agrees that PARTICIPANT’S participation in PROVIDER'S
recreational activities and riding program is completely voluntary and
PARTICIPANT acknowledges all risks, known and unknown, accepts all risks,
known and unknown, and assumes full responsibility for all risks, known and
unknown, including, but not necessarily limited to, those risks identified
in this RELEASE and acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for all
property damage, bodily and personal injury, illness, paralysis, and death
to PARTICIPANT and/or members of PARTICIPANT'S family. Further, PARTICIPANT
represents:
1) PARTICIPANT has completely and fully read this document as
well as the Wild Coast Horse Trail Booking Conditions, agrees to its terms,
has been given ample opportunity to seek legal counsel to review and advise
PARTICIPANT as to the legal effect of this RELEASE and has been provided
additional opportunities to ask questions and make inquiries of PROVIDER
regarding this RELEASE;
2) PARTICIPANT warrants and represents he/she has no medical
problems which might interfere with PARTICIPANT'S participation in
PROVIDER'S program;
3) PARTICIPANT is voluntarily participating in the recreational
and horse activities with full knowledge of the activities and the risks
involved;
4) PARTICIPANT accepts and assumes the risks and legal
responsibilities for any and all injuries and damages which may result from
those risks associated with participation in recreational or horseback
riding activities;
5) PARTICIPANT warrants and represents that he/she can fulfill
any physical requirements involved with recreational and horse activities;
6) PARTICIPANT understands that the presence of PROVIDER'S
personnel is no assurance of PARTICIPANT'S safety or lessens any risks
assumed by PARTICIPANT;
7) PARTICIPANT warrants and represents that he/she has obtained
adequate medical/disability/life insurance or other monies to cover losses
to himself or others. PARTICIPANT also agrees to the BOOKING
CONDITIONS in its entirety. It is agreed that this RELEASE and its
provisions shall be governed by the law of the Republic of South Africa. This RELEASE shall
not be canceled, modified, or changed in any manner except by the written
agreement of both PROVIDER and PARTICIPANT. The invalidity of any portion
of this RELEASE shall not affect the validity of the remaining RELEASE.
THE UNDERSIGNED PARTICIPANT(S) HAS (HAVE) READ AND FULLY
UNDERSTAND(S) THIS RELEASE WHICH MUST BE COMPLETELY SIGNED AS INDICATED AND
RETURNED BEFORE RIDING.
I WILL / WILL NOT BE WEARING A SAFETY RIDING HAT AND
UNDERSTAND THE RISK INVOLVED SHOULD I NOT WEAR PROTECTIVE HEAD GEAR.
Accepted and agreed to: PRINT FULL
NAME…………………………………………………….SIGN……………………………………DATE………………...
For Participants Who Are Under 18 Years of Age I hereby assume
full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities of the named
participant(s) in this riding tour, I agree to hold Wild Coast Horse
Trails and their associates harmless from any liability or
claims on behalf of that participant, and authorize the use of appropriate
medical treatment for participation in the event of injury. ALL CHILDREN
UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE MUST WEAR PROTECTIVE HARD HATS
Frequently asked
questions about horse riding holidays.
Who can ride,
what to bring and other stuff you need to know.
How well do I have to be able to ride?
Our horses are of a very high quality and are well schooled. Our 6 to 10 night holiday is for riders who
have ridden before and are comfortable and confident at a trot and
canter. The horses are gentle and reliable enough for the holiday rider, but also of
such a standard that the more experienced rider will have a good time. The
trail pace varies from walking through the country side to enable good wild
life viewing, long trots and canters on open plains, to fast gallops down
the beaches if wanted. If in doubt it is a good idea to contact us and
discuss your needs and expectations. We can put you in touch with another
guest, probably in your own country, who has visited us in the past.
Is it all right for me to travel
alone?
Our riding holiday is quite different
from your usual package destination and many people travel alone. We only
cater for small groups, so you soon get to know others during your stay
with us. You are sure to meet and make new friends. There is no single
supplement if you are prepared to share with someone of the same sex. We
will try to provide you with your own separate bed room; however this is subject
to availability. Horse riding holidays are a great way to
meet other adventurous-and active people.
How safe is it on the ride?
Horse riding always has some inherent risks which is why safety is a
priority with us. We regularly assess the quality and the temperament of
the horses, maintenance of saddlery and
equipment, safety briefing of riders, training and attitude of trail
personnel, trail principles in force, quality of first aid/medical care
available and we make adjustments as circumstances change. We fully comply
with all local regulations and indeed the standard of our guiding is
excellent.
How fit do I have to be?
If you choose to, it is possible to have a rest day if you are feeling
stiff or tired. It is only on the last day of our trail that we have a full
day in the saddle with a short break for lunch, otherwise there is plenty
of time to relax and stretch during the day. If you do not ride on a
regular basis, we suggest you go for a few weekend riding breaks or day
rides to get fit. We know that in England unicorntrails.com
can advise on just such rides. You will enjoy your holiday a tremendous amount
more if you are riding fit.
Do I need any special passport, Visa,
or health certificates?
A full passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your return
travel is essential. Please check with the South African Embassy or
consulate in your home country for specific visa requirements. Health: The eastern Cape is Malaria free.
However you are advised to consult your doctor before departure regarding
health precautions recommended for travel to your destination. In the UK
full information for health requirements for travelers are available from
the Medical Advisory Service for Travelers Abroad, who can be reached on
0891 224 100.
Do I have to wear a safety hat?
We strongly recommend that you wear a hard hat when in the vicinity of
horses. We have a selection, but it is always best to bring your own to
ensure a good fit. We recommend you also bring a wide brimmed hat for
protection from the sun before you leave.
What is excluded?
Flight to and from East London Airport, soft drinks,
refreshments and alcoholic beverages. Gratuities.
What is included?
Except where otherwise indicated, transfers from East London Airport,
accommodation, meals, the use of the horse and tack, the services of a
guide, all camping equipment where necessary and transportation of a
reasonable amount of luggage from point to point.
All our prices are per person and based on two people sharing.
Can my children be accommodated?
Yes. Competent child riders are welcome. We have some super ponies suitable
for confident children who ride regularly. Nannies are available to take
care of the little ones who are not riding.
General
We reserve the right, without further notice, to make use of any
photographs (including digital or 35 mm) or video footage taken during
while you stay with us, for general publicity purposes without payment or
permission.
Laundry
Laundry can be done for you during your holiday. There is a full
laundry service at Trennery’s and Wavecrest. This is payable
separately.
MEETING
POINT
You will be met at the airport in East London, and from there
drive 2 hours north to the farm/seaside resort. We advise clients to get an
internal flight that arrives at the East London airport before 12 pm. You will be returned to the East London airport on the final
day of the trek.
RIDING
ABILITY
Intermediate level riders who are
comfortable at walk, trot and canter.
The horses are fit and forward going but gentle and reliable enough
for the holiday rider, and also of such a standard that the
more experienced rider will have a good time. The trail pace varies from
walking through the game reserve to enable good game viewing, long trots
and canters on open plains, to optional fast gallops down the beaches.
Weight limit: The maximum weight for riders is 220 lbs
(95 kg). We can accommodate heavier
riders but reserve the right to charge a supplement, and riders will be
required to alternate between two horses while on trail. We have one horse available that is able
to carry about 100 kg’s and riders must accept that he is not quiet as fast
as the other horse!
Age
limit: Competent riders of any
age are welcome.
HORSES
AND TACK
The horses are selected and trained
for trail riding with great care; they are the other half of the team that
makes your holiday a fantastic
experience. Just as your guides are
professional and know the area in which they operate, so the horses are
familiar with the environment and conditions in which they are ridden. Each
horse is handpicked and trained for trail riding. They are sturdy, comfortable to ride,
beautiful, forgiving, easy to ride and control, yet lively to command and
enjoy their work.
The saddles are especially designed
for trail riding by Leon Liversage. The saddle distributes the weight equally
on the horses back and is very comfortable for the rider. The design with a
high pommel and cantle makes one sit straight automatically and is
therefore better for you and the horse. Each horse has its own saddle to
ensure a comfortable-and perfect fit.
Each saddle is equipped with a splash-proof saddlebag carrying 2 water
bottles and can hold a camera and other essentials while out riding for the
day. The tack and equipment is
scrupulously maintained.
CLIMATE
Temperatures in summer: 15-26° C (60-80° F) with highs up to 32°
C (90° F) occasionally in Dec, Jan and Feb.
Temperatures in winter: 10-22° C (50-70° F)
January / February: It’s summer, and the weather is hot &
humid with afternoon thunder showers, we have to be aware of flooding
rivers! While riding, one cools of
by swimming the horses in the sea and lagoons.
March:
Days are long and warm, still some chances of rain as the wet season
tapers off. The riding is good and
the sun is not as harsh.
April / May :
Autumn, with warm days and blue skies.
Good riding weather.
June. July / August: Winter days are dry and warm, with cool
nights. The sun sets early, but the
weather is so fine you can be out on your horse all day. Good riding
weather.
September: The end of winter. It can be windy and wet.
October / November / December: Lovely time of year, everything is green
and fresh as the spring rains bring relief to the parched earth. Riding is mostly fine during the day, with
late afternoon rainstorms and we have to watch the river crossings. The temperatures are pleasant until
around mid-December when the summer heat kicks in.
v
December/January is the summer
& Christmas holidays. Trails are only available in the first
two weeks of December and the last two weeks of January.
EXPENSES
The price of the trip includes all
meals, horses, tack, guides, accommodations and taxes. Includes road
transfers from East London Airport & a back up
vehicle on trail.
The standard gratuity
is about 10%, but this amount is entirely at your discretion. The gratuity can be paid in US dollars,
Euros or SA Rand. It should be given
to the guide at the end of the safari, and will be split fairly among the
trek staff.
Please have South African Rand available to
pay your drink accounts at the hotel.
Spa treatments and laundry is also payable direct to the
hotels.
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