WILD COAST HORSE TRAIL
Rider Limitations: Experienced riders only.
Riders over 12 years old only.
Weight Limit: 90kg.
Season: January - December (all year).
Dates: Set dates throughout the year - ask us for dates.
Price: £2250. Inclusive of riding, accommodation and food.
Not Included: Flights, insurance, drinks purchased at local bars/restaurants, transfers.
Transfers are usually around R1400 (£67) each way from East London Airport, paid directly to the driver. Transfers will be booked for you.
Extra Costs: Tips for staff/guides.
Flights: Flights must be booked to arrive and depart from East London Airport (South Africa).
Internet: Wi-fi is available at accommodation.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note this is a sample only, individual experiences may vary slightly.
This itinerary acts as a guide to give you an overview of what your trail ride will be like.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY, KEI MOUTH GUEST HOUSE
On arrival at East London airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.
A light lunch is served, before changing in to your riding clothes and meeting your horse for the week! The afternoon is filled with an introductory ride around the local area, allowing you to start forming a bond with your horse, and blow away the travelling cobwebs.
A relaxed, friendly evening meal awaits you back at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, along with a good night’s sleep.
DAY 2: TRENNERYS HOTEL
The real adventure starts now! After a light breakfast it’s time to saddle up. Riders take a short ride down to the Kei River, cross by ferry, and ride onwards 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 off 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.
DAY 3: MAZEPPA BAY HOTEL
Awake to the sound of the sea, on the edge of Africa. Today, horses and riders cover 40km to reach Mapezza Bay. Riders continue up the coast, traversing rolling hills and sandy beaches, crossing rivers, and passing through rural settlements. Lunch is a beach picnic.
Tides permitting, the rest of the day is a breath-taking ride on long, endless beaches, which mean faster riding and the thrill of wind it your hair and sea spray in your face. Another traditional beach hotel, Mazeppa Bay is the next stop. Exploring the secluded beach will lead you to a suspension bridge on to 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.
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DAY 4: 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.
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’.
DAY 5: KOB INN
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 20km 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!
DAY 6: WAVECREST HOTEL
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 riders and horses cross rivers, climb hills and canter along beaches on the 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, or 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.
DAY 7: KEI MOUTH GUEST HOUSE
From Wavecrest the ride back along the beach to Kei Mouth will be fast-paced! Horses and riders take a rest for lunch, before hitting the beaches at low tide for some fast canters in the afternoon.
Your last night of the trail is spent at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, where you are treated to a typical South African Braai (barbeque); finishing off a week of unforgettable riding with the warm hospitality that the Wild Coast is known for.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE DAY
Depending on your departure time, you can squeeze in one more ride in the local area, before the shuttle picks you up to transfer you back to the airport.
TRAIL OVERVIEW
DAY 1: Arrival Day. Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, Kei Mouth
DAY 2: Trennerys Hotel, Qolora Mouth
DAY 3: Mazeppa Bay Hotel, Mazeppa Bay
DAY 4: Kob Inn Hotel, Quora River Mouth
DAY 5: Kob Inn Hotel, Quora River Mouth
DAY 6: Wavecrest Hotel, KwaGcaleka
DAY 7: Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, Kei Mouth
DAY 8: Departure Day
