Ride on some of South Africa's most spectacular beaches on responsive, well-loved horses. The riding is exhilarating and exciting; one sweeping bay after another, rolling hillsides, river crossings and warm lagoons. Endless beaches and unrestricted cross country riding through the undeveloped beauty of the South African Wild Coast.
On Day 5, you fly north to the Limpopo Province and to the Dinaka game reserve situated at the base of the Waterberg escarpment. On this fertile plain you see large herds of plains game. Species to be seen include rhino, buffalo, giraffe, ostrich and zebra, brown hyena, hippo and a wide variety of antelope, including the impressive eland, sable and steenbuck. The luxurious Dinaka lodge is set high on a ridge overlooking a hippo-filled lake, with spectacular views across the plains.
No supplement if rider is willing to share and a sharer can be found. see below.
2012: £375/€449/$575
SAMPLE ITINERARY - SURF AND TURF SAFARI
Day 1
You will be collected from East London airport and transferred to Kei Mouth. Your flight should be scheduled to arrive at 12.30 at the latest. We recommend you book the SA471 currently scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 10.00 and arrive East London at 11.30. A light lunch will be served and you will be able to change into your riding clothes at the country club. The aim is to be in the saddle by 3pm to make the crossing across the Great Kei River on a pontoon! This afternoon’s ride through to Trennerys is just long enough to blow the cobwebs away, you can breathe in the salt air and feel the pounding hooves on wet sand – welcome to the Wild Coast.
Please note in the event of your flight to East London being delayed then you will overnight in Morgan Bay and ride through to Trennerys early on day two to catch up with the rest of the group.
Overnight Trennerys.
Day 2
After breakfast set off along the coast for the Wavecrest Hotel. The tide dictates our pace and path but along the way you will see the wreck of the Jacaranda. You keep up a steady trot and canter on the rolling cliff top paths until you reach the mouth of the Kobonqaba river. Depending on tides you either cross at the mouth or detour inland getting to Wavecrest around lunch time.
This afternoon we explore on horseback the rolling countryside and sandy coves surrounding Wavecrest. There is always something new to discover and intriguing paths to follow. For those inclined for a little pampering there will hopefully be time for a spa treatment or massage. Overnight Wavecrest for two nights.
Day 3
The departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It will be a full day ride either up the beach and back across country through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around, depending on the tides. Either way you get to ride on the hard wet beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating. You take a picnic and stop at a secluded beach for lunch.
Day 4 This morning you make your way back towards Kei Mouth. Rolling hills, villages, deep river gorges and sandy paths meander their way back along the coast. Arrive at Seagulls Hotel for a pub lunch and a much needed cold drink. The last ride along the beach means you arrive at the horse paddocks in Kei Mouth at around 4pm.
Overnight in Morgan’s Bay or a Farm B&B
Day 5
After breakfast, the shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London airport for your flight. We recommend you book SA462 departing East London at 08:20 and arriving Johannesburg at 09:50.
On arrival at Johannesburg you will be transferred to Dinaka. All being well you arrive in time for an evening introductory ride. Overnight Dinaka for four nights.
Day 6
This morning you have your first experience of the unending sandy tracks and glimpses of the endless views of the Dinaka plains. Ride along the foothills of the Seven Sisters mountain range, through thick woodland areas to the western boundaries. Arrive back at the lodge in time for a late brunch and a chance to siesta by the pool. The afternoon ride will be a fast and exhilarating ride along the Sand River, this area is prime waterbuck and hippo viewing territory.
Day 7 This morning ride to an area known as ‘Small Serengeti Plains,’ renowned for its abundant and varied species. The open plains provide the possibility of cantering alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah.
Back at the lodge you can relax above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the warmth of the day. This afternoon’s ride goes out with the purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. These prehistoric animals are one of the incredible success stories of the Dinaka reserve which holds one of the oldest breeding herds in the country.
Day 8 You ride to a different area of the reserve today and hope to see sable antelope and bontebok. En route you cross the fertile plain, where you can expect some long canters. After a morning of hard riding you return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax by the pool.
Day 9
Before you leave South Africa there's time fpr one last ride on this stunning reserve with its amazing array of wildlife, before returning to the lodge to enjoy another of their famous brunches. After brunch you are transferred to Johannesburg airport for your flight home.
Please note that the itinerary may change depending on the weather at the time and other local conditions.
NOTES - SURF AND TURF SAFARI
2012: On the coast portion an £88 supplement is payable if willing to share but no sharer can be found.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All riding, guides, full back up 4WD vehicle, luggage transfers, meals and accommodation as describe, drinks at Dinaka.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to/from East London and back from Johannesburg, drinks at the Wild Coast, tipping and items of a personal nature. Single supplement will be applied if there is no one of the same sex to share with.
Riders who booked this ride also considered:
Western Cape Beach Trail - South Africa Discover the peaceful deserted beaches and mountains of the Western Cape. Short breaks or point to point trails, welcoming with good riding.
Wadi Rum - Jordan Ride fast and responsive Arab horses through Wadi Rum and visit the ancient city of Petra. For experienced riders.
Lasithi Trail - unguided - Greece
Only for intermediate or experienced riders, this adventurous trail of 100 miles takes you through the remote mountains and friendly villages of Crete.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
21, The Acorn Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 ORA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
Office hours 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday
Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com http://www.unicorntrails.com
This Website and all of its contents are copyright of Unicorn Trails.
Under no circumstances is any part of this site to be copied or used without written permission.
