The Wild Coast is a remote and wild part of the South African coastline. It has always been off the beaten track and today still you can ride along wild deserted beaches, littered with ship wrecks from the wild seas and visit Xhosa kraals where people follow the same social rituals as hundreds of years ago. The climate, flora and fauna are all differnt from any other part of South Africa.
These trails are exhilarating point-to-point rides where one can meander from beach to beach, from surf to savannah, past shipwrecks while spotting whales and dolphins in the Indian Ocean. Cross the mighty Kei River on a pontoon with your horse and head into the Transkei to experience rural Africa on horseback.
Experienced riders and novice riders alike will enjoy the exciting pace as tailormade trails can be arranged - experienced riders will be able to ride at a fast and exiting pace while more novice riders can be catered for on separate dates.
The 7d/6n Wild Coast Beach Trail takes in a long stretch of coastline with comfortable hotels in incredible locations along the way. For riders pushed for time or combining this fascinating destination with other parts of South Africa, the 5d/4n trail captures all the highlights.
No supplement if rider is willing to share and a sharer can be found.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - WILD COAST BEACH TRAIL
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.
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 at 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. Tonight 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
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
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 transfer, meals and accommodation as described, entry fees to local projects or visits. For riders choosing the 7 night option all meals & drinks, game drives, horse back game viewing (on reserve horses; typical trekking ponies!) and transfers are included at Inkwenkwezi.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to and from East London, South Africa, airport transfers, drinks, tipping and items of a personal nature. Single supplement will be applied if there is no one of the same sex to share with.
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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.
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