WILD COAST BEACH TRAIL - SOUTH AFRICA

more photos | enquiry | availability check | ride reviews

Get away from the cold dark nights of Europe and find sunshine, beaches and game. This riding holiday combines excellent beach riding with game viewing afterwards if you want. You stay right on to the coast. The incredible sight of antelope with the deep blue see behind you and zebra on the beaches are possible on one of the game farms we ride through along this stretch of coast. Experienced riders will get the most out of this rides fast and exiting pace. Set in a malaria free area of the Eastern Cape, you are received with true South African hospitality, by Julie-Anne and Clint. Viewing of dolphins and whales and antelope grazing with the horses all happen here. Other activities available on this ride are game drives in an open top vehicle, night game drives, hiking, bushman paintings and tennis, biking.

Trip length 7d/6n or 8d/7n, extra days by arrangement Ride price detailed prices price promise 2010 - 6 nights: double pp £1,109/€1,235/$1,665 Departure dates Saturday to Friday/Saturday all year around. Peak season 21 Mar - 25 Apr and Dec. Approximate riding time per day Usually 4 - 6 hours/day Riding ability required Intermediate upwards (including children). Novices by arrangement. Group size 2 - 6 Meeting point (getting there) East London Airport, South Africa Transfer 2010: £45 per person each way. Flight guide London - East London, South Africa return £590 - £850 Single supplement detailed prices No supplement if rider is willing to share and a sharer can be found. 2010 - 6 nights: £139/€155/$209

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 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 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 

The standard 6 night trail can be extended for riders wanting a longer adventure and riders can be transferred to the Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve for the night. You will have the chance to view elephant (and participate in an interactive afternoon with the elephants), rhino, lion, giraffe, zebra, and many other game species. Overinght at the reserve in luxury safari tents
 
Day 8
After a leisurely breakfast and more game viewing you will be taken back to East London airport in time for your flight.

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.

NOTES - WILD COAST BEACH TRAIL

Please note the following price supplements may apply:

• Peak season departure dates incur a 20 %  supplement.
• 10 % Single supplement for riders who do not want to share accommodation or we cannot find another rider to share with
• A 20% supplement applies if there is only one rider on a trail. 
• Riders over the weight limit can ride but will require an extra horse at a cost of R2000.00 per trail. This is payable on site in cash and at the discretion of the host. Riders who are on the borderline weight limit are asked to have the cash with them.

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.

Clients who enjoyed this holiday also booked:

Canyon Trail Sierra Guara - Spain
Thrilling riding on mostly pure Arab horses for confident, fit riders with the 'horse whisperer of the Pyrenees' through the Sierra Guara isolated mountains. Unforgettable!
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.
Atlantic Coast Beach Trek - France
Lots of fun, very good horses. Beach riding all year round for for intermediate 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.

more photos | enquiry | availability check | ride reviews

conditions of access  booking conditions print  back  top

sitemap