Get away from the cold dark nights of Europe and find sunshine, beaches and game on the remote Indian Ocean coastline.
This riding holiday combines excellent beach riding with up close plains game viewing at the beautiful Endalweni safari lodge. Non dangerous game means it is safe to enjoy walks and for nervous/novice riders to venture out. Ride amongst zebra, giraffe, white rhino and many antelope types. The luxurious Endelweni Game Lodge is a haven of quiet to retire to in the middle of the day. Tastefully decorated with warm and welcoming hosts, this is an ideal first safari.
After the safari portion you head out to endless beaches for a good gallop or controlled canter depending on your riding level. A short rail taking in the highlight of crossing the mighty Kei River on a pontoon with your horse, and an overnight along some of the most beautiful coastal hotel locations.
No supplement if rider is willing to share and a sharer can be found.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - WILD COAST SAFARI
Day 1 We advise riders to try and plan to arrive in East London on SA flight 471 11.30 or the 1time flight T6305 arriving 12:15. It is approximately 1 hours drive to Endalweni Game Reserve from the airport. After settling you into your room we make our way to the horse paddocks situated near the lodge. After an introduction, we will take the horses out for the afternoon, and explore the reserve and get our first taste of game viewing on horseback. The first evening we will join you for drinks and dinner, before a good nights rest after your long journey.
Overnight at Luxury Endalweni Game Lodge on a private reserve just out of Kei Mouth.
Day 2 We are up early this morning, a quick cup of coffee or tea and a rusk gets us going and up into the saddle. A leisurely ride out exploring the reserve in search of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, blesbuck, kudu, bushbuck, warthog, and a multitude of other antelope species.
Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the stunning Kei River Valley and the Rural Transkei we meet the lodge team for a stunning bush brunch at about 11.30am (weather permitting).
We make our way back to the lodge where there is time to relax for an hour or so before we make our way to the beach paddocks in Kei Mouth. This afternoon we ride down at the beach and you will meet your horse that will take you on the rest of our journey along the Wild Coast. We are treated to a lovely traditional South African Braai this evening.
Day 3 We start early again this morning to search for game and come back to the lodge for brunch at around 11.30. We have time to relax before heading for the beach at about 2pm.
We head across the Kei River with the horses on the pontoon and enjoy some great beach riding and get to Trennery’s in the late afternoon. Overnight Trennery's Beach resort Hotel (please note that this may change to fit in with the sea tides and the crossing of the Kei River)
Day 4 This morning we make our way up the coast to the stunningly appointed Wavecrest Resort Hotel & Spa. The ride takes us along deserted coves, rolling hill and we pass the Jacaranda ship wreck along the way. Depending on the tide we either cross the river at the mouth or turn inland across country and through rural villages to cross the Kobonqaba River further up stream. The horses set a steady pace at trot and canter as we head towards Wavecrest in time for lunch. This afternoons we ride and explore the stunning sand dune forests, getting back with enough time to squeeze in a spa treatment and leisurly drinks on the deck at sunset!
Day 5 The departure time this morning is dictated by the sea. It is a fantastic 3 hour 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. We are back at the hotel 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! Guest are invited to spoil themselves at the spa, enjoy a massage, manicure, pedicure, Sauna, Steam room. Drinks on the deck at sunset as we sit and watch the great Crested Cranes come in to roost, end a perfect day. Overnight at Wavecrest Resort Hotel & Spa
Day 6 Today is a full days ride back to the village of Kei Mouth. We meander through the rolling country side and Xhosa villages, and canter hidden slay paths. We stop for a pub lunch at Seagulls beach hotel before setting off again for the Great Kei River. We should be back to the horse paddocks by about 4pm. Tonight you will be spoilt at the delightful Cock Inn!!
Day 7 Our riders say good bye after an early morning ride. 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.
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 price details click here
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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