South Africa - Beach and Game Trail Eastern Cape

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from CW of Taunton on 02/04/2025

Day 1
Meet at Port Elizabeth airport around midday and transfer to Kenton (a two hour drive) for check-in at the tented camp on the riverside. After changing into riding gear, head off for a short river ride to get to know your horse followed by snacks and drinks and a welcome dinner.

Day 2
Fish River - Port Alfred: After breakfast on the deck horses and riders are taken by truck to the start point of the trail at Fish River (around 40min). Today riders can enjoy a day of canters along 30km of magnificent coastline. Stop at 3 Sisters and its golden beach - ideal for swimming and the perfect place to enjoy the picnic lunch that the group will find waiting. At the end of the day transfer back to the tented camp (20min) for sundowners, hot showers and dinner on the deck.

Day 3
Port Alfred - Kasouga: After breakfast, pack an overnight bag and transfer back to the horses at Port Alfred. Today we ride to Kasouga and overnight at this little seaside village right on the beach and sleep with the sound of waves crashing in the background. Enjoy a swim in the lagoon time permitting.

Day 4
Kasouga - Cannon Rocks: Leave in the morning cantering along 30 km of wild beaches today. We cross the Kariega nda Bushman's River stopping for lunch at the rocky outcrops of "Ship Rock" before passing the remote Diaz Cross, South Africa's oldest historical monument. Continue on along the coast to reach our overnight lodgings right on the beach at Cannon Rocks.

Day 5
Cannon Rocks to Camp: Double back along the dunes on a quest to find remnants of bushman pottery and learn a bit about the History of the first people in South Africa. Another swim across the Bushmans River followed with a picnic lunch alongside the river at Shelly Bay. After the break, saddle up and ride back to camp. Enjoy sundowners on the beach and bask in the beauty of the surroundings.

Day 6
Addo: This is a non-riding day to the Addo Elephant National Park for a guided safari and lunch in the reserve. This is South Africa's third-largest reserve, and was founded in 1931. It currently provides a safe habitat for approximately 350 elephants, buffaloes, various antelope species, zebras, and other African animals - with a bit of luck, we might see the famous Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, leopard). Besides the extensive wildlife, there is also a diverse vegetation and an inexplicably impressive landscape here. We take a lunch break under the shady trees at the main camp. Those who wish can buy souvenirs or visit the museum. For dinner, we return to the camp and replay the eventful day on the deck.

Day 7
Sibuya Reserve & Boat trip: Today we ride in the Sibuya Game Reserve, guided by an experienced ranger. There is the chance to see Giraffe, Elephant, Buffalo, Zebra and other plains game. The birdlife is also very abundant in this area. Take a dip in the river during the lunch break before heading back to the gate. Return back to camp with an hour or two to relax before going down to the river to meet the boat for a river cruise. Return home to a fire and a traditional braai (BBQ) night, with dinner under the stars.

Day 8
If time permits, enjoy a last short ride in the morning (depending on departure times) before saying goodbye to the horses and transferring back to the airport after breakfast.

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change depending on the tides and other local conditions.

Read more about this fascinating trip in our blog article Beach and Game, the Best of Both Worlds!

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The horses here are a hardy mix of Arabian crosses and boerperd. They are safe, well mannered and are very lively when needed but also happy to plod along with less experienced riders. The saddles provided are comfortable trail riding saddles and soft bits are used on all the horses. Guests can assist with grooming and tacking up their horse but help is available to do this.

The riding is a mix of paces to suit the different terrain and is fast in places. You need to be confident riding in open spaces and in control at a fast pace. This trail is not suitable for very nervous or novice riders. You'll be riding in trail saddles, made locally and designed for the comfort of both horse and rider alike. We recommend you wear half or full chaps with comfortable riding boots and a light weight riding helmet, preferably with good ventilation. There are a limited number of chaps and helmets at the stables, but we recommend that you bring your own for a good fit. The bareback part of the ride is ridden at a walk.

To make the most of this trail, we recommend that riders are healthy and have a relatively good level of fitness (although you'll get fitter while on the ride!). This trail needs a degree of physical fitness, and these rides are not recommended for inexperienced or unfit riders. This trail includes different types of riding including long canters on sand, to relaxed walks with the wildlife we encounter along the way. We also swim with our horses through two rivers and do a few shallow crossings so you need to be happy doing this and riding bareback (in-between river crossings) for short periods.

The weight limit for this ride is 231 lb/105 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Five nights are spent in a private luxury tented camp. The tents are walk in with beds and a patio area, all set a short walk from a social area with spectacular views over a river wtih a game reserve opposite. You might be lucky enough to spot elephant or giraffe in the distance!

There are 5 tents, most have beautiful views, all are privately set with their own seating area outside. There are 3 bathrooms a short walk from the tents. The bathrooms are rustic but large and comfortable with hot water, flush toilets, a bath and a shower.

While single tents cannot be guaranteed, riders are distributed amongst the tents when not fully booked.

nights spent out on the trail are in beach guesthouses with doyble/twin rooms and some privat/en suite bathrooms although occasionally they may be shared with another room. All the accommodation is either on the beach, or very close to it, and many of the rooms have sea views. 

Enjoy homecooked or local restaurant meals while on this trail. Breakfast is usually served around 8am, lunch is usually a packed lunch or picnic at around 12.30, and dinner is normally around 6.30pm. Expect a varied menu which could be a barbecue with salads, pizza at a local restaurant, or a specialty potato bake followed by a home-made carrot cake for dessert. The barbeque night on the deck is a highlight!

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.NB:

Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. There are many countries with visa-free travel to SA including UK, EU, USA and Canada. (Follow the link for the latest information)

You must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after your intended date of exit from South Africa has at least 3 blank pages if you need a visa, otherwise 1 blank page is sufficient. Travelling with Children to South Africa:

Adults traveling with minors under the age of 18 need to show the child’s birth certificate which shows the details of both parents. If the child is traveling with one parent, it is also necessary to present a parental consent affidavit signed by the other parent. Since 2019 carrying these supporting documents is no longer compulsory but is advised. CATEGORY SOUTH AFRICAN CHILD - FOREIGN VISA EXEMPT CHILD ACCOMPANIED BY BOTH PARENTS Valid passport Copy of a birth certificate / equivalent document or passport containing the details of the parent or parents of the child CHILD ACCOMPANIED BY ONE PARENT Valid passport Copy of a birth certificate/equivalent document Parental consent letter Copy of the passport / identity document of the absent parent Contact details of the absent parent where applicable- Copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child. Copy of a death certificate of the deceased parent • Valid passport CHILD TRAVELLING WITH PERSON WHO IS NOT HIS / HER BIOLOGICAL PARENT valid passport Copy of a birth certificate/equivalent document Parental consent letter(s) Copy of the passport(s)/ identity document(s) of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) Contact details of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) where applicable- Copy of a death certificate Copy of an adoption order Copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights / legal guardianship in respect of the child.

Valid passport EXEMPTIONS South African children travelling on South African passports may travel to South Africa without birth certificates. Supporting documents are not required where children are in direct transit at an international airport. A child presenting a passport which contains the details of his or her parent or parents is not required to produce a birth certificate/equivalent document.

Travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is prevalent need to present a certificate showing they have been vaccinated. No vaccinations are required for malaria as this is a low malaria risk area. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Overall, the Eastern Cape region's climate is typically Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters and low summer rainfall. Near the coast, summer’s temperature rises from a pleasant low of 15º C to a heart warming 27º C. Inland temperatures are some 3-5º C higher. Coastal winters see the mercury dropping to a mild 7º C at night and rising to a comfortable 18º C by day. Away from the beach, morning wakens to an invigorating 5º C and midday peaks at 22º C. To many, March and April signal idyllic weather. Summer's heat subsides, the wind settles and autumn casts its brightly coloured mantle, generating red, burnished colours spreading from the mountain tops to the sea. In keeping with its sunny, tranquil character, a temperate climate with gentle, intermittent precipitation complements the warm summers and mild winters.

There is currently a cholera outbreak in South Africa, so ask your doctor in vaccination is appropriate (if you are immune compromised).
The tap water is not safe to drink, we recommend bottled water.

Due to infrastructure problems, there are periodic blackouts called 'load shedding'. This means there is no power for up to 12 hours a day. This could have unforeseen consequences, such as interruption to the cold chain for food and medicines.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Awareness of Malaria risk and bite avoidance is recommended and if travelling to an area of Malaria risk in season we recommend speaking to your doctor about anti-malarial medication

According to the 2018 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic South Africa has the biggest HIV epidemic in the world, with 7.1 million people living with HIV. HIV prevalence is high among the general population at 18.9%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS; avoid contact with bodily fluids and keep any cuts or wounds properly clean and covered.

Health and medical facilities are generally of a good standard and readily available near larger centres. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/ medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in South Africa and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Also be aware that due to infrastructure problems, there is 'load shedding', meaning there is no power for up to 12 hours at a time. This could have unforeseen consequences, such as interruption to the cold chain for food and medicines. In South Africa the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

There is electricity available on all nights and most of the accommodations do also have wifi, however this cannot be guaranteed as it varies from place to place. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
• Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
• Riding boots designed for riding and walking
• Riding gloves
• Chaps
• At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
• Long sleeved shirts
• Lightweight waterproof
• Water bottle
• Mobile phone
SAFARI
• Muted colour clothing – khaki, green or brown (white can startle wildlife and black attracts bugs)
• Anti-malarial medication (in high risk areas)
• Insect repellent
• Fleece for cold mornings
• Suncream/Insect repellent
• Buff/Scarf/Bandana
CAMPING
• Torch
• Sleeping bag/pillow if not specified as provided
• Wet wipes
• Portable charger
WARMER CLIMATES
• Lightweight long sleeved shirts – light colours are best
• Insect repellent/sun screen


Provided by hosts
Riding Helmet (limited availability)
Chaps (limited availability)

This is an 8 day / 7 night programme on set dates available year round.

2025: 17, 31 Jan; 14, 28 Feb; 14, 28 (Full) Mar; 11, 25 Apr; 9, 23 May; 6 Jun; 4 Jul; 1, 15, 29 Aug; 12, 26 Sep;10, 24 (Full) Oct; 7, 21 Nov; 5 Dec
Short breaks can be organised on request, please enquire.

Single rooms are rarely available on this ride. Riders must be prepared to share.

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

• ‘Land Mammals of Southern Africa’ – Smithers;


• ‘Memories of a Game Ranger’ – Harry Wolhunter;


• ‘Birds of Southern Africa’ – Ken Newman


• ‘Cry, The Beloved Country’ – Alan Paton,


• ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ – Fitzpatrick


• ‘A Chain of Voices’ – Andre Brink


• ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ – Nelson Mandela


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

A boat ride up a river at sunset is included in the tour.

This ride includes a a day at the Addo Elephant National Park as well as riding in the Sibuya Game Reserve. You can see elephants here in their natural habitat as well as the possibility of seeing any of the big 5. Animals that can be seen are lion, elephant, buffalo, zebra and many others.

South Africa's land area is 1,228,376 km.2 (larger than The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy & Germany combined). It borders Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland & Zimbabwe to the north, and entirely surrounds Lesotho (a total land border of 4,750 km.). It has a coastline of 2,954 km, with few natural harbours. South Africa is an exhilarating, spectacular and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and sense of progress about the place. The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's wildlife. The international dialing code for South Africa is +27 and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The time zone is GMT plus two hours. Always collect your luggage on arrival at any local airport and take it through customs. Most of the South African smaller airports don’t have customs clearance. Even if the airline tells you that your luggage can be checked through, it is not true. At local airports there are a lot of porters who can be of great help if you are in a hurry to find your check in counter or your gate. However they sometimes ask for a lot of money. R 50,00 is more then enough to give them when they have been of great help, if they have only pushed the trolley, R 20,00 should be enough. If you travel by car and police stop you for speeding or something else you might have done wrong, don’t give them any cash money, always ask for a ticket. If they persist, ask to speak to their supervisor. Also the toll gates don’t take international credit cards. South Africa has a high rate of crime including carjacking and robberies. Be cautious when visiting popular tourist attractions and destinations and in and around transport hubs, including airports. The risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is generally low