This is the perfect itinerary for riders of all fitness levels who want to see the essence of this beautiful Wild Coast and enjoy some super riding in a relaxed manner. Spending 2 nights at each hotel along the route gives riders plenty of time to enjoy the golden beaches while cooling off with dips in the surf for both riders and horses. Expect late afternoon thunder storms and long, lazy sunsets by the pool.
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Day 1
On arrival at East London airport, riders will be transferred to the stables. After a light lunch, change into riding clothes and be taken up to the beach paddock. The afternoon is a short introductory ride down to the beach. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.
Day 2
After breakfast, head out on a ride to the Morgan Bay Cliffs and lunch at Yellowwoods. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.
Day 3
Cross the Kei River with the horses on the Ferry and head for the hidden waterfalls. Overnight at Seagulls Hotel, a quaint, authentic hotel that gives guests a taste of real South African hospitality. The itinerary is relaxed with plenty of time to explore the area. Overnight at Seagulls hotel.
Day 4
Explore the area, The Gates and beaches of Qolora. Overnight at Seagulls Hotel.
Day 5
Morning ride to Wavecrest. River cruise, Spa or ride in the afternoon. Overnight Wavecrest Hotel.
Day 6
Morning ride. River paddles, spa or ride in the afternoon. Overnight Wavecrest Hotel.
Day 7
Return to Kei Mouth via the beaches and inland. Overnight Kei Mouth Guest Lodge
Day 8
Depending on the departure time, riders may be able squeeze in one more ride before the shuttle transfer you back to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE All riding and itineraries are subject to change due to variations in local conditions, hotel accommodation availability, rider’s abilities, the weather & the influences of the sea tides and during the rainy season the conditions of the rivers at the time of riding.
Please note that it is compulsory for all riders to wear a protective hard hat when mounted. There are a selection of hats available at Kei Mouth, however it is advised that riders take their own where possible.
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.
There is a large selection of horses to choose from including Arab crosses, Anglo Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and Percheron crosses. They all stand between 14.2hh and 16hh and mostly ridden in snaffles. The horses are selected and trained for trail riding with great care; they are the other half of the team that makes your holiday a fantastic experience. Just as your guides are professional and know the area in which they operate, so the horses are familiar with the environment and conditions in which they are ridden. Each horse is handpicked and trained for trail riding. They are sturdy, comfortable to ride, beautiful, forgiving, easy to ride and control, yet lively at command and enjoy their work.
The saddles are especially designed for trail riding by Leon Liversage. The saddle distributes the weight equally on the horses back and is very comfortable for the rider. The design with a high pommel and cantle makes one sit straight automatically and is therefore better for you and the horse. Each horse has its own saddle to ensure a comfortable-and perfect fit. Each saddle is equipped with a splash-proof saddlebag carrying 2 water bottles and can hold a camera and other essentials while out riding for the day. The tack and equipment is scrupulously maintained.
Riders must be able to walk, do a rising trot (post) and have a light seat in canter. You should be comfortable riding in groups in open spaces. Expect long canters along the beach. Weight limit is 95kg Minimum riding age 12yrs
The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The current accommodation venues are:
2 nights Kei Mouth Guest Lodge
2 nights Seagulls Hotel
2 nights Wavecrest Hotel
1 nights Kei Mouth Guest Lodge
Meals - Breakfast: Buiffet style serving both continental and full breakfasts
Lunch: On most days lunches are en-route and we stop off at a local restaurant or take a picnic with us.
Dinner: Dinners are 3 courses and typically South African fare.
DRINKS– please note that drinks & refreshments bought at the local bars & restaurants are not included in any of the rates.
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
January / February: It’s summer, and the weather is hot & humid with afternoon thunder showers, we have to be aware of flooding rivers! While riding, one cools of by swimming the horses in the sea and lagoons.
March: Days are long and warm, still some chances of rain as the wet season tapers off. The riding is good and the sun is not as harsh.
April / May : Autumn, with warm days and blue skies. Good riding weather.
June. July / August: Winter days are dry and warm, with cool nights. The sun sets early, but the weather is so fine you can be out on your horse all day. Good riding weather.
September: The end of winter. It can be windy and wet.
October / November / December: Lovely time of year, everything is green and fresh as the spring rains bring relief to the parched earth. Riding is mostly fine during the day, with late afternoon rainstorms and we have to watch the river crossings. The temperatures are pleasant until around mid-December when the summer heat kicks in.
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.
Batteries and chargers can be purchased (if needed) at East London before you arrive at the Wild coast, but we do recommend to stock up before you travel. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and staff that they are willing to be filmed.
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Shorts for walking and hiking
- Flip flops or sandals
- A couple of light long sleeved shirts with collars to protect you from the sun while riding
- T shirts and tops
- Something comfortable to wear to dinner in the evenings
- Warm clothing 1 x jersey (jumper/fleece) to ride in and a nice one for the evenings!
- A good warm rain proof coat
- Light weight rain jacket/wind breaker that can be tied to your saddle
- Wide brim sun hat
- Bumbag
- Swimming towel
- Swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen. Factor 50 is recommended
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- A torch (flashlight)
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Powerbank
- Binoculars
- South African plug adaptor
- Reading material
- Other items of a personal nature
- SA Sim Card with airtime and data
- Laptop/Tablet to watch Netflix or your own entertainment
- Small First aid kit
- Enough cash to cover drinks spa treatments and other items of a personal nature. All hotels accept Master and Visa cards (No American Express)
- It is customary to give staff a 10% gratuity for guiding and looking after you while on your riding holiday.
If we are not in riding gear, we tend to be in shorts and T-shirts during the day. You will also keep a light raincoat and fleece in your day bag (because this is the Wild Coast and the weather can change very quickly!) - and throw in your swimsuit, just in case you feel like a quick dip in the sea! A cotton sarong to use as a towel is great to have and can be used for 101 different things, and it takes up less space than a towel.
INSECT REPELLENT & SUNSCREEN (we are a Malaria area, but there are ticks and mosquitoes and the sun can burn even on overcast days)
- NB! A valid credit card to cover any unforeseen emergency. This would be used to cover the unlikely event of you having to go to the hospital if you have a bad fall from a horse. The hospitals in our area demand a deposit to be paid upfront. You will be able to reclaim this amount from your travel insurance.
8 days / 7 nights / 7 riding days with departures on Saturday throughout the year. For groups of 2 or more it may be possible to arrange other dates, please enquire.
2025 (Fri - Fri): 15 (FULL) Jan; 21 Feb; 28 Mar; 25 Apr; 23 May; 20 Jun; 18 Jul; 15 Aug; 19 Sep; 17 Oct; 14 Nov
None
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 7 | double pp | 2,219 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 7 | double pp | 2,665 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 7 | double pp | 2,825 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 7 | double pp | 30,785 |
The flora rejoices in a vast array of indigenous coastal forest, prehistoric Cycads, tree orchids, Kiepersol, Sneezewood and Yellowwood. Lush vegetation with plentiful water, forest and fruit trees provides a beautiful environment for over 250 species of birds. Inland, coastal and sea birds rub shoulders and compete for sky space. Above it all, the regal Fish Eagle can be heard to shriek his haunting cry
Julie-Anne was born into the hospitality trade - her parents were hoteliers. She has ridden horses since she was a small child, competed in show jumping and has now progressed to Endurance and trail riding. She has completed over 3000 km of competitive long distance rides, represented the Eastern Cape 4 times at the South African National Championships, completed several 100 milers and was short listed for the South African National Endurance Riding Team in 2003. Her experience, organizational talent, knowledge and love of horses and cheerful nature make her the perfect trail master and hostess.
Julie-Anne's philosophy reflects her way of life. "We give our guests fabulous horses and ride in the middle of what I regard as paradise. We only take small groups to allow an extremely high level of individual care and has a low impact on our precious environment."
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